To Aliyar!

In spite of repeated changes, we (Me, Ajay, Ranjith and Easwar) stuck to our original plan and accompanied MohanKumar to his home at Pollachi yesterday. After a mouth watering breakfast, the usual mokka sessions and a 'spicy'(!) lunch (We had tears in our eyes and running noses after the lunch! Paasakkara ppl..!), we embarked on our trip to Aliyar.

Located at about 22 kms from Pollachi, Aliyar is a perfect weekend getaway place.

Surrounded on three sides by majestic hills of the Western Ghats, the view of the reservoir from the dam is a visual treat. Add to it the gentle breeze. And the lofty cloud caps. And the picturesque sun set. And finally five (Add Mohan's cousin) cool ppl to hang out with!! Simply Superb! :)

The very scene of the cool and serene waters brings delight. But Aliyar's waters are not as safe as they seem. A little chat with the boat man turns scary. "Mudhalaya? irukkum... Aazham vera adhigam. Masathuku oruthar rendu peravathu sethudranga... thannikulla pogatheenga na kaeta thana.." Depth and crocs form a deadly combo. A 'warning' board reads, "Ithuvarai (from 1962) iranthavargal ennikkai: 132". "Pazhaiya boardunga athu.." chips in the boat-man. I open my mouth to ask "How old?" but stopped short in case the answer is terrifying.

The boat ride is splendid though. A ten minute boat ride that costs you just Rs.15 and takes the you to the mountain shadows is, in one word, awesome! That, we just made the last trip of the day make us feel strangely better. :)

We have fun, giving awkward poses to the camera, putting mokkais and spend the time running about the dam. A warning bell at 6:30pm says it's time to leave and we start the short walk back.

For fish lovers, ('Eating' not meant. There are fishes here that could eat you! :) ), the mini aquarium nearby houses quite a collection of fishes ranging from the Guppy to the Piranha (Locked up safely, so no worries!)

A stifling journey in a squeezingly packed bus that carried about a hundred ppl, in the place of forty and a confusing tale woven so good to escape fine for late entry from our 'nanga romba strictu!' watchmen wound up the memorable day.