Pykara Falls to Ooty

Day 6: Pykara Falls to Ooty

It was a laid back start to the morning. Since it was the last day of cycling and the distance was also only 31 km with hardly any uphill, everyone was in a relaxed mood. Since it was chilled in the morning, everyone climbed up the adjoining hill to get some fresh sunshine. It felt really good. Of course, the entire session was made more interesting with discussions on adversely diverse topics ranging from politics, sports, cinema, spirituality, global cultures, etc.

We came back and had breakfast, packed our luggage and loaded them on the pickup. Collected our bikes and started towards the entrance of Pykara Falls. We stopped near the food stalls for everyone to assemble. Since the stalls were just opening and all the participants had not assembled yet, we helped ourselves with fresh fruits.

@ Ooty Youth Hostel

@ Pykara Falls Camp site

By now everyone had assembled, and we were briefed on the route details for the day. We would be passing some frequently visited tourist spots on the way today towards Ooty. Since we were still hungry we decided to stop at the local stall for some second helping. We had dosas and omelettes.

Breakfast @ Pykara Falls

We started cycling with a downhill for the first 1 km and then the road straightens out. 

Towards Ooty

Towards Ooty

The first stop for the day was at Shooting Hill point. It is famous for many movies being shot here. The hill provides for a panoramic view with lush green meadows on all sides as far as the eyes can see. We spent sometime here, enjoyed some snacks and tea.

Shooting hill booking counter

Shooting hill point

We left from here and on the way came across many scenic view points. We didn’t stop at most of them since it was really crowded. Today’s route would complete the entire cycle and bring us back to the lunch point while we on our way to Masinagudi on Day 4. We came across a lake while we were approach the lunch point on Day 6 just short of the main town of Ooty. The lake was really calm and serene. There were many tourists at the lake. We crossed the lunch point and kept cycling towards Ooty.

On the way towards Ooty

On the way towards Ooty

On the way towards Ooty

On the way towards Ooty

Out next stop was at the Chocolate museum. We had passed by this museum on Day 4 put kept it for the last day since we were short on time two days ago. We parked our bikes at the entrance. There is a Rs. 20 entrance fee. But since it was lunch time we entered without the ticket. The ticket can be exchanged inside the museum for a piece of chocolate of one’s choice. The museum houses many sculptures and statues made of chocolate. It also has a shop where we can buy chocolates. Most of us bought the assorted chocolate packs. They were available in two variants, dark and white chocolate. I took each of the two variants.

Chocolate Museum - On the way towards Ooty

We left from the Chocolate museum and on the outside we were stopped by the local police officer who was on his regular patrolling. He inquired about our expedition and about out bikes. He was really impressed by this expedition and our bikes and wished all the best. We left from there and made our way towards the Ooty Boat house. By now we were really hungry and since we had skipped the YHAI packed lunch we decided to have lunch at the local dhaba (hotel) just opposite the boat house. Finally after a week we got the opportunity to have non veg food and we made the most of this chance. The food was delicious and fulfilling. After lunch we decided to check out the Boat house. There was facility for boating but only paddle boats were available and considering the amount of pedaling we had done in the last week or so we decided to skip it.

We left from here and moved towards the Youth hostel. We had to pass through the crowded streets of Ooty. We found this bit of cycling the most difficult since the roads were really narrow with vehicles on both sides and with equal amount of pedestrian traffic. We finally reached the Missionary Hill road and moved towards the Youth hostel. We made it a point to cycle uphill till the hostel to signoff the trip on a high. We made it up all huffing and puffing. We deposited the cycles and went back to the rooms.

@ Ooty Youth Hostel

Some of the participants from the next batch had already reached. We chatted with them and shared by experience with them. We collected the excess luggage and out certificates and packed our bags. We decided to skip the dinner at YHAI ad explore some options in Ooty. We went to the market area and found a really good eatery. We had delicious South Indian food followed by tiring walk back to the hostel in the chilled Ooty weather.

