We had a good night's sleep and looked all set to commence the sight seeting part of the trip. We made coffee using the instant coffee and whitener mix with hot water, and it was quite elevating to have the beverage on the terrace overlooking the typical Kerala greenery. Soon after, we had a rather heavy breakfast, consisting of chicken, a traditional kerala muslim roti/dosa type dish and few more traditional items.
We drove first up to the edukkal caves, parked the vehicle and climbed up on a sloping path leading to the heart of the cave. By the time we reached atop, we were pretty exhausted ( more because of a full tummy than anything else ). We could immediately feel the dampness which one would associate with caves, even if they are open and well lit by the sun. There was an option of climbing to the very top, but we felt that it would totally tire us and probably render the remainder of the trip a rather taxing exercise. On the way down, we stopped by an ice-cream cart and munched on some mango bars and cornetto cones.
Before emabarking for Kuruva Dweep, Harris took us to his wife's place ( it is a custom in malabar muslim family for the husband to move in with his wife ), and served us one of the best black teas I have ever had. He also showed some stunning photographs he had his film photographer friend take of him and his wife, soon after their marriage. It looked exactly like the film promos !! We met his wife's younger brother who had set his sights on an MBA program. Wished him good luck and we were on our way to Kuruva. Harris had gone to this place a long time back and hence wasnt sure about the way, which he clarified by asking the local folks on the way. I felt comfortable that I wasnt the only one lost for directions. The last 3 Kms or so was a drive over hard rubble, and at times we werent sure if we were on the right course. But on seeing another vehicle in the vicinity, we took our chances and coursed through a path that no one would want to take in normal circumstances. But the trip was worth it, for when we reached the actual island, we felt so close to nature. It had no fancy travel centric restaurants, gift shops, or anything of that kind. We were famished and eating the local fare cooked in earthen pots and like, never felt so good. There were only 3 pieces of fish left which someone ahead of us in the pack, took it in a parcel. I had too many papads for the comfort of the lady running the kitchen, and she murmurred something in malayalam with a look that asked "are you nuts ?".
This was the first time, I ever stepped on a what one would call a raft made out of bamboo sticks. I couldnt believe that this thing was going to stay afloat the entire distance until we crossed over to the other side of lake. We somehow did, and it was fun. Once in the island, we took the regular course and ended up among lots of boulders, which had a ravine cutting through the lot. We waded through the water and rocks and rested to take in all the nature's offerring. It felt so good just to get away from the humdrum of the city. The crossed back to the main land and were on our way back to our hotel. We stopped in between for some cake and other snacks for the Chennai IPL match.
We ordered dinner, as always lots of non-veg stuff, and after a heavy meal and the match, hit the bed.
