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Lake view!

A road to Paradise, writes SUBHA J RAO

PHOTO: K. ANANTHAN

THE PERFECT POSE A Nilgiri langur spotted near Wenlock Downs

Sometimes, the first look doesn't do enough justice to a place. Like we realised on our way back from Western Catchment. The Parson's Valley road is all so green and beautiful that it is difficult to pinpoint just one spot that is out-of-the-world. That is when Wenlock Downs beckoned.

We had passed by the same spot two hours ago without finding anything special about it. This time around, an endless lake peppered with mud islands springs into view.

Stopping by, a grove of freshly sprouting eucalyptus welcomes you to amble past.

A little further, some Toda tribals walk down on their way to their settlement in Governor Shola Mund.

The blue-green backwaters of the Kamaraj Sagar Lake glimmer in the sunshine. It seems never ending, winding its way through a stretch of jagged sand banks rich with evergreen trees.

Where peace prevails

A sea of calm that can relax any tired mind. Probably, Nature did not want to deprive anyone of the chance to just stand and stare.

A small clearing off the road provides a perfect view of the lake framed by mountains and trees. In case you want to sit, a bed of eucalyptus leaves is ready in place.

Just stretch your legs and take in the absolute still that reigns here.

A board put up by the Forest Department pronounces this place a reserve forest — Wenlock Downs and Governor Shola are part of it. For most, Wenlock Downs just means the extensive grasslands near the Gymkhana Club or the high-altitude Golf Course.

For that perfect break

But, the 20,000 acres that make up the downs meander their way around a lot more places. Like this. Perfect for a small break from monotony.

A little distance after Wenlock Downs is a patch of thick forest rich in wildlife.

A family of Nilgiri langur is playing somewhere up above. One of its members pays us special attention and with infectious enthusiasm, jumps from branch to branch, raining our car with leaves and twigs.

Then, it sights the camera and decides to pose. It preens, bares its mouth and throws what looks like a grin at the camera and Ananthan goes click click. Minutes later, it vanishes into the jungle.

A short drive later, another blue-green water body beckons — the pristine Portimund Lake. From the road, take in the sights of the rolling hills, tea estates and elegant estate bungalows. And, of course, the emerald waters!

How to go

Wenlock Downs is 10 km from Ooty on the Parson's Valley road.

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