Dhoni is situated around 15 Kilometers from Palakkad town in Kerala, India. Dhoni is named after a boat shaped rock on one of its hill, as boat in Malayalam is called "thoni". It is famous for Dhoni Waterfalls and the Western Ghat forests.
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It's ok to have rules AND it's ok to follow them. But what's not cool is to make the entire experience unpleasant for visitors who have travelled 100s of kilometres from different cities and states just to experience the forest.
Oct 19 2023: We were 3 women and a 10 year old who showed up at 9:30am coz there is no formal information anywhere online about there being only 2 batches at 10:30 and 1:30. Since we were early, we requested to start the walk early as we MIGHT take a little extra time coz we have a child in our group. They refused saying it can be started only at 10:30 as per rules, which is PERFECTLY OK.
But what is not ok is to keep repeating some made-up/imaginary rule that "the group needs to be back in 3 hours". I did not see this so-called rule mentioned anywhere. Nowhere is it written that the trek needs to be completed in 3 hours. Despite there being NO SUCH RULE, during the trek we were told multiple times that we need to be fast. It did not make any sense or logic to us and served no purpose other than making the whole experience unpleasant and needlessly rushed for us. The guide Mr. Rajesh always walked 200m ahead of us and spoke to us only when he needed to remind us of the pace.
This whole attitude was especially surprising because just the previous day we were at silent valley managed by the same forest dept where we had an impeccable experience and were treated extremely kindly and courteously by the staff. Nowhere in silent valley were we asked to rush or made to feel unwelcome.
This is a forest and staff maintained by taxpayers' money and we are made to pay an entrance fee too. And if the staff cannot be kind and understanding of the visitors' legitimate and perfectly reasonable needs, and insist on following some imaginary rule, it is better to shut down the place for visitors.
We were subjected to all of this unnecessary stress for just having taken 15 minutes longer than the imaginary rule coz despite our "slowness" we were back at the base by 1:45 and caused no trouble or harm to anyone.
Mr. Sudheer, the SFO also stopped and waited for us during his patrol only to warn us about our speed.
I ll not be visiting this beautiful place again unless the authorities take note of this massive attitude issue of the staff and take care of training them in people-skills.
I had visited the same place 12 years ago and remember it being a beautiful experience. Sad that the bad attitude of a few staff can ruin our day and entire trip.
It is good for the staff and admin to reflect on why we city-dwellers travel so far to a forest. We are here to look at trees and birds and soak in the experience, not run up and down a hill with some...
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*4 km one way walk through forest *A thrilling experience *A forest guide accompanies the group *A group consists of 10-12 people Duration 3 hrs up and down A small waterfall, you are allowed to get down and enjoy a shower, if need be. *Two time slots available10.30 am and 1:30 pm Kids Friendly trek *Stones, slippery, muddy pathways, make sure to wear comfortable footwear *Entry charges - Rs120 per person *Only disadvantage is there is no provision to get water or food in the vicinity. However a small tea shop at the top is in pipeline, it will be great to have a shop serving piping hot tea and snacks. In case u arrive there between 10:30 to 1:30 and you are a group of 8 people they will arrange another tour for you. Make sure to be with your tour guide all the time, a few guys from our group lost their way, and entered the prohibited area. This place is maintained by the Forest Department and you will be levied heavy fines for accessing the prohibited area. *Beware of wild animals and snakes, you can see sign boards everywhere *Spacious parking available *Very friendly Guides *Direct buses are available to Dhoni waterfalls, incase you opt fr public transport. Timings feasibility is not so great however, but there is direct bus available...
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The waterfall is set in stages with multiple places to dip in and enjoy...to reach the falls one has to trek for 4.5 km one side...on the way up a guide is there and the path is set...(while coming back do take the cuttings connecting the curvy paths..it saves time😜) The official batch timings for the trek up is 10:30 am n 1:30 pm..(but because too many people came ,they let us go up at 1130 too)..But I would suggest to follow the timings..rate per head is 120 rupees...
Go with preparation to enjoy water and not just see and come-specially women..though there ain't any place to change clothes, you don't have to worry. By the time you trek down you will be almost dry..So, for the ladies who are usually reluctant to get wet, I will suggest them to go in the dress they have no issues getting wet and carry towel and a shawl...For no reason don't come back without enjoying the water...
Food and water and all is allowed, but you will have to carry it up and back..no littering there..so think before you pack up...
The only thing one has to take care is the slippery rocks..the rocks are way too slippery. So be very very careful(coming from one who fell...
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