adventure

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.

**Some beauty is meant to be felt, not just captured**

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.

**Some wonders are for the heart, not the camera!**

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.

**Good samaritan Saneesh helping us cross the tricky spot**

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.

**Roads on pause! Locals protecting the path from frequent jeep traffic**

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.

**A house nestled among arecanut trees near the falls – Lucky souls living close to nature**

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.

**Ruth in her own world, soaking in the calm**

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.

**Me judging Instagram models like a true boomer aunty… but still clicking their pics**

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.

**Nature at its best – The neighbouring hill seen from our friend’s farm**

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.

Growing up in Coimbatore, the words school trip meant only one thing, a journey to Ooty. Nestled in the Nilgiris, Ooty has always been the most cherished weekend getaway for people in and around Coimbatore.

I loved those trips, but my body did not. The winding mountain roads brought on motion sickness, and the sudden change in weather combined with the high altitude often left me feeling unwell. To make matters worse, I would return home with a sore throat and an infection after almost every visit.

Ooty Lake, when the biggest thrill was finding out our boat mates.

And yet, my love for Ooty never faded. I often wonder why. Perhaps it was because I grew up in a hilly area and certain corners of Ooty reminded me of home. Maybe because most of my school trips were to Ooty, and the place still carries the innocence of childhood days when life felt lighter. Or perhaps it was because I grew up watching Priyadarshan’s feel-good movies filmed in Ooty. Those lush green tea estates, misty mornings, and charming old bungalows on screen always gave me a happy and comforting feeling. Whatever the reason, I always associated Ooty with joy, laughter, and warmth, even if my body protested every single time.

Even now, I still have motion sickness, but the magic of Ooty has never worn off. The sight of eucalyptus trees swaying in the cool breeze, the scent of fresh tea leaves, and the rolling mist over the hills still make my heart light up.

Recently, my friend Peter, who is a Club Mahindra member, suggested a road trip to Goa. In my mind, I had already decided not to go because I dislike long car journeys. I suggested Ooty instead, but the idea was met with strong opposition. Goa soon became Cherai, and then every other possible Club Mahindra property. Nobody supported Ooty except Peter’s son.

Ooty mornings painted in light and mist.

Finally, the universe seemed to side with me and the location was confirmed as Ooty. My brother, who usually drives me during such trips and whose driving somehow prevents my motion sickness, could not join because he was busy. I was hesitant to travel in someone else’s car, knowing it would make the journey tough for me and possibly for them too. Then I remembered my cousin once taking the train to Ooty and decided to give it a try.

Clicked from my seat, a reminder of journeys that stay with you long after they end.

I booked Tatkal tickets, arranged for a driver to drop me at Mettupalayam station, and took the morning toy train to Ooty. It was my first time traveling alone on the toy train and I completely enjoyed it. The five and a half hour journey was nothing short of magical. The steam train stopped at every little station to refill water, giving about twenty minutes at each stop. I clicked pictures, enjoyed piping hot vada and bajji from small stalls, and watched the hills slowly reveal their beauty.

The toy train ride – slow, scenic, and timeless.

The occasional sound of crying children was the only disturbance, but even that could not spoil the charm. The experience was so enchanting that I even took the train back to Mettupalayam.

During my four day stay, I made new friends, Nikki and Dhvinay and shared conversations that made the trip even better. I realised that making friends at any age is easy when one is open to it. Late night chats and storytelling sessions by Peter added warmth to the cold nights.

This trip reminded me that some places never lose their magic, no matter how many times they are visited. For me, Ooty will always be more than a hill station. It is the scent of eucalyptus in the morning air, the freezing nights, and the sight of mist curling over the tea estates. It is a piece of my childhood, my school days, and my favourite movie scenes come to life.

And maybe that is the real beauty of travel, when a place makes you forget the discomfort and simply fills your heart with a feeling that you cannot quite put into words. That is what Ooty does to me, every single time.

What about you?

Have you ever loved a place so much that you would visit it despite discomfort?
Have you taken the toy train to Ooty?
Which hill station holds your most cherished travel memories?
Have you ever wished a train ride never ended?
Do you still keep a photograph from a trip that meant the world to you?

Home between the hills

Memories from the land I call home

A Day at Maranatti Falls Attapady: Nature, Memories, and Reflections

From Class Trips to Grown-up Journeys: Ooty’s Magic Never Fades