Trekking life seems incomplete without the thrill of trekking thru the Nilgiris! Called Blue Mountians, a name derived from the blue kuriji flower that blooms across the valley every 12 years, a sight to belold! Nilgiris, the tallest mountian range in South India, peaking at Dodda Betta (Big Mountain, 8606ft) is home to vast flora & fauna. Not to mention the elusive big cat, which our group was very fortunate to sight. Ofcourse, it had spotted us well before! Views all thru the days trek are arresting! Sample this view from ours: The Kalhatti Ghats estate perched at a lofty height from where one gets nerve tingling vistas of the Bandipur & Mudhumalai WLS below. The tree canopy resembling the knotted wool of a million sheep grazing at a distance! The Sigur Plateau unwraps itself like a massive open leaf. The picture is completed with the Moyar River that snakes its way through deep ravines. The setting sun in slow motion, as though suspended by an invisible thread, at the backdrop of all this, is a stage befitting the Gods. And we, merely mortals. (Above: some trek snapshots.. from me to you!)
The moderate grade trek begins at Parsons Valley, winds across Porthmund dam, Mukurthi lake, Anumapuram, Pykara (skirting Ooty), thru Mudhumalai WLS and culminates 5 days later into the Forest Rest House of the sanctuary. (Incidentally, this was called Veerappan Country, after the infamous forest brigand, who ruthlessly decimated sandalwood trees & Elephants in these majestic forests for 20 years before he was dramatically captured & shot dead!)
Usually undertaken as a 'do-it-yourself ' trek, without the luxury of porters, the affordable trek offers modest accomodation and simple food after a days hike. Moving Clouds arranges the trek if groups exceed 15.
Tip: Elephants have long memory. Yet haven't forgotton Veerappan. They treat all humans alike. Stay clear. If chased, run downhill. Elephants charge uphill at 20kmph! Wanna race?
