Tryst with Nature

It’s been a few years, since our last vacation, since Covid and the resultant restrictions, since the fear of travel took over . After much deliberation, after much consideration, we decided on a short tour, of none other than God’s own country.

Being the month of May, we were filled with trepidation , the heat and the humidity we knew would be daunting. As the day of departure drew close we toyed with the idea of cancelling, but the dye was cast, and there was no turning back . Enlisting the help of our son, placing our various responsibilities on his young shoulders, leaving him to hold the fort, we set out on our little sojourn .

Starting on time , we got into a cab but the driver took a convoluted route, through thick traffic, which caused some small anxiety about reaching in time. But far worse was that the cabbie had the dirty habit, of frequently spitting in a fountain out of the window, as he was chewing beetle nut . Nevertheless, we were too excited to really care and nothing could take away from our exhilaration.

Reaching the airport we realised, our flight was from the new terminal 2, which only added to the adventure. Seeing the beautifully decorated terminus, was indeed a great experience. The plane was on time and the journey, un eventful . On arrival we took a taxi to our hotel , and the temperature I admit, was not far worse than in Bangalore . Looking out of the window, the transformation of the town from my youth, to a metropolis now, was amazing .

A couple of days in Cochin, in the hotel we frequented during our far less than frequent visits in the past. A hotel that stood beside the backwaters, a canal that once flowed swiftly, but now more sluggish, as if burdened by age. The food, as always delicious to the tongue, but now sitting heavy in our belly. After a round of visits, to renew our otherwise dying relationships, and a dinner with friends at a famous restaurant in Fort Kochi, we were ready for our next destination.

Spice Village, ensconced in the lush green region of Thekkady, on the periphery of the Periyar forest reserve, a resort built on the principles of clean, green, healthy, was truly a haven. Spread across twelve acres, are the quaint little elephant grass thatched cottages. Powered by solar energy, serviced by rain water harvesting, food from kitchen gardens, and fruit bearing trees, a self sufficient, green property.

Waking in the morning to the prattle of birds,the mynah and the babblers interspersed by the lewd whistles from the blue thrushes. The monkeys , the black Nilgiri langurs with their splendid golden head, were scrambling up the trees, to feast on young fruits, while the squirrels, not far behind, scurried around frantically, and the domesticated spotted Guinea fowls, waddled about, squawking proprietarily.

The day began with a hearty breakfast, a choice of continental, and local cuisine, fresh fruits and juices, coffee and tea, a time to interact with other guests . A boat ride was arranged for those interested and off we went to sight wild life . The Periyar lake, surrounded by the undulating Western Ghats, is a truly spectacular sight. The water so clear, calm and unruffled, filling us with a long forgotten serenity.

Sightings we had a few, just the random startled , Sambar deer, or a herd of wild buffaloes and bison . The birds we saw many, the heron, the river tern and the cormorant, displaying their many talents, spreading their wings and flying about, as a special treat . The water came rushing in ripples, splashing against the moving boat, then receding away in laughter, as if playing a game of ‘catch me if you can ‘ .

Tea time was a memorable occasion with a tea cart out in the open, snacks in jars and a woman from the local tribe, pouring tea with a dexterity that belied gravity. As we relished the food and ambience, music from a time gone by , from a cherished past, played in the background. The rest of the late afternoon was spent, either walking in the spice gardens enjoying the botanical splendour or playing outdoor sports.

Evenings started with entertainment, dances by artists, Bharatanatyam, kuchipudi , and other classicals, a different one, each day . Then came the cooking demonstrations, a new dish everyday, attended by the guests, both men and women, who hoped to improve their culinary skills. After dinner, an elaborate buffet ,most retired to the pool room, or the library, to relax awhile before we returned to our rooms.

A great vacation, a brief moment in time, a moment that was rejuvenating. It was no holiday in the mountains, no cruise in the Mediterranean, not an African safari, not a visit to famous monuments, but just a simple getaway, that was most experiential, a vacation that left us feeling energised and special. It is not just the destination that makes a perfect vacation, but the people we meet, and our willingness to enjoy, even the most banal .

We were fortunate, to meet the very best, from the pleasant cleaning crew, eager to share their stories, the obliging Kitchen staff, who went the extra mile to fulfill our every request, and the Naturalists, who patiently explained the flora and fauna, making even the small excursions, meaningful and interesting. And when it was time to leave, it was with a saddened heart, that we waved to each, as they gathered to bid us goodbye.

The greatest lesson learnt however, was from a little cormorant. The smallest of its flock, that faltered and stumbled, and was last to take off., but soon gathering speed, flying straight and swift to finish first. A lesson for us, who feel left behind, that no matter where or when we start we will always finish the race as ordained . And inspite of our adversities, we can truly believe, that all things work together for our good, always .