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Hills that you'll pine for

If it's solitude that you want, writes SUBHA J RAO

SERENE SETTINGS The Portimund lake PHOTO: S. ANANTHAN

If you are the kind who refers to tourist guides before embarking on a trip to the Nilgiris, chances are that Pine Hills will elude you. No place by that name exists on the map. But the locals are proud of this huge spread of pine trees, planted by the Forest Department in the Parson's Valley. They call it Pine Hills. In reality, it is not a hill at all — more like hundreds of acres of pine trees planted on a mound. The sheer height of the trees lends it the look of a hill. Though pine trees abound in the Nilgiris, this particular area with so many trees makes it special.

You have to slide your way down from the road to enter the patch of pine. Showing you the way are the hundreds of acorns strewn on the path, some perfectly shaped, others broken and mauled. The bed of fallen pine needles feels like a springy cushion. The rays of the sun manage to penetrate the thick canopy of pine and the diffused light gives the area an eerie touch. Looking up one can catch a glimpse of the clouds. Adding to the dream-like ambience is the gurgling mountain stream that carries the surplus water from the nearby Portimund dam. This place is perfect if you crave solitude. However, since wild animals frequent the place at night, return before dusk.

Standing by the Portimund lake nearby, you can see the outline of the Mukurti National Park and the Western catchment, besides several valleys and mountain ranges. The shola nearby ensures there is a choir of bird call.You can sight a few birds too but they fly away before you can identify them.

How to get there: From Ooty, drive down to Emerald. From there, take the road leading to Parson's Valley and drive for about 20 km to reach the lake. Pine Hills is four kilometres from there.

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