This time we made another trip to Gavi. It was a decision
made at the spur of the moment between cousins. Too much planning can sometimes kill the plan itself. In year 2013 we went to
Gavi from Vandiperiyar and hence missed the road through the thick forest. We were told that this road from Pathanamthitta, via Seethathode needs either
the KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) bus or a vehicle with a high ground clearance. None wanted their vehicles
tested and hence we decided on KSRTC. Besides, only a certain number of
vehicles are given passes each day and one need to obtain this in advance. We
were three families and decided to move from Thiruvalla at least by 5 AM to reach
Pathanamthitta in time to catch the bus that leaves at by 6:30. Getting
families out of the house in time is no small task but we did manage to reach
Pathanamthitta to see the bus about to leave. While the men went to
find a parking space for the cars, we ran to catch seats. To our dismay we found
that the bus was almost full with only a few seats empty. Initially one thought
they were all heading to Gavi, but later realized that this was an ordinary bus
that would be stopping enroute to Gavi.
The children had to stand for a while and a certain family
selfishly occupied a seat which otherwise could have been shared. The bus left
in time and the ride early in the morning was too good. Fresh air, light
drizzling and low traffic set the right mood for the trip. The bus halted for
15 minutes at Angamuzhi for breakfast. The choice was Kerala Paratha and curry
or Appam and egg. The bathroom was also clean for such a small town hotel. We devoured
what was ordered while keeping an eye on the Driver and Conductor, lest they
left us behind!
After almost 2 decades of not getting an opportunity, the
KSRTC bus made me feel like meeting an old pal! The same old seats and paraphernalia. When it started raining my hands went up automatically to loosen the clasps
that held the shutters. And down it came with a crash...the familiar sound felt like music to my ears. Silly me! When you lift it back,
it needs to be done in such a way that keeps it balanced, else getting the
clasp back in place will need some more tinkering. But for me, it happened like
old times J
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| Two buses trying to negotiate on the narrow road |
The ride was too good because of the passing scenery even when the road turned bumpy and
when the branches kept knocking the sides and the passengers. These branches were also
dropping strange bugs and insects. The road for almost 25 km seems not to have seen no tar since it was first laid! It is almost a four hour trip but I never felt it so.
We got down at the main center at Gavi, only
to realize that it was open only to those who have pre-booked.
This was done
since tourists were harassed for their camera and other stuff. One can pre-book either a day trip or stay over program. Details are provided on the KFDC website.
Luckily we found
a jeep which took us to Kochu Pampa where the government has developed a second
place for the rest. They have a snack bar and boat rides too. Since it was
lunch time and stomachs (plenty of them!) started grumbling, the men folks made
use of the jeep to fetch lunch from a canteen a little away. Meanwhile the rest
of us went for the boat ride. If one is not pre-booking, it is better to bring along some food. The canteen is a little far away and there are no other shops close by and you may have to be satisfied with packaged juice, biscuits etc. from the snack bar.
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| The captain of our boat.. Unni |
We did see an elephant and wild buffaloes during our trip.
We also got to hear about the tragic death of two Gujarati tourists early in 2015. Seems the lady was so engrossed in taking photographs that she failed to heed the warning calls of the rest. When everyone else managed to run away from the Tusker, she continued clicking photos. She was trampled to death instantaneously while the husband who came to her rescue was thrown away and a tree stump went through his neck. This happened very close to the main road. Wild animals ought to be treated as wild and sometimes one may feel bold, but one can never be sure when they may get irritated. The following video shows that elephants can be a common sight in Gavi, specially during summer when they move around for water. It is always better to be cautious while enjoying wild life.
The same bus returns from Vandiperiyar around 3 PM. We managed seats this time since it was quite empty. We reached Pathanamthitta around 7 PM.
One needs to appreciate the driver and conductor of this trip who manages such a precarious route and on a daily basis. As for the driver, while driving his eyes also scans the horizon for wild animals and does not hesitate to stop so that one can see them and photograph them. Luckily we did not see any very close :)