Since we had plans to leave early next day, we bid adieu to all our fellow participants, camp leaders and the support staff. We packed our bags and decided to call it quits. This brought down the curtains on the third cycling expedition in as many years. Special thanks to YHAI for all the support during the expedition. Thanks to Sapna, Vandana and all our fellow participants who made this an experience to share. Hoping to meet you wonderful people in future expeditions

Many more memoirs to share ...... Sachin

Day 5: Pykara Falls to Ooty

Masinagudi to Pykara Falls

Day 5: Masinagudi to Pykara Falls

It was a chilled morning with dew all around and as decided last evening we went to the riverside in the morning. We spent sometime on the riverside and then started our way back to the campsite. We packed our luggage and collected lunch post breakfast. The plan for the day was to ride in the jeep for 20 km till Cudalor and then start cycling towards Naduvattam for lunch by 1 PM and then reach Pykara falls by 4:30 pm. We had to reach Pykara falls by 4:30 pm since it is closed at 5 pm and we didn’t have enough time the next day to visit in the morning.

@ Pykara Falls

We loaded the bicycles in the pickup van and took our seats in the jeep. We were to ride till Cudalor passing through the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary. On this route we did spot some elephants, deer & peacocks. After about an hour we made it to Cudalor. While coming to Ooty from Mysore, we had passed by Cudalor. There are 2 routes to reach Ooty from Ooty; the first being through Kalhatty ghats and the second through Naduvattam. We had the opportunity to cycle on both these routes. The route through Kalhatty ghats is blocked from heavy vehicles for obvious reasons considering the 36 sharp hairpin bends.

Cudalor towards Naduvattam

We collected our bikes at Cudalor and started cycling towards Naduvattam. This was supposed to be the toughest day of cycling in this expedition. There were some shops by the road till the time we were in the proximity of Cudalor. Once we cycled for about a kilometer it was all uphill with no source of water. We had to manage with the water available with us and the water available in the ambulance.

Cudalor towards Naduvattam

Though the route was entirely uphill it was surrounded by trees on both sides with beautiful views. There were Nilgiri (eucalyptus) trees all around. The fragrance gave us company all the way. The uphill started getting steeper and the breaks started getting more frequent.

Cudalor towards Naduvattam

Cudalor towards Naduvattam

Surrounded by Eucalyptus trees

Surrounded by Eucalyptus trees

Kungfu :)

Surrounded by Eucalyptus trees

There were many view points on the way towards Naduvattam. We passed by the Frog Hill view point followed by the Needle Rock Hill view point. Both these points provided amazing panoramic view of the valley. As usual we were again behind schedule and considering that the fact that there were no sign of downhill in the near future our pace had reduced significantly. There were hardly 2 or 3 of our fellow participants who were ahead and had reached the lunch point.

Frog Hill view point

Needle Hill view point

Tea plantations

Since most of the group was trailing behind we had to call lunch early well before the planned lunch point at Naduvattam. There was a small shop by the road; the first we saw in the entire stretch of 15 odd km. We decided to stop here for lunch. By the time we finished lunch it was already 2:30 pm and we had the daunting task of trying to complete the next half of the distance in about 2 hours to make it in time to Pykara falls.

Football field

We made a move with a clear goal in mind to give it our best shot and try & make it to Pykara falls before 4:30 PM. The silver lining for us was that the first 6 odd km were uphill but the last 6 km were flat to downhill. So, we knew that we had to complete the first 6 km quickly and the rest of the distance we will be able to catch up. But, oh boy the first 6 km really tested us. Since Akhilesh was ahead I called him to on how far he has reached. His first words on the call were dude the gradient is really bad. And he is not someone who will mince his words. 

