Trekking to Varayadumotta: A Challenging Yet Rewarding Experience

Yesterday, I joined about thirty other people on a trek to Varayadumotta, organized by AMAS Kerala. The weather was far from ideal; the unbearable heat posed a significant challenge throughout the journey. The trek involved traversing a difficult forest path with limited access to drinking water, making the ascent, especially the steep 80-degree slopes, incredibly strenuous. We were accompanied by two forest watchers who led the way. Around two in the afternoon, we finally reached the summit, where nature rewarded us with breathtaking views. From Varayadumotta, we could see Ponmudi directly opposite us, and Agasthyamala in the distance to the right.

Despite the stunning scenery, the intense heat remained a formidable adversary. The four liters of water each of us carried were almost depleted by the time we reached the top. At three o'clock, we began our descent, which proved to be even more treacherous than the climb. The 80-degree incline meant we had to slide down parts of the mountain, as it was too steep to walk. The lack of water made the descent even more arduous. The nearest water source was about three kilometers down, and even that was in an area known for its wildlife.

As we descended, we stopped to rest in a shaded area. One of the forest guides kindly collected water bottles from some of us and went down to the spring to refill them. The descent continued, and with the fading light, we had to rely on torches and mobile phone flashlights, making it a truly adventurous experience. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our descent was delayed, which resulted in this rather challenging night trek. We finally reached Kallar around eight in the evening. We had heard that the forest canteen provided hot porridge for trekkers, but unfortunately, most of us missed out. Apparently, while the Forest Department has this practice in place, they often prepare only a limited quantity, which frequently gets wasted.

So, with the thrilling memories of our night trek through the dense forest, and also the slight disappointment of not getting any porridge after a tiring trek, we bid farewell to the forest and began our journey back.

This trip, though challenging, provided a wealth of unforgettable memories. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to AMAS Kerala for organizing this trek. Their efforts in leading and coordinating such an event are commendable. I am also thankful to the Forest Department for their support, especially the forest watchers who accompanied us and the guide who went out of his way to fetch water for us. Their assistance was invaluable. Despite the minor setback with the porridge, the overall experience was positive, and I appreciate the efforts of everyone involved.