You get up in the morning in a deluxe cottage, walk into the front verandah, stretch your arms and you're treated to the sight of herds of spotted deer browsing on an elevated space for BBQs across the children's play area. The hill range beyond, casting its shadow on the resort, is the Kolvalkal Betta. As you drink in the sights, you realise you're hungry and head to the beautifully appointed dining space with its sides wide open to bring in the elements. Behind you lies the Vibhudhi mountain and you make a mental note to hike to the temple at the top.
You are at De-Rock Jungle Living, a resort in the middle of the Mudumalai forests where your every comfort is taken care of. The excellent chef and the employees are all locals.
The surrounding forests of Mudumalai and Bandipur cast their spell in no time. You crisscross motorable roads in a jeep, and wooded paths on elephant back. You thrill at the sight of herds of elephants with calves. You wait as they cautiously cross the highway and listen to their call. You delight in seeing gaur, deer, fox, gibbons and peacocks. Don't get your hopes up for tigers and cheetahs unless you stay for a month. You bird-watch, trek, fish, swim, visit temples, even get a tourist's view of Mysore. Or sit in the verandah of this green cocoon and stare at the insidious spread of the lantana bushes that is killing the grasses that elephants feed on. It's a great place to visit through the year as the resort lies in the rain shadow area. And is a perfect getaway for those who value the quiet.
DE-ROCK, JUNGLE LIVING, MASINAGUDI
USP: It's a wild world.
Tariff
Room rates start at Rs. 2,100 (single), Rs. 2,500 (double). All activities such as trekking, fishing and safaris come at an extra cost. Six-seater jeeps are hired at Rs. 6,000 depending on the duration. For details call 94425 25003/96269 05665, email info@de-rock.com / derock@aol.in or look up www.de-rock.com
How to get there
Fly in from Coimbatore, Kochi, Bengaluru or Calicut. The resort arranges for a pick up. De-rock is in a 4-km radius of Masinagudi.
Or reach Mysore by train and take a taxi.
Or drive from Calicut, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Cochin, Mysore, Ooty.
Things to do
Climb the Vibhudhi mountain to the temple at the top. Take in the view of the forests below and the Western Ghats all around.
Go on jungle safaris.
Visit the elephant feeding camp. Go on an elephant safari or a van safari organised by the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
Fish and swim in the river nearby.
Visit Gopalaswamy Betta and the historic temple.
The Bandipur jeep safari takes you deep inside the Karnataka side of the forest.
