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ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

Photo: Soma Basu

Enveloped in silence Perunchani

After a bus left with the waiting passengers, two security guards emerged from behind an iron barricade puzzled that I was still standing there. They told me I could not go any further as the Perunchani dam is a restricted area. And if I still wanted to, I should leave behind my camera and walk up only till the base of the 60-year-old dam built across river Paralayar that meanders through a picturesque valley between two hillocks.

With no other option in sight, I agreed and took the half-a-km walk up to what is called a drainage gallery. This long watery chamber, which also serves as an outlet for seepages from the straight gravity masonry dam, turned out to be a sight by itself. The sound and fury of water at this point made it look like a mini water fall. The force of the water gushing out is so much that it keeps falling and rising continuously. The white froth breaks into transparent droplets and acts as a natural sprinkler for a radius of about 50 metres. There is a small bridge on which one can stand and get wet in this natural shower and also see the water meandering off as a gentle stream into the forest behind.

What caught my fancy was a beautiful rainbow. My eyes were glued to the prism of colours. I did not mind the unexpected bath either. I saw a few people scurrying past and disappearing into the forest on either side of the bridge. Finally, one man stopped by, prodding me to buy the fresh hilly carrots that he was carrying. I bought some with an ulterior motive that he would lead me through the forest path and take me to the other side of the sluice gate.

After retrieving my camera at the main gate, I began my uphill trek from the left side of the entrance with the vegetable seller. We walked pass agricultural lands with different tints of green. Then slowly drooping willow trees, lichens, ferns and some hanging herbs took over the serene surrounding. I could now feel the height and the tranquil beauty of the place.

We kept walking in silence along the cobbled road that encircled this small hillock. It took us about 90 minutes to reach the flattened top. And a panoramic view of valleys; stretches of rubber and teak plantations, beautiful grasslands opened up. The weather added to the charm. The clear blue water stood still and so did a boat on it. The 80 feet high and 500 metre long dam with rounded peaks on both ends was a delightful sight for tired eyes.

Undoubtedly, the main attraction in Perunchani is Nature. Endless stretches of green and blue are visually exotic. A mild mist blankets the area. What took me by surprise was the presence of a fairly good number of people in the small green lawn complete with cement benches and colourful flower beds by the bank. The place is obviously a favourite with picnickers. I too sat by the reservoir for some time, feasting on the Nature’s canvas.

If you are fit, go for this Nature walk.

The nearest railway station is Kuzhithurai railway station and the nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram international airport.

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