Most people are actually nice if you get to know them, so is India...
On the 10th December 2009, approximately 4.45pm local time, the group consists of 11 members representing RAC Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS has arrived at Cochin Airport, received by rotaractors from RAC Saibaba Colony (SaiCon) and a few rotarians from RC Cochin Midtown. The immediate interaction was felt when all of us were greeted with warm gesture of RAC Saibaba Colony’s rotaractors who wore us a malai- garland.
The feelings of excitement were non-stopping throughout the journey. The barrier of diverse religion, race, culture and belief did not stop us from getting close to rotaractors of SaiCon. In fact, we were treated friendly by them as if we have known each other for some time. They were very enthusiastic to introduce us about India as well as knowing us and our country, Malaysia. However, we were many times distracted by the traffic. The drivers in India seem to in love with the vehicle’s horn system. The horns were heard every now and then, almost every second…
In Kerala, we were brought to the famous Fort Cochin Beach and the Dutch Cemetery. Besides, we also visited the nearby St. Francis C.S.I Church and Santa Cruz Basilica Church. St. Francis C.S.I Church is the oldest European church in India while Santa Cruz Basilica Church is endowed with its architectural and artistic magnificence.
On the same day (11th Dec), we made our way to Allepey for a stay at the boathouse, which is very popular in Kerala. On the way to Allepey, we stopped by at some stalls to purchase drinking water. We also had the opportunity to taste the nanarusarpert, which is made of the root essence and blended with soda. Sipping nanarusarpert was a superb moment as it quenched our thirst profusely.
After travelling the unpleasant roads for about 4 hours, we finally reach the port at Allepey where we supposed to get into the boathouse. We were thrilled when we saw the boathouse was nicely equipped. The boathouse is also supporting our ecotour objective because the boat is made of natural resources including bamboos, palm leaves, and woods. The entire journey on boathouse was really amazing, especially the spectacular views along the river, the morning mist, and the breezy weather throughout the boathouse journey.
We continued our journey to Athrapalli Fall after leaving the boathouse on 12th Dec. Athrapalli Fall is another paradise for ecotourism. The waterfall is approximately 80 feet high. The breathtaking waterfall scene was enticing us to snap ample of pictures despite of the danger of climbing from one huge rock to another. The soothing sounds also brought us nearer to the nature and some relaxation effects.
Kerala certainly deserves the name of “God’s own Country” given by National Geographic Traveller for its preserved nature and environment, which all of us were delighted with.
Along the way to Topslip (13th Dec), windmills were spotted up to a very broad area. Only at that moment, we realized that India is making good use of the renewable wind resources in such eco way to provide power supply to the local Udumalpet masses. We even stopped by just to capture these 150 feet tall windmills.
Although the way to Topslip was adventurous because the road was extremely narrow, curvy and bumpy, we did have fun enjoying the natural beauty of this reserved wildlife sanctuary. The surroundings that covered by greenly flora and fauna are definitely a heaven for individual that adores the beauty of Mother Nature. At night, we manage to witness the wild elephants and deers. After that, we went for dinner at a shabby hotel where we had our lunch on the same day that serves tasty Chicken 65. Atif, Sandeep and Jerry had even proposed the idea of bringing Chicken 65 back to Malaysia for its exclusive sensation that Chicken 65 offers.
Tamilnadu Agricultural University (TNAU) is another place that has impressed us. Not because of its campus or the architecture, but its university’s technology that aims to improve the lives of farmers. We were introduced to the university’s portal, TNAU Agritech Portal which provides abundant information regarding farming that would allow farmers to obtain expertise from researchers of the entire world by merely using mobile phones.
Another captivating spot of Tamilnadu is the Isha Yoga Centre. It is a place of tranquil and peace for people who wish to escape from the hustle and bustle of city by meditating and practicing yoga. It is founded by a famous yogi named Sadguru who is also a well- known philosopher around the world. The buildings are unique as such that they were built without the use of pillar. It is said that one can attain the peace of mind and perfection of soul through meditation. As we entered the meditation hall, the calm ambience was felt. The rejuvenation was experienced despite of the short meditation session we had.
On the last day (16th Dec) before we depart to the Cochin Airport, again we had our breakfast at People’s Park. The dishes served include the poori, ghee roast, masal roast, puratta, chappathi, idly, vadai, and etc. All the food taste exquisite, perhaps we have got used to the Indian food and started to savor them by eating with our hands. Not only that, the taste of rose milk was extremely good too, which I still craving for it now.
All in all, the exotic beauties of Indian food, places that we have visited, and the Indian community are truly undoubted, yet it cannot be explained by words alone. To feel it, you have to experience it!
All I have to say is nandri-thank you, especially to Vignesh, Bharathi, Vishnu, Abdul, Anil, Sethu, Udaya, Santhos, rotaractors and rotarians who have put in tremendous effort to bring us such a wonderful memory of discovering India. I believe all of us have created a miracle milestone through this goodwill and ecotour program.
*****Merry Christmas and Happy 2010! =)*****
