City of Chennai was put to red alert on 12.12.2016 and it was cautioned that the wind speed would rise upto 120 kms per hour as cyclone ‘Varadh’ would make its landfall at its coast. Schools, colleges were declared holiday and hardly there were anyone on the streets. The memory of last year floods in December was still very fresh in our memory that a mere mention of cyclone didn’t take much time to strike fear chords.

Dark clouds hanging from the sky, powerful winds breaking down whatever standing on its way, and heavy rains started flooding the streets. It was around 11.30 a.m and it appeared as if it was mid night and Chennai City was all set to witness the worst cyclone it has hitherto experienced.

I decided to experience cyclone Varadh first hand and I choose to run 10 kms from light house to High Court at Marina beach on a 5 kms stretch were you can first hand feel the force of powerful winds doing what it is well known for – disaster and destruction.

My run from light house was inaugurated with a heavy downpour and even before I could take few steps I was completely drenched, the high velocity winds threatened me. Even before I could run few hundred meters I saw synthetic roof-top of a bus stand flying in air and approaching me, I should thank my reflex skills of my body that I dug to escape from it.

I have ran and trekked in heavy downpours in the hills and forests but I never felt pain because of rain drops, first time in my life that rain drops felt awful, every drop on my skin was painfully and I felt as if someone was poking hundreds of needle into my skin, thanks to the super speed winds.

It appeared to me that the trees planted along coast started violently dancing to the tunes of cyclone Varadh that most of the trees banged their branches to the ground, it was agonizing to witness trees fall in front of my eyes and tree branches were all in the air. Wherever I turn around all I saw was only fallen trees and thrown away broken branches but still Varadh did not reduce its force.

My running legs had a different tale to tell about cyclone Varadh, it ran at the same place, backward, sideward, it slipped and dropped into pit holes. My regular route for running and an easy flat course became a challenging and arduous trek.

All along my life, I have never seen wet sea sand rise upto to 10 feet high and fly in the air, cyclone Varadh orchestrated it for me. I witnessed sea sand rising up on the air and flying towards the ocean, my adventure to venture inside the sand storm was rewarded only with sand storms hitting me hard, I had to lie down for some time until its force could drop for me to escape to a safer place.

Running inside the eye of Varadh was indeed once-in-a-life-time opportunity and an experience of a lifetime. Although my heart goes to thousands of trees it uprooted and lakhs of tree branches it broke, nevertheless it left behind one of the most indelible experience in my heart, the tales of which I will speak for a long time.

Durai Murugan

It was not a jeep jungle safari, nor was a trek inside core forest reserve. I was on an official trip to Hosur and it turned out to be the best elephant sighting of my life. Our work got over by 1 p.m at Hosur and we decided to visit nearby Anchetty village, which is famous for elephant sightings. I called up my friend in Denkanikottai (the main town nearby) to understand from where I can sight elephants. He said that this place is an elephant territory and if one is lucky he can see them even on roads. Further, he advised us to go to Samieri lake which is located in Aiyur forest and he said the chance of spotting elephants is very high during evening. Excitement picked up and I was praying that this evening I should get the darshan of jumbos.

Samieri Lake – Elephant Waterhole:

We reached Denkanikottai and from there we drove to Aiyur forest. The moment we crossed the check post we were welcomed by thick bamboo trees on both sides of the road. The entire road was full of elephant dung and broken bamboo trees, and I was able to get a feel of elephants. My eagerness to spot elephant went uncontrolled and we slowly drove our car to Samieri lake.

Samieri lake is a small water body which is naturally fenced by thick bamboo forests with mountains as its back drop. There were about 5 elephant trails which connected this waterhole to the forest. Since it was a hot day and it hadn’t rained there for many days, we realised that our chance of spotting elephants was very high.

