Cycling from Kallidaikurichi to Brahmadesam: Soak in Oodles of Rustic Tamil Nadu charm

Gorgeous ancient temples, lush paddy fields, banana plantations and tuber farms, quiet village roads with cows, buffaloes and goats giving you company, the Thamirabharani river and its tributaries and smiling locals are what you will find on this rustic cycling route between Kallidaikurichi and Brahmadesam in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. This rustic part of the country offers excellent routes for cycling if you can handle the humidity and/or if you can start early in the morning. Previously, I had written about the scenic and rustic cycling route between Kallidaikurichi and Manimuthar Dam and cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Both these cycling routes are closer to the mountains of the Western Ghats and the route is mostly green and full of coconut groves and paddy fields. This cycling route form Kallidaikurichi to Brahmadesam is a bit away from the mountains, though you can still see the mountains as you ride between these two villages.



The cycling route would be Kallidaikurichi –> Ambasamudram –> Gowthamapuri –> Brahmadesam. On your way back, you can either opt for a detour via Kovilkulam to see another bridge on the Gadananathi river or you can opt for the temple route of Thiruvaliswaram Valisvara Temple and Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy temple. Both these detours will take you back to Ambasamudram via two different routes and you can then return to Kallidaikurichi.

This route takes you past umpteen irrigation canals, large swathes of paddy fields, ponds, lakes, pretty little villages and colourful temples. Brahmadesam to Kallidaikurichi distance would not be more than 8 kilometers, but there are more than enough places where you can stop for a pit stop or to explore the attractions in detail.



The highlights on this route would include:

1) Kallidaikurichi Thamirabharani river banks where you can enjoy a swim and a bath

2) Kallidaikurichi paddy fields, the kannadigan canal and the Brahmin agraharams with their many temples. You can cycle through the different streets to get a flavour of the Brahmin culture and the rich agraharam houses

3) The Thamirabharani river bridge between Kallidaikurichi and Ambasamudram

4) Kasibanathaswamy temple, the Ambai Periyakoil Padithurai and the line of trees on either side of the road. This entire stretch is an extremely popular movie shoot location

5) Banana plantations at Gowthamapuri

6) 10th century Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple, a top attraction on this route

7) Gadananathi River banks and bridge at Brahmadesam

8) 10th century Valiswara temple at Thiruvaliswaram

9) The Magnificent 10th Century Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple with an ashtanga vimana



Do carry a pair of pants or a veshti (dhoti) which you can wear over your cycling shorts in case you plan to visit any of the temples (shorts aren’t allowed in most of the temples). Most of the temples close by 9 or 9:30 AM, so you should plan your trip accordingly.

A typical plan would be to start at sunrise so that you can catch the sunrise colours at the Thamirabharani river banks or at the Thamirabharani river bridge. You can also experience the morning life of the village people with their swimming, praying, meditating and other temple activities and agriculture work. You can have a simple breakfast of idli, vadai, sambar with filter coffee at Hotel Gowri Shankar and then head towards Brahmadesam. As you have had breakfast, you can stop at all the places for photographs or for chats with locals. The Brahmadesam Kailasanathar temple closes at 10:00 AM in the morning, so if you reach by 8 AM, you will get a good couple of hours to explore the temple at leisure. Do not miss to taste the temple prasadam (usually pancha mirtham or curd rice). As the sun goes up, you can head to the Gadananathi river for a swim or just to watch the locals go about their chores.

If you plan to visit Mannarkoil temple or the Thiruvaliswara temple, make sure to have an early breakfast and reach them before 8 AM as both places close by 9 AM.



In addition to your cycling helmet, do carry a cap, a pair of sunglasses, a bottle of water or may be two bottles of water, a couple of energy bars and a spare set of pants or dhoti for your temple visits.

If you feel hot and thirsty, do indulge in some red tender coconut water (locally called sevva elaneer) and sugarcane juice (during certain months of the year). Vehicular traffic will be minimal and can be found only between Kallidaikurichi and Ambasamudram. Once you cross Ambasamudram, only the odd motorcycle, bus or tractor will cross you on the village roads.



The best season to embark on this cycling route would either be between June and August or between November and February. This is when the weather would be pleasant, the water bodies full, the farms at their active most and the terrain will be lush green.

Cycling from Kallidaikurichi to Brahmadesam is a great way to explore this offbeat part of rural Tamil Nadu and soak in all of its rustic charm. And as there is hardly any incline between these villages, people of most ages and fitness levels would be able to enjoy this cycling experience.



