My Maiden Nature Trip
Every boy and girl carries fond memories of their first school excursion, even for decades. I felt as excited in the summer of 1977, when my elder brother asked me to join him for a 6-day trek around Kodaikanal, organised by Youth Hostel Association of India. It was my first major trip in life and my elation defied description. Unfortunately, it did not occur to me to document my trip then. Yet, with some difficulty I constructed it to the best of my ability and memory after 44 years. Even though MNS was not formed then, 3 of our future members took part... Prabakar, Raghu and myself. We reached Kodai and were lodged comfortably and were suitably debriefed about the usual DOs & DONT's. About 22 members took part, all youngsters, mainly from Madras and Bangalore. Kodaikanal offers various trekking routes, matching the aspiring trekkers' fitness level and prior exposure. And the one we took was just the ideal one for nature enthusi...
Two interesting trees.. beautiful flowers that adds colours to any street during summer months. Your note brings the importance of these trees in our neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the prompt response. You are right. At least there are some trees in our neighborhood. In fact Janaki Avenue has the following trees Indian beech, indian Almond, Cassia margeneta, Trumpet tree, Gul mohar, Copper pod and Golden showers tree.
DeleteExcellent piece of information and writing about rare flowers and trees. Golden Showers and Gulmohar trees bring back my memories of my stay at Bhilai. I used to enjoy walking under these avenue of trees there, during winter around 11 am., with the Sun reluctantly peeping out of clouds !. Thanks for these memories!
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