Otty to Mudumalai, India

Wednesday, June 11, 08
We are off for Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. First, we look out over the vallies from
Doddabetta Peak, 2633 m, the highest peak in all of South India, and visit the Govy Botanical Gardens in Otty. Both of these are spectacular. From the peak the view is clouded, poor picture weather through the haze and mist. But the Gardens are 22 acres of manicured lawns and flowers along a hillside in Otty. The monkeys are creating a problem by sorting through the trash bins and leaving a mess. They wouldn't last past dinner in Congo!
I haven't written much about the weather in these hill resorts. Kodaikanal was in the lower 50s at night. Otty seems colder. I did not bring clothes along for such weather. Luckily, I have a wind breaker. In Otty, I use two blankets to stay warm at night. Returning to Pondy will be a system shocker. Asking for a tea, I find I've been drinking Orange Pekoe tea.
At the entrance to the Gardens is a sign, "Hebron School - Lushington Hall." Then below, "Co-educational, boarding school for children aged 5 to 18 years." This is the present home of Hebron School. I don't take the time to walk the hill to the campus.
Mudumalai Tiger Park is not in the hills, so the weather is mild, not cool. The 321 sq. km park is grasslands to semi-evergreen forests. The park actually is split over two Indian States. Mudumalai is in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur National Park is in Karnakata. Odd that they would name the park differently simply because it spreads over two states. But, they have. There are all sorts of promises as to what we will see. Driving slowly we see two large herds of Chitals (spotted deer), together around 80 deer. What a sight!
There is not a room to be had in the simple lodging in Mudumalai, so we continue on into Bandipur. Also, nothing! Exiting the park, we find lodging at MC Resort, a group of 20 rooms in a U with a large yard between the buildings with trees. Their main emphasis is taking groups into the parks on safaris. Tomorrow, rather, we will be returning to Pondy.
As we enter the room, no number on the door, a small gecko moves behind the beds. Oh, I have missed my little friends.
As night sets in electricity is supplied. Here, it is sporadic, on off, as the night progresses. Hot water? Not possible. Back to the cold shower.
Dinner is offered 7:00-9:30. Milan has asked for as table and 2 chairs to be set outside. Here we sit, enjoying the mild evening.
Mosquitoes! I have plenty of lotion. During the night, we will have a mosquito coil lit in the room. It smells like incense but is deadly on the flying creatures. A gecko chirps during dinner but is silent in the room. Dogs bark at passing wild pigs. Hope that doesn't keep up all night!