Meghamalai – A Honeymooner’s Escape
November 7, 2016
Calvary Mount
January 22, 2017
Another interesting activity that can be taken up at Thekkady is the ‘Trail of the Big Six’. The Big Six are the six dams that provide irrigation to this region. They are Mozhiyar, Kakki, Anathodu, Pamba, Kochu Pamba and Gavi. This 210 km long trail is done on an open top jeep and it begins at 4.30 am and ends by 5.30 in the evening.
The starting point of this jeep safari begins at a place called Aangamozhi where the guests have to pay the entry fees to enter the forest and sign their names and addresses with the forest office. Breakfast will be served before the starting point at Aangamozhi and lunch will be provided at one of the resting points along the trail.
From here on begins the 90 km jungle trail that has the six dams on this route. The trail is through the dense forest and the guests can catch a glimpse of the wildlife that inhabits the forest. The forest is home to over 216 varieties of birds and 71 different species of snakes. One can often see the hornbill, lion tailed monkey, wild gaur and elephants along the trail. The experience of the drivers also helps the guests understand the nuances of the forest and the behavioral patterns of these animals.
The first dam that the guests will see on this trail is the Mozhiyar dam followed by the Kakki dam which is the arch dam and then the Anathodu dam, Pamba Dam, Kochu Pamba Dam and finally the Gavi Dam. The guests can enjoy a small boating experience at the Kochu Pamba dam which is a unique experience in itself. The view of the trees that line the banks of the river are sight to behold and it gives a haunting yet calming feel to the guest. The silence makes you wonder what it means to be truly at peace with nature and oneself. While on the jeep, the guests are reminded not to exit the Jeep without the driver’s consent at any point of the trail.
The trail ends with a 20 km drive through the forest after the Gavi Dam and ends at a place called Vallakadavu. Rest assured the guests will have memories and stories to their grandchildren for a lifetime.