Jumbos Marching Into Samieri:

From nowhere two adult elephants and their offspring a cute little one (not more than one year old) walked towards the lake and slowly they entered inside the waters and quenched their thirst. Few minutes later another family of 4 elephants including a just born babe (forest guard said it is just three days old) stepped inside the lake and started playing. I literally had no idea what was unfolding in front of me. Even before I could melt and confess that this is the best moment in my life, I saw a herd of 5 elephants entering inside the lake from my left and another 5 elephants entering inside the lake from my right side. I literally had goose bumps and confessed to myself that this is one of the best moment in my life. It was not alone the number of elephants which kept increasing but it was also my unbound joy, witnessing about 20 elephants together was nothing but a god sent gift to me.

The elephants played with each other, twisted and rolled their trunks with one another, sprinkled sand on themselves until a thundering roar came inside the bamboo forest. The entire place was fear-stricken and I was eagerly waiting what would come out from those bamboo forest. To my delight it was an adult tusker which came running towards the herd with its trunk held high and trumpeting as loud as even a person in the sky could hear. My wrong anticipation that it might hurt the other elephants short-lived and it slowly started rolling its trunk with other elephants in the herd.

You can watch this short video to get a real glimpse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r972ALqaQUs&feature=youtu.be

I was extremely delighted to witness this spectacular scene with 20 plus elephants on one side of the lake and me on this side of the lake admiring them. This scene continued for 1.5 hour and I had no clue how this time went. Some elephants were taking a dip inside the pool, some were splashing water against one another, few were busy mud-slugging. For me, it was like a wildlife paradise unfolding in front of my eyes, I was completely spell-bound and awe-struck and for the first time in my life I witnessed 20 plus elephants together in the wild.

Durai Murugan

Recently, I joined Toastmasters club at my work place and time came when I had to deliver my first speech and it was supposed to be “The Ice Breaker”, wherein I have speak about myself. Quickly, I scanned through what all happened in my life hitherto and delivered my speech. Here is the script of my speech.

“At the end of my comfort zone”

I was studying in 7^th standard at school and a new volley ball coach was appointed to train students in volley ball. Very soon the coach earned a notorious reputation of being torturous in the ground. To give you all an example, one of my friend who joined the training left our school in two weeks of coaching. He was that strict and the training was very painful.

The coach had the habit of standing at the school exit gate and hunt for tall guys. Unfortunately, I was little over grown by then. After school hours I used to be terribly scared to pass through the gate. Whenever, I see him at a distance I used to limb, similar strategy was adopted by my friends to. Imagine all tall guys limping towards the exit gate, my school literally looked like a school for handicapped students.

My tricks with him did not last longer and I was caught one day and he pulled me into the ground. I began counting my last few days at my school. With the fear in my head I went to the volley ball court. The coach made us run 4 rounds around the ground and squeezed out the last drop of water in my body. My thought that I will leave the school became very strong. At the end of the session he told us “don’t be normal and regular students who come to attend class, study, do homework and move out of school to just become an engineer or a doctor”. He said “Come out of your comfort zone, your life starts there”.

That night my body was paining like hell – so was my mind it had sank in the words of my coach “Come out of your comfort zone”.

After two weeks my school life became from “good to great”. I slowly moved out of my comfort zone and started practicing regularly. After two years our school team started performing well and we won state level volley ball tournaments and I represented state of Tamil Nadu in national volley ball championship and TN stood third overall. I slowly but firmly started realizing that success lies at the end of your comfort zone.

After few years my 12^th results came and I went to my Dad – I asked him what course can I join – before he could even advise I suggested can I become an engineer or doctor. He starred at my face and said you will get into Guinness book of record if I get an admission after taking up commerce group (now you can imagine my academic level at school).

Finally I wrote law entrance and got a seat in SOEL. I was wondering what am I going to do since there was no one in my family who had taken up law as their profession.  During the 1^st semester we had a history professor who didn’t have legal background. The prof. used to speak brilliantly and once he said in loud voice “hang the judges in the nearest lamp post and dump the lawyers in the next ditch – for no one knows law”. This speech of him gave me confidence and I recollected what my coach said “At the end of my comfort zone”. I took up legal education seriously and passed out with a distinction (above 70%).

