There
is a Malayalam saying that goes thus ‘Muttate mullakku manamilla’ which
essentially means that you can do not recognize the value of something in
proximity. The same is most evident when you pack our bags, book online, pay
exuberant rates to visit that exotic place you saw on some random ’10 places to
visit before you hit 40’ list. Unless
you are broke! That would be me, always. So what does a broke dude do when suffering
from wanderlust? You improvise, you adapt and you sniff out that gem of a place
near you but hidden in plain view. When you are in the blessed state of Kerala
there is always something just around that junction or just across that street.
It is how I happened on the place ‘Muthlapozyi’
The
Crocodile Lagoon, to be stylish is a place approximately 30Km from Trivandrum
city which can be approached through the Thumba-Perumathura-Varkala costal
road. If you are on public transport disembark at Perumathura junction and take
a walk till you see the bridge, If you are in a car or a motorbike, drive
through, do not stop and do not come back, you losers will soon spoil the serenity
of the place. The best way to enjoy this location is to hop on a bicycle and peddle.
Once you reach the place you will truly appreciate your effort with the beauty the
Lagoon offers.
Until a few months back the only people who frequent this region were the anglers who come to try their skill at the twin land extensions into the bay that offers them a feel of deep sea fishing and the cyclists who come to chill out in the shades after their ride through the costal sun. And yes like in every other isolated patch of land in Kerala we find the usual fauna including two legged snakes, moral police and the occasional stoner. Fast forward a few months, our dear Mr CM inaugurated the Perumathura bridge which took its sweet time getting build up and suddenly everyone wants a piece of Muthlapozyi.
Until a few months back the only people who frequent this region were the anglers who come to try their skill at the twin land extensions into the bay that offers them a feel of deep sea fishing and the cyclists who come to chill out in the shades after their ride through the costal sun. And yes like in every other isolated patch of land in Kerala we find the usual fauna including two legged snakes, moral police and the occasional stoner. Fast forward a few months, our dear Mr CM inaugurated the Perumathura bridge which took its sweet time getting build up and suddenly everyone wants a piece of Muthlapozyi.
Many
times I had been ridiculed for riding a cycle and visiting offbeat places like
this, essentially in that order, but now everyone wants to know how to go there
and what other tourist attractions are nearby. Well suck it morons.
A couple day before the inauguration, few friends and me set out for a spin to Varkala and back to Trivandrum through the costal route and was lucky to enjoy the Lagoon one last time before the hordes descended there. The bridge work was still going on and we had a tough time navigating the bicycles through the unpaved gravel and the unruly workers. We spent some time in the shades there enjoying the sea breeze that brought to us the salt and stories across far and wide. The wails of a woman who lost a kid in the sea couple days back reached us; we witnessed the toils of the fisherfolk who hauled catamaran for a night’s dinner. The laughter of a kid who got the freedom to throw a handful of sand brought us joy. We remembered the times we peddled to this very spot and enjoyed it being the only ones in the vast beach. But then all good things must come to an end and now this secluded spot of beach with its swaying pine trees will provide happiness to all those who visit it.
A couple day before the inauguration, few friends and me set out for a spin to Varkala and back to Trivandrum through the costal route and was lucky to enjoy the Lagoon one last time before the hordes descended there. The bridge work was still going on and we had a tough time navigating the bicycles through the unpaved gravel and the unruly workers. We spent some time in the shades there enjoying the sea breeze that brought to us the salt and stories across far and wide. The wails of a woman who lost a kid in the sea couple days back reached us; we witnessed the toils of the fisherfolk who hauled catamaran for a night’s dinner. The laughter of a kid who got the freedom to throw a handful of sand brought us joy. We remembered the times we peddled to this very spot and enjoyed it being the only ones in the vast beach. But then all good things must come to an end and now this secluded spot of beach with its swaying pine trees will provide happiness to all those who visit it.
If
you have a day to spare at Trivandrum, I suggest you go to Varkala for an
awesome brunch at a shack on the cliff, enjoy a dip in the sea, rest for a
while and move on to through the back roads to find the famed Velliyachakavu
toddy parlor/hotel. Enjoy the duck roast if you dare the Nagasaki of spice in
your plate and do have the Pearl spot, for it’s a killer. Once stuffed, take a
stroll outside and if unlucky get chased by the rabid geese that inhibits
there. I am not make this up, it’s all from firsthand experience.
Get back on
the coastal road which goes through the fishing hamlets where the aroma of
dried fish and the hullabaloo of a soccer game fill the air. Do take a peep in
the Angengo light house and the British fort. Navigate through the traffic that
would have now clogged the road and reach the Perumathura bridge. There before
you lay, the Crocodile Lagoon. Make sure to stand right in the middle of the bridge
above the lake and witnesses the sun extinguish himself in the distant. Go back
home happy for a day well spend.
Thanks for reading.
pss..... Most of the pics are mine but few I stole from the net so if its yours feel free to tag yourself or something :)
my pic!!!
ReplyDeleteRoight !
DeleteGood Job Doc... Keep it rolling.. you have a flair for writing!!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
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