Alpha Three: Chattamunnar Trek

By Project PRO Charlie Arnot

Raleigh’s first ever foray into deepest Kerala was a resounding success. Covering a total distance of around 500km in just 16 days was no mean feat and we all have the blisters to prove it!























Our first task was an arduous ten day trek through the stunning scenery provided by the Chattamunnar tea plantations. The team traipsed along river beds, through the endless paths amongst the ‘chai’ and managed to scale the second highest mountain in India, outside of the Himalayas. Covering distances in excess of 20km per day gave each and every member of the team the challenge of their lives. Yes, there were tears but to see some of the sights we have seen and to truly be the pioneers of Raleigh’s first ever trek in India more than made up for it.

Highlights included being welcomed into a local village and invited to try local fruit and vegetables. Aaron was even taken under the wing of the village elder and they exchanged addresses. We also found a glorious unspoilt waterfall where we spent a lazy afternoon amidst the dragonflies and finally, the carnivore in us all was unleashed after weeks of vegetarianism when the group bought, killed, plucked and roasted three chickens, with the help of locals and a secret masala sauce!





















The biking phase began near Periyar and was no less exhausting than the trek, even though bags were stowed in a support vehicle, the paths up the mountains seemed no more accessible.



























On the second day the total distance covered on two wheels was greater than 115km! The hustle and bustle of cycling a city was a stark contrast to our campsite on the banks of the largest lake in Kerala.























The following day we embarked on the last, and slightly more relaxing, stage of the adventure! With a mixture of single and double kayaks the team paddled their way along the pristine backwaters of Kerala. Miles and miles of palm lined, emerald rivers beckoned, with the chance to sample some of Kerala’s world famous fish curry on the way.

The adventure came to end on a Keralan beach where some swam in the Arabian Sea, just five metres away from a dolphin – a fitting end to an incredible journey.