Kuthiraivetti is a serene grassland tucked away in KMTR (Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve). My husband Vinod and I reminisced about our stay there many years ago when it wasn’t as popular a destination. Back then, arranging our stay was quite challenging, and we reached the place in a jeep that was barely functioning. Despite the difficulties, we were rewarded with sights of rare orchids and snakes.
Recently, we decided to revisit Kuthiraivetti, only to find all accommodations fully booked due to online reservations. Undeterred, we opted for a day trip. The forest department allowed us entry only by 8:00 AM after purchasing a Rs. 1000 entry ticket. Eagerly, we began our drive through the dry terrain, expecting lush greenery after recent rains. Disappointingly, wild animals remained elusive, except for a fleeting glimpse of a grey mongoose.
However, the landscape came alive with Nilgiri tiger butterflies and the melodious calls of white-bellied treepies. As we approached the tea estates, the scenery transformed into dense, evergreen forests. Vinod and I often wondered how these areas would have thrived if not cleared for tea cultivation.
Our journey led us to Kaakachi, a small grassland where a gentle drizzle added to the mystical ambiance. Continuing onward, we marveled at trees cloaked in mosses and the vibrant Ophiorrhiza roxburghiana flowers. A rare purple flower caught my eye, later identified as the rare Acranthera grandiflora. The Malabar tree nymph fluttered by, adding to the enchantment.
Driving through the village of Oothu, we paused to enjoy a croissant breakfast amidst the vibrant hues of Blue mormon and Southern bluebottle butterflies. While I admired the Murdannias and wood sorrels, Vinod chased after dragonflies. The weather was pleasantly cool, enhancing our experience.
Reaching Kuthiraivetti, despite the rough roads, greeted us with breathtaking landscapes. Purple hedyotis flowers adorned the grassland, accompanied by the swift flight of a Shaheen falcon. Though we missed the broad-tailed grassbird, long-billed pipits delighted us with their presence.
As our day neared its end, we returned with a stop at Oothu for homemade lime rice. Here, Vinod’s quest near a waterbody revealed the elusive broad-tailed grassbird among the grasses. Near the rockside, the striking blooms of Malabar balsam added to our wildlife encounter.
Reflecting on our day, though we didn’t encounter larger mammals, the beauty of Kuthiraivetti and its rare flora made it a memorable journey into nature’s lap. With time limited until 5:00 PM inside the tiger reserve, we treasured every moment spent in this pristine wilderness.