Went to Tada Falls from Avadi (Chennai) on 01 Nov 09. My wife, two sons (6 & 10 years) and I started in my Maruti 800 with me driving, at 0730 hrs. Hit NH 5 at Puzhal, turned left, and proceeded about 50 km on the excellent road at good speeds till Tada.
When Tada arrived we did not climb the flyover that takes one across Tada. Instead we took the service lane running left of the highway. After some 300 meters there is a very prominent tri-junction with a big road branching off to left towards Srikalahasti. We had a quick breakfast here. Better check the rates before ordering. Else they take you to be gullible and a ripe candidate for over-charging.
Thereafter we proceeded on the very good road, a state highway, to Varadiah Palem some 15-20 kms away. There we have to turn left for going to Tada falls. We almost took a wrong turn when we turned on the first available left. Instead we were guided to turn left another about a km further. This left turn is located right across a spot where the state highway crosses a causeway (another name for a crossing where a road crosses a water body on the bed and not by a bridge). This spot can also be identified by a petrol pump that is located about 200 mtrs before the turning.
The road up ahead though is single lane is OK for driving. Follow this road. Do not go on any diversions. After reaching Avantika Leather Factory one has to cross a canal on a bridge and pay toll at a check post (Rs 100/- for a car and a camera). Then one has to drive a kachcha track (mud road) till the parking lot. This track is not half as bad as people's description. Some patches are rocky and need careful driving at slow speeds in 1/2 gear. Though I must add a word of caution that it may be a tough going during and after rains due to water logging.
The parking lot when we reached was fairly well occupied as it was 01 Nov 09 and Chennai Trekkers Club had gathered about 200 trekkers/volunteers for a "Save Tada" trek who had arrived in four buses and other assorted vehicles for cleaning up Tada Falls. A noble mission indeed. People who come on other days should be ready for lesser crowds. Some other boisterous groups of people had come there mainly to have a good time by drinking, shouting and swimming. So be careful. It may not be fully safe on all days.
The trek itself was fairly comfortable for the first 2-2.5 kms till the Shiva temple with a well laid and identifiable track. Then after wading across a stream (where I almost slipped into water) the track becomes progressively more difficult. Later there were huge boulders to be overcome. My boys were enjoying it thoroughly. After about a km of strenuous trek after crossing the stream we reached the destination.
On the way back we had khana and a splash in the pool at the crossing at the Shiva temple. Then we came back to Chennai by the same route we had followed while going, and reached Avadi at 1700 hrs.
A nice trek indeed.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
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