Shadow cycling

Towards Pykara Falls

With these clear instructions, we started pedaling. Small frequent breaks and sips of water kept us refreshed. Very soon I ran out of water which is when luckily I reached the actual lunch point for the day at Naduvattam. It was small village but there were shops available. I got my water replenished, took a small break and then started out again. By now there was a clear gap between all the fellow participants. Some were far ahead while people like me in between and some far behind; Mandar and Ganesh being the latter. This is when during the last 2 km of uphill they resorted to the thinkable. They hitchhiked from a call pickup truck along with some more participants to the end of the uphill. They passed by me and this is when they were really embarrassed. Well, we had our story for the rest of the trip. These 2 km were going to cost a lot :)

I finally reached the end of the uphill which is where I met Mandar & Ganesh. They were utterly embarrassed to face me and had all the excuses in the world to justify the reasons why they decided to ditch cycling and hitchhike. We made fun of this incident and decided to move on since the main target for the day was still 6-7 km away. 

Towards Pykara Falls

Towards Pykara Falls

The road from here onward was flat with slight downhill. The climate also became very pleasant. There was moisture in the air with a cool breeze and signs of some rain. It didn’t rain but that climate made the ride even for soothing. We crossed the Pykara boat house on the way which is where we got slightly confused. We inquired with the locals who suggested that the Pykara falls was ahead. We continued cycling and finally after 15 odd minutes we finally reached on destination well in time.

Pykara Boat House

I parked the bike outside the Pykara falls entrance. There is a nominal fee of Rs. 5 per head. Took the ticket and entered the Pykara falls area. Akhilesh and the ISRO gang had already reached. I met Akhilesh and told him the incident of hitchhiking by Mandar & Ganesh. The Pykara falls were amazing. The sad part was that it was guarded with railings. We were not allowed to get into the water. In some time all the participants made it to Pykara falls. We clicked many group pics and photographs with the YHAI volunteers.

Towards Pykara Falls

Pykara Falls

It was really chilled by the falls. It was getting chilled as the evening started to set in. By now it was time to close the entrance. So, we decided to leave. The YHAI campsite was very close to the Pykara falls. We reached the campsite and tea was ready. We had tea and decided to unwind. The accommodation was not up to the mark as compared to the other campsites in this trip. By the time we finished tea it was time for dinner. We finished dinner and decided to call it quits early.

@ Pykara Falls

@ Pykara Falls

Next day was going to be the last day of the cycling in Ooty. There were mixed feeling of having accomplished the toughest day of cycling in this expedition today and concluding the expedition tomorrow.

Many more memoirs to share ...... Sachin

Day 4: Manjoor to Masinagudi

Day 6: Pykara Falls to Ooty

Manjoor to Masinagudi

Day 4: Manjoor to Masinagudi

It was an early start to the morning. The plan for the day was to ride in the jeep for 20 km and then start cycling towards Emerald Lake, reach the lunch point by 1 PM after crossing the Ooty boat club and then descend through the Kalhatty ghats towards Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary & reach Masinagudi which was our halt for the night. The biggest catch in this plan was to enter Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary before 4 pm else the local authorities would not allow us to enter the wildlife sanctuary on cycles. The first batch had already miss the opportunity to cycle in the sanctuary since they cycled the first 20 km and couldn't make it here on time. So, the target was set for the day.

@ Emerald Lake

We loaded all the cycles on the pickup van and took seats in the jeep. The main idea of not covering this distance of cycles was to save time so as to enter Mudumalai on time & the route too was devoid of any trees making it really hot during the day. We finally reached the start point for the day after about an hour. We collected our bikes and got ready to ride. This was supposed to the second toughest day of the entire cycling expedition and we were egged on to get through it with flying colors.

All set to ride

We started slowly and though the route didn’t have much uphill gradient the cycling was not easy considering the heat. There was hardly any shade for the first 5 odd kilometers but the route did have vast tea plantations. So, the rest breaks were at least used as opportunities for photography. 

The route

Towards Emerald Lake

Towards Emerald Lake

Finally as we got close to Emerald Lake we found some shade with a lot of trees on both sides of the road.

Mandar & Ganesh

Towards Emerald Lake

The final stretch towards Emerald Lake was a pleasant experience and the view of the lake was the icing on the cake. The lake looked amazingly beautiful with blue waters surrounded by greenery. We had some group photographs.

