It was an image again that caught my interest to visit Idukki dam. Yes we planned an entire trip just to visit Idukki as it looked mesmerizing from the pictures available on the Internet.

We soon realized that Thekkady, Idukki and Munnar can become a good holiday and we would be covering these destinations as they are close to each other. The fact that we were going to drive and go to these places added to our excitement as we had a memorable holiday when we went to Gauhati and took a self-drive car that led to known and unknown destinations covering Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki and places that we just drifted.

Likewise this trip too had the advantage of having the vehicle in our access at all times and we would just drive to some road as it seemed inviting.

(On the way from Bangalore to Thekkady -Photograph by Reshma Krishnamurthy).

Thekkady our first destination in this trip was inviting. On the way from Bangalore to Thekkady we were just blown away at the magical spin of the nature. I would never think of monsoons and holidays together. But an advance booking of the hotels and our belief that we will manage didn’t deter us to go during monsoons  and we just loved it.

Even the Nipah virus didn’t alter our plans though we were watchful on the news updates and had decided to change if required.

Thekkady is a paradise with an absolute green cover and has the beautiful Periyar lake. As we waited for the boat to take us around in the drizzle, everything around us seemed good.

(Boating at Periyar lake, Thekkady. Photograph by Reshma Krishnamurthy).

Yes for the first time, I felt rains are not bad and it won’t take away the charm as long as it is manageable drizzles.

(The magical Periyar lake and the boating experience at Thekkady. Photo by Reshma Krishnamurthy)

So after 1 ½ days of our stay in Thekkady, it was time to head to Munnar but of course stop over by the iconic Idukki dam nestled at a distance to be covered in one hour. On the way we were shown a destination and informed that was the Idukki dam. It just didn’t look as I had seen in the pictures but I figured it was the same dam from a distance.

( A side view of the Idukki dam-Photograph by reshma krishnamurthy)

I tried recollecting what I had seen on the net and I again started talking to the locals that there were two mountains, a bridge and I wanted to see that point. They informed us that we had to go towards Cheruthoni dam entrance which is right next to Idukki.

So finally we reached Idukk/Cheruthoni i dam by 12.30 noon and thought we will wrap it up by 1.30 to head to Munnar.

On reaching Idukki I literally jumped in joy. I was thinking I am going to be the proud owner of memorable pictures. It was like a page of National Geographic magazine or BBC Earth channel come alive in front of me.

As we stepped out of our car in the parking area, we were informed that it was mandatory to register before heading towards the dam bridge.  Of course it wasn’t going to be any concern and we walked over to the security booth only to be informed that the area was a high security zone. As we waited in bated breath what would come over next, we were informed we had to leave our mobile phones and go and no photographs or video could be taken anywhere around the dam.

(Photograph taken from Internet).

I was of course disappointed but I thought this might be the opportunity to soak the experience completely without any self-driven pressure of photograph, video, selfie or anything on those formats.

We started walking over the bridge leading to the mountain and we were told we could walk on the dam, stay as long as we wanted, walk around the mountain and reach the other dam entrance. Yes Idukki has three dams across the Periyar river flowing. So one can walk over the Cheruthoni dam and walk around the mountain for 2 kilometers and reach the entrance of Idukki dam.

(Photograph taken from Internet). (We walked on this dam and the other side is the blue waters.

When we saw the nature of one of the cleanest rivers, mountains standing tall, waiting to be admired, I just didn’t want to leave . Again with a child around, it was of concern if we could walk and come back with equal energy . I somehow convinced my child that we had to walk around the mountain. There was a buggy stationed at the entrance of the bridge but it didn’t seem to be functional.

(Photograph from the Internet)

On one side was the clean blue water from the Periyar river formed into an artificial lake and the other we could view the villages amidst lush greenery over the dam. This has been one of the most spectacular viewpoints that I have ever been in the country.

So as we soaked in the experience, realizing this will be in our memory and not over camera phones, it was the moments to cherish and feel blessed to witness a magical sight. I have to say that whether it is the collective action of residents or government agencies or tourists and activists, the entire area was plastic free and it looked like a replicate of heaven.

