A JOURNEY WITH A DIFFERENCE

TRAVELOUGE

A JOURNEY WITH A DIFFERENCE

Journeys often require a lot of planning. Where to stay? Which all places to visit? These are to be decided in advance. Usually an itinerary is prepared. It is often said that a well-planned tour is always enjoyable. But different was our trip to Moovattupuzha. The decision to visit my aunt living there was a quick one. My family started off from Thiruvananthapuram at 5 o’clock. At Kollam another aunt of mine and her family was waiting there in an Innova. Thus, by around 7’oclock we started our journey to Moovattupuzha. It was the of Valentine’s Day and the cities were in a mood of festivity. The rock concerts and the discos made me remember Sri Ram Sena.
By the time we reached my aunt’s house it was 1o’clock. We had a nap at my aunt’s. The next day we were in search of a place to visit. Finally we decided on Bhootathankettu in the premises of Edamalayar Water Reservoir. Periyar was flowing with all its might. The dam has blocked good portions of her waters. Thee we had the service of Mr. Thankappan, the forest tour guide. He was of immense help as Thankappan was an ardent lover of nature and had wonderful knowledge of each tree in that small forest. He briefed of the specialty of each element of nature present there. He showed the footprints of elephants, trees damaged by them, the left over skin of the snakes, etc. Thankappan claims that the forest shelters even tigers (but I really doubt this argument). A very special plant species found there was Chela, which grows like a parasite and coils around the host tree like a python coiling its prey (chela in Malayalam means the sari worn by women).
The cave at Bhootathankettu is a favourite hotspot for archaeology students. The natural rock formation is really amazing. The opening is very narrow and one has to literally creep into the cave. At some point the path bifurcates into two, one to the left leads to underground and the one to the right leading to the top of the mountain. I remembered of the Jain saints who meditated in such caves searching for the ultimate truth. Nature is truly a magnificent architect.
The legend behind the cave relates Lord Shiva, Parvathy and Ganga. It is believed that the Kettu or cave was built by the monsters on the orders of Parvathy on account of her wrath towards Ganga. But construction could not be finished owing to the trick played by Lord Shiva. Thankappan also showed us certain landmarks substantiating the story. But geographically the story fails. In scientific terms Bhootathankettu is supposed to be caused as an after effect of an earthquake that occurred long ago.
Another attraction is the natural swings created by the roots, shoots and vines of trees. Moreover there is a naturally formed elephant shaped rock which remains yet another marvelous work of nature. After a long walk through the forest we had a nice bath at the streams in the water of Periyar. After a cool and refreshing game in the water we made a move fro Edamalayar. We returned home the same evening.
Don’t ignore the nature bounty bestowed upon our land. Why go in search of other lands when there are paradises unexplored. Next time take a leap from the busy schedule and visit Bhootahankettu. And don’t for get to take the assistance of a guide. Mr. Thankappnan will be ready at your service.
Posted by asha at 10:59 AM