Not a bad day for a weekend get-away for the elusive few looking for an escape that just might wake you up into the real world and recalibrate focus on living the remaining life. A reality check to see if the foot placed on the ground is the right one while taking a step, after which it is a simple launch forward trying to reach the goal set for a certain future time and date. Life is all about crawling one step at a time to your destination, steadily but filling your pool of happiness, one drop at a time. It is wisely said ‘A happy man is one with least expectation’ I beg to differ, this is nothing but an interpretation that one has to work in a constant pace with utmost dedication and expect nothing in return. That simply is how you mature to reality.

Frantically walking towards the bus, anxious parents drop their little ones ensuring the safety of the toddlers, asking specific question at random order to ensure the trip is the right one. Assembling one by one at the reporting grounds, the army recruits gather to catch a bus to an alien land for an overdose of nature. Leaving their loved ones, stuffing their bags with essentials needed for a 2 day trip and boarding the vehicle flags the start of the journey from Koyembedu.

The semi-sleeper bus ran push-back seats across the deck giving enough leg room to stuff baggages underneath. Close to half its strength running across the city to Perungalathur. Watching TV the sensitive stomachs feed on their neatly packed home food in a tiffin and the joy of oneness resolves into sharing. Picking up rest of the trekkers from a makeshift bus stop, amognst blaring horns of heavy traffic forcing police officers to control the chaos at the spot. Now with the trek pack in majority the journey endures towards Mettupalayam which is a sleeps distance away, the lands of serene hill stations namely Ooty.  Post dinner at a travel agent specific hotel for 20 minutes, the driver plunges the bus into the darkness of the night through Salem highway, illuminating its path with bright headlights and perfectly working air horn overtaking other vehicles, meanwhile the Television inside screened a fictional movie portraying a haunted hotel with illogical human characters burying dead bodies in their backyard like its simple gardening. Midnight sleep follows, fiddling with phones, biding the loved ones farewell, reading online their favourite authors, the hard day is put to rest before the 5pm disembarking destination. Goodnight Chennai.

Day 1

Bus halts near closed shops at 5:15 am. Boarding off at the bus stand to breathe in the misty morning air, unloading all survival equipment for 2 days, assembling together counting luggages, the sun is yet to rise. Sleep walking into the designated transport for the rest of the trip parked across the roads, the sleep continues on the mini bus enroute the hills. Gaining altitude the land below grows visible in spectacular fashion against the slow rising sun in the distant east.  The gloomy skies in spectrum of blue and the surrounding scenery in gradual highlights of green is tossed on both sides of the bus, the drive being twists and turns up a curvy road carved out on the terrain. The sun slowly peaking out the distance mountain-top illuminating the day as we know it, gaining visibility to the sleeping world below. Chilly wind  brushing across the face, human body experiences a considerable shift in magnetic field of the earth as compared to that of the city. Every place on earth has different magnetic fields alignment with respect to the earth pole.

Mukund managed to stay awake using the old chewing gum technique, feeding on the view of the many mountains at the distant. Geared up, all the trekkers look like an army packed up and put together to fight a war. These soldiers have been debriefed on the programme and are given specific orders to carry out the task. The mission is discreet involving a lot of James Bond climbing, but all the troopers must keep the fraternity code at all times. The caps worn by many fit the scenario perfectly. 

The bus travels up the lonely road with the mountain on one side, and a breath taking view of the city below, with its million tiny lights switched on from the previous night at the crack of dawn. Approaching city, signalled by clusters of shut down shops and house built by the side of the road, one last turn and the path becomes really narrow, just enough to fit the bus like it was designed for it. A few blind corners and soldiers arrive at their base camp, the Sparrow House Camp. Given the name for the very reason it attracts a lot of sparrows, and during peak times swarming with these birds, their claw on the metal sheet roofing gives the impression of rain pouring down.

