Untangling myself from heavy, angry traffic to reach the office every day is a situation I had sadly, come to terms with. ‘It is what it is,’ is what the logical part of my brain says. Of course, the fantasy side of my brain dreams of flying cars, magic portals, and secret underground tunnels, but that’s a story for another blog. My point is that in the middle of this heavy traffic, sweating, honking and screaming (in my head, of course), I had an epiphany. And that epiphany took me from the busy roads of Chennai to a serene village blooming with farms and hills; a chapter I’d like to call: The Shoolagiri Farm Stay. So, what is ‘The Shoolagiri Farm Stay’ all about? An escape into the mundane. Yes, it sounds cliché and perhaps similar to one of the sonnets of romantic poets, but the Shoolagiri Farm Stay is indeed an escape into the mundane from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located 22 kms from the industrial hub, Hosur, and in the district of Krishnagiri, is the Shoolagiri town. And there resides, basking under the sun, a 40-acre farmland, cottages with hosts and a breathtaking view of the greener side of earth—Ecoland Farms. My Shoolagiri Farm Stay began when I reached the Ecoland Farms in the middle of the night. Realization Number One: Do not check into a farm at midnight. No, I don’t say this because I was anxious. It’s because, to reach Ecoland Farms, I had to cross the Shoolagiri village situated in a hilly region, rocky paths and hairpin bends that had signs which said, ‘Careful! Elephants Crossing.’ Because it had been midnight, I was unfortunate enough to not encounter any elephants along the route, and I missed what may have been a scenic route. Nonetheless, when my cab driver drove through the flat arch of farm, and I exited the vehicle, I was embraced by cool winds, starlit sky and the scent of damp grass. It was a pleasant feeling telling me that I am far, far away from the city even though it’s only a few kilometers away. Despite the tardiness of the hour, I was greeted by the farm manager with a smile, and he led me down a soft slope towards a cottage that rested atop a small hill. The cottage was earthy. The sliding doors welcomed me to a stone flooring, bricked walls, furniture made from eco-friendly materials and a separate bathroom and toilet. Fresh sheets, towels and pillows promised comfort, and yet the best part of the cottage was a huge sliding window, taking up half a wall, built right above the bed.  Realization Number Two: You haven’t truly experienced a sunrise unless you wake up, mesmerized by its sight. I stand by my statement. Sure, you can sleepily trot over to your terrace with a mug of coffee and enjoy the peace a sunrise brings. However, in a farm when soft, golden rays of rays wake you up because of a perfectly placed window, it’s a memory you’ll want to hold onto forever. The morning at the Shoolagiri Farm Stay, brought a sight, I had forgotten all about. Trees swaying gently, cold breeze caressing your face, acres and acres of wild greenery calling out to come explore. I took in an amazing scenic view, standing on the edge of the cottage’s cement-tiled porch. Not ready to let go of the painting-like view in front of me, I dragged the porch chair over to the grass lawn of the cottage and took a seat to simply enjoy the clouds floating in the early morning sky. A similar cottage sat a few feet away on grassy land slightly higher than mine, A fence enclosed the area, distinguishing Ecoland Farms’ farmland from that of others, flowers of all colours and sizes bloomed across the space, and in the distance, a few dogs rested in their kennels. Realization Number Three: Farm-fresh cooking can be addictive. It doesn’t get better than being greeted in the morning with wide-smiles and a warm cup of tea. I pen this with the utmost honesty that the staff at the Ecoland Farms are beautiful people. They didn’t hesitate to cater to me when I needed hot water, tea, food or anything else for that matter. After tea, I was invited to eat at the garden tables fit with adorable hay-roofs, overlooking the Athettilake at the bottom of the hill. Upon enquiry, I was told that I can fish in the lake, however, October wasn’t the season for fishing, but I can definitely head for a stroll in the evening. The farm staff had noted down my food preferences during the booking, and they made sure to prepare the food with utmost care. Of course, I wouldn’t go as far to say that the food I had at my Shoolagiri Farm Stay was the best food of my life, but I will tell you this, eating delicious Southern cuisine with the produce that grows in the farm, is incredibly fulfilling and a unique experience. It leaves you craving for more. Realization Number Four: You don’t really need to do nothing to relax. Yes, this is a quick weekend stay to relax, but I really don’t think that people ought to do nothing to relax. Ecoland Farms had understood that concept very well as they had created a list of activities that I could do throughout my stay. One of the first activities I explored at Ecoland Farms was a trek through their farmland. I began walking down the slope from the cottage with a guide who took me through marvellous fields of tomatoes, carrots, onions, gooseberry and so much more. Every step along the way, he narrated the history of Shoolagiri, the plans for the village, the recent developments and so many more stories that by the time I came back, I felt refreshed instead of exhausted. One of the other activities I partook in

