Aimed at fostering a deeper awareness of the life style of tribal forest dwellers and the biodiversity of the Palani hills ecosystem, these monthly overnight trips to the P.H.C.C nursery at Siruvattukombai have become very popular with students. The trips commence on Saturday mornings [ 10 students and 2 chaperones] with a bus trip to Bethelpuram from where it is an hours walk through scenic terrain to the P.H.C.C post. Delicious vegetarian food cooked over a wood fire sets the mood for the after lunch hike to the nearby stream. Initially the path leads through orchards where students learn to identify fruit trees and plants and then through tropical jungle where local guides point out forest produce, medicinal plants and roots and tubers eaten by the tribals. At the stream the waterfalls and pools make for quite some frolicking and fun. Returning to the camp before dusk, students work in the nursery, collecting seeds from shola trees and transplanting seedlings etc. Supper is followed by a camp fire and the sound of guitars and tired but happy voices rises in to the night. Moon rise over the tree line is often spellbinding.

There is a brick walled building and a thatched hut providing basic shelter. Everyone usually sleeps soundly in Siruvattukombai which is at an altitude of 600 meters and has a very agreeable climate. Dawn breaks with an exquisite chorus of birdsong. The area is famed for its birds and butterflies. The guides help identify birds, their unique calls and the many butterflies. The homegrown coffee is a favorite indulgence before the morning walk to look for the grizzled giant squirrels which have recovered from near extinction due to the efforts of the P.H.C.C. Returning for brunch in a couple of hours the group packs reluctantly to leave, thanking the staff for their splendid efforts. Arrival in Kodaikanal is usually at about 5 PM on Sunday.

Our student Reflections

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