Tea Plantation Therapy

Its a two story building beside a grass lawn, with the second floor being accessible on the side of the elevation, up a shitty iron ladder. The ground floor has a dinning hall and a bedroom. The entire top floor is filled with single bunker beds lined up in two rows against opposite walls to accommodate the 21 military recruits during the Army training. Settling down next to friends, choosing bunkers at random each stacked with a pillow and blanket, troopers unpack their bags, lie down while others explore options around including searching for more plug points to connect a charger. Walking up and down the incline road that divided a set of spare house, enjoying the view around in clean fresh air unlike the polluted city mornings. The room below is designated for the ladies, few yet to finish their initial training program and enter into field work. Outside beside the house on the elevation lay a small open stretch of land to play short distance games. 

Silently a tempo traveller arrives and park in the front lawn. The second batch of the army battalion shipped all the way from Coimbatore arrives, the recruit team loaded and locked to rock and rumble. Quickly placing the bags in available bunkers, its breakfast time in the hall. Sitting on the steps, the chairs on the lawn, initiating a small chit chat, standing across on the road, morning fast is dissolved in hot Puri and rice mix. Packing just a bag alone with essentials for a walk, forming a circle, introduction of the group is initiated to break the ice. A small description about each followed by a brief about the trek, and off go the soldiers for a short drive boarding their respective vehicles, jumping out on a road cutting tea plantations on both sides. Taking a small route in between the planted tea harvest, the test of the army legs begin. 

Walking on uneven dry mud path, the hills slopes to an incline with fields of tea on either side, portraying a dreamy pleasurable movie shot scenery like that in films. Clearly the location for many Indian songs, where decked-up actors & actress move very little to seem effortless on screen, having colourful girls run in between these fields, and at times suddenly appearing out of the bushes in synchronisation. Poor girls. The strong green trees of tea evenly laying as though stacked up in uniform height, definitely able to carry a persons weight, planted in rows curving according to the landscape, on the dark brown mud gripped by the roots of these bright green leaf plant. For some odd reason, the collective sight of flora growing at this magnitude brings a smile to the face, the instance the view hits the eye. Climbing up the trail lead by the tour guides, the troop stops on flat grounds that hoisted an entire village of tribal people, The Kurumba Tribe.

Historically, the Kurumba are hunters, forest food gatherers, shifting cultivators, and have been best known for their acts of sorcery to heal the diseases, for reasons which they were feared by other tribes. With increasing population and deforestation they are forced to live in the lower plateau regions and work in tea or coffee plantations. Sadly, now the Kurumba are the poorest of the plateau tribes. They speak a Dravidian language known as Southern Kannada. The community headman (Maniyagara) presides over the Kurumba tribal council, following custom of burial with elaborate funeral rites which differ according to sex, age and rank. Recently adapting to labour work on farms of coffee, tea and vegetables, many are experts in basket weaving as well. Earlier Kurumba did throb into drum beats alongside edgy movements of men and women dancing in half circles. They ancestrally worship megalithic Dolomans, also harvest and winnow rice and climb overhanging rock cliffs to collect honey with amazing grace. Hindus by religion, they pray to gods and many objects of nature, such as stones and trees and once believed in people being possessed with evil spirits, never hesitating to sacrifice goats to appease the spirits. The Kurumba women dress in colourful cotton saris, long skirts and long blouses with scarves over their heads while the men wear dhotis, or lungi and recently adapting outgrown old shirts.

Today Kurumba artists revive their nearly lost skill of painting on cloth and canvas and manufacturing handmade paper. Under the tag ‘Tribal’ recognized by the Indian government qualify them for college scholarships, small business loans and priority for most jobs. But regardless to say, it is difficult for them to cope to this fast moving world. As a matter of fact even we find it hard.

Walking a lil further to the end of the village, a path filled with fallen leaves leads to the adjoining forest considered sacred to the tribe. Trees of magnificent display growing in varying heights between bushes, shrubs on the floor of soil and grass. Thickly populated trees upto 35 meters height, ideal climate and altitude makes this habitat a haven for birds.