Finally, I ended up in corporate job (thanks to my master in business laws), I felt I was leading a very comfortable life and soon I started realizing that laziness is slowly settling within me, that time I realized some of my friends trekked during weekends and explored natural forests. I wanted to explore south Indian forests but how do I enter forests? / Who will guide me inside? / is it safe to trek? – Several questions popped within me.

I ventured inside the forests and I got lost many times inside forest but very quickly I learnt how to navigate using GPS. Now I can confidently claim that I can enter and exit any south Indian forests without anyone’s help. I recalled my VB coach words “At the end of your comfort zone” life starts.

The journey didn’t stop there I further noticed that my friends are running long distances and many of them are running marathons (42 kms), I couldn’t sit in my seat and watch their updates anymore. I wanted to make an attempt, every day after work I started my run – walk – run starting from light house to high court after few weeks I got used to that distance and in 2012 Chennai marathon I completed my first full marathon. Once again I recalled the words, “At the end of your comfort zone”, life begins.

Recently I landed up in Vodafone were I attended a club which finds happiness in making everyone to talk. I don’t know what mistake I did, on the very first day under the guise of making me talk they made me to stand in front of the club members – I literally had no idea what to talk that I stood there for 45 seconds without uttering a single word I walked out saying only “Thank You”.

I was wondering like how I used to do in school times, if I should hide from Mr.Athma every Friday or Thursday – but my friends I self-realised that “At the end of my comfort zone” there begins a new journey. Toastmasters here I come.

Durai Murugan

Running and trekking in the Kolli hills isn’t something alien to me, I have had the good opportunity to experience the sheer bliss of running and trekking on the beautiful and unexplored trails of Kolli hills few times earlier. However, my experience of running at Val Vil Ori Ultra was unique, distinctive and very humbling.

During the run – I stood to gaze at the starlit sky, I walked along the streams, I ran cherishing the views of breathtaking waterfalls, I admired the peaks piercing into the clouds, I was refreshed by the melody of tweeting birds, I was energised by the sight of green paddy fields, and the pleasantness in mountain breeze kept me on my legs. Not even for a moment nature left me alone in the entire course, I was completely engaged and overwhelmed.

Pre Race day with waterfalls:

The mystical and magical kolli hill is immensely blessed with good number of striking and refreshing waterfalls. We chose to take a dip in the mighty Akash ganga and beautiful Masila waterfalls and spent our pre-race day in the green paddy fields, splashing in the water and tasting delicious local food.

In the light of billion stars trotting on hills:

The run was flagged off at 4 a.m with the mountains, glittering stars, new moon, chill breeze and trees standing as witness. Slowly my legs started trotting but my heart was filled with the wonderful sight of the starlit sky – a beauty which our cities have lost to light pollution. During my solitary run I crossed few villages, hair pin bends, paddy fields, thick forest patches but the calmness found in the mountain, chillness in the breeze, and the gorgeous valleys lit by stars conspired together to fill my heart and soul. I self-realised that nature is going to be my partner for the run and it is never going to let me down.

Mountain villages, friendly people, barking dogs – the Course:

The 26 km course is stitched between calm and beautiful villages in the mountain, which are welcomed by green paddy fields followed by barking dogs which kept me on toes. At times the kids of the village greeted me, an old lady from a village offered me water to drink, but most of them whom I met had this question why am I running here. The question was very fundamental and basic but I could not give a fitting reply and I left them with a smile. Nevertheless, it was a delight to meet the villagers and pass through these peaceful villages and happy villagers.

Steep ups and downs, the Sun – Major Challenges:

It was about 9 a.m the sun was slightly peeping out of the clouds and I started feeling little drained but I still kept trotting alone at my own pace and my mind quickly realised that by this time my brother lawyer (charged with accusations for rash running) would have flown across the 52 kms course. In fact one the uniqueness in the finishing line up for 52 kms runners was that the first and last finishers were lawyers.

