A Camp in the woods to rejuvenate young minds

Away from the textbooks and routine assignments

After a hectic year of studying in a professional course, the heart yearns for a change, a getaway from everything – and I knew that this camp would provide that and much more. After much convincing and extensive negotiation with Manu sir and friends, we set out on the 3^rd of June to the picturesque Western Ghats where we wished to trace the path taken by the river Sita. 

The author, out of her white coat- in an attire for June 5th

On reaching Karkala the next morning, we left for Hebri changing buses after which we took an auto rickshaw to our destination, the Sita Nadi Herpeto Camp. This base camp is a designated sanctuary for reptiles and frogs. The Malabar giant squirrel, Lion tailed macaque and the flying squirrels which are endemic to the Western Ghats also thrive here. Located deep inside the Ghats, it seems to be a place not of this world, something all of us sought. Like any typical rain-forest, it’s a home for a rich and diverse flora and fauna. Some of my friends being first-timers instantly fell in love with the place (I had already through previous encounters).

Deep in the jungle, in search of oneself

After freshening up, we had an ice-breaking session wherein we introduced ourselves formally and spoke about our experiences about what made us who we are now. It was interesting to hear others’ stories, which in many cases changed my perception of the person.

In the evening, we watched the documentary ‘Surviving Progress’ by Mathieu Roy and Harold Crooks.

The 5^th of June began at 6:00 in the morning with a bird-watch. We could hear the transition from the nocturnal croaking of frogs to the trilling of birds as day broke. The Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle and Stork-Billed Kingfisher were spotted. Having had our breakfast afterwards we trekked to Barkana Viewpoint. It was a breath taking view. On the way back, we were lucky to spot family of Lion Tailed Macaque. It is an endemic species to Western Ghats and an endangered primate thus making it a rare chance to come face to face. Its colouring and very silent nature makes it very hard to spot in the thick foliage of the tropical rain forests. Having spotted it finally made World Environment Day meaningful.

At the foot of a forest bi-centennial

In the evening, we were confined to the pergola since it was raining. We watched a couple of documentaries, one of which being ‘Voyage of the Lonely Turtle’ which informed us about the life of a Loggerhead Turtle. We learnt that it spends half of it life alone in the Pacific and then travels towards the beaches of the Indian Ocean to produce its off springs. The film also focused on various other marine creatures it passed by. It was surprising to know that the turtle could actually remember and almost exactly retrace the footsteps taken by its mother. We also watched another documentary called ‘Human’ which was interrupted by frequent power cuts. The film began with a very touching experience of a person, where he described what love is. Through its course, the film featured various people answering simplest questions that were hardest to answer. Both the films gave us an insight about various aspects of our lives.

Some find in the night expedition

After this, we went out on a night trek in the water, along a tributary of Sitanadi. Trekking in the dark was exciting. As we were wading along the stream in the chill waters we explored for fish, frogs and snakes. The easiest to find were the frogs.When the water got deep we had to get on to the bank and by pass the stream by a few yards and it was all bushy and ground was wet and slippery. At about one in the morning we sat at the source of the tributary and discussed about the formation of the soil, the continental drift and its evidences.

Narendra with his tree frog

The team at Kudalu falls

The next day’s bird watch session and a long trek to Onake Obbe falls were called off due to heavy rains that persisted all night through. However, once the clouds opened up we had a shorter trek to Kudlu Teertha. The view was blissful!We enjoyed playing in the water for a few hours happily. During our journey, we found a Cat Snake crossing the road. We caught it and examined it for a while and took a couple of photographs before we resumed our ride.

A cat snake on the road

In the evening, we watched another documentary on Sir David Attenborough by the BBC. It was an interview with the legendary naturalist and broadcaster and his companions on account of his 90^th birthday. After a tiring day, we packed up our stuff to leave for Kundapura the next morning.

A bi-colored frog in hand

On the 7^th of June, we began our journey towards our destination after breakfast at 10 in the morning. Kundapura, a coastal area is located 52kms away from the base camp. The blue expanse of sea with fierce waves and the cloudy sky were practically announcing the setting in of monsoon. We played at the beach and in the waters for a long time after lunch.

With heavy hearts, tired bodies and stronger minds we then prepared to leave. We waved each other goodbyes after having our final meal together and left for our homes.

After an exhausting session in the rough sea

-Text by Chitkala Sharma, 

           Graduating in Speech and Hearing