Into
The Woods
Summer is the time to travel, mainly because that is the time
the family is together. North kerala has some forest territory
what will thrill anybody.
We were at Thirunelli in the Wyanad district where large tracts
of forestland exist with patches of farmland.
The hills beckoned and we had driven up from the plains to
Mananthavady, one of the three main townships of Wyanad, where
we spent the night. Early next morning we were on our way
to the temple hamlet of Thirunelli. The drive seemed to be
over all too soon, as the heavily wooded sinuous path was
a treat in itself. We checked into our Spartan digs and made
a beeline to the temple.
The older members of our group happily stayed back at the
precincts of the shrine while the youngsters pulled on trekking
shoed and set out to conquer the hills. Our tribal guide Maran
warned us to be as quiet as possible if we wished to see any
wildlife. We kept to the well-trobben footpath so as to cause
as little disturbance as possible to the teeming insect and
butterfly population. The crunch of shoes on gravel was punctuated
by bird song as we passed shoals.
Occasionally, we were able to identify a few of the songsters-the
Malabar whistling thrush and the Shyama.
As we approached the rolling grasslands, we sighted a few
dark boulders that seemed to move. These turned out to be
a small herd of gaur with their white stockinged legs.
We decided to stop for a well-deserved rest next to a gurgling
stream with the most deliciously cool water. Butterflies flitted
in the patches of sunlight and a hush fell on our group as
the pristine beauty of the place filled us with tranquility.
Another hour's climb and the vast panorama of the hills unfolded
before us. More surprises were in store as our guide indicated
a little fresh water spring atop the hill and edible fruits
from a wild date palm.
The trek downhill was filled with a new excitement as Maran
declared that he smelt an elephant. We sniffed for all we
were worth but could smell only the rich damp smell of the
forest.
All to soon we were back at the foothills and the small crystal
clear Papanasim stream. The water noise broken by a strange
sound, the owner of the queer racking call turned out to be
a shy barking deer which made off in a thrice. The cool flowing
waters soothed our tired limbs and a triumphant group sat
down to partake of the hot meal.
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The Green Paradise
