It’s damn true that one could not resist those gooseberries and slices of mangoes dipped in those salty waters and watching the enjoyable sunset moments in the famous Kozhikode beach. On the previous day, we did pull over our vehicle at some parking areas and were walking through those aromatic streets known as Mittayi Theruvu that directly translates to ‘Streets for chocolates’ in the local language of Malayalam. Aah…, then most notably, after returning from the top-notch tourist destinations of Wayanad, which are the neighbouring district and the gateway to the place if travelling from any other parts of Kerala. We were holidaying in the plateau district for an entire week and we did not really feel like returning, as everything was so nice and fun. Each tourist spots of the place were just the perfect ones to choose for a family vacation, just like we had felt and experienced.

This happened when we were to go back to Chennai after our holiday in Wayanad. But luckily, we had one more day left on which we planned to do so something thrilling and exciting. With this motive, we contacted our tour operator and suggested the awesome place, Vellarimala. From the Kozhikode city, the hilly region is at a distance of around 50km en route to Wayanad, but at the bordering village of Thiruvambady. Moreover, we were also happy for the fact that we were again going back to the hills that were similar to those of Wayanad via those alluring forestry yet well-paved roads. Quite surprisingly, our guide was a native of Nellipoyil which is only a few distances from our major destination, so he could direct us efficiently those wild paths. At many instances, we felt that we were fortunate to have booked this particular one from other tour packages. Or otherwise, we would have had to grope for yet another local guide all of a sudden. Proceeding to those dense forest covers of Vellarimala could have been indeed hazardous.

Vellarimala is a reserved forest area, so anyone who wishes to enter and trek to these regions should get permission from the State Forest Department prior to trekking. Our guide made all of those legal formalities easier for us, as before getting to the place we never knew that it was a restricted area and without their permission, encroachers would be imposed with fines. He also informed us, these particular hills are also known as Camel’s hump mountains. We were trying to figure them out that why were they called so. Eventually, while we were moving nearer to the major destination, we got to know about its solution.

The cab in which we were journeying from the downtown of Kozhikode was halted at a point called Muthappanpuzha. I guess that was the base camp of this challenging trekking station situated towards the Sahayadri ranges and sharing its border with Meppadi of the neighbouring district Wayanad. Every time, when I get to hear the name of ‘Wayanad’ it would consistently bring a smile to my face. I still exactly don’t know why it is so. It might be my love and concern I do have for the travel destination, other than my hometown Chennai. So once crossing the entry points of the place, we started our trekking. We were well equipped with all the required essentials like some refreshments, as obviously there will not be any stores in the middle of dense forests even if we were to pay a heavy price. Furthermore, along with them, we had even carried a portable tent so that we could camp at any safer spots.

We continued our trekking across the forestry paths through dense jungles. For many distances, we only got to jaunt via numerous thick bushes with wildflowers and really tall trees. Also, moving in those trails with the occasional chirpings of some birds and squirrels were indeed rejoicing and gave that sheer ambience of wilderness. I guess, even the sunlight was not able to hit the grounds, such as the density of shades provided by those huge trees in this forest covers. In between the walks, we got to rush into several small streams gushing through the slippery rocks and making their own ways. They truly accentuated the very beauty of Vellarimala in rather an elegant way. Nevertheless, the most stunning of them was near Anathenni. I knew it earlier that Aaana in Malayalam meant elephant and just when I was about to clarify this to our guide, he replied that long back even an elephant had lost it balanced and got slipped across these rivulets, and was named so.

After moving across the charming small streams, we got to meet some north Indian couples who were also travelling by their Kerala tour packages. From that point, all of us were trekking together until we reached a viewpoint. When glancing from that point, some valleys could be seen at a distance. Fortunately or unfortunately, the misty fogs did veil those panoramic views. Anyhow, those miniature versions of clouds high up the sky were now right in front of us!! That did bring an ethereal feel in all of us, especially the kids were getting so thrilled that they started literally jumping out of joy. Sadly, the youngest lad of our family did fell and later he was to be carried off in shoulders, as he had bruised knees. In the time being, we asked the honeymooning couple to resume the journey and assured that we will be joining them later.

Once giving the naughty one with the first aids, we also continued. Then we were in front of the slanting waterfalls of Olichuchattam. It was indeed a unique shape that we had never seen before. The beautiful cascading falls were the first point to be captured in every high-definition cameras coming through this way. We had our limitations to spend much time in this particular spot as the guide was warning us that, they are frequented by wild elephant herds passing by to drink waters. Besides, we had a bruised kid with us who cannot be tempted much. He might become more dangerous than the largest land animal if the former is irritated more. Later in the trails, at Ketanpara we spotted some more footprints of animals. Some other travel groups were busy clicking its images in their cameras, so did we.

Then the most exciting part of this entire trip was Vavul mala. They are known to be the highest hill of both these forest region and also in the whole Kozhikode district. It was almost late evening and perfect for sunset by the time we reached there the time. The views from the point were inevitably breathtaking and spectacular. All nearby regions could be seen in a bird eyes view and by this time, our lad was gradually recovering and started moving with his legs again. In addition to that, a cool breeze was hitting our face bringing out that beautiful sensation of roaming high up the hills. These views were had relieved all our exhaustions of covering those risky forestry paths. So finally, after moving some distance downhill, we got to find some plains. Few colourful tents were already hitched there. We started assembling ours and rested the later hours of the day at that mesmerizing hilltop.

The risky and adventurous trip was made simpler due to concerns and supports provided by our ever-reliable tour operator Gogeo Holidays, who had been accompanying us from the moment we stepped our foot in this God’s Own Country and also for our Wayanad trip. Thank You Gogeo!