Coorg, popularly known as the Scotland of India, truly deserves its sobriquet. The coffee estates, the rich history, the Kodavas, and the forests, can take you to a tranquil life. On an early morning, we drove down to Coorg from Bangalore. It was the month of September, just the time when rains ceded and one could feel the lush green, leafy trees in its absolute fresh state. The journey was pleasant and the weather served a great company all through the way. En route to Coorg, we spotted an elephant in a thicket.

Elephant (Elephas maximus)

Quietly, I watched the tusker, took some pictures and went ahead. As my eyes wandered, I also spotted a Pied Kingfisher perched on a wire.

As we moved closer to nature, there was nothing to beat the quietness, call it the sound of silence or serene spaces. It was almost afternoon and a good six-hour journey before we could reach Coorg. Settling down to have lunch, I filled some rice and dal to my plate and along with a mug of fresh Coorg coffee, came out of the confined walls and formal lunch table to sit outside, watch the mountains and relish my food. It was sheer joy, an inexpressible feeling that mounted my heart when I was looking at the mountains enveloped in clouds. I could just sit there watching the colourful flowers that bloomed, the drops of water on petals and butterflies that fluttered around.

Rose Apple flower (Syzygium jambos)

We decided to take it easy than indulge in extensive sight-seeing. While sitting with mugs of coffee watching the rains and reading books, we also had occasional glimpses of birds, to call it a ‘bird watching’ experience! We planned to visit Talacauvery, but the idea got washed away with the rains. We wanted to step out in the evening and decided to head toward Iguthappa temple in Kakkabe. The temple was built in Kerala style, much to my surprise. After paying obeisance to the Lord, we went back by the long winding road.

The next day early morning, I walked amidst the coffee estates to a waterfall nearby. I merely followed the sound of the cascading waters and trotted down the path. The sound of the birds and the gushing down of the waters were perfect company for an early morning walk.

Nature's bounty!

The earth was damp after the rains and small dry leaves were soaked in rain water. The coffee pods sparkled in dew drops. Sitting by the waterfall, I wished I could just freeze the moment. After spending some time in solitude, I walked back and it was only when I looked at my feet, I realised that leeches had had a share of my blood! Quickly getting rid of them, I freshened up and headed for Dubare Elephant Camp. I had a chance to explore water rafting and I jumped at it. Putting my life jacket on, I took the oars in my hand, slowly trailing in the water, all the while chatting with my guide.
After a good hour of rafting, the voices of the mighty elephants called me. I got off my raft and went to see how wild elephants were trained at the camp.

I spent some time at Dubare and headed straight backto Bylakuppe. On my way back, I got some Coorg coffee. That was the last leg of my journey in Coorg. My trip was coming to an end. As we returned, I could still hear the birds at a distance, and slowly the mellifluous voices faded. This was an idyllic vacation that will remain fresh in my memories forever.

Sharada Balasubramanian

Sharada Balasubramanian is currently a researcher and writer with an NGO working on tourism issues. She has been writing since the last seven years for leading publications on travel, social issues, business, wildlife and environment. Her interests are rooted in wildlife, ornithology, photography, nature and traveling.