Trekking in the rain

REMA RAMANAN

Trekking and rock climbing always fills me with joy because I can experience the silence of nature, which relaxes and rejuvenates. So when my father proposed a trek to the Mukkuruthi peak I was quick to pack my back pack. I had trekked on these hills many times, but never during the monsoons. So, this promised to be a different experience. The aim of this trek, my father explained, was to study the terrain and the grass lands, which were open, undulating hills, with shoals in the folds of the hills and the upper reaches covered with coarse grass.

The Mukkuruthi Peak is about 40 kms. from Uthagamandalam. It is a National Park and is located on the South Eastern corner of the Nilgiris Plateau. There are many beautiful, perennial streams flowing into the Bhavani puzha. The silent valley in the Western Ghats is located on the Western side of the ranges. A trek to this peak, which is above 8000 ft. requires special permission from the Forest Authorities.

On October 1, we started our trek from Porth mandhu at 7 a.m. and after a two-hour trek through the sholas we reached a small trekking shed, where we rested. The emerald green water of the dam, with the mist lingering over the lake, partially covering the trees was fascinating. The drizzle as we walked through the sholas, the burbling of the river and the cooing of the birds made it memorable. The weather was unpredictable. While at one moment it would be cloudy the next there would be sunshine. There were flowers in the grass, shades of purple, and in another patch shades of pink.

The magnificent Mukkuruthi peak towered against the background of a dark rainy sky. Mist covered the peak making it look hazy. There is a shrine on the peak dedicated to goddess Kali, the deity of the Todas.

As we climbed higher, we noticed that the trees had given way to grasslands. The grasslands maintain the ecological balance. They act as a sponge, sucking and retaining the rain water. Slowly they release the water and hence the presence of perennial streams and rivers in the sholas. Numerous waterfalls mark the course of the rivers.

These sholas abound in wildlife because of the constant availability of water and food. The Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Lion tailed macaques, common and Nilgiri langur, Sambhar, Chital, giant squirrel and wild boars - all share the forest. Besides these, there are tigers, leopards and panthers. There are plenty of woodland birds too.

It was thought that the grasslands were of no use and wattle trees were planted. But this has adversely affected the landscape.

At the end of the 12-hour trek I learnt several lessons - lessons in patience, courage and endurance and the importance of the spirit of adventure. I also learnt the importance of respecting nature and all creatures.

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