“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary.
After what felt like an eternity of hibernation, I decided to awaken my long-forgotten love for blogging. Life’s excuses—lack of time, mental clutter, and even my reliance on ChatGPT—had rendered me inert. But December 2024 brought a resolve to rediscover myself through the art of storytelling, and what better way to start than with our magical trip to the forests of Wayanad?
Gayatri, our daughter Barfi, and I were yearning for a tranquil escape, away from the cacophony of daily life. The forests, with their raw beauty, shallow waters, and untamed greenery, seemed like the perfect haven. Wayanad quickly became our unanimous choice for a peaceful New Year’s beginning. The allure of untouched nature, coupled with our desire to explore a lesser-known side of the world, beckoned us.
The Road to Serenity
Our journey began from Bangalore, winding through Mysore and eventually into the lush embrace of Wayanad. The 7.5-hour drive was a revelation in itself—deer darting gracefully across the roads, elephants trumpeting in the distance, monkeys leaping from tree to tree, and birds painting the skies with their vibrant colors.
Yet, the slow pace of our driver tested our patience. As Gayatri joked, “Are we in a car or a bullock cart?” Despite his snail-like speed, the scenery more than made up for it.
Gayatri, nostalgic about her musical escapades in Mysore, shared stories of her time there with the enthusiasm of a child revisiting her favorite toy. Barfi, meanwhile, oscillated between her favorite anime and soaking in the scenery. Her initial reluctance—rooted in a fear of spiders—soon gave way to unbridled joy, even when she spotted snakes (yes, plural!).
The Forest That Rules Itself
Crossing three states, countless waterfalls, and dense forests, we finally reached our resort, hidden deep within the wilderness. The path was a testament to nature’s supremacy: fallen trees decomposed where they lay, streams carved their own paths, and ancient rocks stood timeless. It felt as if we had stepped into an untouched world where humanity was merely a guest.
The resort itself was a marvel. Arriving just before sunset, we were greeted by chirping birds and a host who seemed like the forest’s own custodian. His knowledge of the ecosystem was profound—he could interpret the forest’s mood from its stillness. Dinner was a feast of freshly harvested vegetables and fruits, served with tales of the forest’s secrets.
A Symphony of Nature
The next morning began with a bird-watching tour led by our host. It was here that I learned about the fascinating loyalty of robins. “Once paired,” he said, “they never look for another mate. If one dies, the other often follows, unable to bear the separation.” One story he shared, of a male robin tirelessly bringing food to its nesting partner until tragedy struck, left me deeply moved.
By the serene Kabini stream, Barfi was in her element, collecting rocks and splashing in the water. Her laughter echoed through the forest, mingling with the sounds of playful monkeys and the gentle rustling of leaves.
I, too, had my moments of awe and adventure, spotting a venomous snake. I chose not to share this encounter with Gayatri until we were safely back at the resort—her phobia of snakes would’ve surely disrupted the peace we had found.
Whispers of History and Adventure
Later, we visited the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India. The boat rides, water sports, and tales of Banasura’s devotion to Lord Shiva transported us to a different era. That night, a jeep safari took us deeper into the forest. The darkness was alive with the sounds of the wild. Elephants, rabbits, and deer appeared like shadows in the moonlight, but the elusive tiger remained hidden. Perhaps the jungle wanted us to return.
The resilience of the tribal people we met was inspiring. Living in the heart of the jungle, they shared ingenious ways of coexisting with wildlife, from climbing trees to setting off firecrackers to ward off predators. Their harmony with nature was humbling.
The Call of the Ancient
On our final morning, while Gayatri and Barfi chose to rest amidst the calm serenade of birds, I ventured to the Edakkal Caves. The steep climb led to engravings that whispered tales of prehistoric times, reminding me of humanity’s deep connection with nature.
The Lesson of Silence
As we packed up and retraced our journey back to Bangalore, I reflected on what this trip had taught us. We had set out seeking silence and found it—not just the absence of noise, but the profound stillness that only nature can offer.
“To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.” – Jane Austen.
Wayanad gave us more than just memories; it gifted us a renewed appreciation for the world’s raw beauty and a lesson in living harmoniously. I end this journey inspired to embrace life’s silences and celebrate its wilderness.
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