The shrine at Banagudi Shola

A single pathway leading to the heart of the Benagudi shola unfolds an odd little shrine of the Pancha Pandavas and Kariyaraya.  An interesting five-tiered stone layer with thatched roof of leaves sitting inside a circles surrounded by stones, probably possessing deity idols is considered extremely holy in these sholas. To approach closer to these huts one has to remove footwear, respecting the customs and traditions followed by the tribe. Retracing the path and walking further one reaches an open space that comprised of Dolomen Burial Grounds. ‘Hero stones’ found of megalithic Dolmens consists of slabs of flat rock arranged over the dead Dolomen, dating back to prehistoric times, clustered in numbers of 5. Some burials are decorated with idols inside, smeared with red kumkum offered as worship. Sitting and listening to the history of the alien land, it is time to wander into the forest, splitting into two groups pondering into the wild like a carnivore on a hunt. Walking in silence between trees noticing the extra-ordinary around, the flower, the bushes, the trees that contained dead carcasses of locusts, the green texture complimenting the dark sand, birds chirping at the distance along the sound of the wind running through the trees, all under the hidden sun tucked behind the tall branches. In the thick of the jungle, thorny bushes pose as obstacles to commute. Sounding like a machine gun, this magnificent creature can be heard from distance, the Malabar Giant Squirrel. To spot this rare beauty, a dash of black and red with a huge tail, growing upto 3 feet in length, is an absolute delight, witnessing it in the wild in its natural habitat - priceless !! Bulbul soaring past between tree branches, sparrows, and the million other species camouflaged in the forest, dwelling as part of the ecosystem that simply is ever inspiring. Walking to another part of the forest and spotting the squirrel’s nest, who habitually make more than one nest, constantly shuffling between each to evade predator looking for a quick meal. 

In entirety, a total photographer’s paradise, for all the moments taken in real life are a compilation of millions of clicks. Being abundant in nature, photographed in any bizarre fashion only recreates your skills to capture the ordinary. Posing for facebook as customary, the obnoxious cycle of photos resolves into a walk further down the trail, meeting up with the other group and continue the walk, spotting a Gaint Squirrel on vertical tree trunk beside the road, hanging against gravity as though a model waiting for the photo shootout. Taking another path across the tea plantation, it is a joyful decent down the hill behind the green backgrounds all around. Many try to get a solo photo with the nature, a spectacular way to convey that life is fun and full of adventures. Passing through the Kurumba village, they looking upon us aliens parading on their territory, using the only path they have to get to their village. Crossing over tea plantations finally reaching a road, a few more steps further and the Sparrow House is visible. Jumping straight to bed, initiating small talks, it is time for lunch. Chapathi and rice is devoured in the murmur of the noon. The army rest their heavy belly and mind from the exhaustion chit chatting, sitting on the path, on the lawn, walking up to the nearby climb and engaging in photos, exploring behind the building containing trees and a small court yard to hang and dry clothes. The break ending quickly with repacking of bag with one pair of clothes and essentials for a shower and time to roll. 

A walk down a hill through tea plantation for a short distance gradually turns the terrain difficulty level to strenuous, changing from a slight incline to a series of trees and jungle, to huge uneven rocks now climbing down in all four, alongside the sound of flowing water stream. Trekking down the rocks with precaution as some of the stones are wet making them slippery, the climb down reaches to a shallow pool of water beyond which is the waterfall that slide over mountain rocks crashing down with great force into the water coagulated. There are three or four macho stream of falling cold water, forceful enough to push you out of the falls. The pack disintegrates and plunges head first in the water, while few decide to stay away from disastrous forces of nature. Taking turns to walk into the waterfall, splashing around in the water building energy to face the water current against the direction and again going head on into the waterfall, the battle continues. Friends catch up on their never ending theories and perspective of life. A good hour in the water crumbles skin on the fingers, finally climbing on to dry rocks draining the water and manifesting into dry clothes, we humans are habituated to. Accounting specifics, one soldier was injured in the process with tiny leg injury, besides that, maximum fun obtained with zero loss to fun factor !!
Mission Accomplished !! St. Catherine Waterfalls was successfully captured !!

Good job Team !! You are now honoured with the Blue Star Medal !!

