“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”

On 23^rd of November, 2017, a trekking was organised by the scouts and guides department. A team of 51 students along with 5 escort teachers headed to the Kottoor Wildlife Sanctuary or the Agasthyavanam Biological Park at sharp 7:15 am from school. We reported at the sanctuary by around 9 am and was allowed to use the dormitory for keeping our baggages and getting ourselves ready for the day’s activities.

We were soon served with a hearty breakfast at the canteen and was guided to the place where elephants were tied up after their morning meal. We, with great excitement and eager watched the movements and doings of the elephants and spotted their names and age put up on a board. This further aroused our fervour and we were soon busy finding who was who, finding their name by guessing their ages according to their appearances. We were told that the eldest elephant there, ‘Soman’ was 44 years of age. Then we were directed to an adjoining area wherein we were shown 5 baby elephants with two caretakers. A baby elephant of 2 months age was also there who was caught from the Nilambur Forest recently. Some of my friends even suggested a name for the baby elephant.

Then by around 10:45, we moved into the forest area for our trekking. We were informed that the thicket was a home to varied number of species ranging from wild bison to leopard, and hence we were asked to maintain perfect silence so as not to disturb them. We took a walk through the thicket, found different tree species, played in springs and enjoyed ourselves to the fullest in all way possible. The gentle breeze that glided by our side, stroked us with its smooth touch. The venture made us realize that the wilderness holds answers to questions we have not yet learned to ask.

Then by around 1:30 pm we were back at the canteen for lunch. We were served a scrumptious lunch with a variety of tasty curries. At this juncture, it’s worth mentioning that, all the food items we were served with, were all prepared in a traditional way, in chulhas or hearths and using grindstones. We were told that they do not make use of LPG’s nor do they use mixies or grinders and I guess that’s what made it so healthy and tasty.

After a small rest we were soon called for a small class by Sir Rajendran, Deputy Range Officer. We were told about the sanctuary, the elephants there and also about forest in general. We were made aware of the dire need to conserve wildlife and its natural habitat. It was a sort of interactive session and went on very well. By around 3:30, after having our tea and snacks we bid adieu to the woods with a heavy heart and a promise to conserve them in all possible ways.

“Friends, there is no Wi-Fi in the forest but I promise that you’ll find a better connection there.

Let’s take our heart and soul for a walk in the woods and listen to the magic whispers of trees.”

 -Anna Rose Antony, XI-E