AiringSense

Our much-anticipated trip to Ooty and Masinagudi was planned to kick off at 10 PM on Friday. However, as with most adventures, delays are inevitable. We had a good reason, though - we were preparing a delicious breakfast of idly and Intestinal curry (kudal kulambu) right at home. After a small pooja for safe travels, we finally boarded the bus and hit the road at 1 AM on Saturday.

The journey began with high spirits. With 20 members on board, the bus was soon alive with music, laughter, and non-stop dancing. The vibrant energy carried us all the way to Black Thunder, where we took a pit stop for an hour to "refuel our souls." By the time we reached Mettupalayam, the sun had risen, and it was time for breakfast. While my friends indulged in a hearty non-vegetarian feast, I stuck to my fasting diet for my Palani Murugar temple vow, relying on rolled chapatis I had packed from home. Despite missing out on the tempting food, the cheerful company of my friends made it all worthwhile.

Our first destination was Bykara Waterfalls. To our surprise, the waterfalls had dried up, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. We made the most of it by taking photos and simply enjoying the serene surroundings. After that, we headed to Masinagudi River Valley Resort, where we would stay for the night. Once settled in, we ventured to a nearby town for lunch before returning to the resort.

Near the resort, a small stream flowed—a hidden gem perfect for unwinding. Initially icy cold, the water became pleasantly soothing once we got in. We spent hours splashing around, singing, and dancing. Later in the evening, we split into two teams and played a fun game of cricket near the resort, making the most of the lush greenery around us.

As the day wound down, we visited the Theppakadu Elephant Camp, a place recently spotlighted in a documentary that won an Oscar. It was an honor to see the lady caretaker featured in the film, a testament to her dedication. The camp houses around 10 to 15 elephants, each with its own unique name and story. Bhama, a 75-year-old female elephant, is the eldest and a favorite among visitors. We observed the fascinating feeding process, where each elephant is given a nutritious mix of horse gram, ragi, rice, salt, jaggery, mineral mixture, coconut, and sugarcane. Watching them line up with their mahouts for their evening meal was a heartwarming sight. Some mahouts even take their elephants home after the feeding, a tradition that reflects their deep bond.

Back at the resort, we requested the staff to prepare chicken gravy to pair with parottas and rotis for dinner. While my friends enjoyed the feast, I stuck to my chapatis, staying true to my vow. The day ended with stories, laughter, and a good night’s sleep.

Sunday morning began with a short walk along a nearby road, only to be warned by a jeep driver about a roaming elephant in the area. Taking his advice, we returned to the resort, enjoyed a complimentary breakfast, and packed up for checkout. On our way back, we stopped at Mettupalayam for lunch and picked up some snacks, including the famous ooty varikki and chocolates.

The return journey was filled with laughter and melodies. We reminisced about the trip, cracked jokes, and sang our favorite songs. By 10 PM Sunday, we were back at college, wrapping up a wonderful two-day adventure.

Though we didn’t cover many tourist spots, the joy of being together, sharing stories, and creating memories made this trip unforgettable. Sometimes, it’s the company that turns a simple journey into a cherished experience.

OOTY & MASINAGUDI TRIP 2024 WITH THE PLACEMENT TEAM

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

OOTY & MASINAGUDI TRIP 2024 WITH THE PLACEMENT TEAM