St. Catherine Waterfall

The walk back is simply retraced, making sure the post-battle army returns to base and re-adapt to normal life. Hanging clothes in arbid order, the wounded soldier is treated by the army doctor outside the hall, while the others replenish their experience with a game of cricket with the local kids, and later a hot cup of tea. Resting for awhile with the sun almost setting, a documentary film is screened on Tribal Kurumba collecting honey from cliffs.  The informative video is preceded by a small walk to the distant view point, where the way back is assisted with torch lights after fall of dark. Soon enough, a bonfire is lit !!

Grabbing a chair each, holding on to a piece of paper and a pen, the arena for games is set for the soldiers to engage and improve their inter-social skills. Group Therapy Sessions in a circle around the bonfire. Firstly, the Chinese Whisper or simply Pass-on-the-message. Each one is whispered a message in the ear, listening to the message, contemplating, making sense of it, passing it on to the person beside. As expected the message gets twisted and misinterpreted. This is a simple reason why one should not believe in gossips. It is nothing but word of mouth, with each individual preaching it in his/her own method, and the listener perceives it in his/her own pattern. After a point usually never making sense and lightyears away from the original message missing the point entirely.  

Starvation drives the games to a detour, playing the next set of games with the stomach muscles devouring Chapathi, rice and vegetable kurma. The serving plates go empty in no time, all satisfied rehabilitates back to their prior position gearing up for the next set of games. A quick round of Chinese whisper to warm upto speed and lo, Narendra Modi is fighting Silk Smitha for presidential candidacy ! One message in one direction is too slow and boring, so another message is introduced from the other side, and Joe has to say what he hears from his left ear to the person onto the right and the visa versa, which was managed pretty well. Gaming up one level, the Chinese whisper in played in pictorial format. One has to look at the drawing of the person sitting on the right, draw a replica and show it the person sitting on the left. This makes mountains, man, river and sun to 3-stroked alphabets of some historical language, and again back to mountain, river, man and sun. Amazing group skills reversed its own tragedy producing a Xerox copy of the original.

The next game - Who am I ? Six people in random are given world famous figures written on a piece of paper, they are to hold onto their forehead. Free to go to any random person sitting in the circle and ask a yes or no question that helps them guess the famous figure assigned to them. But cheaters use the flash lights to their advantage looking at the inverse image of the name from behind the paper, act like their great detective minds found the answer with pure logical reasoning. Not Cool. Well, Michael Jackson was figured when question was asked about the skin colour, followed by an answer with a stutter. Retreating back to seating positing, it was time for one last game - Jim, Jack and Joe - Paired up in threes, taking effort to focus on working as a team to call out an assigned word at random order. Bursting into laughter watching teams fall out, the game progresses into single showdown between two teams, deciding a winner, using different combination, increasing the difficulty level to eliminate the winners, namely Nivedha, Sriram and Ashwin, and Joe and family. A small brief about the subsequent day and the night disperses into sleep clouds, resuming positions for orchestral snore all night. Many doze off almost immediately anticipating the big trek tomorrow, while the nocturnal few play cards, watch Lionel Messi score his 90^th minute goal against Iran winning 1-0, initiating scary stories, playing Kaun Banega Crorepathi under the clear Kothagiri night sky. Soon enough the temporary travellers retire to their warm bed, not so warm for the people who didn't bother to look around for the extra blankets provided that others were using as pillows. Night slips by the dark as army batteries charge for the next days assault and full fledge attack with the wild.

Day 2

Woken up in a position you've slept all night indicates sleep still in progress. The bee hive slowly turns alive engaging in activities of daily chores to kick start the day. Methodical behaviour over years of performing a task compels Narayanan, the senior most member of the group to shave in the morning without a mirror, staring at the beauty of the mountains in the backyard. Freshening up, Idli and Puri is served for breakfast. Taking all belonging, quickly loading up bags to carry for a trek including packed lunch, it was time to evacuate the Base. Soldiers embark into their respective vehicle for the last assignment on their programme. The bus leaves for the city through the narrow road across the mountain, enroute picking Arul and halts on un-tarred road beside an open land. Raja and Senthil, the two scout guides lead the group of 29 down the mountains filled with lemon grass and thorny bushes, the trail against the mountain side.

