Wilderness..........music, if you care to listen !

 wilderness

          ……… music, if you care to listen !

When family decided on a day off, we began making plans. While planning was  easy we  didn’t know where to head for. It has always been my wish to observe sustainable practices while travelling.  Research on Homestays & resorts which encourage conservation tourism helped in making a choice. It was agreed to spend a night at   Secret Ivory farm and Guest House  in  Masinigudi .We were able to  secure a good package from them and reserved their unique tree top huts .Driving through the gorgeous Bandipur and Mudumalai tiger reserves, decked out in emerald  after recent rains, we arrived at Secret Ivory Resort .  We were welcomed by the owner Mr.Ombalan & his wife Mrs.Kala. We climbed the step ladder to occupy the Tree Hut without having the faintest idea about the type of facility available in the “HUT”.

 As we stepped in we were amazed . The walls and roof of the compact room were panelled with wood & mats woven out of bamboo shavings, presenting a mix of rural architecture combined with comfort & incorporating local aesthetics. While  a spotless double bed  prominently occupied one side , at a  corner was a Glass top Bamboo frame Table, a rough cut timber wardrobe and ………….   a  sparkling clean attached toilet / bathroom,the walls and floor of which ere  thoughtfully  laminated with water proof vinyl covering.Running hot water is supplied from a solar heater , Power saving LED bulbs in bamboo basket lamp shades adorned the  mat panelled ceiling. The two hut rooms also have a common balcony facing the forests, We were informed that elephants, spotted deer, peacock and  Gaur  are regular visitors.The resort manager informed that elephants even rub their bodies against the huge trunk of the Jamun tree on which the Tree huts are built.

As if in confirmation of this thrilling information, we found mounds of telltale evidence left behind by the pachyderms.

            

It goes without saying that all of us were ‘maha’ thrilled and proud of our choice !

The food offered is simple fare , made on order, prepared & served piping hot at the common dining hall. A granite top  buffet counter is in place , presumably to suit larger groups.  Smaller family groups  are served at three bamboo  & timber dining tables

     The resort suggested & arranged a Jeep safari through the mountain/forest Roads and informed that we would be rewarded with stunning views of mountains and with some luck wildlife too. We were certainly not disappointed. The three hour long  invigorating drive  through Lush greenery, plantations , beautiful streams,  enormous mountain backdrops, Irish bridges  & gushing waterfalls left us craving for more ,so  we enjoyed  another safari early next morning.( we even caught a fleeting  glimpse of  a crouching Tiger  in a dense bush.)

Overall we  were extremely happy with the location of the resort and beyond expectation service. I will recommend this place without hesitation to anyone who .pledges to travel mindfully and are willing   to promote conservation tourism & nature-inspired practices through reduced trash. I strongly recommend checking out this property

Fact File:

 The Property: The farm stay is about 30 minutes’ drive from Theppakadu. A 4-acre parcel of land with a natural stream, lush greenery and simple activities for children and adults alike. The place has four deluxe rooms, two suite rooms, a ten bed dormitory and two tree top hut rooms, an ideal retreat to connect with nature and to savour its munificence.

The Promoters: Mrs. Kala & Mr. Ombalan, soft spoken and exuding a deep love for nature, Mr Ombalan has risen from humble beginnings to establish his cherished dream. Son of parents residing in ooty, Ombalan shifted base to Masinigudi and offered his services as a tourist guide particularly to foreign tourists.  With his deep knowledge of mountains and the terrain   he began organizing group treks in the hills around Masinigudi. His expeditions gained popularity and earned him money & fame. Soon he explored the possibility of establishing an ecofriendly Resort /home stay on the patch of land owned by his father on the fringes of the forest. Secret Ivory farm and Guest House Opened for the tourists in 2002 and has attracted discerning tourists ever since.

Naturalist & Safari Jeep Driver:  Rotund, bursting with nervous energy, Mr. Daniel is a revelation. I have interacted with many naturalists and wildlife trackers in various wildlife reserves & game parks. I have yet to meet someone as knowledgeable, sharp eyed, instinctive alert, observant, perceptive, quick-witted as Daniel. Tracking & Spotting wildlife is child’s play to him. He is blessed with encyclopedic knowledge about endemic species of flora & fauna particularly the Birds. And above all ………………………is an irrepressible chatterbox! 

A native of Masinigudi & a trained lab technician, he chose Nature as his future much against the wishes of his family. He specializes in sharing his vast knowledge with groups of School children and tourist groups IS President of Masinigudi eco Naturalists youth club

About himself, he quips “ Born, brought up, living and will die in Masinigudi”

I normally give motor mouths a wide berth. But, Daniel is the newfound exception. I would certainly not lose an opportunity to listen & enjoy Daniel’s endless prattle on his favourite topic; Masinigudi, Nature & Birds!  

The Location:Secret Ivory farm and Guest House is situated in village Achakari, Masinagudi Where you will experience nature and serenity at its best as you wake up to the breathtaking view and calming silence of the mountains, punctuated only by the chirping birds and the rustle of leaves in the cool mountain breeze.

The place is nestled in the fringes of forest, allowing guests the opportunity to rediscover the joy of wallowing in nature. The resort has left nature undisturbed; making the most of what has been available to make the stay sustainable, comfortable and a wee bit luxurious too. The resort remains an ideal choice for people seeking conservation tourism environment.

How to Reach:1) Mysore to Bandipur Tiger Reserve (77 KM) to Mudumalai Tiger Reserve(14 KM)to Masinigudi(13 KM)

2) Coimbatore to Mettupalayam (35 KM) to Ooty(53 KM)  to Theppakadu ( 35 KM)to Masinigudi(8 KM)