The greenery that lies beyond the urban chaos of Kochi is a stark contrast to the life in the city, yet largely unexplored by its residents. Streams, rivers, hillocks and forests teem with life but witness few footfalls from those too caught up in their own affairs. However, there are a few who still like wandering off the beaten path in the literal sense, and for them, options are at hand.
“The most popular tourist destinations for those who like serious trekking are Munnar and Vagamon, though there are some activities happening at the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary as well,” says Vishal Koshy, general manager, adventure division, at Kalypso Adventures, a Kochi-based firm that organises treks for tourists visiting the city.
While Kalypso takes its trekking seriously, with their packages ranging from three to 17 days, those who prefer something a little less strenuous can now indulge themselves thanks to the efforts of the Kerala Forest Department. “We are working on starting a trekking trail through the Anapantham tribal colony, along the remnants of the tramway that used to run from Chalakudy to Parambikulam Tiger Reserve,” says Suneel Pamidi, Divisional Forest Officer, Chalakudy. “The idea is to have a group of five to six people accompanied by two guides on the trek. We intend to break it down into three options: a 10 to 11 kilometre trek that concludes within a day and longer ones stretching one or two days. The specifics are still being worked out, but we should be operational within a month,” Suneel adds.
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What one would define as a trek varies depending on who you ask. For some a casual stroll along a forested path would count, for others it is a more elaborate affair. Vishal falls into the latter category. “These things require preparation and guidance and the right equipment. For example, one of the options we have close to Kochi is the Phantom’s Head trek we organise from Suryanelli near Munnar. This is among the ones that are popular among Kochiites, though we do not get a lot of locals because of the expenses involved.”
Vishal goes on to explain that more Kochiites are now opening up to the possibilities of a little outdoor adventure, particularly the IT crowd that calls the city home. With this in mind, Kalypso is now looking to organise shorter and more cost effective expeditions for the local public.
The other option city residents have are within the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, which Vishal believes are more along the lines of organised walks, but nevertheless offer some exposure to nature and fresh, clean air.
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The sanctuary, which used to host popular treks for bird lovers, had to shut them down owing to a host of issues. However, in a move to ignite the interest of the public again, the Idukki Wildlife Division of the Kerala Forest Department is restarting the programmes in a more organised manner. “A few days ago, we started the Baza Trail and the Trogon Trail, which are short one-kilometre walks that offer a chance to sight the Black Baza and Malabar Trogon,” says Manu Sathyan, Assistant Wildlife Warden at the sanctuary. “In order to preserve the harmony of the surroundings, we will limit the number of people to 15 at a time.” The birding trails can be explored between 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.
They also offer a border hike that takes participants along the Thattekad-Munnar range boundary, a six-kilometre trek that offers a little more of a challenge. Those who want to spend a little more time in the serene environs of the sanctuary also have the option of camping at Frogmouth Watch House or the Hornbill Viewtower, watching out for avian wildlife.
Whether it is a casual walk through the wilderness or a demanding hike over tough terrain, Kochiites now have options to explore. There’s never been a better time to ditch the sunglasses and beach shorts and pull on a pair of hiking boots.