Aabyloo trek

Aabyloo trek 24th January 2009 - 26th January 2009

The Journey Begins: A Midnight Departure to Wayanad

The Tempo Traveller (or TT, as we affectionately called it) finally pulled up to the curb around 11:30 PM. Before we could even think about loading our bags, Rajesh's mom, with a look of warm devotion, performed a quick pooja, offering blessings for our trusty vehicle and a heartfelt prayer for our safe return. It was a comforting ritual, setting a serene tone for the adventure ahead.

By 12:10 AM on Sunday, we bid farewell to Malleswaram, the city lights fading in our rearview mirror. The initial quiet on the bus quickly gave way to a lively ice-breaking session. For nearly two hours, until about 2 AM, laughter and introductions filled the air as strangers began to transform into travel companions. One by one, as the hour grew late, the conversations softened, replaced by the gentle rhythm of collective slumber.

Our first practical stop was a petrol bunk on Mysore Road, where we topped off the TT with diesel, ensuring our journey wouldn't be cut short. As dawn approached, we pulled into Srirangapatna for a much-needed break. The aroma of hot tea and coffee was a welcome comfort, paired perfectly with some quick biscuits, re-energizing us for the road ahead.

By 4 AM, we were back on the highway, the tires humming a steady tune. The transition into Kerala was marked by a brief stop at the border, where we paid a toll of approximately ₹1300. Finally, as the first rays of sunlight began to paint the sky, we rolled into Wayanad around 6 AM, ready to embrace the adventures that awaited us in the lush landscapes of Kerala.

Lost in the Fog and Finding Our Way

Wayanad greeted us with a challenge: a thick blanket of fog and a language barrier (malayalam) that made navigating incredibly difficult. After some frantic calls to our friends and an officer at the Srimangala Inspection Bungalow (IB), we finally got our bearings. Despite the low visibility, the fog-laden scenery was simply breathtaking, offering unique photo opportunities that made the challenging drive worthwhile. It was quite an adventure just getting around!

After considerable effort, crisscrossing through Kerala's intricate network of roads, we eventually reached a coffee estate on the correct path to Srimangala. Of course, this called for another photo session – and some of the shots truly turned out magnificently! After a quick 30-minute stop, we were back on our way to Srimangala.

Fueling Up and Forest Formalities

Once in Srimangala, Rajesh and DJ handled the necessary formalities with the Forest Officer. Meanwhile, the rest of us headed to Hotel Santi around 10 AM for a much-anticipated breakfast. We feasted on parota with veg/egg curry and enjoyed some local maddur vadas, though I have to admit, the coffee was a bit of a letdown! From there, it was a short 3 km drive to the Inspection Bungalow (IB).

The IB itself was a picturesque spot, perfect for more photos, thanks to Rajesh's knack for finding great angles. We waited there for another group to join us before heading to the campsite at Aabyloo.

Into the Wilds and a Refreshing Discovery

Our journey to the base camp was far less comfortable than before. The roads narrowed significantly, and the tree density increased, making it tough going for the other group's TT. But eventually, we arrived. Other trekkers were just wrapping up their adventure, planning to depart that afternoon. Right beside our campsite flowed a delightful stream of water – a truly refreshing sight!

After a brief rest and a quick, invigorating drink from the stream, we began our trek around 2:00 PM. I should mention our driver, Mr. Sunil, who impressively managed to lift a long log vertically – quite a feat! The trek itself was a 5-6 km forest walk, guided by an expert we'd picked up from the IB. It was surprisingly easy, mostly flat terrain.

The Power of the Waterfall

Reaching the end of the trail, we turned back and headed for the waterfall. This part of the journey brought its own share of excitement: Sharan got a minor scrape, while Dhiraj and I couldn't resist a bit of rock climbing.

The waterfall was absolutely incredible. Rajesh mentioned it's the same one visible from Brahmagiri peak. The moment I saw it, all I wanted was to take a bath, and I wasn't alone – soon, everyone joined in. It looked small, but the power was astonishing; each drop felt like an electric shock. After a fantastic bath and some more photos, we made our way back to camp.

Campfire, Dinner, and an Unexpected Return

Back at camp by 6:45 PM, we immediately started gathering logs for a campfire. By 7:30 PM, our fire was roaring, and we settled down for dinner – simple yet delicious rice and sambar cooked by the caretakers. We spent hours by the fire, sharing stories and enjoying the warmth until 11:45 PM, as the night grew increasingly cold.

Then, at midnight on Monday, we decided to return as most facilities and forest gates were closed the next day (for Solar Eclipse). We arrived back in Bangalore around 6:30 AM, and I was home by 7:00 AM, concluding an unforgettable, albeit slightly altered, adventure.

In the coffee plantation on the way to Srimangala....