We are wildlife lovers and always jump at the opportunity to spot some in the jungles of Bandipur or Masinagudi. Recently during one such experience we were headed to a homestay near Masinagudi. The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary also a declared tiger reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District, about 150 kilometres (93 mi) north-west of Coimbatore city in Tamil Nadu. It shares its boundaries with the states of Karnataka and Kerala. The sanctuary is divided into five ranges – Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.
Situated around the sanctuary is a small homestay. It looks quiant and secluded but as we soon found out, its anything but. This homestay has a lot to offer in terms of nature, wildlife, treks, adventure or even food – this place has it all. Around 260 kms from Bangalore is this homestay where Man meets Wild. While going towards the stay you feel you are going towards a big hill from far, but this hill turns out into a thick wild forest when you enter it.
We reached there on a Saturday noon and the one thing that captured my eyes was the thick forest in front of us. I look around and the only thing I could see is trees & bushes…At this point I knew I was amidst the wild. The rooms here are like those that we saw in the movie “CROODS” …They are stoneage style. A bed, a small table and an attached bathroom is what you will find here. Take a small hike uphill and you will find more rooms that look like caves. They look dark and dingy and we opt to take the ones with better lighting!
After resting for sometime a satisfying lunch awaited us. Rice, rotis, dal, chicken..there was everything ..everything that is least expected in a place like this. While we were enjoying our food someone screamed “Look Up!!…..our heads turned…It was a giant squirrel playing around in the trees- It was my first encounter with such an animal. A treat to our eyes 🙂
Post lunch as we decided to take a short nap while enjoying the whistle of a bird called the Schoolboy; yes it whistles like a kid and its as melodious as a song. Out of the blue, we are disturbed by the howling of monkeys…dozens of them sitting on tall trees going berserk. We wondered what was wrong and then our guide told us that there is a PREDATOR nearby. The monkeys are warning the jungle!!
Since the howling of these monkeys was a familiar noise for us we too started paying attention. And then we heard it…the footsteps of something heavy….walking in the bushes. Our guide picks up a long dagger and ushers us to move towards an observation deck. We walk inside to get a panoramic view on the ravine. Nothing! No movement or sound. Our guide decides to go down into the ravine; he says the predator won’t attack with so many people around. We somehow muster enough courage, pick up some sticks and cautiously walk behind him. We hear footsteps on top of the ravine and suddenly there is silence.
We wander around hoping to get a glimpse of the animal but instead come across a carcass of a Bison. It was recently attacked by a tiger a week ago. The sight of bones and dried up skin is a little disturbing and frightening. We quickly get out of the ditch and move towards our room.
By now it was evening and we were waiting for our tea to be served we were shocked to see a huge tusker just meters away from where we were standing. There was panic amongst everyone. We watched the mammal closely, hoping that it keeps its peace. He looks weak, there is dearth of water and food in this jungle. Rainfall has been below average and animals don’t have much food. The elephant lingers on slowly, disappearing into the bushes.
It was night by now..pitch dark and the only light we had was that from our bonfire. Soon we were discussing on how interesting the day had been for us and how close we came to spotting a predator. I had too many drinks and I head towards the washroom. Its a little far away from the campfire so I grab a torchlight; just in case. I shine it around the area where we heard the footsteps. I see Green Eyes….lurking under a tree. I am scared, too scared to move or call out to my friends. I stand there absolutely still….those eyes focussed on me, not moving.
My friends saw me and they grabbed their torch lights and pointed it towards the jungle in front of us. It looks like a big cat and I am quite sure its a leopard. Our guide comes running down from the pantry and confirms our fears. What separates us from the leopard is about 20 ft of bushes. He slowly moves towards us and disappears. We frantically point the lights around..desperately trying to spot him. We are quickly pushed into one of the rooms by the staff and ordered not to come outside. This is scary…we can hear each others heart beating faster and faster. This is no longer fun; a leopard is quick and agile and can easily overpower us.
Its been two hours since we have been holed up in our rooms. The staff finally comes over and ask us to join them for dinner. Dinner is fast…we gulp it down in a hurry to get back into our rooms! We move in groups, holding hands, and shining the light near the trees. We spot it again; perches this time on top of the tree. On a branch right opposite our room. Its looking at us with those shining big green eyes. It doesn’t even blink once. We all huddle into our beds and soon we have slept!
The next morning is spent talking about our experience and how scared we all were. Our only regret is that we couldn’t capture anything on film; no one thought of getting the camera!!! Since then we have returned to this place every 3 months and spotted a plethora of wildlife; from giant squirrels, to black monkeys, bisons, elephants, hornbills. But the leopard hasn’t come back. But we hope someday it does!
350kms away from Bangalore is a small hamlet called Hampi, which was once the base of The Vijaynagar Dynasty founded by the elder son Harihara from Sangama Family. This small Indian town is now a UNESCO world heritage site as the ruins of the mighty dynasty lies there in the form of rocks and boulders. I have thought a lot about this place and wondered ..there must be so many stories unheard …. so many stories untold – Well this is how magnificent the place is…The mysterious land of Hampi. Its magnificent ruins are enchanting and take you back centuries into the ancient times. Such is the aura of the place, the people and its heritage.
Situated by the banks of a long mighty river, there is this small guest house surrounded by lush green paddy fields, and where you will find melting pot of people from various nationalities, mingling around. For as low as Rs.1000/- OR 67$ (approx) per night, these small shack type huts have a comfortable double bed covered with mosquito net, wooden almirahs and a washroom with running hot water to offer.
While staying in this homestay and dressing up in Harem pants and loose outfits (something that I love wearing) you actually feel like a hippie here – sitting down and listening to the chirping sound of various birds you have always ignored while in the city. You feel the wind blowing slowly through your hair and giving you that much needed cool breeze while the temperature outside is on an average of 27-30 degrees.
You walk through the paddy field into the open air restaurants for lunch. Cuisines range from Indian to Chinese to Italian, ask for the Chef’s special as well. Post your scrumptious lunch in the homestay, you wouldn’t be able to resist that comfortable wooden swing just in front of your balcony where you can lie down and relax with your favourite book and a cold one 🙂
In the evening this place literally changes its ambience and color…. as the sun goes down the clear blue sky turns orange and you feel so lucky to experience it and live the moment – An amazing sunset awaits you 🙂
As the night falls and the birds are gone, all you hear are the crickets doing mating calls all over the fields. It’s dark and quiet and the cool breeze has continued throughout the day. It’s the perfect time to pull out your guitar, switch on some tunes or head to the bar with your favourite drink and some good food! This is the time for you to unwind, relax and forget about work, your challenges and focus on just being in the moment. Hampi helps you soak in its beauty and you take away memories for a lifetime!
TRAVELMYNATION 