Tag: vagamon

Green Roads (+ 4th Anniversary)

An interesting characteristic of the District is that it has parts of highland, midland and lowland within its boundary. A trip from Kumarakom to Vagamon – from ~10m above sea-level to 1100m – sets a good example of this, passing through either Kuravilangadu-Pala-Erattupetta or via Ponkunnam/Kanjirappally-Pala/Erattupetta. The transitions are smooth and subtle and happens in just 70-90kms.

Put up below are photos of some very green stretches of road  from the midlands. The surface quality is the best around and there are glorious curves.
The locations are on the Kanakkary-Vempally, Kozha-Marangattupilly, Uzhavoor/Kurichithanam-Pala stretches.

One could argue the photos/places look too similar, to which I can only say: it sure doesn’t feel that way in real.
And oh, by the way it’s the 4th Anniversary of KottayamPattanam; the first post was on 31st Oct 2009.

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Ayyampara – Point of Tranquility

This time the destination is Ayyampara – a not-much-talked-about-but-wonderful place to get your mind soothed like never before, and probably never again. Evenings suit best.

The 2000 ft-above-sea level spot is a 5km uphill drive from Teekoy Church Junction, which is 7kms from Erattupetta on the Erattupetta – Vagamon route.

As of now, it isn’t crowded or noisy. Silent & calm. You’re suggested to enjoy the experience as soon as possible – before it gets transformed into a typical tourist spot. There is no shops around. But there’s a Church and the Ayyampara temple right at the peak. Park your vehicle somewhere in the sides, get out and stroll around like we did:

…And slowly get your mind imprinted with views like these:

Now that you want to be there, here are few tips:

  • There are a few KSRTC buses passing through Ayyampara, starting from Erattupetta depot.
  • If you’re driving, keep yourselves ready to face one of the above-mentioned buses coming downhill. The road isn’t wide enough for a normal/smooth pass-by.
  • When traveling from Kottayam, it’s suggested to use Pala as a halt/stop over if needed. Top up fuel if needed.
    For food – Pala Food Court at Santhome Shopping Complex, opposite Kottaramattam private bus terminal and Indian Coffee House near the Thodupuzha-Erattupetta diversion point (near KSRTC bus depot) are recommended.
  • If you stay late into the evening, you could see mild-but-vast glow up to the skies from the towns watchable from there – Erattupetta, Pala, Ettumanoor.
  • The place is kept 100% litter-free and keep it up.

Off you go then, to the point of tranquility.