Beside a mini stream the ground rules are laid, and in a single file the army marches into the field. The terrain being initially flat with trees and bushes slowly turns into depressions and elevations upto 45 degree. Climbing in a slow fashion, holding on to the mountain shaking hands with all the lemon grass plants maintaining a steady balance, climbing using all four limbs. In any case of a mishap the drop down is dangerous, and can easily lead to injury, but managing to pull through the day in entirety with utter caution and safety. Crossing over to the other sides of the mountain, the growing view of Goam Falls is studied from different angles, situated in the valley between these giant landscape, the final destination or the main battle zone, surrounded by lemon grass leaf blades that tend to leave paper cuts on the skin, as if the randomly stuffed thorny bushes were not enough. Learning the hard way deciding against wearing full-pants that day was a mistake, the unforgiving grass slashes mercilessly through the skin, like Gerald Butler in the movie 300. Stopping at points to drink water and finding porcupine quills, the trek continues to the highest altitude climb atop a mountain showing the entire plain of mountains around, carpeted with a layer of lemon grass, and further distance mountains colliding with clouds. A couple of photos clicked in tribal fashion and its time to ascend down the hills into the valley, to the waterfalls for a dip. Natural flowing or stagnant water always adds aesthetics beauty to any landscape by its sheer collective presence. 

Valley seating Goam Falls

The path down being steep, it was a relief to meet all those lemon grass that lay in abundance. The terrain comprised of huge mountain rocks and sand gripped together by roots, stones, rock of different shapes and sizes sprinkled in random on the mountain side known to graze Bison, Gaur, Porcupine and even elephants. The trail began into the lower lands where the trees got intensely thick, actuating the fact of easily getting lost in a forest in less than 10 steps. On any such occasion it is best not to try and catch up with the person in front of you. The jungle looks the same in all directions and any slight deviation from the trail could lead to another remote part of the forest. The key is to stay put, be together and not panic. Sooner or later realizing the absence, the path will be retraced till found, ofcourse only by someone who knows the forest well. 

Standing dummy to incoming tree branches bent by the person ahead in order to commute through, thorny bushes upto 5 feet in height make it a harsh terrain to navigate. The last few stretch climbing over a tree, under a trees and crossing a river path, jumping few rock among streams of flowing water revealed the waterfall caved inside a mountain. Surrounded by a personal boundary of mountain wall with 60 meters of its length glowing with surface of curtaining water, pouring down to a pool of water below, maintaining the constant sound of water crashing on to the rocks, beside a small island sprouting bushes and trees in the middle.
This is the long awaited Goam Waterfalls !! Main Battle Station !!
Heads to Starboard !! This is not a Drill !!

Hunger driven brains dysfunctions the army to immediately deploy to service to their stomachs, yet some fighting the urge, soldiers resumes stance and head off to face the force of nature. The approach to the falls are mountain rocks, which when wet, are an underrated disaster waiting to be realized. The physically fit few fall animated like cartoon, running over the same spot and taking a tumble at the end. Finally at peace, sitting under cold waters getting rid off the dirt of the excursion. Last bell for lunch rung by the abdomen is attended by tomato rice and curd rice, with chips and pickle. Nothing more like Popeye eating his spinach, it was time to take a dip yet again, for the reason you don’t get to do this everyday. The soothing cold water crashing on the head is followed by a swim in the nearby pool of water like Michael Phelps practising for the Olympics, and back to the waterfall. Sitting on dry land, that curved into the mountain towering bout 50 meters in height, providing shade to some of the ground, while the sunny rocks turn ideal for drying clothes.

Status : The soldiers reported zero injury. The Goam Falls was captured.
Mission Flawlessly Accomplished !! 
Well done comrades, You are all now promoted to the title of Sergeant !!

