Going back in time, we can see how everything will eventually lead to more recent fields of study. There are a lot of historical tales to be told about the Munnar-Kodaikanal Escape Road, which was shut down more than three decades ago. History's trek to Escape Road starts in 1864. For the officers' accommodation, the British Army was seeking a suitable location to establish a military cantonment. Army officer Colonel Douglas Hamilton witnessed the Berijam region in the Palani Hills during the time.
He said that this location was the best for building a military cantonment. In this area known as Kodaikanal, many affluent families settled. The Berijam Lake and the area's cool climate were its main draws.
Another military station bearing Douglas Hamilton's name existed. Fort Hamilton was the name. Despite the word "fort" being in the name, it was actually just a little cabin! In the vicinity, a man-made lake was constructed in 1867. Veer Levine, the Madurai Collector at the time, gave the lake his retirement funds in order to develop it. With that money, the dam and reservoir were built.
History of road collisions
The Kannan Devan Company oversaw the construction of the Kundala Road, which connects Top Station and Munnar, in 1902. Additionally, a monorail was constructed to allow small freight trains carrying tea and other goods to pass. Around 1915, the Low Ghat Road connecting Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, and Bathalagund was constructed. A second stretch of the route from Lake Berijam to Top Station was constructed in 1925. To travel this treacherous, winding road to Kochi would take more than 12 hours. Berijam Lake is located about 257 kilometres from Kochi. The road's highest point is 8140 feet, and it passes via Vantarav Peak at an elevation of 8375 feet. One of India's tallest roadways is this one.
At the outbreak of World War II, the Axis powers, including Japan, Germany, and Italy, had the upper hand. Madras, a stronghold of the British, used to get sporadic bomb attacks from Japan. As a result, many families fled to the mountainous regions. Many of them also reached Kodaikanal. The strategy was to evade the attack by covering the Western Ghats, which lies between the east coast and the west coast. The British planned to escape to Top Station via Berijam Lake and from there via Munnar to Kochi by ship. As part of this, the British government decided to improve the roads.This is how the road from Kodaikanal to the top station got its name as Escape Road.
The British Civil Engineering Department upgraded the road during wartime. The escape road soon got altered to accommodate only small motor cars to travel. But there were no setbacks as feared in the war. The road was later used to transport goods to Madras.
Listen to the history of the road along with trekking
The fortunate fortune is that those who travel to the Pampadumchola National Park for trekking by the forest department will get to stroll a short way along the Escape Road. It might go as far as 990. Travel on this route was entirely prohibited in the 1990s as Kerala and Tamil Nadu fought legal disputes over highways. Through this route, hikers can travel a distance of 3 kilometres. You might see a variety of animals and birds while admiring the forest's untamed beauty. You won't encounter any difficulties getting to Foundation Road in Kodaikanal. You must have authorization from the Kodaikanal DFO to travel from there to Berijam Lake.
Fully replanted trees line the road leading from Berijam Lake to Pampadumchola Park. In the Pampadumchola National Park trekking package, we can take a brief stroll along this route. On the journey, you might see old milestones. On the way, one may observe wild elephants, wild buffalo, and leopards. The Pampadumchola National Park is home to the unique kind of wild squirrel known as the Nilgiri Martin. The cost of the forest department's trekking is Rs 300 per person. Trekking typically takes 4 to 5 hours to accomplish.
Spectacular road trips to take if you are in Kerala
✓Wayanad to Madikeri:
If you like to travel from a city known for literature via beautiful landscapes, this is one of the greatest routes to choose. Madikeri is a hub with coffee farms, beautiful roadways, and is therefore a haven for nature. The route is a biker's heaven, being beautifully surrounded by tranquil greenery in the environs.
✓Kochi to Munnar:
From the plains to the hills, Kochi to Munnar. It can be disorienting to travel through the city, then onto country roads, and finally onto a twisting route. It's a beautiful drive with many interesting plantations, paddy fields, forests, waterfalls, and other sights. It will take 4-5 hours to get from Munnar to Kochi.
✓Wayanad to Nilambur:
You will pass through forests, teak plantations, and teak. The route is very gorgeous, with winding tracks that widen into more impressive tracks as you get closer to Nilambur. One of Kerala's top tracks without a doubt.
✓Athirapally to Valparai :
Drive through the hills of one of Kerala's most well-known forest ranges, Athirapally, to experience the state's breathtaking natural splendour. One of Kerala's most beautiful tea farms is reached after a 2.5-hour trip over the Western Ghats. It's interesting to note that the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is also nearby.
✓Kottayam to Wagamon:
This path is what many would call heaven-on-earth if you're in the mood for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of cities. One of the nicest road excursions in Kerala is the one that takes around an hour and a half to complete between Kottayam and Wagamon. This trail is a true biker's heaven because it is surrounded by tea plantations. Here's some advice for folks who enjoy four-wheel drives: Shut off the air conditioner and take a deep breath of the outside air. Enjoy the refreshing breeze as well. It is worthwhile.
✓Alappuzha to Changanassery:
From Alappuzha to Changanassery, the road is lined with lovely vegetation. Paddy fields and other crops are split in half by the well-maintained road. You may take in the fresh air and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings because it is less congested. Visit Kuttanadu, known as Kerala's rice bowl, to observe the expansive paddy fields.
✓Munnar to Kodaikanal :
The distance between Munnar and Kodaikanal is roughly 190 kilometres. Both hill stations offer ideal vacation possibilities and a cool climate. Given the distance between Munnar and Kodaikanal, getting there is simple. Through roads, railroads, and aeroplanes, Kodaikanal is well connected to the rest of the nation. But in order to have a fantastic vacation, one must also be well-prepared with all the necessary knowledge to organise a trip to Kodaikanal. Spice Voyage helps you to easily and affordably plan the vacation of your dreams.
