A very special journey that I always keep close to my heart was the family trip to the Agasthyamala ranges of Trivandrum.
Our initial intention was to visit another place, which we covered way faster than we had expected. Having quite a lot of time left in our hands, we decided to club the journey with another destination. Many suggestions came up but in a spur of the moment decison, I decided it would be best to travel to the less explored waterfalls of Mankayam, near the Brimore estate.
Everyone welcomed the choice and we set out towards the hills. Google maps showed just 16 miles to the waterfalls but trust me on this....it was clearly much farther than we expected.
We had our lunch at the famous Vazhiyorakkada near Kilimanoor and continued the journey towards the falls
We exited the under construction SH-2 towards the road to Brimore.
This road was very well laid and a breeze to drive through. I did have an apprehension whether the condition would deteriorate once we enter the forest. We passed through the mystifying acacia plantations with its yellow leaves carpeting the road. This road was so beautiful that it was nearly impossible to not be awestruck.
We finally reached the Mankayam checkpost and paid Rs. 30 per person to enter. We finally set foot among the alluring acres of Agasthyamala...
All my apprehensions got reduced to ashes as I got relieved that the roads further into the forest were also extremely good.
We reached the waterfall and there were guides there to help. The area is an ecotourism project and was well maintained by the authorities. The dress changing rooms and toilets were also spick and span.
We had to trek a little but the handle bars made it easier. After almost 100 metres of trekking, we could finally get a view of the majestic waterfall.
Also read: Keonjhar waterfalls
I was so amazed that I thought I was in a disney movie of some sorts. Such beauty remains unexplored within the forests of Kerala and we can all see these places with a bit of passion towards travelling.
There were 2 falls above and a bathing pool below. The uppermost waterfall is a feast for the eyes. The second one is rather short.
There is also a bathing pool at the lowermost spot which is safe. The sections are separate for both sexes.
There is also a children's park there for the kids. My brother surely wanted to catch those swinging rings but he was too short for it.
Everyone was so pleased with the place that they wanted to go further towards the Brimore estate. We continued our journey to Brimore and reached the estate where we saw a very old factory and a lot of beautiful sceneries.
We returned with joy in our hearts and satisfaction in our minds. I highly recommend everyone watching this to make a visit to these fantastic spots near Trivandrum.
I will certainly come back with more for the minds but till then........
Adios..............