We had spotted this place – Shambala Log Cabin, while searching for a place in Masinagudi last year. The pictures and the description was so very tempting that we ball-parked this place for our anniversary trip. And this thursday, we made this trip. The place was much more than what we had expected. It had seemed expensive to us, but after spending a whole day there, the price is well justified. Its like you own the house of your dreams for a day. Everything about this place is so wonderful. Every small detail has been taken care of, and the care taker, Mr. Shijith and the watchman, were always on their toes to fulfill all our demands.

We reached the place at around 9:30 am, and were greeted by spotted deer and a peacock fanning its feathers. It was a lovely sight. And the house seemed like just out of the travel & living features on vacation homes. Well designed. Classy. Perfect. Rest of the morning was spent just looking around and beaming with happiness. Food was half ordered from outside and half pre-cooked food which was provided in the refrigerator. We sat at the table on the front deck and had our lunch looking at deer and peacocks roaming around, birds chirping and flying from one tree to another. It was one of the best ambiance we ever had a meal in. No restaurant can beat it. After relaxing in the afternoon, we went out for a walk to the village and the start of the national park in the evening. We spotted an elephant with huge tusks drinking water at a stream, just outside the park entrance. Due to reports of attacks by a rogue elephant, entry into the forest was completely closed. Disappointed we returned back to our cozy little abode and spent rest of the evening eying birds through binoculars.

Dinner was prepared by me (master chef ). Soup and Pasta. I found almost all the ingredients in the kitchen closet, so it actually felt like home. For the dinner, we asked Shijith to prepare a fire in the beautiful fireplace on the front deck. It was just the perfect dinner and ambiance for our anniversary And with stars twinkling in the sky and lovely breeze swaying the trees slightly, we cozied up in the comfortable bed and went into the dreamland. Morning, we got up and thought of taking a walk outside. The watchman accompanied us, for our safety. Though it was not a thick forest, but it was really nice to walk around and see a bit of wildlife.

It was really hard to bid adieu to that place. It was a dream come true for a day and we will always remember this anniversary of ours for our lives.

Details of Shambala Log Cabin – http://www.hammockholidays.com/shambala_masinagudi_mudumalai.htm

Outlook traveller’s article – http://www.traveller.outlookindia.com/issuecontent1.aspx?id=1540&flag=issuehome