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ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

Tower with a view

Climb up and drink in the view, says SUBHA J. RAO

PHOTO: K. ANANTHAN

WAIT AND WATCH There's a wealth of wildlife at Kootar

After a taxing trek to Dhuvanam, we decide to take the easy way out to our next destination - Kootar, a scenic spot near the Chinnar border check post, which is home to a wealth of wildlife.

The watchtower here, one of three set up by the Forest Department recently, is a good vantage point from where you can sight animals.

With a pair of binoculars you can spot the elephant herds that frequent this place, thanks to a water source nearby. It also attracts numerous other species such as spotted deer, sambar, bison and the occasional panther.

Rudimentary structure

The watchtower is nothing to write home about. It is a nondescript green and yellow rudimentary structure that serves its purpose, providing Nature lovers with an unhindered view of the undulating ranges of the Western Ghats and the border towns of Kerala.

You have to be agile to climb the carved log ladder. Take a wrong step and you'll find yourself spread-eagled on the grass down below.

Swaying railing

Once there, don't lean on the railing. The building, supported by four concrete columns, tends to sway. But, don't worry, it is strong.

Just the night before, an elephant, on its way to the water source, chose to lean against one of the columns, leaving behind a large swathe of mud on the wall.

Once you find your moorings, after you enter the watchtower, it is easy to settle down. The tiny, three-window room can accommodate four people.

Green spread

Just relax, lean against the walls and take in the splendid view of endless acres of greenery and, of course, the animals that camouflage themselves in the long grass.

Fine-tune your ability to identify birdcall.

The watchtower is a 20-minute walk from the Chinnar check post.

Refresh yourself with a cup of lemon tea at the stall run by an affable old `amma' before you start trekking through the brambles, shrub jungle and grassy patches.

If you're travelling by jeep, you can drive in from the main road, but walking is a more exciting option.

On our return, we walk through the keep track.

As we progress, the tracker points out to elephant droppings and a circle of flattened grass where an elephant probably did a jig!

Neat place

One thing that strikes you about this check post is that despite the odd visitor, every attempt has been made to keep the place neat.

A fee of Rs. 15 per night per person is collected at the tower. A guard and tourist guide will accompany you.

The guide charges Rs. 100 a day.

You can also visit the nearby Kodanthur watchtower, from where you can sight deer round the year.

During the season, you can get to see herds of elephant without much effort. If you are really lucky, a panther might saunter by.

How to get there

Udumalpet is 68 km from Coimbatore.

From there, take a Munnar-bound bus and get off at the Chinnar check post. Else, drive down till there.

You need prior permission from the Forest Department to go to the watchtower.

For details, write to The Forest Ranger, Amaravathy Range Office, Amaravathy Nagar — 642102, or call 04252-256442.

It is best to visit Kootar before winter.

But, if you enjoy waking up in Nature's lap on a cold wintry morning, this is the time to be there.

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