Other nearby tourist attractions:

1) Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni: Heavenly motorcycle route through pristine forest

2) Mekkarai: One of Tamil Nadu’s prettiest villages

3) Kambhavurutty Falls: Scenic waterfall holiday destination of Kerala

4) Manalar Falls: The herbal jungle waterfall of Kerala

5) Achankovil Sastha Temple: Ancient healing temple located in the pristine forest of the Western Ghats

6) Rosemala View Point: Gorgeous motorcycling route inside Shendurney wildlife sanctuary, Kerala

7) Ottakkal Weir View Point: Lovely pit stop on the Thenmala – Kollam highway

8) Palaruvi Falls: Kerala’s herbal waterfall that falls like milk from the sky

9) Aryankavu Sastha Temple: Ancient temple located in the sacred forests of the Western Ghats

10) Vintage Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge: Colonial charm of the Indian Railways

11) Punalur Suspension Bridge: Historical gem of Kerala

12) Lesser Known Kerala Mountain Railways: Treat for nature lovers

13) Thenmala Dam: A monsoon pit stop view

14) Courtallam: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu

15) Sunderapandiapuram: Of lovely Brahmin agraharam houses, sunflower fields, windmills and mountain views

16) Puliyarai View Point: Scenic pit stop on the Tenkasi – Kerala highway

17) Sivasailam Temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats

18) Sivasailam: One of the wettest places during the North East monsoon in India

19) 13th century Kasi Visavanathar Temple at Tenkasi

20) Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple: World’s richest Hindu temple

21) Shanghumugham Beach: The tranquil and divine beach of Thiruvananthapuram



22) Thiruparappu Falls: Gorgeous monsoon spectacle near Kanyakumari

23) Mathoor Aqueduct and Hanging Bridge: An offbeat wonder nestled in the mountains near Kanyakumari

24) Kappil Beach: Sandy beauty hemmed in between the sea and the backwaters

25) Varkala Beach: The stunning cliff beach of Kerala where you can wash away all your sins

26) Meenmutty Falls inside Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: A beautiful tropical jungle trail

27) Ponmudi: The offbeat hill station of Kerala with a 360 degree mountain panorama

28) Manjolai: The unknown hill station gem of India

29) Thenmala Forest: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway

30) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East monsoon

31) Kudrevetty: The gorgeous windy station of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

32) Manimuthar Falls: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve

33) Agastyar Falls: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river

34) Oothu: The quaint little hill station of Tamil Nadu

35) Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

36) Scenic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: Pristine nature overloaded

37) Karaiyar Dam: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep south

38) Hidden pristine waterfall inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

39) 1000 year old Papanasanathar Temple: Where you can wash all your sins away

40) Iruttu Kadai Halwa: Icon of Tirunelveli

41) Nellaiappar Temple: A 7th century cosmic dance wonder

42) Pattamadai Pai: GI tagged beautiful handwoven mats from a tiny Tamil Nadu village

43) Thamirabharani River Delta: A motorcycle route full of rustic gorgeousness

44) Tiruchendur Murugan Temple: Sea shore magic

45) Garuda Sevai from the agraharams of Kallidaikurichi

46) Festival of Thiruvathirai from a traditional Tamil Nadu village

47) The Festival of Karthigai Deepam from a traditional Tamil Nadu village

48) The exotic tropical fruits of Puliyarai

49) Kallidaikurichi Adi Varaha Temple Chariot Festival: Grand cultural spectacle in rural Tamil Nadu

50) Kallidaikurichi Anaicut: Gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature

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Ride in style: Essential mountain bike accessories for the modern cyclist

Mountain biking is a thrilling and physically demanding sport, requiring skills, stamina, and the right gear. In this post-modern age, mountain bike accessories have emerged, enhancing riding experience and safety.

Modern cycling accessories have become sophisticated and designed to improve safety, performance, and convenience. These devices range from GPS units to specialized clothing and protective gear. Whether a novice or a veteran, contemporary mountain bikers must appropriately equip themselves to maximize their mountain biking experience. Here, we will delve into the must-have mountain bike accessories for the modern cyclist.

Essential accessories

Here are some must-have mountain bike accessories for the modern cyclist:

Helmets



When it comes to engaging in any sporting activity, safety should always be the top priority, and this holds for mountain biking as well. Wearing helmets designed explicitly for this purpose is crucial to ensure maximum protection. These helmets provide the necessary safety measures and come equipped with additional features. For instance, modern helmets often include integrated lights, allowing bikers to have enhanced visibility during low-light conditions.

Some helmets are designed with action camera mounts, enabling riders to capture their thrilling biking adventures. Additionally, certain helmets incorporate MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology, which offers an extra layer of safety by reducing rotational forces in the event of an impact. By investing in a high-quality helmet, mountain bikers can enjoy their rides with peace of mind, knowing they have taken the necessary precautions for their safety.

Hydration packs

Proper hydration is crucial for any physical activity, especially when it comes to demanding sports like mountain biking. Hydration packs are the perfect solution to stay hydrated throughout those long rides. These packs are designed with a bladder that can hold a substantial amount of water, allowing you to quench your thirst without having to stop and search for a water source.

With a convenient tube attached, you can easily sip on water while on the move, ensuring you maintain optimal hydration levels and perform at your best. Whether tackling rugged trails or embarking on a marathon ride, a hydration pack is essential to keep you fuelled and ready to conquer the mountains.

GPS bike computers



A GPS bike computer is an essential and invaluable device for the modern cyclist. It provides necessary navigation assistance and many advanced features that enhance the riding experience. With its precise satellite tracking system, this device helps riders effortlessly navigate through trails, ensuring they never lose their way. Moreover, the GPS bike computer enables cyclists to monitor their speed, distance, and elevation in real time, fine-tuning their performance and pushing their limits.

