The Hindu Business Line : On the elephant trail

Elephant Valley, located in the Palani Hills, 20 km before Kodaikanal, is one of the 25 designated bio-diversity hotspots of the world. The 100-acre nature reserve, eco lodge and organic farm — all beautifully inter-linked — provide an unforgettable relaxing experience.

Located at an elevation of 1,200 metres, the weather here is pleasantly cool, ideal for the vast coffee plantation. The beauty of the scenic property, surrounded by hills, is enhanced by the gushing stream running through it, perfect for picnic spots along its banks. A long trek leads one to a sparkling waterfall, and bathing pools at its base. Wild mango trees in and around the falls attract poachers who come from as far away as Palani (four trekking hours away). They nimbly climb the trees, and sometimes even share their bounty with you.

Indigenous orchids, flowering climbers, oranges, and jamuns are carefully nurtured here. Turmeric, pepper and clove are organically cultivated, and so are capsicums, squashes and pumpkins in various hues and shapes, along with tomatoes, chillies, brinjals, salad greens, lettuce. A heritage seed-bank project ensures non-hybrid, original seeds. Coffee too follows this practice, and designer bags of Elephant Valley coffee make for ideal gifts.

A stay in the tree house, quietly watching ancient elephant migration routes traversed regularly by the gentle giants even today, is a unique experience. Spotting wild elephants and bison, eagles, leopards, monkeys and myriads of colourful birds, going riding, swimming in the river, relaxing in the warm rock pools, helping in gardening, or teaching the chef a home recipe — take your pick to rejuvenate yourself.

And if these activities are way too strenuous, you can also laze in the unique eco lodges — stone and mud adobes with tiled roofs supported by old teak, furnished with antiques. Even the tiny soaps kept here are unique — sourced from Delhi, they're completely natural, made from essences of flowers and spices. You can also opt for a pitched tent and take in the grand outdoors at night.

Food — gourmet cuisine, fresh juices, unique jams with home-baked wheat breads, porridges, scrumptious desserts, and Tamil cuisine — is served in the large thatched restaurant or right in your room. One can play chess or other games — simple delights found in the cupboard. Alternatively one can just drink hot tea or coffee, and de-stress.

More Stories on : Domestic Travel | Wildlife | Coffee

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