Once you walk around the mountain you come to the entrance of Idukki dam and it leads to a small cave again manned by armed personnel. My child was happiest walking through the dark yet safe zone cave and we did walk back slowly cherishing each moment seen at this destination. If given an opportunity, this is one of those destinations; I would want to go back again to India’s first arch dam.

(On our way back from Idukki to Munnar, carrying tons of memories. Photograph by Reshma Krishnamurthy).

This tourist and relatively crowd free destination is an engineering marvel and has been around since 1975.

I have shared a few pictures that are available on the Internet. I am given to believe that earlier, pictures could be taken at the dam, but now due to unwarranted threats, these spaces are protected and not encouraged on being photographed.

A few tips if you are planning to visit Idukki dam:

• Carry your own water bottle, food and an umbrella or a hat.
• Wear good walking shoes.
• Be sure if you can get your child to walk over 2 to 2.5 kms or be ready to carry him or her accordingly.
• Be well prepared to leave your cameras, mobile phones, however expensive they are in the security counter.

If you are a little lost on the way, do ask for Cheruthoni dam, adjoining the curvature Iduki dam. Google maps may not really help in getting you here.

Do not go over weekends or public holidays as it might be closed and you can get a view .

Munnar is 2 hours drive from Idukki dam and to reach the dam from Thekkady, it might take you close to an hour.

Featured image is taken from the Internet. If you plan a holiday or have been there, let me know your experience.

It was for a personal commitment that I had to travel to coastal Karnataka, a place that I have strong connections thanks to it being my birth place.

So in the month of April in sweltering heat I travelled to Udupi and Mangalore.

As the train was reaching the station I had already had a big smile on my face seeing the lush green coconut trees in abundance.

(A common sight everywhere you would travel in Udupi and nearby towns). Picture by Reshma Krishnamurthy.

After visiting a few temples from the temple town it was time to catch up on Malpe beach as I had read on some new pathway being built that was good but not worth taking the effort to walk on a sunny afternoon. It is the seawalkway on the beach.

Probably the evenings are better to go for a walk on this pathway but it has a more interesting tourism activity of taking a boat to St.Mary’s island that can be done. I had travelled in an earlier trip on the boat and that was truly enjoyable being on the boat and being on the St.Mary’s island.

Of course the month was October unlike now when it was April. Soon I had to decide to travel to another destination before i considered a halt at a relative’s house. So I went to Kapu beach (again..yes was travelling for the second time ) but it was beautiful yet again.

(A picturesque scenery captured while travelling in the local transport in a state run bus-Picture by Reshma Krishnamurthy at Udupi).

On a solo trip I decided to take a bus if possible to kaup beach when an auto driver suggested he would take me from Malpe beach to Kapu all along at an agreeable fare. So as I opened up the google maps to be sure of the direction, the driver took me on a different route accompanying the waters all along the way. The journey was beautiful and we reached in about 40 minutes.

It was already around 5pm and I just wanted time to freeze.

(Lighthouse at Kaup beach, Udupi, Karnataka. Photograph by Reshma Krishnamurthy-a travel lover, mum, stories curator, storyteller, blogger, writer and founder of Mums and Stories)

As I saw in awe the clean sands and the shore I was most excited that there was an option of climbing the light house.

As I struggled with my backpack and going through a bit nervously in the circular steps and crowds, the entire effort was worth it when I saw the green lush carpet laid natural greenery and the ocean.

(Sunset as seen from Kapu beach lighthouse tower. Picture by Reshma Krishnamurthy)

The best part of the beach was that it was almost litter free, no plastic and it is still untouched.

One cannot get into deep waters here but it is a perfect location for an ideal family evening outing, a space you can consider to visit if you want to experience unadulterated commercialization. The lush greenery and the positive vibe will take you to a different world.

After this the next day, I did visit Panambur beach too before closing on my quick visit to the coastal town but Kapu beach is spectacular and the visit to light house is worth your time. Do note the light house can be climbed only in the evenings. There are huge boulders to climb and every moment you spend on the beach gets you mesmerized.

(View from lighthouse at Kapu beach, Photograph by reshma krishnamurthy)

If you are planning a visit to Mangalore and particularly to Udupi too, do not miss Kapu.

