A scrumptious breakfast at Mylari (in Mysore) en route Wayanand set stage for our holiday. We took a good 3 hours to cross Bandipur forest and reach Sultan Bathery town. In hope of sighting wild animals, we drove at 20kms per hour much to Zo’s annoyanace who was keener to chill out at the resort. We managed to spot A Monkey and A Myna in our journey through the reserve area - so much for our enthusiasm.
We had booked cottages at Blue Ginger Resort in Vythiri (http://www.wayanadresorts.com/). We reached the base camp and were asked to park our vehicles there. The resort’s arranged for vehicles to take us uphill to the actual resort. We found out that this arrangement is only because there is NO ROAD to reach the resort. It’s just an uneven path all the way. So after a tiring and bouncy ride, we reached the resort just before lunchtime ended. We just explored and chilled out at the resort for rest of the day.
Fact File: Nearest Airport and Railway Station is Kozhikode (Calicut). Distance from Calicut is 75 KMS, Mysore is 150 KMS and Bangalore is 275 KMS. More information is available at http://www.wayanad.nic.in/ or http://www.wayanad.net/
The resort by itself is very picturesque. Set on top of a mountain and opposite Chembra peak (Highest peak in Wayanad), it’s true to the essence of Wayanad and Kerala – greenery all around. Absolutely beautiful! They have walking paths all around and leading to a natural cascade and pool which then goes downstream. The higher end cottages are built on stilts over this stream. They have other cottages overlooking the Chembra peak as well. They have managed to maintain 2 pools – one with a kiddy pool attached and one without. Food is just above average, serving standard buffets for all meals. They have indoor activities like table tennis, carom and chess. As expected, Kerala Ayurvedic massages are also available (we didn’t avail this service though). As part of their outdoor activities, they organize for short nature walks or sight-seeing.
Note: The resorts are rigid about timings and also availability of eatables
We had booked cottages at Blue Ginger Resort in Vythiri (http://www.wayanadresorts.com/). We reached the base camp and were asked to park our vehicles there. The resort’s arranged for vehicles to take us uphill to the actual resort. We found out that this arrangement is only because there is NO ROAD to reach the resort. It’s just an uneven path all the way. So after a tiring and bouncy ride, we reached the resort just before lunchtime ended. We just explored and chilled out at the resort for rest of the day.
Fact File: Nearest Airport and Railway Station is Kozhikode (Calicut). Distance from Calicut is 75 KMS, Mysore is 150 KMS and Bangalore is 275 KMS. More information is available at http://www.wayanad.nic.in/ or http://www.wayanad.net/
The resort by itself is very picturesque. Set on top of a mountain and opposite Chembra peak (Highest peak in Wayanad), it’s true to the essence of Wayanad and Kerala – greenery all around. Absolutely beautiful! They have walking paths all around and leading to a natural cascade and pool which then goes downstream. The higher end cottages are built on stilts over this stream. They have other cottages overlooking the Chembra peak as well. They have managed to maintain 2 pools – one with a kiddy pool attached and one without. Food is just above average, serving standard buffets for all meals. They have indoor activities like table tennis, carom and chess. As expected, Kerala Ayurvedic massages are also available (we didn’t avail this service though). As part of their outdoor activities, they organize for short nature walks or sight-seeing.
Note: The resorts are rigid about timings and also availability of eatables
Since Sharan and I had been to Wayanad before, we didn’t want to do the usual sight-seeing (Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Heritage Museum, Kuruva dweep, Pookot lake, or Thirunelly temple). Others agreed luckily. So we decided to explore the Jain temples of Wayanad next day. I had read about on the net.
We started with the Jain temple at Sultan Bathery – the town named after this 
temple. This temple is now managed by ASI (Archeology Survey of India). The guide/caretaker mentioned that it was initially a Hindu Shrine (around 13th Century AD), which then became a Jain Temple and eventually a store where Tipu Sultan stocked his ammunition. The name Battery (means ammunition store) was thus derived. Over years “Battery” became “Bathery”. On enquiring about the other Jain temples, the guide directed us to Punchavayal and Puthanangadi.
temple. This temple is now managed by ASI (Archeology Survey of India). The guide/caretaker mentioned that it was initially a Hindu Shrine (around 13th Century AD), which then became a Jain Temple and eventually a store where Tipu Sultan stocked his ammunition. The name Battery (means ammunition store) was thus derived. Over years “Battery” became “Bathery”. On enquiring about the other Jain temples, the guide directed us to Punchavayal and Puthanangadi.We go
t to the next Jain temple after asking around for directions. The temple ruin is located in a remote coffee estate and is not visible from the main road. The wild surrounding made the place quite eerie I admit but it just added to the scenic beauty of this temple. The main deity was either stolen or destroyed. The inner sanctum sanctorum was dark and dingy. Though mentioned as a Jain temple, there were no evident signs of it being one. We saw carvings of Lord Vishnu in various forms around this small temple ruin.Note: Though locals are very helpful, language barrier can make it difficult
We then headed to the last Jain temple. Though this was situated on the main road, we still had to ask for directions many times. It was adjoining a private tea estate. The temple turned out to be bigger, grander and more picturesque than the previous one. It had a grand entrance leading to a performance stage which was in front of the temple. Just architecture was similar to the previous temple but had more carvings. The temple complex also had a sit-out area.
Both the temples have not been maintained by ASI and hence the ruins look mystical amidst the wild. Totally thrilled with the untouched beauty, we ended up feeling that we were in an Indiana Jones movie and have just discovered some lost temples. We finally headed back to the resort just as it was getting dark after a day very well spent.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment