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Endless skies

For those who want to spend time cloud watching

Photo: S Binu Raj

Endless horizon Watch the different faces of the sky at ‘Kadalkanipara’ Photo: S Binu Raj

“That is the way to the top,” said a passer-by. As I looked at the long winding steps before me, I paused, but the name ‘Kadalkanipara’ aroused my curiosity. But first I decided to explore the temple that lay at the base of the hill. Situated in a cave, the temple is dedicated to Lord Siva. A light is lit at the temple everyday. As the path leading to the temple is narrow, the sides of the path have been fenced to prevent accidents. After saying a prayer, I set out to climb the rock.

I was hoping to view the crystal blue sea at yonder while climbing up ‘Kadalkanipara.’ After all, Kadalkanipara means ‘rock that shows you the sea.’ However, instead of the blue sea line, it was the crystal blue sky spread like the deep blue sea that I saw.

Although I was a tad disappointed, exhausted from climbing the numerous steps that lead up, I lay on my back to watch the endless horizon. It was fun ‘cloud watching.’ Letting my imagination go wild, I spotted a deer and also a castle in the sky.

Refreshed by the scenic vista, I sat up and surveyed the surroundings. Huge boulders act as make-shift seats for the wearied climbers to take a break. Down below, I spotted the winding road and the village folks going about their work. From up above, they resembled diligent ‘ants.’ As the cool evening breeze set in, the green canopy of coconut trees danced in the breeze. The setting sun threw a rainbow of colours on the scene below. Refreshed by nature’s wonders I reluctantly made my way down.

The spicy ‘sambarams’ sold by the women in the village invigorated me. As I headed home, I vowed to return.

It is easy to find Kadalkanipara thanks to the signboard installed by the Tourism Department at Karette on the State Highway. Karette is 33 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram on the Kottarakkara route. Take a right turn from Karette Junction and drive five kilometres to reach Kadalkanipara.

S BINU RAJ

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