BRT forest never fails to make you feel belonged

 

 

The forests of BRT wrapped around me like a living, breathing presence—fresh air filling my lungs, birds calling from every direction, and alarm cries rising through the dense canopy. Being there felt almost meditative, as if the forest itself was slowing me down and teaching me how to simply be.

Day 1 

Felt Magical 

As the jungle safari began 

We came across a large Brown Fish Owl, sitting perfectly still, as though rooted to its chosen spot. I felt like it was meditating. 

As we drove further We saw the Indian tree shrew and I learnt something fascinating about shrews c that  DNA evidence has revealed that the elephant shrew is not a true shrew and is, in fact, distantly related to elephants, aardvarks, and sea cows. These animals all belong to a superorder of mammals called Afrotheria.

A Crested Serpent Eagle struck a perfect pose, calm and regal, while a frightened Sambar deer darted into the thickets at the faintest sound. By the water, a shy terrapin peeked out, and a restless cormorant kept wobbling on a branch, trying again and again to steady itself.

As the day drew to a close, the golden light spilling over the BR Hills deepened that meditative stillness inside me. It felt like the forest was both within and around me—a reminder of how alive, tender, and sacred this place truly is.

Day 2

It felt like a blessing to wake up to a herd of spotted deer right outside my balcony

Today unfolded  a day that I  felt like a gentle prelude to future adventures. I began with a peaceful morning meditation, grounding myself in the quietness  of breath and presence. Then, I immersed in the enriching sessions of my CBCT course, absorbing insights that nourished both mind and spirit. 

Nestled in a cozy hammock, I lost myself in the whimsical pages of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy, its heartfelt wisdom swaying within  me under the open sky. Mid-morning brought a delightful tea break with Gauthu, where we savored our cups while gazing at the vibrant, lush green trees that whispered stories of nature’s abundance. As the day progressed, I turned my thoughts to planning my next holiday, mapping out dreams of new horizons and unforgettable escapes. What a blissful day it was f, recharging my wanderlust for journeys which is yet to come🤗

The evening safari proved to be the cherry on top of an already thrilling adventure, capping off the day with unforgettable sights. As we ventured deeper into the wilderness, we spotted a majestic sambar deer wading in a swamp, peacefully grazing on the lush grass. Our guide shared a fascinating tidbit: during mating season, these creatures develop a sore patch on their necks that bleeds, a raw display of nature’s play.

Day 3

Come home to the forest 

Dawned with a morning safari brimming with surprises that left me in awe of the jungle’s vibrant life. High atop the trees, flocks of minivets and Malabar parakeets perched gracefully, their wings catching the golden morning light and shimmering like precious jewels scattered across the canopy. Adding to the wonder, I learned about the intricate world of orchids—delicate epiphytes that thrive on host trees without harming them—alongside hemiparasitic and parasitic plants like loranthus, which cleverly draw sustenance from their surroundings in this lush ecosystem.

As we headed back to the KGudi jungle lodges I was in pensive mood thinking of all the beautiful moments that had unfolded 

and was reminded of this  beautiful poem written by Bidushee Phukan 

Come home to the forest 

Where time hoes slow 

And the breath is mellow 

Where thoughts find rest 

And calm comes tonest.

Come home to the woods 

To be friends with trees 

And listen to the breeze 

To wander through trails 

And mend your sails.

Come home to nature 

When your heart is hurting 

Or your soul needs healing

 when something feels wrong 

Or you just need a place to belong.

The forest awaits

Come home, be healed