Readers would remember my mentioning in the earlier chapter that 8 out of 21 voyagers opted to visit the double decker root bridge. And 2 out of the 8 included yours truly & Geetha. The other 6 being Beena, Dr Somappa, Chhaya, Acchar Guptaji & the brother sister duo of Shashikala & Mahendra.
Given the nature of the outing it was important for us to be physically and mentally ready for the double decker root bridge ‘trek’.
We had set the alarm for 4:00 AM. After getting up (without hitting the snooze button) we had a refreshing tea in the room, completed our morning chores & got ready by 5:30 AM. Packed sandwiches were ready. The bus that was to take us was ready with our guide for the day, a young fellow named Fredrick. We left by 5:45 AM. A short drive of around 4 kilometres brought us to the gateway “welcome to Tyrna Elaka Tourism”. Our walk was to begin from here.
We started by 6:00 AM & were probably the first trekkers to start for the day. Fredrick, though he was a youngster of around 20 years, seemed to be veteran. On enquiring he informed that he is studying in college and guides tourists like us to double decker bridge on part time basis. On an average he does this atleast once a week. He confirmed that not many trekkers start so early & that we were sure to complete this comfortably.
The stairs down to the bridge were of 3 different types. The first stage was a bit steep but broad & comfortable, in the second stage the stairs were approx. 6 inches in height but were quite narrow & the final stage was a combination of climbing up & then down again.
As it was quite early and since we had no other trekkers, we could hear the “sound of nature” as we walked. Birds and crickets chirping, sounds of waterfall from the distance, sound of leaves waving in the wind… This would be an experience I would remember for a long long time. Between the 8 of us & Fredrick, we ensured that at any point of time, no person would walk alone. It was always a group of 2 or more.
Though it was chilly when we started, it gradually started becoming a bit humid, I was happy that I had 2 layers of tops & could easily remove the top jacket when it started getting a bit hotter. I was also happy for the trekking pole that I had brought along, though the locals were happy to lend a stout bamboo staff for a nominal fee.
We crossed 3 bridges on our way & could see the double decker bridge by around 8:20 AM. By 8:30 AM Fredrick declared that the descent is over & we can now rest. At the end of the first part (we had to reverse and climb back the steps we had descended) I felt that this was more about mental strength than physical prowess.
After a sweltering hike, getting into the pool below the bridge and letting our feet into the cold water was a delightful experience. I heard Fredrick mentioning something about free fish spa to Geetha & I wanted to experience this. In one particular spot when you let your feet soak into the cold water, myriads of small cat fish start nipping away at your feet. It was weird initially, but you gradually get used to this within a couple of minutes. I was told that the dead skin in your body is eaten away. Fredrick arranged for piping hot tea, so having your feet soaked in cold water, tiny cat fish nipping away at your feet & a hot cup of tea in your hands was a most wonderful combination. We also devoured the packed sandwiches here.
After enjoying the water, and having several MBs of photos
taken we reluctantly started our return journey by 10:15 AM. Half an
hour into our return journey it started raining slightly, I felt it was
quite refreshing to have this mild drizzle. Also it made us extra
careful whilst climbing up which was a change from the monotony of
having to climb climb & climb. One by one, we reached the top by
12:30 PM. After another round of tea, the group of eight boarded the bus
& reached the hotel. A small token of our gratitude was handed over
to Fredrick who gratefully accepted the same. I had a hot shower &
reached the dining room for a quick lunch which was followed by a
well-deserved rest with my e reader.
The organisers had arranged a
live band for a relaxed evening. Voyagers joined the music and danced a
bit. It was Shobhana’s birthday & Rutu had thoughtfully arranged
for a birthday cake. We had cake cutting & the live band also
rendered Happy Birthday song. In short it was a very happy evening.
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