Tuesday, April 03, 2018

From my Trip to Mountains

Six days passed since I climbed down the mountains and I traveled through two different parts of Western Ghats, although I have visited them already few times, I just went to see if I could reveal some more and enjoy the cool weather and nature I am always fond of. Staying from uncle’s woodhouse in Kodai Hills (Thandikudi) we relished and relaxed a while for few days before climbing down and up to another part of Western Ghats in Theni district.

IMG_0101
My uncle's woodhouse called Smokey Haven

After a long time, I visited Bryant Park in Kodaikanal with an expectation to see Kurinji, which started to bloom after 12 years. In 2006 we saw Kurinji flowers bloomed at the popular Kurinji Andavar Temple there and at the edge of some valleys; I really wish to see its bloom again as it is the year of blooming. Although I know the peak season of Kurinji blooming begin from May to September, the time the southwest monsoon lash, I tried my chance to see the flower but couldn’t make way to one. Wish I could revisit the Kodai again later this year to see my second chance for Kurinji.

IMG_0196

The Bryant Park doesn’t have any flowers this time and I know I’m too early to look out for flowers as the Park was only getting ready with freshly cut and planting of flowering plants to be bloomed during the summer vacation or flower show in May. The park was free of the crowd and gave amply space to move unhurried and capture landscape photos of gardens and some flowering plants. Apart from the park, I checked a couple of old churches in Kodaikanal with remarkable architectures and hidden beauty, after going through some street searching. 

BeFunky Collage

Except for a day going to Kodaikanal, we spent most of the time at the woodhouse and short drives around. As usual, I enjoyed the birds chirping, and taking photos around the woodhouse. The days are sunny and cool at night helped me to stay outside the most and the travel to the hills in Theni was only somehow disappointed. I have been to this mountain in Theni twice and once have stayed at the govt. guest house at the mountain top at a height of 1500 MSL. I really don’t want to reveal anything about the place which had a new road lately what made me disappointed.

IMG_1055

The mountain is partially leased by a private tea plantation, and other parts come under wildlife sanctuary with biodiversity. Only recently government decided and laid the road to this place which has been almost off-road for many years, where even buses played up and down through huge bumps. What bothered me was the road’s width. It was already a single road and the environment dept. permitted to lay the road for only 5 meters width, but they have widened the road to 12 meters which meant cutting down a lot of trees and many were rare species.

IMG-5050

I couldn’t take it easy not only because it is my favorite place, but nature out there
is also incredible and untouched by many. The streams, rivers, and dams all hold freshwater, which is becoming a rare source of nature everywhere and the people here use only natural spring water that flourishes throughout the mountains. I feel so blissful every time being there, listening to birds with distinct notes and watching the sunset from this mountain is spectacular indeed. Theni is been my favorite place since visited in 2006 and I always enjoy being there whenever I get the chance. I think to make many posts out of the trip in future posts. Keep sharing

10 comments:

George said...

I can understand why you keep returning to this area -- it's beautiful. I also know how you feel about the new roads. The roads make travel easier, but they also mean more people will come and that could destroy some of the beauty.

Lady Fi said...

What a lovely trip. Looks so beautiful!

Gosia said...

wow my friend you live in a beautiful country. But I thibk I could not be able o see it personally. What a pity.

Anonymous said...

Your uncle has the best house. What a great place to visit, Jeevan. It's so pretty! And the landscape is so lush and beautiful!

Elsie

L. D. said...

This is such a beautiful area. I can see how it is a must see location.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, beautiful woodhouse and the garden is lovely. Love the mountain views and photos. Have a happy day!

carol l mckenna said...

What a wonderful adventure for you ~ seeing such beauty and your photography shows it so well ~ lovely house to stay in as well!

Happy Days to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

RUTH FASHION DIARY said...

This place is beautiful.You truly capture the happenings and the atmosphere as real as possible.Thank you for sharing .Be blessed and have a beautiful week.

Twilight Man said...

You had such a lovely trip to relax in the highlands with mountain views and abundance of vegetation greens! I look forward to have this type of vacation too.

Nancy Chan said...

I can see why you love this place even from the pictures! Your uncle has a beautiful house! Great place to visit and enjoy the beautiful sight and nature!