Although it was a rolling course, it had few kilometres of steep ups and downs making my heart pound faster and restricting my leg movements. Indeed, without these challenges the run wouldn’t have been challenging and memorable.

The last two kilometres:

Hitherto, of the 17 full marathons that I have run in different parts of India except for the mails through which I have known the organiser I have never had the opportunity to meet them in person. I was pleased and surprised to see the mastermind behind the event himself waiting for me at the 50k mark not only to feed me with refreshments but he chose to run the final leg with me. My completely exhausted legs slowly started to trot and it was a great honour for me to have completed my last 2 kms along with him and being garlanded by a lovely medal.

Hope now I stand justified as to why I took 8 hours to complete 52 kms distance.

Happy Running,

Durai Murugan

The North East monsoon 2015, struck its deadly blow in Chennai, Cuddalore and various parts of northern Tamil Nadu. Unprecedented high levels of rains were recorded and normal life came to a standstill not only in big metro like Chennai but also day-to-day life in small cities came to a standstill.

Especially, the day December 1, 2015 can never be forgotten by any Chennaite since for the first time Chennai saw such unprecedented rains in recorded history adding to the misery was opening up of Chembarambakkam lake which completely engulfed the city. It was not alone Chennai which was facing this natural brunt but also smaller cities like Cuddalore which was undergoing untold misery especially villages on the outskirts of Cuddalore was affected miserably.

First at Periya Kattu Palayam, Visur village of Panruti taluk, Cudalore district 10 persons, habitats near the river bed were swept away by the swirling river flow in a matter of few seconds. Even before the Chennai disaster, Cudalore was much affected area by the north east monsoon, less supported by both the government and NGO’s. Panruti population mostly are below poverty line, vulnerable to such disaster they were stuck in chaos and the reliefs were yet to reach these places.

Chennai started receiving relief materials from various cities but there were many remote villages in and around Cuddalore district which was completely forgotten Panickan Kuppam with around 1500 ration card holders and Keezhamaampattu with around 1750 ration card holders are 2 huge Panchayats of Panruti, Cuddalore district which we surveyed and found that requires immediate attention since their houses and belonging were washed away in the rains and we also noted that majority of their population reside in hamlets beneath thatched roofs.

We were looking for some funds and clothing material which we thought we should pool in together and help the needy in these places. Our attempts in reaching out to donors were answered and quickly we found Mr Bipin and Mr Dheeraj who were ready to procure and provide us 8400 numbers of dress and clothing materials worth rupees eleven lakhs (11 lakhs) for the flood victims of Panickan Kuppam and Keezhamaampattu Panchayats.

The relief material were packed and arranged in two big trucks and it departed from Chennai and it reached the villages on 16^th December, 2015 to the victims with the help of Panruti Tehsildar, the panchayat presidents, ward members and respective Village Administrative Officers (VAO).

The truck load was unloaded into three small vehicles and dress and relief materials were taken to all the interior pockets of these panchayats. The Panchayat VAO’s, Presidents and ward members were present at their respective places and the relief items such as new bed sheets, saree, nighty, lungy, towel, rice, pulses and biscuits were distributed in the following affected areas:-

Panickan Kuppam

• Pudhu Pillaiar Kuppam
• Pazhaya Pillaiar Kuppam
• Nadu Pillaiar Kuppam
• Vinnarasi Nagar
• Andi Kuppam
• Andi Kuppam Colony
• Panickan Kuppam
• Panickan Kuppam Colony
• Nari Kuravas Colony

Keezhamaampattu Panchayat

• Kotti Khonaan Kuppam
• Vellai Pulli Colony
• Therku Colony
• Vadakku Colony
• Nadu Colony
• Mudapillaiar theru

And also an approximate 100 families of Kanickam Pattu panchayat (1750 ration card holders) habitats stays adjacent to Panickan Kuppam  Panchayat also benefited in this relief distribution. The set of 2100 dress materials being distributed among 2500 ration card members put together.

