Hilltop Paradise

Most of us may have heard about the tourist destination Thenmala, situated in Kollam, but Rosemala, a scenic eco-tourism centre that lies a few kilometres away from Thenmala, is not so popular. Tucked away in a forest, it is a heaven for trekkers and off-roaders, believes Jerry Jacob Mathew, member of a Kottayam-based bullet team ‘Bullet Cavaliers’, who, along with 25 co-riders, rode to Rosemala recently.

Bullet Cavaliers’ ride was on August 6, a fine Sunday, and the team kicked off their journey from Nalumanikattu, a roadside recreational spot in Thiruvanchoor. “There were 26 Bullets. The team was led by Santhosh Mylakkattu, an avid rider,” says Jerry.

 

From Nalumanikattu, they rode through the 14th mile, Manimala, Ranni, Pathanamthitta, Punalur and Thenmala to reach Rosemala. It is said the place got its name from its shape. An aerial view of the place resembles unfurling rose petals. The valley is situated within the petals in the Shendurney forest.

“Rosemala is a less-explored eco-tourism destination. From the main road, there is a 15-kilometer off-road ride to reach Rosemala. We travel through the forest with tall trees on both sides. The road has sharp steeps and curves and is rough. You cannot even call it a proper road. However, riding on that road is the exciting part of the trip. One has to be very careful while riding. Chances are high of slipping down the sides and it will be very difficult to get back on track if that happens,” cautions Jerry. 

“Also, it is good to avoid night travel. The local people claim they spotted a tiger on the road a few years ago. It killed a wild buffalo and ate it within two days, goes the story. One KSRTC bus plies on that road, that too only two services in a day. You can go there either on the Bullet or Jeep,” he says.

 

Rosemala is a quiet village that houses a few families. There are not many shops. “So it is always better to carry food items with you or eat sufficient food before you start the off-road trip,” says Jerry. By the time you reach Rosemala treading the difficult path, you will be really tired. But, don’t give up. There is another sight awaiting you. 

“The next attraction is the view point. One has to pay rupees 20 to get in there. It is an amazing view from the top. The surrounding forest and the big lake inside it provide a beautiful landscape. That is the icing on the cake,” explains Jerry.