An Ode to the Woods

 

Hey Folks,

Happy Diwali, peeps! Sorry a little late on that, chaotic lifestyle is the agenda these days. Days just fly by and I have no memory of living through it. Anyway, when life becomes a non-breather, that is when we look out for escapades, right? So, being at the forefront on that note I had a quick getaway to Vagamon last month. The whole trip has been contemplating in my mind from the time I reached back from Qatar. As for everyone, Corona had different plans of screwing us again (sorry for the language, but it is what it is!!)

Coming to my rendezvous journey to the hills, was extra special because it was on top priority to travel with my new ride, Meteor 350 (hubby comes after..). As my main motive was a peaceful stay, the choice of place for stay also had to be different. Hotels and resorts were too overrated for me so I kept on searching for a stand out. The search went on and on, that is when my friend randomly suggested this place. I was elated, it was exactly the kind of place I was looking for. The pictures made me drool and I started picking out the dates and they were filled on all which kind of spiked my curiosity and adamancy of choosing it.

'Mountain Villa'! Gosh, the name took my breath away... it had a feel... I don't know whether you guys felt it but it was serene for me. After much deliberation, I got the dates for October 8 and 9. I was so excited as it was after two years, we were having a TRIP!!!  I have no clue as to why I always over-pack and end up taking things that are actually of no use. Sree on the other hand is crazy as he overloads the packing as if the stay is for 10 days. The Morning of the trip also breezed through our constant bickering of what to take and whatnot.

The ride was super smooth with some pitstops in between, we reached the said place as planned. Abel, the property manager, was ready with a jeep-like vehicle, ( I don't know the name people, have a picture in your heads). Gosh, the ride to the Mountain was crazy, it was no less than a ride in Wonderla... and that's when Abel said, we are 1500ft tops. But, all I could see was the mist. 

The ride ended reaching the Villa, welcomed with a steaming cup of tea and Mohanan chettan's pazhampori and bajji. The perfect combo for a mystical evening and being the only guests for the day. I am at a loss of words to the place I reached. The beauty was not just in the name, the place was no less than a heaven. (ya right, haven't been to heaven but for at that moment 'Mountain Villa resonated bliss for me). It was as if I was living amongst the clouds. 

There are three cottages and I chose the one with the most exquisite outlook, "Stone Cottage", which as the name goes is made of stone walls. It reminded me of those European farmhouses. Mohanan Chettan was the caretaker, and two other people stayed around for keeping up with the maintenance of the property (Alas! I forgot their names...but they are very close to heart...!) and then comes the big shot, 'Sugu", the one who has the most enthusiasm in showing the place around, is Mountain Villas own pet. A darling.

Moving around the five-acre stretch, taking those leech bites…discussing life on the edge of the hill, a sit-through with Mohan chettans loose talks...The two days just breezed through.

I embraced three seasons in my two days stay there; the rain, the sun and the fog. The stay was a very unique, close to nature kind. If you aren't ready to have little frogs jumping around, probably don't choose to go during the rainy season. Going here probably was the best gift I could give to my lungs... fresh air only up for breathing and I inhaled and exhaled it quite veraciously. My favourite spot was the corner with the swing... ( I'm a full-on swing person.. I even go to the children's park for the same).  

A big hug to Alex and Sunitha for curating this wonderful space without disturbing the natural terrain and probably a piece of truth for all those hotel giants who without any concern bash the existence through their artificial built-ups. 

Mountain Villa, you have my heart and soul... Until we meet again!

P.S. my timepass up there was pointing out completely bogus directions and screaming Kochiiiii... 

Tata-uh!

Regards,

A.