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In quest of bison
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An unsuccessful search for the animal, writes Subha J Rao
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PHOTOS: K. ANANTHAN
WORTH VIEWING The watchtower
Navigating the 36 hairpin bends between Masinagudi and Ooty, I wonder what RLT I can possibly find on this stretch. To my surprise, there are two — Bison Valley View Point and Kalhatty waterfalls.
Uphill, I spot farmhands harvesting green Chinese cabbage and purple cabbage. "A herd of bison just passed by," they say and add I might be able to spot them from Bison Valley View Point. It is said to be a great place to watch out for animals and yet keep a safe distance from them.
We rev up the engine and race to the third bend from Masinagudi (33rd from the other end) where the viewpoint is located.
A circular watchtower has been erected here and a board promises snacks and tea. Ah! Hot tea while we wait to spot bison, I think to myself, as I rush up the steps. There is already a couple there, who have been trying for more than half-an-hour to locate the animals on the undulating slopes.
Verdant valley
I find my corner and survey the landscape. All that greets the eye are tall plantations, tribal colonies and grazing buffaloes and goats. Is it my imagination or are the buffaloes morphing into bison? And where is the teashop? There is none, as I realise the board was put up a long time ago.
After a while, I get over the disappointment of a wait sans tea or bison and begin to appreciate the sight of a verdant valley and a setting sun that colours the sky deep crimson.
The watchtower is not particularly well maintained. It is dirty and smelly but the view makes it worth the while. The lucky ones who visit the place at dawn or dusk are rewarded by the sight of bison moving down the plains in search of water.
Now, a waterfall
The jacaranda tree in full bloom.
It is soon time to head to the Kalhatty waterfalls, a slightly better maintained place. The Department of Tourism has installed signboards and some well-positioned stone benches that provide an unhindered view of the cascade dropping down a height of 100 feet.
A profusion of blooming jacaranda trees seems to frame the waterfalls. The lush slopes of the Nilgiris are a balm to city-tired eyes. Fragrant Lantana camara bushes add colour.
Soon, it is dusk. A glimmer of light and the smell of burnt leaves draw my attention. A passer-by has swept together some dry leaves into the dustbin there and set them alight, perhaps for warmth.
The falls may be at a distance, but you can hear the water as if it were round the corner. The falls are said to attract panther, spotted deer and bison that come to quench their thirst.
How to go
The waterfall is 13 km from Ooty on the Kalhatty Ghat Road.
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