Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park



Hi folks! It has been quite a long time since my last post. So, I decide to write about my weekend trip this time. We were discussing about a place to visit last weekend (26th August 2012). We had already been to shopping malls and cinema theatres. Moreover, it was becoming monotonous to visit them. So, we took a break from the routine and decided to visit a remote place. One of my friends mentioned a park in Anaikatti. We took a ride to Anaikatti and enquired about the park. People knew of the park, but the information they provided was rather ambiguous. One old man even ventured so far as to say that the park was nothing but ‘benches and a snack stand!’


We found out later that the place was much more than a ‘benches and snack stand’. It was actually “Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park”. Encompassing an area of close to 70 acres, the park harbors various indigenous species, flora and fauna, the Nilgiri Tahr being one of them. At the time of our visit, the weather was slightly windy and cool. The surroundings were picturesque and photogenic. We were informed at the information desk about the guided tour which we later took. It cost Rs.50 for an individual. The trail was 1.5 km long and the guide gave descriptions of all the fauna along the trail. Trees like Flame of the forest, Crocodile bark tree and Pei Ilavam were present. The trail had small huts in between which housed few reptiles like scorpions, geckos and arachnids. We took snaps of few medicinal plants and ourselves. The guide pointed out a steel grilled gate which had been damaged by an elephant a few months ago. We later visited the tree house which was not exactly a ‘house’, but just few logs of wood sewn together. The park was quite clean. I guess it is because not too many visitors come to the place. The park also has an aquarium, which is humble by a park’s standards. The park also offers trekking. The trekking is for four and half hours in the nearby hills. The people who wish to trek can inform the help desk and arrive at 9 am on the day of trekking. The park administration will even provide lunch if informed beforehand. We later learnt that the park was supported by philanthropists in and around Coimbatore and that the lack of advertising resulted in the ignorance about the biosphere for the people in the nearby areas. The ride back to home was one of fulfillment and satisfaction.

The trip was all the more memorable because one of my best friends, who accompanied me on the trip, is moving back to Chennai for work. It might be quite sometime again when we decide to go for another trip.

Comments

  1. The Third Man view28 August 2012 at 07:26

    Really after long time, I experienced fresh air climate there... I too suggest for the people in and around coimbatore to visit this place... Its even cost effective too !

    ReplyDelete

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