Nestled in the hills, approximately 20 kms from Kallunira, Valayam in Vatakara district, Kerala, India is a lovely place named Bhumivaathukkal literally meaning ‘Near Heaven’s Door’ . It was this place that I was posted to for Election 2019.
Officials back at base camp had warned me not to take my car because of the sheer height. But, I thought that my car was hardy enough to negotiate every slope and sheer height. However, just as mentioned, the car stopped dead in its tracks
I kept the car to the side and continued by a four-wheeled Jeep. Hairpin bends with steep inclines and potholes. The journey ended with a feast for the eyes and ears.
There were only 684 voters in this area. Voting began at 7am and by 6pm, more than 90% came to exercise their franchise. Got a chance to buy pure honey extracted from the bees of the forest too.
Later, as we returned, looking at the sheer beauty of nature, I could really understand why this place is called "Near Heaven’s Door."