The village administrators and Panchayat leaders, contribution in distributing the items was commendable since they took the lead to collect the ration card from each family and materials were provided against each ration card a process through which we ensured that the materials are not accumulated with few. At this moment of crisis it was commendable to note that no political influence or involvement was ever witnessed by our volunteering team, everyone came and helped us in this distribution process. Indeed, I consider it has a god sent opportunity to serve the needy during this time of need.

Durai Murugan

Exploratory treks are always exciting and especially when you are put to face surprises and encounters it makes the journey even more interesting and memorable. I always have an eye on the Google maps zoomed towards the western and eastern ghats trying to indentify beaten trails and exploring possible trekking routes connecting peaks and interesting valleys. One such peek into the Google map took me to the trekking trail connecting Bodi to konalar dam in the palani hills. Trail in the map was extremely clear and well marked providing me a strong belief that definitely this trail would have been used by the locals to reach the hills. Marking the trails and loading the terrain map onto our GPS device we were all set to explore this ‘Online trail’.

Connecting to the ‘Online Trail’:

GPS took us dot on to the trail marked on maps and we were surprised by the advancement of technology. Bodi hill is a strikingly beautiful place packed with farms and plantations on the foot hills of western ghats. The cold stream water flowing down from the hills are used for cultivating plants and crops at base. Initially we were welcomed by mango farms and streams, and soon we entered into cotton tree plantations. We crossed the streams, walked through plantations and jumped over rocks, but slowly plantations were replaced with tall trees, bushes and grasslands. After 3 hours of trek inside we stopped near a stream to take a dip and refresh ourselves and it was only 5 of us inside the forest and thought it was going to be a perfect exploration.

Facing the big boy at a striking range:

Three hours passed and we were perfectly walking on the trail guided by maps and that’s when we bumped into a big rock, slowly we climbed the rock to take some pictures that’s when we saw the well built big boy of the forest, a full grown wild gaur at a very close striking range. Initially we panicked as to what to do and how to proceed since it was blocking our progress and standing on the path. Left with no option we were holding onto the same place for some time for it make way for us but it appeared that it was determined to stay there for longer period therefore, decided to climb the adjacent ridge and walk along it for a while and come back to the trail after crossing the place where the gaur was grazing. We were set for all kind of adventures but did not realize that we will be experiencing surprise on the trail itself. I will always remember the first intruding look of this gaur, the manner in which got altered and created its boundary and the manner in which it starred at us.

Was it the End of ‘Online Trail’ and for exploration to begin?

Almost 8 kms into forest on the marked trail we marched into grasslands, entire forests suddenly appeared to be a land of lemon grass. The grasses were as tall as 9 feet leaving us with no scope to understand the trail ahead and where are we heading towards. We had to break through the grasslands and marched ahead as a single team since the visibility inside the grasslands was very thin. The grass had sharp edges and at times they did not spare our skin and left us bleeding. After the stiff encounter inside the grasslands we managed to reach the ridge and this marked the end of the ‘Online trail’ and from here we had only two options either to trek inside the plantation or to trek along the ridge to reach flat land above. It was at this moment I realized how misleading google maps could be and the vast difference between navigating trails on internet and actually on foot. What appeared on the map was not there in reality.

An endless hike on Ridges till Sunset:

As a thumb rule we always preferred walking along the ridges rather walking inside the vegetation simply to avoid being struck inside the bushes and being pierced by thorns and sticks. Although we ran the risk of running short of water we took the ridges with the hope to reach konalar dam. The ridges were very steep and the terrain was uneven but steadily we kept our pace and marched ahead unto the foot of a humongous peak which was naturally formed out of single piece of rock. One of the biggest rock based peak I have hitherto witnessed although we were stunned by its majestic appearance and admired its beauty there was no clue as to how to climb this peak or by pass it to reach konalar dam.

