Bellikkal: In Nature’s Lap

Hire a helicopter and drink in the hypnotising sights of the forest-clad clad Nilgiri mountains down below. Or, if you aren’t inclined to spend that kind of money, simply visit Silver Stones Estate at Bellikkal. Complete isolation at 5,500 ft, just 16 km from Ooty en route to the Kalhatti Ghats. The estate adjoins the villages of Akuni and Hulhatti on the northern fringe of the smoky Nilgiri Hills. The 50 acres of absolute wilderness culminate at a point from where you can see unparalleled vistas with the forests of Mudumalai and Bandipur spread out down below. The Moyar river that slithers its way through a deep chasm leaves behind a trail of dense shrubbery.

From that height, the Sigur Plateau unwraps itself like a leaf stretching out in the open. And towards evening, the effect brought about by the setting sun on the innumerable valleys and mountains around, makes for a show that is purely in the realm of the divine.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Bellikkal is the place for long ambles along the ghats, or a quiet afternoon by Bellikkal Lake. Pack some outdoorsy clothes that’ll blend in with the surroundings and some sturdy walking shoes. This is an unseen and relatively unexplored section of the over-exploited Nilgiris.

A pretty hill stream

Prashant Panjiar

Wildlife Spotting

Walk down to Bison Valley, that takes its name from the innumerable gaur (Indian bison) that roam around the Sigur area. If you have binoculars, you can see the delightful sight of herds of gaur moving around languorously, grazing in the lush undergrowth. The silver Kalhatti Falls shimmer and glint as they cascade down a valley. And from this height and range, the waters seem to come down dreamily in slow motion. The Nilgiri peaks at Bellikkal beckon the intrepid trekker. And those who climb one of them through a series of thin trails passing through the foliage, will be astounded by the remarkable splendour of the vast and varied landscape, and the views that accompany the walk.

Bellikkal’s other attraction is the kurinji bush, covered with purplish blue flowers of delicate beauty. When in full bloom, the flowes lend a bluish haze to the area. But these bushes bloom only once in 12 years.

A panoramic view of scenic Bellikkal

Courtesy Bellikkal Estates

To be in Bellikkal during the monsoon is a truly romantic experience, one that will remain etched in memory. For when it rains, the whole area takes on a hazy magnificence. With umbrella in hand, make your way to the vantage point at the end of the estate and behold the sight in front of you. The mountains that gently wrap the verdant valleys in green gossamer look like they are being showered with a billion tiny, speckled diamonds.

The wildlife enthusiast will have no complaints of any kind. A herd of elephants or gaur or sambar or chital grazing in such complete solitude within the folds of the valleys below is a common sight from here. Sloth bears and panthers abound too; their droppings at numerous spots around the estate grounds point to their nocturnal perambulations.

Peace and Quiet

And then there is Bellikkal Lake up on the estate, cocooned within the foliage. And as you part the leaves of a small tree near it, you’ll see ducks in the waters. The birdsong in the trees envelope your being with the same effect as the soothing musical strains created by a cultured assemblage of musicians. Though there’s fish in the water, angling is forbidden at Bellikkal Lake.

Gentle, rolling slopes of a plantation on the Nilgiris

Prashant Panjiar

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

Pannalal and Mridula Chordia’s Silver Stones Estate (Coonoor Tel: 04232206527, Cell: 09486635445; Tariff: ₹2,000 per person per day) is in the lap of these unseen parts of the Nilgiris, surrounded by nature at her best. They do not have electricity or television; but what they do have in abundance is spring water.

Stay at an old haveli-like structure within the estate, that was built at the time of the Raj. Alongside wholesome south-Indian vegetarian fare, visitors can also tuck into fresh rolls and croissants with tea at breakfast. The Chordias can also arrange short walks around the area.

When to go November to March Location Nestled within the Nilgiri Range, south of the Sigur plateau Air Nearest airport: Coimbatore Rail Nearest rail: Mettupalaiyam