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Saturday, August 18, 2012

late birds catch the worm ... not always --but at chinnar

Germans are known for perfect punctuality . And indians are known for their easy dealing with time . Both attitude have its pluses and minuses but you decide which is better in chinnar wildlife sanctuary at least . We were a group of 7 people 3  from germany  and 4 indians me included .

Maybe because we were really enjoying each moment or were taking too many photographs or were plain lazy  to wake up early  (its not a crime ... we were on holiday :)  )  we reached chinnar  wildlife sanctuary which is 90 kms from topstation  as we went via munnar  .  We reached there at 6 pm  on day 2 . A very friendly forest warden told us very politely that we couldnot stay at tree house as its deep in the jungle around 3 km  which we had to go by foot.  Having stayed previous day inside a jungle cottage we were ok with it though a little disappointed  .. We decided that we will stay at marayoor which is the edge of the forest and then do a day trek through chinnar wildlife sanctuary .  Since we were hungry we made a night ride in the innova car through the jungle road to reach tamilnadu (it was in kerala -tamil nadu border )  .  All of us especially the germans enjoyed the egg dosa and masala dosa served hot . On our return trip through the forest to marayoor we saw the wild pig . Looks similar to the domestic pig but bigger and with large tusks which  when wounded has been known even to kill a tiger fighting back . Our lone vehicle was going through the road and suddenly bus coming from opposite direction told there is an elephant on the road .  Our driver who was scaring us by telling many times "Where is the elephant  ?.Let it come  "  suddenly was discussing out aloud "What to do  if it comes in front of the vehicle  ?".  Anyway may be german prayers mixed with indian prayers the elephant had moved out of the road when we passed .  But then there was the ultimate treat to our eyes .... two beautiful leopard cubs on the road following their mother . Even sighting a leopard is rare but two cubs of leopard was a rare and beautiful sight . We would have missed it  if we hadnt been late and had been in jungle treehouse  . So in india better be late  :) 

We stayed at marayoor for peanuts  ..500 rs (  7 euros a night ) for a room which contrasts with 20-50 euros for even the cheapest accomodation in germany . Value for money . There was no water thanks to mans impact on the ecosystem of marayoor there was no rain this year  .  (global warming ?)  . But the homestay lady was very helpful as she personally drew 12 big pots of water from the stream nearby in the night .  Our homestay was bank opposite the forest and you could see a large rock nearby and a small waterfall nearby with minimal water due to lack of rains  ..

Next day  we set out early  and this time we were the first customers for the day trek through the jungle of chinnar .
to be continued .. click on next link on right side

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