Sun slowly started to settle down for the day into the mountains and we were forced to take quick decision between camping on the ridge exposing us to cold breeze and chill night or to move inside the vegetation. Finally, we decided to climb down and reach a lonely hut inside the forest and camp on its veranda.

Rain lashed night and savior hut:

After reaching a lonely hut we cooked our dinner and started gazing at the star-filled sky and the views of the Bodi town which was sparkling with electric lights. Suddenly, climate turned cold and the flow of breeze became fast and before we could set up our camp it started pouring heavily as if the clouds were banging on the mountains and emptying all the water it carried into the valley. We had no option except to take shelter in the abandoned forest hut. The hut was our savior from the cold rain water and chill weather; it poured cats and dogs almost the entire night while we were trying to catch up sleep listening to the loud thunders. After few hours I forgot all the happenings outside and went into a deep slumber. We woke up in the morning to witness that the valley had mushroomed with numerous waterfalls which was not there the previous day. It was a spectacular scene to witness the valley full of waterfalls.

Searching for the ‘Online Trail’:

What started as a mission to reach konalar dam now stood as a mission to indentify the ‘online trail’ or to explore a new trail to reach our destination. The ‘online trail’ took us only into bushes and exposing us to more injuries and absolutely we were not progressing as there was no evidence of any trail and with yesterday’s experience we have clearly learnt that the ridges will take us only to the base of the peak and nowhere else. We tried to follow the stream, we tried our luck climbing the steep rocks and finally we had to give up our attempts in the afternoon since we could not find out a way to navigate and reach konalar dam. After scores of attempts we called off our mission as unfinished and reserved to explore the hills well prepared and better next time. May be an attempt to trek down from konalar dam to bodi could throw us some light about the whereabouts of this hidden ‘online trail’. Mystery engulfed us and we enquired with the local villagers and everyone uniformly informed us that there was never a trail and it is impossible to trek and reach konalar dam for the innumerous obstacles they narrated which included the grasslands, steep ridges, thorny bush land and finally even if we manage to cross them all the humongous piece of steep rocky peak which the locals felt was impossible to make it through foot. However, I am still not convinced with their defenses and am convinced that sometime soon I will explore this bodi hills and reach konalar dam through foot.

The two days trek in search of the ‘online trail’ has taught me many lessons and more than that I stood amazed at the beauty of this lovely forest, felt healed bathing on its streams, understood the real life challenge when struck inside the grasslands, gazed at the majestic peaks and admired the beautiful valleys. I always consider it as a god sent opportunity to take this kind of wonderful journey into the mountains where my heart forever wants to be.

Happy Trekking,

Durai Murugan

Peacefully lying in the Eastern Ghats ‘Araku valley’ is one of the most beautiful, picturesque and enchanting mountains in South India. Urbanisation and tourism has not significantly encroached into this region and the valley still remains rich with natural hot spots and beaming with tribal activities. Unpolluted rivers, crystal clear waterfalls, exciting rock formations, humongous caves, brilliant valleys, tribal culture and pleasant weather keep striking my heart whenever I think about this paradise.

Bora caves – The Biggest Caves I have hitherto visited:

I have seen many caves in the western and eastern ghats and always believed that caves are smaller in size (although heard of huge caves) until for the first time in my life I witnessed this mammoth and gigantic cave tucked inside the Anthagiri hills. It was around 2 p.m in the afternoon and the sun was shining bright and the weather was little hot but the moment we entered this gigantic caves the temperature dipped and chill breeze welcomed us. It was a like a mini indoor auditorium dug deep inside the earth – my hitherto imagination about the size, shape, design and idea about caves were completely shattered and I entered into the caves admiring the beautiful rock formations, and the grand natural interiors.

