This is a series of photographs captured on my visit to the most serene place I've ever been to. She rests in the lap of western ghats adorned in lush green forest and guarded by majestic hills isolating her from the touch of urbanization. Her name - Vellagavi
We reached her doorstep after 7 Kms of trek through thick and wet rainy forest. The entrance is a small passage made out of carved stones. There were footwears laying outside which left us confused. "That is only for villagers, we do it out of respect. You can wear yours" informed Murugan's father Vaigan. Murugan was our point of contact who arranged accommodation for us in the village.
"They ran away" said Vaigan in a rather distraught voice describing his ancestor’s emigration to Vellagavi some 800 years ago due to communal unrest during the Mughal era.
The migrators were split into two and led different paths. While one group headed for higher ground, the other sought shelter in caves. The latter was offered the first land in Vellagavi by two Swamis. The price - a promise to treat the land with respect and uphold its traditional values. A promise that still holds.
Women who harvested in cardamom field would sleeve up and tighten their bangles to avoid clanking - an act of respect to the land.
The nightfall was introvert, much like the villagers who retired into their abode by 8PM. A thick blanket of silence weighed down the air.
We could hear animals making conversations in the deep forest. There were owls, elephants and others. I have never felt more lonely and alive
at the same time.
"Hope you would not be offended, Could I ask you a favour?" asked Vaigan with a cautious voice. But almost all his inquiries began with
this question, such was his humbleness. "I have read the Gita and the Bible but never had a chance to read the Quran. Could you please send me a Tamil translated version?".
He was a devout Hindu who added "I respect all religions".
"The soul of India lives in its villages" - Gandhi.
Vellagavi - a beautiful living embodiment of the souls she accommodates. She is more than scenery, she is beyond what words and photographs can describe.
The souls of Vellagavi
By Zeeshan Ansari.
Place : Vellagavi, Kodaikanal
Trek Duration & Distance : 7 KM one way, 2 hours. The trek is downwards from Kodaikanal.
Who is this place for : Those who love to be alone with themselves or travels with 1 or 2 close friends. The silence at night is priceless.
Who is this place NOT for : Those who are looking for a fun time with friends, especially at night.
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