A lazy festive afternoon is spent relaxing in a small part of nature’s pocket enjoying the victory. Soon its time to exit the location leaving no trash or traces behind. One last gathering, a demonstration on 3-point-contact climbing is proceeded by a 60 degree incline climb up the mountain. Now standing atop the waterfall viewing a completely different side to the same falls, close to the drop point is a brilliant experience. The flat land with flora and a river that seemed to be in a hurry turns into a typhoon of photo shoots, which almost cost Narayanan his life, taking a tumble but a simple brush down the pants and and its no big deal. I think yoga is to be blamed for such a rubber-band like physique. A few more photos, the walk into the forest continues. Crossing the last few rock boulders on water, jungle lasted till the trail lead across the mountain to the parked buses. A quick breather, rounding up into the vehicles, the drive ends at the nearest town for tea and purchasing items of rarity found in these parts from the local Ecoshop. Leaving the city the excitement drops by the altitude, and is compensated by few old song blaring on the speakers. The last stop, a view point for a quick session of SMILE n click, one last healthy laugh together and its time to descent all the way to ground level roads to the boring lands we belong to. The bus ride dangerously twisting down the curvy roads makes the youngest member travel sick, and she gets a movie style ride down the mountain, with a wall on one side and breath-taking view on the other. Reaching Mettupalayam city, a royal dinner in a Vegetarian restaurant bids everyone one last goodbye. A new bond formed from the time spent together, sharing an experience that was made thrilling by the collective presence of everyone, owing to individual participation from all.

The return journey being an AC sleeper makes the travel comfortable in controlled environment after the long day, officially labelled as the stinky bunch on the bus with all the mud & sweat. A feedback form filled and its time to wake up to a city life as we know it. Sleeping Narayanan suddenly wakes up at night to say "Oh, I thought we were still climbing!". The journey does take you on a trip to an imaginary land in a forest with fern trees, mountain, rocks and waterfalls - Clarity that couldn't get any more realistic than nature, resetting the over-flooded mind for once. All worldly possession in these harsh lands mean nothing, except for your physical body strength and instincts to survive. The reason, forget being on time, but making it out alive is the sum of all our chances collectively put together, making this a positive ordeal. 

Humans have become so ignorant about the things around, oblivious to the fact that man was born in the wild. Growing up within concrete walls, getting too comfortable inside that all of a sudden outdoors seem unsafe, dangerous and creepy. You can’t live indoor all your life, the whole world as you know it, is outside that very same door you seek refuge in. Learn to adapt rather than complain about the colour of your nail polish or this other trivial thing called ‘money’. No matter how much ever money one can pile up, it can is simple never be equivalent to any of the magnificent waterfalls and beauty witnessed. Humans invented money, and no invention is ever greater than its inventor !! Sadly, we choose to ignore this wisdom because comfort has driven us to a point beyond contemplation. Nature is our provider, as long as we make sure to contain it, abuse in the least, Mother Earth will not be preserved beautiful forever.

Summing up last couple of days, two waterfalls, one camp fire night and memories engraved on gold, tipping the scales with maximum fun, beautiful scenery and scenic locations imprinted with smiles and laughter, and the night of games and mystery, this fearless and awesome weekend was successfully utilised well for the training programme. Team, you are now decorated officers set to rule the modern day life. SALUTE !!

Goam Falls

In Alphabetical Order

Alex

Fine soldier who acted in the movie 300, the eldest of the group of friends making sure the four sticks together recreating office times. Good at singing making nightingales blush, a compliment only Satheesh can vouch for.

Allwyn

Able to march up great distance making a good army general. But when it comes to the bed, the last one to get out and the last one to exit the hall. Known for the devious 4 group selfies, takes life one step at a time.

Ashwin

Just out of school, looking for some fun to punch, destroys both the waterfalls with agility. A lil obsessed with solo photo for display pictures on facebook, faces the difficult terrain like a tough smiling soldier.

Dinakaran 

Waiting for someone professional to do crazy event in the wild, took initiative to sign up his friend from office for the trip. Everything was as per plan, especially the laziness spent with the rest of the buddies taking a break from busy office life.

Joanelle (a.k.a Lacci)

The younger sibling, mostly quite and withdrawn, who after the get-to-know phase is a non-stop radio on the move apparently. But time did not permit this radio station to be tuned, and it was soon time to leave. Fearlessly climbs through the terrain marking traits of a warrior.

