Through this blog, I want to take you to yet another beautiful location in Attapady. Today, Ruth’s friends (Dr. Febin and Liz Maria) had come over, and she wanted to take them somewhere special. Initially, we thought of visiting our plantation, but plans quickly changed. Ruth suggested a place, while my brother mentioned Maranatti Falls. The idea sounded perfect, so we packed ourselves into two Mahindra jeeps and set off. Ruth thoughtfully carried a parcel lunch for all of us, which added to the excitement.

Before heading out, my brother called up a local friend, Saneesh, to check if the jeeps could make it all the way to the falls and whether it was raining in that area. He gave us the green signal, reminding us once again that it is always best to have a four-wheel drive when planning a trip to Maranatti.

The roads leading to the falls are narrow and can be tricky, especially if a vehicle comes from the opposite direction. And just as we expected, we had one such encounter. Luckily, Saneesh happened to be driving behind us. He stepped out without hesitation, guided us patiently, and made sure the oncoming jeep crossed without any trouble. Moments like these always take me back to my childhood, when the locals around our village were our first and strongest support system.

There was a deep sense of community then people never thought twice before lending a helping hand. If a tree had fallen across the road during the rainy season, someone would step forward to cut and clear it. If a jeep got stuck in the slush, men would rush to push it out, never mind soiling their clothes in the process. Helping was second nature, and selfishness never seemed to exist. Sadly, many of those families have since sold their land and moved to cities in search of better education for their children. but those memories of unity and community spirit still stay with me.

Our family, too, had lands around Maranatti, including my father’s brother. Driving through that familiar route again was nostalgic and brought back so many childhood memories. This time, though, we had to park the jeeps about 200 meters away because the locals had blocked the road to the falls. It was a sensible decision since constant tourist vehicles on the muddy road would make it difficult for the residents.

From there, we walked. As we got closer, the roar of the falls grew louder, and finally, the breathtaking sight appeared before us. Words simply cannot capture the beauty of Maranatti Falls. A few homes stood nearby, and I couldn’t help but think how blessed the people living there are, surrounded by such natural splendor. Of course, life there comes with its challenges, but for the moment, I chose only to admire the beautiful side.

Ruth’s friends and family happily got into the water and had their share of fun. Ruth, a little uneasy with heights, chose to stay back, and I too decided not to step into the water but simply take in the beauty around me. The sound of cicadas filled the air, instantly transporting me back to the vacations in my plantation. That familiar screech often marked the end of a workday, when the labourers would leave and a quiet sadness would linger over the plantation. The same sound here stirred memories of that stillness, sadness, and silence, yet it blended beautifully with the steady gush of the waterfall, creating a mix of nostalgia and peace.

A few young boys had also come to enjoy the falls. The moment they arrived, their phones were out, and they were busy clicking pictures from every angle. Sometimes I feel people travel more for photos than for the view itself. The “boomer aunty” in me could not help but think this way. Maybe old age is finally catching up with me! We soon settled down to enjoy the lunch Ruth had packed, and food always seems to taste better when shared in the lap of nature.

On our way back, we visited a friend’s farm, and the view from his hilltop house was absolutely breathtaking. We spent some time soaking in the scenery before making our way home. The day ended perfectly with a stop at Goolikadavu for tea and an easy round of chit-chat.

As I drove back, I realized days like these are not just about the destination but about the memories we make along the way, the laughter of friends, the kindness of strangers, and the quiet reminders of the past that nature so effortlessly brings back. Attapady has a way of slowing life down and making me appreciate the simple, beautiful moments that stay with us long after the day ends.

Your Turn to Reflect

• What small acts of kindness from strangers have stayed with you during your travels?
• If you had the chance, would you prefer living close to nature with its challenges, or in the comfort of a city?
• When you travel, do you find yourself reaching for the camera first, or do you take a moment to simply soak in the view?
• Have you ever had a place stir up childhood memories the way Maranatti Falls did for me?
• Do you think we sometimes forget to “be present” in our travels because we are too focused on capturing them?

Quick Guide for Visiting Maranatti Falls

• Best to go with a four-wheel drive
• Roads are narrow, so be ready to wait for oncoming vehicles
• Avoid rainy days, as the trail can get slippery
• Carry food or snacks, as options nearby are limited
• Respect the locals and their land, and  follow their instructions
• Carry back your food packets and avoid leaving plastic or waste behind. Keep the place as beautiful as you found it.
• Stay safe at the falls and  do not attempt tricks or risky stunts, as the waters can be unpredictable.
• Travel with a local guide to make the most of your visit and learn about the area from those who know it best.