I have been working in various careers since the last 20 years, invariably all related to media or communication. Have been a radio jockey (that’s the fanciest titles of all the careers I have embraced). Others have been advertising professional, PR practitioner, freelance writer, blogger, communications manager; stay –at home-individual and now an entrepreneur for a mom and child segment. Yet for a work assignment when I told my parents that I will be travelling to Delhi alone and from there on will be joining a group to head to Uttarakhand, all hell broke lose.

I am a mum too and my experience of travelling alone from my city to Delhi and back taught me a lesson in parenting. ‘Don’t transfer your fear to your child’.

I meet several inspiring women for work, many who are solo travellers, some who run travel businesses, others who find solace in travelling to off beat destinations, a few really adventurous ones like yet the idea of travelling alone to the capital of the country didn’t go too well with my parents. Questions like “ Is it required? How will you ensure you will be safe? What if you don’t come back?

Frankly I knew there were concerns from a parent who adores me but it was enough to instill the fear of travelling within my own country.

We teach women to be so dependent on the other sex when it comes to travel. I seriously feel, if we want the next generation to change let’s travel more, alone. As I am writing this blog, I read another unpleasant incident that has happenned recently on the Mumbai local at 11pm, of a woman being molested.

The only way we can ensure safe environments is to demand better facilities, better tracking systems, monitoring devices and of course educating men and even film makers to show responsible content. After all women constitute a half towards working in the society. Believe you me, this doesn’t mean only work outside home, in terms of money but we have been working for betterment of families and in turn betterment of society. Travelling is as much our right as much as it is for men. Why should it surprise people when they see a young woman, old woman, middle aged, mum, mum with child travelling on their own? That will of course go to another debate.

So this is what I finally did when I landed in Delhi just a few days ago.

This was of course of four sleepless nights previous to my journey, thanks to all that I have read on women and the atrocities they face in India’s capital ( not that it doesn’t occur in other cities but New Delhi has notoriously attained the tag). It’s high time authorities ensure women travel safe across the country and also develop a system where people are taught what is NOT acceptable when it comes to treating women.

My flight was at 6 am in Bangalore Airport which means I have to leave at 3.45am from my home. Almost the time to reach Delhi by flight, thanks to an airport set literally at the outskirts of city limits.

So in the odd hours I step into the taxi, a driver whom as a family we have taken the service earlier but a woman travelling alone in odd hours, the timing and the quietness so early morning brought its set of anxiousness. I did try consciously try to shake off all my uncertainties by telling myself ” You will be fine.” “Learn to trust people, while being aware of your surroundings”.

I reached the airport much ahead and after sometime boarded the flight. No, it wasn’t the first time but everything seemed so new doing it alone. BTW, I have travelled alone to Pondicherry on a solo trip, yet this journey was new for me and close family members who were concerned. I have to say only my husband kept saying, ” You meet so many independent women, you are yourself so independent in your city, why should it bother so much for a travel?”

Anyways, at the airport, I thought of my child, and whispered a little prayer to God to take care of him. It seems dramatic now but at that point of time I didn’t know whether it was of course logical to take a work assignment like anyone else or I was getting into something not required. The fact that I was going to go ahead and spend my stay with a group whom I had not met earlier added to the anxieties.

Once I landed I had six hours with me before I would meet a group, new people for a work assignment at Uttarakhand.

Our train was scheduled at 4pm in the evening and I had good six hours with me.

I was excited to be alone and very nervous. I loitered around the Indira Gandhi Airport for sometime and decided I couldn’t waste six hours there.

So I decided to explore Delhi as a tourist. I have always travelled with family and been to the usual places. This time I decided to go a tourist spot close to Old Delhi railway station, considering I had to travel further from there in the evening.

The easiest way was to travel by taxi, but thankfully I decided to use the metro.

Much to my surprise Delhi Metro is clear with its signages declared everywhere and has a connectivity from the airport. So I followed the metro signs and went from Delhi Airport to New Delhi and from there to Chandni Chowk.

On the way I sat alone at a Café Coffee Day space within the metro premises and was slowly beginning to feel normal and let go my anxiousness.

Delhi Metro premises is huge and I was wondering why people were rushing with luggages. I understood it only on my way back –on my return journey from Delhi.

So with internet and technology at your fingertips, being aware and conscious is a plus point for any traveller. This is an encouraging factor especially for a woman traveller.