Train to Arakku Valley – Kirandul Passenger

It is highly recommended to reach Araku valley by train since it cuts through 50+ tunnels, 80+ bridges, beautiful valleys, picturesque landscapes and gorgeous mountains. As travellers pass across these tunnels one will witness the grandeur of waterfalls dropping just near the train and also the jaw dropping beauty of this valley. The passenger train starts from Vishakapatnam and passes through Araku valley and finally reaches Kirandul, normally in India it is difficult to find broad gauge trains running on the hills therefore, when this passenger train hits Shimiliguda station it is considered as the first highest broad gauge station constructed in India and gains significance. Although the purpose for laying this broad gauge is to quickly plunder the natural resource in Orissa and not primarily meant for human transportation.

The four hours journey in this train to reach Araku is a celebration and jubilation time for the passengers – for every time the train gets into a tunnel the entire crowd applauds with joy and celebrates the journey. Never for a minute during the journey uphill will a passenger feel bored, because of the ever changing terrain and attractive natural sceneries keeping the traveller highly engaged.

Cascading Waterfalls and beautiful Rivers of Araku:

Although natural caves and train journey delight the travellers to Araku yet another feather that glorifies this paradise are its beautiful waterfalls tucked deep into this valley and refreshing rivers which flow into this valley. For most of the time in the year the water remains very cold and a dip inside the cold river not only refresh the body but also rejuvenate the soul. There are numerous waterfalls in this valley few of them named and open for public like Thatiguda, Katiki, Chaaparai and many remain out of the reach of a common tourist and invites explorers.

A paradise for Camping lovers:

Araku can be perfectly termed as a camper’s paradise for its numerous beautiful places which attracts campers to pitch their tents under the starlit sky and enjoy a very cold night. Beautiful moon brightening the sky, innumerous stars twinkling alongside the moon, freezing cold night, beautiful river running on the side of your camp are some of the most precious memories which will remain engraved in my heart for a lifetime.

Nut Shell – Arakku Valley back pack travel from Chennai – (24 -26.01.2015)

If you are looking for the snap shot of our trip to Arakku valley – here it is for your information.

Day 0 – (Friday – 23.1.2015) – Board Bhuvaneshwar train at Chennai central railway station at 21.10.

Day 1 (Saturday – 24.01.2015) – Alight at Vizag at 10.30 a.m and board a bus to Anthagiri hills

Visiting Tadimada Waterfalls and Borra Caves

Situated in Ananthagiri hills, the Borra caves are at a height of 900 meters above sea level and occupy an area of 2 sq. kms. The caves are filled with fascinating stalagmite and stalactite formations of calcium deposits. The Gosthani River flows through the caves between the formations

Katiki Waterfalls

This is a 120+ feet high cascading waterfall that has to be reached by 20-30 minutes trek (one way) through lush green forest. Day 1 – night travel to Vizag and stay near Railway station.

Day 2 (Sunday- 25.01.2015)

Board the train from Vizag to Arakku and enjoy the tunnels, waterfalls, valleys, and wonderful climb in passenger train uphill.

Reach Arakku valley, explore chaparai waterfalls and neighbouring places and night camping at the base of Jindhagada peak

Day 3 (Monday / Republic day – 26.01.2015) exploring Arakku Valley

Trek to Jindhagada peak (highest peak in Eastern Ghats) or Barejolla peak

Our travel and camping plans:-

1. Camping underneath the starlit sky;
2. Travel in public transportation (bus / train)
3. Either cook our food or have food at tribal huts / hotels.
4. Wherever possible walk and trek to the destination rather than going in vehicle.
5. Share the expenses among the total number of heads in a transparent manner.

Day 3 night board in VSKP Super Fast Express train from Vishakapattanam at 19.10

Day 4 – 27.01.2015 – 8.45 a.m arrival at Chennai Central and hit to work.

Happy travelling,

Durai Murugan

 

Certainly not in my wildest imagination had I ever thought that I would become a Marathoner. My solitary slow and regular trots along the Marina beach early in 2012 drove me into the arena of marathons, triathlons and the journey has been immensely self-satisfying. 2014 had been a hall mark in this journey since for the first time I attempted running long distances on the hills and was part of some of the core team which organised marathons.  

