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ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

Where green spells grandeur

Still, in Nature's lap, says SOMA BASU

PHOTO: SOMA BASU

PLEASING LANDSCAPE Pilavakkal

Enjoy the drizzle driving down the picturesque road from Watrap to Pilavakkal in Virudhunagar district. The sight ahead, through the car's windscreen, of the pyramidal hills against the mild rays of the sun is beckoning.

Coming from the heat of Madurai, my mood changes like the weather as I pass by acres of lush green fields on either side of the rain-soaked tar stretch. Paddy fields and coconut and banana plantations fill up the landscape. The gentle breeze rejuvenates as I head for the dam site.

This, however, is not my destination. It is the scenic locales and the valley surrounding the Pilavakkal dam that makes for a superb excursion in the Western Ghats.

After about a 45-minute drive, I reach a picture perfect setting. The rain has just stopped and a blanket of mist remains. Sunshine and mist play truant. The clouds above, water below and the surrounding hills are a sight to behold.

Perfect for picnics

On one side of the bridge quiet flows the water, while on the other, in the middle of valley, it stands still. Tall and short trees cover the slopes of the hills that form a semi-circle on one side of the dam.

The other side is landscaped with gorgeously manicured gardens. After the spectacular view from the top, I walk down to the valley, which makes for an ideal picnic spot. You can cook your meals or carry your food hamper and lounge about with friends in the middle of the charming grasslands. The scent of the wet grass and a birdsong in the distance makes it feel like a dream sequence. Nothing disturbs you here, as people are yet to discover the beauty of Pilavakkal.

But apparently, the Collectorate has woken up to its splendour and recently sanctioned Rs.20 lakh to promote it as a tourist spot. I go for a ride on a coracle. Boating is allowed, but the rates differ according to one's bargaining power. Once in the water, the scene turns even more spectacular.

As long as you are in the valley, no permission is required. But if you want to trek in the hills, then contact the Forest Department. It is advisable to return from the valley before it gets dark because of the presence of bison and sambar in the area.

In any case, if you happen to be in Pilavakkal on a sunny day, do not miss the stunning sunset. Pilavakkal usually receives record rainfall in the region, making it a great choice for a day out.

How to reach:

Pilavakkal is 90 km from Madurai and 45 km from Virudhunagar. Take the road leading to Watrap from Virudhunagar. Fourteen km down, the road forks at Krishnan Koil.

Take a left turn and drive for another 15 km to reach this picturesque valley.

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