From Bandipur diary 2010 - 1

So began our journey in a rush on one of those rainy days of Monsoon in June, after the busy morning. We started around 11am by our car- Maruti Esteem. The holiday feel came once we crossed the familiar places along the NH17. We went via Calicut and then took right turn and entered the NH212. It was late afternoon and we were still far from border. We sped through the unknown places in anticipation. Soon we reached Adivaram meaning the Valley. From there began uphill climb through the mighty Nilgiris. As you might be knowing Nilgiris or Blue mountains got their name from bluish hue.

The Nilgiris....



There were 9 hairpin bends in total. The climb was breath taking. It was green all around which dissolved into blue in the far hill tops. It took some 45 min and we had reached high range. We didn’t dare to stop or even slow down. Vehicles were less frequent in this route. There was a panting transport bus that was struggling to reach top. The far off valleys looked blue and so tempting. Travel through Ghats made my day! Now we were on almost level road, no down hill journey was there as expected.

We had reached the Wayanad district. If the Ghats were splendid then this came as a bonus. The place is simply green and beautiful. We made a mental note to come here at some point of time for a visit. Finally we reached Sulthan Bathery and we called the resort people for directions. Soon we crossed the Kerala border and were traversing the forest sections of both states. It was late evening past 6 pm and we rushed past the green on both sides. Thank God the roads were good, straight and smooth, we could go at 100kmph and reach the resort by evening. We were greeted by herds of deer and a peahen on the way!

The forests and the roads of Bandipur.

Spotted deers are very commonly found in Indian forests. They walk fearlessly near the roads, but in large herds.



Thus ended my Day 1 in Bandipur. And soon I will come be back with rest of the stories.

A Bird's eye view from the watch tower in the resort. Unfortunately I forgot to click the picture oftower itself.