 Marathons – Cities and Meeting people – Unique Experiences:

Training for a marathon, planning the trip and travelling along with likeminded runners were some of the wonderful experience I always cherished. I should acknowledge that running took me to different parts of India and I am confident that in the years to come the journey would be lot more interesting and am looking forward to it. I planned my travel mostly in trains but the best journey was when I missed my train to Mysore to participate in Kaveri trail marathon. I travelled alone in a jam-packed bus and reached Mysore at 2 a.m with just 4 hours for the run to begin.

What popular books about running, scholarly articles written by experts on diet, and advice provided by seasoned runners could teach me, I learnt travelling to different cities with fellow runners and running in different events. My best lessons about running and more fully about myself was learnt when I was attempting to push myself on the roads, on the hills, swim in the open waters and pedal against the head wind and on the hills.

Out of the few events I participated some events treated the runners like a ‘hero’, few events was busy selling their sponsors, but the best events were the ones which was organised ‘by runners and for the runners’. In this regard Cochin Marathon 2014 stays close in my heart, there was no title sponsor, and the entire event was very simple, heart-warming and I had unique experience running on the roads of Cochin. I ran the following full marathons this year:

1. Mumbai Marathon – January
2. Auroville Marathon – February
3. Hyderabad Marathon – August
4. Kaveri Trail Marathon – September
5. Bengaluru Marathon – October
6. Cochin Marathon – November
7. Chennai Marathon – December

Discovering my Love for Hill Running:

This year I unearthed my passion for running in the hills. For me hill running is a nirvana, I have made a decision not to run in any event being conducted in the hills, I would choose to go for hill running with my running buddies and run for days on the hills and feel the overwhelming humbleness. For me to run on the hills is like returning to the place where I belong. Some of the most interesting running and camping I did this year are set out below:-

1. Shevroy hills 90 kms in 2 days
2. Palani hills 80 kms in 2 days
3. Kalryan hills 100 kms in 2 days
4. Munnar hills 120+ kms in 3 days

 

Triathlons – Discovering hidden potential:

I was never a swimmer or a long distance cyclist until I put myself into test by participating in triathlons. When I first attempted to cross the Nagalapuram east dam, when I dived inside the Ottiambakkam quarry with a hope to swim across all that I had was only the confidence which later transformed into courage and strength to take up open water swimming confidently. For me triathlon is an event where you put your mind and body to fight against each other and discover your hidden potential.  

 

Organising Marathons – Thanksgiving to Runners:

I consider organising and volunteering in marathons is a platform by which I can serve, and give back to the running community. I have been part of the core team which organised the Chennai Trail Marathon and Jawadhu Hills Ultra Marathon. Planning the trail, getting permissions, promoting the run and conducting both these marathons far away from the city was a very challenging task and I am very proud for having involved myself in organising these runs. While running has taken me to different places I volunteer in these events as a thanksgiving to my fellow runners and volunteers.

 

Running for a Cause:

My little and slow running gets its meaning, life and real purpose only because of the cause I choose to run. I believe running is a very powerful tool in taking forward a good cause, as always, I consider it as a god sent opportunity to run for “Isha Vidhya” garnering support for their good cause ‘Educating Rural India’. It was extremely a humbling experience when I got the good opportunity to run 100 kms at the Kalrayan hills raising funds for these rural children. I feel proud about myself when I run marathons sporting ‘Isha Vidhya’ t-shirt. I also feel happy that I demystify the popular myth that marathons should not be run sporting cotton t-shirts.

Overall, the year 2014 had been very kind towards me and helped me realise my hidden passion and explore the same. I am extremely thankful to all my friends who were part this journey. However, my dream is to run a barefoot, bare-chested marathon in ‘Dothi’ and I wish to find an answer for the same in 2015.

Namaskaram,

Durai Murugan