It had been a while since we went on a vacation. Son's board exams, admissions, uninterrupted semesters and so on and so forth, and we needed to retreat for at least a few days...somewhere, away from the traffic , congestion and pollution....and all fingers pointed to MASINAGUDI.
A short break into this wilderness began with a breath taking journey through highways, ghat roads and vast forest lands.
A short break into this wilderness began with a breath taking journey through highways, ghat roads and vast forest lands.
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| The Drive Through The Forest Area |
The journey of 132km from Salem was unassuming, boring on the NH7 but quickly transformed to an entirely different one, of scenic ghats once we turned towards Satyamangalam. The trees on either sides of the roads, with their wide branches spread out, blocked the summer skies and made the drive a pleasant one.
As we crossed Chamaraj nagar the road, resembling a winding staircase with 36 hairpin bends takes us to an altitude of 950 metres and we hit a small hill town, Asanur. From here the like a kaleidoscope we are in the midst of lush green meadows and dense forests, the entry to the forest area of Bandipur Reserves.
Herds of deer are commonly sighted all around on the greens, oblivious to the tourists stopping to take pictures of them. Curious monkeys peer into the cars expecting a small snack to be shared. Alighting from the vehicle or feeding animals is strictly prohibited on these roads. Adjacent to The Bandipur Reserves is The Mudumalai Sanctuary, from were one turns left and crosses an iron bridge to Masinagudi, a small town beholding numerous resorts varying from luxury cottages to budget stays.
As we crossed Chamaraj nagar the road, resembling a winding staircase with 36 hairpin bends takes us to an altitude of 950 metres and we hit a small hill town, Asanur. From here the like a kaleidoscope we are in the midst of lush green meadows and dense forests, the entry to the forest area of Bandipur Reserves.
Herds of deer are commonly sighted all around on the greens, oblivious to the tourists stopping to take pictures of them. Curious monkeys peer into the cars expecting a small snack to be shared. Alighting from the vehicle or feeding animals is strictly prohibited on these roads. Adjacent to The Bandipur Reserves is The Mudumalai Sanctuary, from were one turns left and crosses an iron bridge to Masinagudi, a small town beholding numerous resorts varying from luxury cottages to budget stays.
Our stay was booked at Wild Woods Haven Resorts, which was extremely decent and comfortable with a large balcony overlooking the hills. The serene atmosphere, the breeze constantly blowing and the tiny birds flying with all their might with the wind are memories that linger on forever.
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| Wild Woods Haven Resort |
Things To Do At Masinagudi
Safaris:
The National Park, Mudumalai organizes van safaris into the virgin lands of the sanctuary areas, (Timings: 6:30 – 8.30 a.m./3 to 6 p.m). Its a 45 minutes to an hours ride and spotting wild bison, spotted deer, bear, or a boar is common. Alternatively, one can tour the jungle on an elephant, on the off beaten tracks.
Elephant Camp:
A visit to the elephant camp is worth it if one wishes to see the elephants at close proximity. It houses around 29 elephants which are cared and trained. One can see these huge mammals being bathed and fed here.
Night Safari:
There are numerous vans at the town area which can be hired for a night safari. This is one of the best event at Masinagudi,- travelling in an open van into complete darkness to sight wild animals roaming freely in their, home lands. If ones adrenal can digest the thrill it is an adventure to experience.
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| Wild Bison |
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| Sambar Deer |
Treks:
The resorts organize treks around areas close to streams where the animals frequent in the evenings. On these treks one can sight colorful birds, and animals like langurs, deer, rabbits and boars. If one is lucky one may even sight an elephant, who is on its way to quench its thirst. And one is considered even luckier if he can reach the resort safety back after seeing one.
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| The Peacock |
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| Family of Langur |
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| The Stag with Deer |
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| The Nilgiri Langur |
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| The Stag |
A Brief Note On Mudumalai
The Mudumalai Sanctuary is strategically situated within the protected areas of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. To the north of Mudumalai is the Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park. Towards the west lies the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and in the south the Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley National Park. The east holds the Sigur Plateau, that connects the Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary and Biligirirangan Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. These sanctuaries and forests cover an area of 3,300 square kilometers of forest, and is the habitat of 1800–2300 elephants. It is estimated that there are around 48 tigers in the Nilgiri Reserve which roam freely. In April 2007, the Tamil Nadu government declared Mudumalai as a Tiger Reserve and is taking all measures in preserving the wildlife in this area.
Note -The pictures are clicked by my son and are copyright.
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