August « 2011 « The Lazy Traveller

I guess it started, when my good friend Ashwin showed me some photos of a trip that he and John (another buddy) made to this exotic locale, just 3 hours from Calicut.

I remember passing through this sleepy village at night, some 12 years ago on the way back from Ooty.I was in such a tearing hurry to get back to Gudalur that I did not slow down to enjoy the forest in the night.
(more on this Later)

Times have changed in Masinagudi.It is no longer a sleepy village,the place has transformed into a tourist boom town, with homestays and so-called resorts everywhere.There are still a few places close to nature, which doesn’t feel resorty for the discerning tourist.I’ve been lucky to stay and spend time in some of the best places for enjoying Nature.

My love affair with this beautiful place in the foothills of the Nilgiris really took off after a visit with my wife in sept 2010. We had just shifted from our rented apartment in Bangalore, and were on the last leg of a road trip (more on that too later!) before going to Kerala.

Since then I have made about 10 plus visits to this place with friends and family in less than one year.Whenever discussions about our next weekend getaway pops up, I always try to sneak in Masinagudi, much to the irritation of my wife.You see, once I reach the jungles, nature, camera and wildlife possess me to such an extent that I forget all else !!!

I love being in the lap of nature when I finally cross the checkpost at Gudalur and slowly drive inside the beautiful jungles of Mudumalai.

I love the beautiful mountain breeze that blows in from the Nilgiris.
I love waking up to amazing birdsong.
I love watching the deer graze, watching the majestic elephants doing their thing and the melodious calls of the peacock.

The anticipation of finding that elusive big cat makes me want to stay on at this place forever.
I always look forward to the next ‘Masinagudi rounds’ when my mind and body want to take a break from work and the city.