In search of my Kurinji: The Tale of a Land across Time

'World’s End' at Pothanmedu

Pothenmedu 

I drove on to my hotel which was situated right at the top of Pothanmedu. Maneuvering one winding curve after another, I felt like Jack on the beanstalk of a hill. Finally, the car surged on to a little rocky shelf on the top of the hill and I had reached. It was like staying on top of the world. Civilization tumbled down in layers below you. Ages could pass, but I could be one lone traveler stuck on this hill which seemed like ‘World’s End’.  I woke up from my reverie to be ushered into my room which was right on top of the hotel. I felt I was living amidst the clouds.

A view from the homestay

Coming out into the balcony, I was greeted by a chorus of strange birds singing all kinds of songs, some crooning, others lilting, high pitched, chirpy. I am not an avid bird watcher, but I wished I was one so that I knew the names of my hill side guests and valley surfers of beautiful hues and songs. The long drive had tired me out and  I slept off for some time. I woke up to the most mesmerizing evening ever. The valley had filled with clouds and I felt I was floating airily on time. The sun was sinking into a cloud quilt and surfaced occasionally in warm hues of red and yellow, in the process turning the heavenly sky into an ethereal sea of colours. The birds soared amidst the cloud-capped trees, singing an evening anthem. I sat on that balcony sipping this heady cocktail of mist and musings and thought that I was the world’s most content traveler. An early dinner on a balcony, now moonlit and quiet, was how I completed that long day. 
 

Focus of 2018 Kurinji

Responsible Kurinji tourism

How we are going to control this year’s kurinji is a major challenge for the entire people. . more

The Changeover is not positive

Balan Madhavan says he has travelled extensively between 1988 and 2018 in this region.more