Enjoyable camp life in a jungle. Review on Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Most people may be wary of Wild life and forest tourism , but it is indeed very different Interesting and Enjoyable!

I came across the link to Greenwoods nature camp Mollapalli ( http://www.greenwwoodsnaturecamp.com)

in your portal.Got in touch with them;Made a trip last week with my children.Most of the data needed is emailed to you.We rate it as one of our memorable holidays.

I was concerned when we got off the Shatabdi express at Mysore and boarded the Mysore Ooty bus. However to our surprise we found (when we got off at Thorapalli checkpost) that the jungle inhabitants were like any one of us , exposed to all the creature comforts.Every house has electricity and every one has a mobile(Airtel & BSNL have networks) lots of autos and jeeps are available to cater to the thriving jungle tourism. Every one is a marginal farmer.

Forests and Jungles are pretty safe and enjoyable, provided you abide by the rules strictly.The place belongs to wildlife and we are their guests.

We got off at Thorapalli checkpost(in TN).The Mudumalai-Bandipur forest stretches to about 25kms from Bandipur to Thorapalli check post and is just 8kms form Gudalur.Our guide received us at the bus stop near the petrol bunk(we were on mobile contact right from Mysore)and arranged for an auto to take us to the camp.The camp is a cozy place in Mollapalli village(2kms from Highway).It's well protected from wild animals and is fully fenced.It can accommodate 10-15 people in a cottage .A family of 4-5 in a large room like tent; 2 and more in small tents that have two beds each. Automatic solar lamps glow at night in the pathway in the camp.

The tents can be zipped in to keep away mosquitoes and insects and are housed in cement floored asbestos covered sheds.The camp has lots of shade c mango , coconut and areca nut trees.Thick jungle lies right in the back of the camp where elephants and deer are frequently sighted.

Fresh Tasty food(in sumptuous quantities) is available in varieties round the clock in the camp as per schedule.On the whole the experience is good and easy on the pockets.(below Rs1000/ per head per day for food and stay)The staff are friendly and want you to have good time.

This is elephant country.Strolls after dark are not encouraged.Bright colored clothing are to be avoided in the dark.You have marginal farmers with plantations of coconut , banana, arecanut, coffee, jack fruit & ginger.Elephants love to devour them.Hence most of these plantations have electrified fences.Elephants hang around after dark everywhere, people not abiding by jungle rules have been killed and maimed by

elephants.

Early morning trekking in the jungle is very enjoyable.It's cool visually pleasing with cool moist bamboo canopies, lovely dark green patches, streams, lovely sounds of insects chirping, birds cooing , bisons' mewing and an occasional elephant trumpeting at a distance.You come across animal tracks on soft mud viz. elephant, leopard etc.The 3.5 hour trek is a must as the weather is misty, below 25 degree Celsius and very exciting and thrilling.You are not allowed to trek without a guide as it can be dangerous.

Jeeps can be hired to go to Theppakadu.TN forests deptt, conducts a wildlife safari on beaten jungle roads(not by private operators) between 4-6 pm. We saw herds of deer, elephants, monkeys, we are told that leopard and tiger sightings are rare and a lucky few get a glimpse.We witnessed feeding of elephants at the feeding center. It's a great sight; Elephants hungrily gorge on the massive balls of rice , ragi and jaggery. There is a small museum with an interesting digital compilation of animal sounds which is menu driven and you can choose to hear the sound of your choice.If you are lucky you may get a chance to ride an elephant.Elephant safaris are booked in advance at Ooty.You may get an opportunity at Theppakadu, if there is spare capacity.

You must not miss the Night jeep safari conducted between 6-9pm. Wild animals prefer to come out in the dark.They take you on the highway at a slow speed of 15-20kmph and stop to show you animals thru headlight.We saw bison's and elephants chomping away.We saw horn bill, wild boar and porcupine.

As said earlier leopards and tigers eluded our sight.

Pykara lake is about 20kms from camp , a nice scenic place with rapids and lots of monkeys.There is a scenic valley view midway at Midpoint.

The trip is a photographer's delight.We took close to 200+ pictures on our Digi SLR.I would strongly recommend this jungle tour to people tired (pollution, noise and hurry) and wanting a Peaceful Relaxing holiday away from the 9 to 5 metro life.