Exploring the Serene Waters: A Stand Up Paddle Boarding Adventure in Tamil Nadu's Palani Hills
The night before the big day, we stayed at Meghamalai near the Highwavys Dam. As the sunlight slowly streamed into the valley, we were already packed and ready to hit the road for our SUP exploration in the Kodaikanal hills.
As we ascended along the mountain road, the Manjalar Dam became visible below us, with Thalayar Waterfall appearing in the distance.
As we proceeded on our journey, we soon reached Kodaikanal and noticed the Kodaikanal Lake located at the heart of the town. The lake seemed dark because of the nearby hills and the limited sunlight. This was my first time visiting Kodaikanal, and I was surprised by how developed it was. Although some developments were appealing, many were not visually pleasing. We saw plastic waste along the roads and sewage coming from the supposedly 'developed' areas.
After leaving Kodaikanal, the air grew chiller as the forest thickened once more. We were on our way to Poomparai, the largest valley in Asia. In about an hour, we arrived in Poomparai and were met with a breathtaking view of the valley. The steep valley slopes were blanketed with vegetation, including vegetables like carrots and turnips, as we later discovered. The camping company’s off-road vehicle picked us up to take us uphill to our camping site. The off-road ride was exhilarating, especially since I was sitting on top, which quickly became my favorite spot to ride!
After reaching the campsite, we quickly pitched our tents while our lunch was being prepared. Our camping spot had a beautiful view of the nearby hills, and we saw many cows grazing happily on the hills. After our lunch, we packed to go paddling in a nearby lake. Our trusty off-roader took us to the lake, which was a little different compared to the other lakes I have seen. The water was quite murky with the presence of algae and runoff soil due to the rains. Because of the water condition, we couldn’t go swimming and were careful not to fall into the water. The lake is at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level.
After inflating our paddleboards, we took them in for testing the waters. The lake was the same as other lakes except for the murky waters. We even found many lilies on the sides.
The residents of that region were quite intrigued by the activities happening at their lake. Up until then, their only interaction with the lake had been using its water for irrigation. We extended an invitation to some of them to experience stand up paddleboarding. Initially hesitant, their curiosity eventually won them over, and they decided to try it out. Within less than 10 minutes, they grasped the basics we taught and were paddling with confidence. Witnessing the enthusiasm of beginners as they navigate and explore the water is always a delightful experience.
Following about 2 hours of stand-up paddleboarding, we chose to pack up and head back to our camp since it was quickly becoming dark. On our return, we noticed a herd of Indian gaur feeding on the grass close to our campsite.
Upon arriving at the camp, we set up a bonfire, followed by a barbecue grill and stargazing. We also arranged our cameras to capture stunning photos of the constellations. It was an unforgettable night, one spent close to nature and in the wilderness.
That wraps up our exhilarating Kodai Stand-Up Paddle Adventure, an experience that truly pushed the boundaries of our outdoor pursuits. Over the course of this adventure, we successfully managed to navigate the unique challenges of paddleboarding at a remarkably high altitude in the picturesque hills of Kodaikanal.
The breathtaking scenery surrounding us added a layer of magic to our journey, with the lush greenery and stunning views of the hills creating an idyllic backdrop for our paddleboarding escapade. Each stroke of the paddle not only propelled us through the serene waters but also allowed us to immerse ourselves in the tranquil environment, where the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant calls of birds harmonized with our movements.
As we ventured further into the pristine waters, we encountered varied conditions that tested our skills and adaptability. The high altitude presented its own set of challenges, including changes in weather and the need for greater physical endurance. However, the camaraderie among our group and the shared determination to conquer these obstacles made the experience all the more rewarding.
Throughout the adventure, we were able to appreciate the unique ecosystem of the area, spotting various species of flora and fauna that thrive in this elevated environment. The crystal-clear waters reflected the sky above, creating a mesmerizing visual that made every moment on the paddleboard feel like a scene from a postcard.
In conclusion, our Kodai Stand-Up Paddle Adventure not only provided us with the thrill of paddleboarding but also offered an opportunity for personal growth and connection with nature. The memories we created and the skills we honed during this high-altitude experience will undoubtedly stay with us for years to come, inspiring us to seek out more adventures in the great outdoors.
Cheers
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