From morning till noon we all were behind our hectic assignments and busy with several files and documents. Everyone was feeling so hungry that each one was praying to lord to make the 10’o clock into 1’o clock. However, by 11’o clock we were able to quench our thirst by sipping hot tea (some had hot coffee). After working for 2 hours we were really tired as soon as the long hand of the clock reached 12 and the small one on 1 we ran to our refreshment room. We were in a hurry. Each one of us started unboxing their lunch boxes. The aromatic scent of delicious homemade foods took us to another world. While savouring the scrumptious delicacies suddenly we heard a beep sound. It was nothing but a notification of a message from my phone. I just got up from my place to take the phone which I had kept on the juice table. By scrolling on the phone I occupied my place. Seeing the smile on my face my friends inquired the matter. They wanted to know the reason behind my smile. I showed them the images of my friends’ honeymoon. The pictures were really amusing and lovely commented by my friends. Seeing the picture one of my friends had a doubt whether the place is Wayanad in Kerala. I messaged her whether his assumption is correct or wrong. Within seconds she replied yes. The picture which they clicked in front of the heart-shaped lake more popularly known as Cupid Lake was really amazing. Seeing her romantic photos inspired us to plan a trip to the same place in Kerala. But we all had a doubt whether the place is exclusively made for honeymooners. Our dear friend Rakesh told the district is considered one of the best tourist places in Kerala. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the state by availing of tour packages from eminent travel operators. As it is being a long time we had gone for a trip why don’t we select Wayanad as a travel destination of our office tour was suggested by Aamir? We all rethink on his suggestion and found his words as valuable. Therefore we presented the matter to our HR manager and he agreed for the same.
As our company was a start-up. We hardly were 50 members. Therefore we decided to reach Wayanad on a mini travel bus. And also travelling in a minibus is the best and cheap way to save expenses. We started the journey in the early morning. It took nearly 4-5 hours to reach the charming district. During our travel, we had to cross several hairpins. Crossing each hairpin gave us wonderful experiences. Usually while travelling through the hairpins, one will have the tendency to vomit or feel some kind of discomfort. Even though some of us had such feeling the aromatic scent from tea and coffee plantations made them feel better. From the beginning of the journey, we were very energetic and thrilled. We engaged ourselves in playing antakshri. As we had availed the tour package from the famous Gogeo Holidays their tour guide was there to accompany us. The tour guide was really very friendly. He shared much valuable information about Wayanad. He said that in olden days Wayanad was completely enveloped by tall trees and many wild animals. It was very hard for externals to reach the spot. It was during the colonial period that small sorts of transformations took place. Many eminent writers have penned down the amusing charm in their novels, stories, poems, and articles. More than the civilized people it is uncivilized people more commonly known as Adivasis rule this place. They are one such community in Kerala who show reluctance to adapt to modern changes. They are called a protector of the forest. While talking about the Adivasis, Rakesh asked about the story behind the Chain tree. Chain tree? We were surprised. How a tree could be named as a chain tree. We asked our tour guide to share the myth behind the strange name. He asked Rakesh does he know anything about the Chain Tree. He said that he does not know much. He got the name while surfing the internet as part of the tour the previous day.
Our tour guide told there is no myth related to the Chain Tree but a true story. The incident happened during the British administration. As he had aforementioned the district was fully forested to know the shortest route to reach the district once a British General seek help from a local Adivasi boy named Karinthandan. He showed the easiest way to reach the place. After understanding the route he killed the poor innocent boy so that he could acquire the credit. Years later Karinthandan’s ghost started haunting the villagers and visitors. Frightened people approached a priest and asked him to do something to get rid of the ghost. The spirit chanted prayers and sealed the ghost inside a tree using a chain. Over the years the chain started growing along with the chain. Till now nobody knows the science behind it. In the memory of Karinthandan every year local people conduct a rally by honouring him as the first martyr of Wayanad.
After hearing the story we were really interested to visit the place. The tree is seen on the Lakkidi highway. After visiting the chain tree we moved to Kalpetta over there we witnessed the spectacular beauty of cascading waterfalls at Soochipar (Sentinel falls), Kanthapara falls and Meenmutty falls. Followed to it we spend quality time at Chembara peak. It is the perfect destination for trekking. By availing the entry pass we started trekking. On reaching the top we enchanted the beauty of the amazing heart-shaped lake or Cupid Lake. The top view of the lake is something beyond our expectations. Over there we enjoyed the panoramic view of the Kodaikanal and Wayanad. As overnight camping is not allowed soon after the sunset we left the place. Before leaving the beautiful district we also visited the famous Sultan Bathery and Edakkal Caves. The cave comprises the inscriptions of Neolithic age. We clicked photographs at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. After 2 days of the trip, we returned back to our hometown. The stunning beauty of Wayanad is beyond the words. If I get a chance I will definitely visit the place again.