Where I Slept This Weekend

In my search for the kurinji flower last weekend, I stayed at the most unusual "hotel" yet -- a treehouse.

Yep, a real honest-to-goodness house up a tree. 41 feet (12.5 metres) above the ground. Located at The Wild Canopy Reserve, it stands in the midst of a private wildlife preserve in Masinagudi, western Tamil Nadu. Around it roam peacocks, Indian bison, spotted deer, langur monkeys, sloth bears, wild boar, and elephants, all of which I spotted on treks in the area. There are also tigers and leopards, although they are harder to spot.

It felt great to trade in honking horns and the hum of the airconditioner for a soothing breeze, fresh air, and the smell of the forest. I fell asleep to the sound of owls, langurs, and the occasional elephant and tiger roar. It was a deliciously tranquil and relaxing experience.

To be sure, treehousing is not for everyone. To start with, you have to climb 36 steps up a bamboo and rope ladder (closeup below). There is a bathroom with shower and hot water available, but the water supply was somewhat erratic while I was there. If it's windy, there will be a lot creaking going on at night.

And since the structure has openings on all sides, any forest-dwelling creature can flit in and out at night. In the morning, there's a good chance that you will be awakened by a langur monkey peeking inside your bedroom.

If you leave even so much as a half-eaten candy bar in your bag--like I did--you will find your bag chewed through by morning. I'm told the culprit was likely a bandicoot. (I've never seen a bandicoot, but from the description, it sounds like a euphemism for a rat.) If you leave out a bar of soap in the bathroom, that too will be devoured by morning.

But none of that diminished the fun for me. I loved my stay in this delightful place. And it has inspired me to check out some of the other accommodations in the Unusual Hotels of the World list.

Comments

[Tom Stone]

Now that is cool! Wow. Great photos, and great description as always.

I'll assume it was the bandicoot who stole the candy bar who also then "washed his mouth out with soap" as self-punishment for the theft.

[clare]

And how hard was the bed? Inquiring minds want to know!

[Dale B.]

That is the coolest thing ever!

[Amy]

Our kids already think you are cool for having your blog...but to stay in your own treehouse...that clinches it...it's official, they have decided you really are the coolest. As an aside from your cool status, our 8-year old daughter printed out this blog entry to take to school (they discuss international news articles, current events, etc.). Thanks for the education!

[kevin g]

The kid inside me is so envious, it's been years since I've been up in a tree. To sleep in a tree house, with nature right there, you lead an amazing life, thanks for sharing it with all of us! Here's a toast to more adventure!

[Basia]

Tom: LOL, yes, that's what must have happened, the bandicoot was getting his mouth washed out with soap! But was it necessary to use the ENTIRE soap to do that??

Clare: The bed was about the same as my bed at home (in Chennai) -- which is to say, you wouldn't do too well in it. For me, it was just right though.

Dale: I think so too...

AMY: Wow - I love being the cool kid on the blog! I have been trying to convince your husband that the next time he comes to Chennai he should bring your daughter with him. I will personally take her to the treehouse...

Kevin: Clink! More adventure to come...

[shannon]

Now this is tooooo coooolllll .... I love it!!!!!

[Balamurugan JBala]

wild canpy is a very nice place to stay. next time try our spartan guest house on the other side of the forest you can see details on www.wildlifesanctuaryindia.com

[Ally]

Wow. I just love your blog. I have fantasied about going to india for long time. I do not even know much about India but somehow it is calling me. I found your blog maybe a year and half ago while researching how to move to India and live there as an American in India. Once I set my eyes on it I fell in love! I started at the beginning and got almost to the most current entries (at the time) in one night. I was reading for hours! Which is soo cool. And it's the kind of blog that I always check back to see whats going on. Your pictures are AMAZING. And your writing is so quirky and intriguing, and can I say SMOOTH?! It just flows it makes me want to read what you have to say. And the personal stories of this whole adventure is wonderful. I like reading about YOU in india. And I imagine you running around by yourself exploring and learning and not relaying on anyone to fall on for comfort (which is great but,) that makes an opprotunity for you to be really IN the moment traveling on these adventures and just learning so much about yourself. I think its cool that you travel alone. And I say to myself "WOW that is soo cool." She is soo cool! She is so brave and adventurous. She is soo such a good "picture taker". Oh she is soo soo a sweet writer. She is very cool. And she has a VERY cool blog.

I think literally the only blogs I check in on once in awhile are celebrity blogs--So you are definetly right up there with celebrities. But from you I am learning so much about my fantasy---India. And you do it soooooo well and intriugenly. But alas I am repeating myself. If I was to run a blog I would aspire to do something as sweet as yours. Anyway you and your blog and your adventures... Are soo cool. :) Now I am going to keep reading and looking because thats what your blog is all about PICTURES and stories.....and catch up.

Just wanted to say you are cool :)

-Ally

[Basia]

Hi Ally, and thanks for the kind words! I am happy to hear that you like the blog It's always nice to know when someone thinks you're cool! You have a way with words too, I can see why you are a songwriter. I love traveling solo. I would heartily recommend it. I hope you make it to India someday. You sound like the kind of person who would really appreciate everything it has to offer.