This innovative device goes beyond just tracking and monitoring. After every ride, it provides riders with a comprehensive performance analysis, delivering valuable insights and data-driven recommendations for improvement. From analysing cadence and heart rate to evaluating power output and pedal efficiency, the GPS bike computer offers a detailed breakdown of every ride aspect, empowering cyclists to optimize their training and achieve their goals.

In addition to its performance-enhancing features, modern GPS computers offer seamless smartphone connectivity. Wirelessly connecting to your phone lets you receive notifications and messages and even take calls directly on your device, ensuring you stay connected while on the go. Whether receiving important updates or staying in touch with loved ones, the GPS bike computer keeps you connected without compromising your ride.

Bike lights



Mountain bikers frequently riding in low light conditions need reliable bike lights to ensure safety. Fortunately, modern bike lights have evolved to be lightweight, compact, and rechargeable, making them an essential accessory for any night rider.

These advanced lights offer varying brightness levels, allowing bikers to adjust the intensity to suit different riding conditions, whether navigating dimly lit trails or cruising on well-lit roads. With these innovative features, riders can confidently explore the thrilling world of night biking while staying visible and in control.

Protective clothing



Modern protective clothing is designed to provide the utmost comfort, enhance performance, and ensure the rider's safety. This comprehensive gear encompasses various elements, such as strategically padded shorts to minimize discomfort during long rides, moisture-wicking jerseys that keep the rider cool and dry, specialized bike gloves for winter conditions, and high-quality glasses to shield against dust particles and harmful UV rays.

In addition to a helmet and protective clothing, additional body protection gear is highly recommended for mountain biking, especially when tackling challenging trails. This gear includes knee pads, elbow pads, and even chest protectors. The modern versions of these accessories are designed to be lightweight and breathable, ensuring safety without compromising comfort or mobility. Investing in high-quality body protection gear can significantly reduce the risk of injuries while allowing you to enjoy the thrill of mountain biking confidently.

Bike repair tools

Every biker should equate themselves with a comprehensive and reliable bike repair kit to embark on a thrilling trail adventure. This essential kit must include a versatile multi-tool with hex keys, allowing for precise adjustments and repairs. Additionally, having tire levers, a patch kit, and a portable bike pump are indispensable tools for tackling unexpected situations like a pesky punctured tire or a loose screw.

Final thoughts



Mountain biking in the modern age requires more than just a bike and a trail. It demands the right accessories to ensure safety, enhance performance, and maximize the riding experience. While the market offers many products, the modern cyclist's basic kit should comprise a helmet, hydration pack, GPS bike computer, bike lights, and protective clothing. Investing in these essential accessories will help you enjoy the thrill of outdoor mountain biking while staying safe and competitive.

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Top 4 Austria Cycling Holidays

Austria, with its majestic peaks, imposing fortresses and baroque abbeys offers a dramatic backdrop for cyclists. Its diverse terrain from mountainous roads to country lanes beside lakes and rivers offers all levels of cyclists an opportunity to enjoy Austria in entirety. Most of the cycling routes pass through picturesque lakeside villages dotted with impressive baroque buildings, stunning mountains, especially the Alps, Danube, the lifeline of Austria and its lush green countryside. Following are my top 4 quality cycling holidays in Austria.

Salzkammergut Lake District



This is a leisurely route through Austria’s famous lake district where crystal clear lakes combine with towering mountains to create unrivalled vistas. This wonderful route takes in dramatic Alpine scenery, leading past several of Austria’s most spectacular lakes and featuring charming and traditional houses in idyllic villages. On this route falls the Hallstatt, the jewel of the region and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Passau to Budapest
4 countries, 3 capital cities and a journey by boat and bike is how I would describe this journey. Covering Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary and the capital cities of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, this route on and by the mighty Danube takes you through the dramatic Schlogener loop, a 180 degree turn in the Danube’s course, through the ancient streets and alleyways of Bratislava, through the imposing Hungarian capital of Budapest, the historic capital of Vienna and the special Wachau region, famed for its wines and attractive baroque towns.

Into the Valley of the Alps
One of the perennial cycling routes in Austria, this offers some of Austria’s finest mountain scenery from tow beautiful river valleys. From the Tauern national park to the Salzach valley, this cycling route criss crosses Europe’s highest waterfall, pine forests, picturesque villages and flower-strewn meadows. It is on this route that one can also see the snow capped peaks of Austria’s highest mountain range – the Grossglockner at 12,400 feet.

Danube Castles and Vineyards


The gloriously tranquil Danube valley with a glut of imposing fortresses, as well as monasteries and abbeys, is testimony to the ancient struggles of this region. A 40 kilometer stretch in the Wachau region is what will appeal to the cyclists as this region is one of the most picturesque regions of the Danube with its wine producing villages, pastel coloured houses clinging to hills clad with vineyards, forests and apricot orchards. This idyllic cycling route concentrates on the most alluring region of the Danube, between the historic town of Grein and the wine town of Krems.

Courtesy: The pictures in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia under the creative commons license.

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