Emerald Lake

@ Emerald Lake

@ Emerald Lake

@ Emerald Lake

My bike @ Emerald Lake

Though we didn’t want to leave but since we were constantly reminded by our camp leaders about the target for the day; we finally moved ahead. While Akhilesh & I was riding along gingerly a local kid decided to challenge us and made us cycle quickly. We spoke to the kid for sometime and clicked photographs with him and then kept moving ahead.

With a local kid @ Emerald Lake

Next we passed by a local carrot factory whereby fresh carrots right out of the fields were being cleaned and packed to be transported to the local markets. And frankly we didn’t need a second invitation to enjoy free carrots. The workers were more then eager to offer free carrots to us. It was really nice to enjoy fresh carrots right out of the fields.

Fresh carrots on the way

By now we were behind schedule and the lunch point was quite some distance away and more importantly the route from here onward was not as straightforward. We needed help from the YHAI volunteers just to be on the right route. We bypassed the main Ooty town and went through the Ooty boat club towards Kalhatty ghats. We passed by the Chocolate museum but didn’t stop here since we would be passing through the same route on the last day towards Ooty and would have more time at our hand. Today since we were short on time we moved on.

Ooty Boat House

We finally reached the lunch point and were really hungry. We opened out lunch boxes and started munching. The target was to leave from our lunch point by 2 pm. We were given additional 15 minutes grace.

Lunch point

Hairpin bend

We were to cycle towards Kalhatty ghats which had some initial uphill for 4-5 km. On the way we passed through the Bison valley which provided a panoramic view of the entire Kalhatty ghats.

Bison valley

@ Bison valley

The route from here onward was a joyride. It was like a roller coaster on cycles. There were 36 sharp hairpin bends and we were cycling downhill all through them. The ride was a pure rush of adrenaline. And in the midst of this joyride we didn’t even realize that we had actually crossed the check post well ahead of time. There was a local tea and coffee stall in between which offered many varieties. We enjoyed the chocolate coffee. It was delicious.

A joyride through hairpin bends

Bison valley view point

While the joyride was exciting we were really careful not to go overboard. One mistake could lead to serious injuries. Once the downhill was over we entered the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary and road straighten out. There were gradual uphill and downhills from here onward

Towards Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Though we didn’t see any wild animals we did spot some birds. After riding for about 4 km we finally reached the entrance of the Mudumalai tiger reserve.

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

We cycled for about 2-3 km and came across Cafe Coffee Day outlet right in the middle of the sanctuary. By now we were very close to Masinagudi and we had some time at hand. So, everyone decided to halt at CCD and enjoy some snacks and beverages. After many days we had chicken albeit in the form of a sandwich. We left from CCD and continued cycling towards Masinagudi. 

CCD @ Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

A perfect shot !!

A perfect shot !!

After about 4-5 km we reached the town of Masinagudi but since we didn’t know the exact location of camp we had to wait for the camp leaders.

Masinagudi

We finally reached the campsite and it was a small guesthouse off the main road and very close to a small river. The owner was more than welcoming and friendly. We parked our bikes and went straight to the rooms. We did get the early bird advantage of capturing the beds close to the charging point and an early entry to have bath. There was hot water but one needed to have patience to enjoy it.

Camp site @ Masinagudi

By the time we finished our bath; the owner asked us if we were interested in going by the riverside. We were more than ready and accompanied him. We showed us around and told some stories about tiger sightings and how local cattle have been attached by tigers in the past. Since it was getting dark we decided to head back to the camp. 

By the time we reached the camp it was time for soup followed by dinner. We had a cracking time at dinner with plenty of jokes and discussions on the ride today and the expectations of the ride tomorrow. The next day was supposed to the toughest day of the cycling expedition with an uphill of 18 odd km from Cudalor to Naduvattam with no source of drinking water in between. We finished dinner and decided to sleep early since we had plans to wake up early the next day and again visit the river in the morning.

Many more memoirs to share ...... Sachin

Day 3: Ooty to Manjoor 

Day 5: Masinagudi to Pykara Falls