When it comes to South India, there are certain topics such as filter coffee, classical music and coconut trees that take the centre stage. However, little do people know that there’s a wild, untamed soul lurking beneath the surface, waiting for those who are brave enough to look beyond the postcard-perfect landscapes. Yes, there’s a reason why South India is the best adventure destination in India. From the emerald forests of the Western Ghats to the hidden valleys of Kerala’s wilderness, South India is an enthralling ecosystem that defies every tourist brochure. These aren’t just landscapes, rather they’re living canvases painted with the most incredible wildlife stories you’ll ever encounter. Keep reading because this travel guide is different. It is a passionate invitation to truly see South India not as a destination, but as a living, breathing wild heart that beats with raw, untamed energy.   Table of Content When Nature Transforms: South India’s Wildlife Magic Forget about those crowded city streets and bustling tourist spots. We’re diving deep into the sanctuaries where nature rules supreme and every rustle in the bushes could be a leopard’s whisper or an elephant’s gentle stride. These aren’t just parks; they’re living, breathing ecosystems that tell stories older than our grandparents’ memories. Karnataka’s Wild Kingdom Nestled in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Bandipur is more than just a sanctuary. It’s a wildlife lover’s paradise. Imagine driving through dense forests where tigers roam freely, and elephants create their own traffic rules. The locals have a saying: “In Bandipur, you don’t just see wildlife. Wildlife sees you!” The park boasts one of the largest populations of Asian elephants and Indian tigers. But it’s not just about the big cats and gentle giants. From Malabar giant squirrels dancing between trees to Indian rock pythons silently slithering through the undergrowth, every moment here is a frame from a wild documentary. Kerala’s Living Canvas Periyar is where the wild meets the water. This sanctuary, located in the heart of Kerala, is unique because of its massive lake that serves as a lifeline for countless species. Locals affectionately call it the “Jeep Safari Paradise”. Take a boat ride, and you might just spot a herd of elephants drinking water or a family of Nilgiri langurs playing hide and seek among the trees. The best part? The park is open throughout the year, but the months between October and March are when the magic truly happens. If South India had a crown jewel for biodiversity, Kerala would be wearing it. Forget the fancy resorts and dive into the real Kerala. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve might not guarantee tiger sightings, but it’s a wildlife lover’s dream. Spotted more elephants than you can count? Check. Deer wandering like they own the place? Absolutely. And those birds? They’ll make any nature photographer weep with joy. The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is not for the faint-hearted. A moderate-plus hike that requires permits in the off-season, but trust me, it’s worth every single challenge. Also, respect the elephants. They’re not here for your Instagram moment. Tamil Nadu’s Wild Treasure Let’s get one thing straight, Tamil Nadu might be famous for its magnificent temples, but it’s got so much more brewing underneath. Sure, Marina Beach might be the world’s second largest, but trust me, it’s not about the size. It’s about those magical sunrise moments when the entire city seems to pause. Take the road less travelled from Ooty through Pykara to Mudumalai National Park. The journey itself is the destination. Hill stations like Yercaud and Kodaikanal are the gateways to incredible hiking trails and hidden village experiences. Right at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, Mudumalai is a biodiversity hotspot that would make any wildlife enthusiast weak in the knees. The park is home to some of the most incredible creatures: Indian gaur, dholes (wild dogs), and, if you’re incredibly lucky, the elusive black panther. Local guides often joke that in Mudumalai, every safari is like a lottery. You never know what amazing creature you’ll encounter. Karnataka: The Unexplored Wild Coorg for wildlife lovers is an emotion. Those coffee plantations aren’t just farms; they’re stories waiting to be discovered. It’s where wildlife writes its own rules. Drive through, and you’ll see elephants creating traffic jams that no Google Maps can predict. The KSRTC buses will be your best friends as they’ll take you literally everywhere. Kudremukh Peak is for real adventurers. No camping allowed, but the stay options in nearby villages is pure magic. And Jog Falls? They’re the second-highest waterfall in India, and trust me, in full flow, it’s a jaw-dropper. The Unsung Heroes of South Indian Wildlife These are a few hidden Gems Most Tourists don’t often explore: Pichavaram Mangrove Forest: Near Pondicherry, here the landscape changes where an entire ecosystem waiting to be explored. Take the longest boat trip, chat with local boatmen, and see a side of nature most people don’t even know exists. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Close to Bangalore, but worlds apart from urban chaos. Go early, take a boat ride, and watch birds like you’re witnessing a secret performance. Kakkayam: Just a couple of hours from the touristy Wayanad, this place is why postcards were popular once. Small dams, hidden ponds, thick forest cover and almost zero tourists. The Soul of South Indian Wilderness Metaphorically these locations are the stories waiting to be lived, experiences waiting to unfold. From the misty peaks of Munnar to the dense forests of Parambikulam, from Coorg’s coffee plantations to Pichavaram’s mangrove mysteries. South India is wild, unpredictable, and absolutely magical. Travel is not about ticking boxes. It’s about collecting moments, respecting nature, and understanding that every trail has a story. The wildlife sanctuaries are not mere tourist destinations. They are sacred spaces where nature writes its most intricate stories. Where an elephant’s trumpet can be heard echoing through misty valleys, where rare birds dance between branches that have witnessed centuries, and where every plant root tells a story of survival, beauty, and wild,