Joe Kenet

The big man escaping from the city life bringing his girls to this part of the country for some splish-splash adventure with nature. The only soldier, who unlike the rest, had the courage to bring his family along to share the fruits of the joyous weekend. 

Joushita (a.k.a Princy)

The elderly mean sister, who takes away all of little sister's things. Just kidding. Managing a fair deal on the climb up and coping pretty well, this soldier prefers to be self sustained and is yet to climb many more mountains in life to come.

Karthi 

The family man who joined because his friend persuaded him. This soldier had a splash of nature on both the waterfalls and a major part of the regiment was following his friend around on the battle field.

Karthick

The businessman who loves to photograph for a hobby in this visual paradise, spotting the rarest of rarest yet alone photographing it. It takes an effort to pursue an art, and anything that comes flawless is an art specific to you alone. Cherish it.  

Krishnan

The artist, authorised to tattoo good skin on wounded soldiers to retrieve them back to the battle field. Have fun while it lives, you missed the first waterfalls which was way better. Tattoo of a tattooing machine, is one sign of dedication brother.

Mukund

The entrepreneur running a 3^rd generation business, who can easily slip in and out of the crowd without notice. Executing a silent approach to everything accentuating a mind full of internal calculation. This soldier tactfully made it through the entire trek in incognito mode. 

Narayanan

The oldest man on the group is a reason for concern for I know at his age I will be half as healthy as him. Perfect fatherly figure, could suit for role in acting as the village head. This worrying soldier hit neither of the water in the pretext to safe guard the belonging at all times. Nice move there.

Nivedha

Idly Girl 1 (Limca Record Holder for eating Idli everyday for the last 7 years), one of the first to register, huge chatterbox with a missing volume knob. This soldier could not resist the calls for nature but is happy go lucky seeking more adventures. 

Portia

Mother managing the girls pretty well, had a lovely time enjoying the trek and the waterfall. This soldier is up for more battles in future, learning from this trip, meeting interesting people, hasn't seen a bonfire since high school.

Priyanka

The moody introvert, who can slips between the crowd unnoticed, was the undercover agent for all the covert operation. Solider sustained injury approaching the destination, but didn't budge for either of the waterfalls.

Rajesh

Father of one, loving the attention received at home after his registered marriage only because his parent blame his wife for everything now. Most enthusiastic about the trek, this soldier wished to see more wildlife, but nevertheless making new friends.

Rishab

Businessman minting money for his father now drives an Audi A4, just kidding I don’t think has a driving license. Fun loving, takes life one step at a time, never usually serious but when it comes to playing, this soldier is dedicated to keeping the game going.

Satheesh 

IT engineer by profession, living an ordinary life convinced his friend to come along. Not missing any waterfall, this soldier is ever energetic, lively and always kicking. For someone as kind and generous, I suggest you start doing something bad just to fit into the crowd.

Satyanarayanan

The landscape architect, who organizes trek as these to remote locations, chose to study the waterfalls from a distance and not from inside. Chit chatting constantly, belongs to the group of punctual, the first ones to be on the bus, always packed and ready to go.

Shanmuga

The most serious soldier in the company, super punctual, opting out on both the missions to safeguard the lives of the rest. Fellow soldier being a friend in profession, constantly choosing to walk alongside throughout the trip.

Srinivasan 

This smoking machine got a tiny glass piece pierced into the underfoot, but was quickly treated by the army doctor. Not saying much, the most shy of the troop is a musical genius when it comes to the guitar.

Sriram

“Jack” in a low base voice, obsessed with selfies is another new recruit. Looking for fun to deal with, this soldier shall pass through with no complaints. Needs to definitely cut down on carrot intake as height has exceeded the Indian train berth comfort zone.

Subhash

Army doctor who faked all certificates to practise medicine in Coimbatore. Looks more like the villain doctors who attempts to inject the sleeping hero with poison. Great music lover never missing out on any fun factor all trip, living life like a kid.

Vasudha
Idli girl 2, almost flew away with the heavy wind but was saved by weight of her clothes and bag. Collecting walking sticks that do not aid walking, this soldier is fresh into the field and apparently a 9 pointer in college.

Extreme modelling, Malabar Giant Squirrel