So coming back to my journey, I started walking from Chandni Chowk station and by now I was in a happy space. I was free, I was alone and was confident to handle myself. I stopped at an earrings store and gifted myself a pair of artificial jewellery earrings.

Then I walked to Red Fort and had an interesting time there. I had to speak in Hindi to convince the individual at the ticket counter that I am an Indian and not French as she assumed. This was before I could remove my passport and convince her.

Then I hopped on to a rickshaw and was amused to see the by lanes of Old Delhi (Purani Delhi).

It has its charm and gives a feel that it is stuck around 30 years ago. Lots of people, lots of wires dangling from streets and severe space crunch. I reached a ‘kulfi’ joint (as recommended on Trip advisor) to savour some delicacies. Even though there were enough people –my friends and others who knew I will be in Delhi, they advised me to have Indian chaats.

I decided against it as you are so unsure where you will find clean toilets in India, just in case I have a stomach upset. This is especially true if you are a woman traveller. I was surprised to find out how men thought this wasn’t a problem at all for a traveller.

So after relishing pomegranate kulfis at this small space- Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfiwale. It was a tedious task to find this place and a lady who guessed I am new to the city, asked the rickshaw puller to go a few lanes back in typical Delhiwalla hindi.

I loved the desert I had opted even though the eatery doesn’t boast of a fancy ambience.

Soon it was time for me to head to the Old Delhi railway station. The sight at the railway station in the afternoon made me think of the number of people who perhaps sleep on roads. Here they were sleeping at the station without any bed, bed spread and I couldn’t believe it that in cities where I belong, me and others were so indifferent and unaware of people who can’t afford any comfort in life. So the next two hours at the station made me think of my blessings in life and soon it was time to take the train to Uttarakhand. I did have an amazing trip at Jim Corbett.

So after a lovely stay for two nights at Uttarakhand I was on my way back to Delhi. This time the train got delayed by 3.5 hours and I had a flight to catch in the evening.

After contemplating on whether I should get down at a station further away from Ghaziabad and take a taxi or hope for the train to reach at the earliest, I decided to stay in the train and take the risk. I was also advised by other women travellers who were with me to stick to the train journey and hope to catch the flight.

There were discussions of course by these bunch of boys who wanted to take a taxi and they even offered me to join in. But I wanted to be safe (not that they didn’t appear as safe company), but I wanted to go by the known route.

Thankfully, showing some mercy on travellers like me on that train (there were others too who had a neck to neck commute flight to other destinations that evening), the train finally reached Old Delhi railway station at 6.10pm. I had my flight at 8.00pm. The moment the train landed I was shocked to see the huge number of population at one railway station. To say that it was overwhelming and intimidating it will not be an understatement.

As I have used the public transport of metro (in Bangalore), I decided to run and try to reach airport. Huh..it wasn’t a cake walk. So there I was running across the stairs in the station, making my way amongst at least thousand people who were pushing me and then I started running on the road, at the exit ( which I found out after 10 minutes, the right exit to use to go to New Delhi metro) and then I was running like a marathon racer at the metro station. Somehow I assumed while running that there are good chances I would be pick-pocketed of my money or passport considering the sheer number of people around me

As I live in Bangalore, the best I have seen of huge metros is at Kolkata and in Mumbai but Delhi metro in the evening gave me the shock of getting into reality of dealing with huge crowds. I finally managed to go the front , in the line, requesting people and again took the train to Airport.

When I had assumed that I will surely make it on time after so much of running, I was told by the check in flight assistant that I have to further run past 41 gates in the airport. This was thankfully at Terminal 3 and I had saved time.

So I began running again and just two minutes before the counter closed, I reached the flight gate. I also wanted to make it on time to ensure my parents or others don’t have second thoughts on if I can take care of myself. However I kept telling myself , ” Even if you miss, you will still manage.”

As I looked from the sky, from the flight, I realized that I had done fairly well for myself and it may be for a brief while that I stayed alone in Delhi, but the experience taught me to be aware of myself, celebrate my moments of happiness and learn to do everything myself.

The stay was memorable but the journey and the experience has been priceless and now waiting to take my next journey alone at the earliest, to another destination to embrace another travel memory.