Planning an off-road trip to Urumpikkara is an adventure in itself. Ours started as I shared my idea in the DW Community group, and soon, six people responded with enthusiasm. This set the stage for an unforgettable journey, full of camaraderie, stunning landscapes, and the thrill of off-road trails.

Setting Off: Gathering the Crew and Gearing Up

I was returning from Bangalore to my hometown, Thodupuzha, in our sturdy Jimny, covering a 12-hour drive before I could finally rest up for a bit. Planning a trip like this needed meticulous preparation. For a whole day of off-roading, I packed essentials: a lightweight cotton T-shirt, cargo pants, a cap, a headlamp, a tent, a chair, and plenty of water. My friend Vijin and I were ready to take on Urumpikkara.

The group included Prajul, who drove all the way from Bangalore in his Mahindra Thar, and others joined from Angamaly and Kottayam. All in all, we had four camera-equipped SUVs, two Thars, a Mahindra Marshall, and my Jimny (nicknamed Jimny Kuttan). Each of us started our journey early, converging at Thodupuzha before heading out together toward our off-road adventure.

The Journey Begins: Road to Urumpikkara

We met at a small village called Kootikal, where we got to know each other better. Despite being strangers, the shared passion for off-roading brought us together quickly. Soon, we set out toward Urumpikkara, and as expected, the tar roads began to disappear. The landscape transformed, revealing the raw beauty of the mountain slopes, and with it, the excitement of a true off-road journey kicked in.

Along the way, we encountered a few streams—dry now but teeming with life during the rainy season. The hot weather called for breathable clothing, ideally 160-180gsm cotton that can handle the rugged journey without needing frequent changes. Cotton cargos were also essential for a long, comfortable ride.

Trails and Challenges: The Real Off-Road Begins

We stopped briefly at an abandent tea factory along the way. After a short rest, we set off again, moving from easy trails to more challenging ones. Each trail brought us closer to the thrill of the ultimate off-road adventure. We reached a particularly steep climb where the path narrowed, one side falling away sharply with rocks jutting out, making for a very cautious ascent.

To stay safe, we walked the trail before starting our vehicles. Ribin took the lead in his Marshall, and the powerful engine roared up the hill. Watching each vehicle climb, I followed, capturing every moment on video, which came with its own risks. There was always a chance of rocks rolling loose on such rugged terrain, so I kept my distance, cautiously advancing while documenting every moment.

Then came my turn with the Jimny. The thrill of the climb was palpable, and while the sharp drops brought a rush of fear, the Jimny handled it like a champion. Soon, we all reached the top, exhilarated and proud as if we’d conquered Everest itself.

The Sunset at the Peak: Grilling Food and Sharing Stories

With the sun setting, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The scorching heat gave way to a cool, gusty wind, strong enough to disrupt our plans for setting up tents. Adapting quickly, we made a shelter with our vehicles, creating a cozy makeshift campsite. Out came the grill, and we cooked the chicken we’d brought along. Paired with kappa (tapioca ) from home, it was the perfect end to an adventurous day.

Around the grill, we shared stories of our journey, laughing about each other’s moments of hesitation or thrill on the trail. With the mountains as our backdrop, it felt like an off-road family bonded by the love for adventure.

Wrapping Up: Reflections on the Journey

As night set in, we took in the stillness of the landscape, feeling a sense of accomplishment. The journey was not only about reaching Urumpikkara but also about the experience of teamwork, adapting to unexpected challenges, and the joy of an off-road ride that took us out of our daily routines.

Urumpikkara is a place that demands respect, a destination that reminds us of the wild beauty that exists just beyond the road. For anyone planning an off-road adventure here, pack light but wisely, bring friends, stay prepared for every twist in the trail, and most importantly, leave room for the unexpected – it’s what makes the journey worthwhile.

Sleeping in the Jimny under a sky full of stars was an unmatched sight, impossible to fully capture in words.