KNF had been trying to organize a trip to Ponmudi for wildlife enthusiasts for quite some time, but the plan kept getting postponed due to various reasons. After several delays, the much-anticipated trip finally took place on September 29th, with 30 eager participants joining in. To accommodate everyone, a van was rented, and two additional cars were arranged to ensure all attendees could travel comfortably. The excitement was palpable as the group set off, marking the culmination of months of planning and anticipation for this long-awaited wildlife excursion.
In the van, the youngsters kicked off the trip with lively dancing and singing. After a three-hour drive towards Ponmudi, the group stopped at a small hotel for breakfast. The restaurant staff were excited to host 30 people at once. Our team jumped in to help, taking on roles like preparing dosai, serving, and even handling the billing. It was the ultimate self-checkout experience!
The team paused to purchase entry tickets, and the area was bustling with visitors, typical for a Sunday. While waiting, a few members were thrilled to catch sight of an Asian Emerald Dove flying by. Once the hill drive commenced, the group was delighted to spot a variety of fascinating trees, butterflies, and scenic landscapes along the way.
Upon reaching the summit, the team dispersed in various directions based on their interests. Some headed towards the watchtower, while others ventured along a different trail in the opposite direction. The only downside was the weather, which was expected to be cool and misty, perhaps with some rain, but instead, it turned out to be quite hot.
After exploring the area, a few participants climbed a nearby hillock, while others explored a bog near a small patch of shola forest. Excitement grew as one group discovered a large Atlas moth caterpillar, and another pair came across a Travancore pit viper.
The enthusiastic birders in the group had some interesting sightings, including a Long-billed Pipit, a Crested Serpent Eagle soaring in flight, and even a Montagu harrier. Meanwhile, the plant lovers were thrilled to spot species like Impatiens diversifolia and Murdannia gigantea. The diverse sightings made for a rewarding experience, despite the unexpected heat.
After their morning exploration, the team made their way to a hotel near Meenmutty Falls for lunch. The team then set off towards the falls, eager to experience the natural beauty of the area. However, just as the team arrived, rain began to pour down heavily, creating some confusion. The van carrying a portion of the group was unable to enter the falls area due to the rain-soaked path while the two cars managed to make it through.
As a result, those who arrived by car were able to enjoy the stunning Meenmutty Falls, soaking in the lush surroundings despite the rain. Meanwhile, the others in the van, made the decision to head back early to avoid further delays.
Although not everyone got to experience the falls up close, the day was still a success, filled with rich nature exploration and memorable moments for the entire KNF team. Despite the unexpected weather challenges, the trip to Ponmudi was a fulfilling adventure, showcasing the region’s vibrant wildlife, plants, and landscapes.