From Silence To Screeches: What I Experienced Sleeping In Chennai’s Wild Side

Situated in Tamil Nadu, Chennai is known for its rich culture, ancient temples, and busy city life. But away from the chaos of the city lies a serene forest that is peaceful in nature. Camping in the midst of Chennai’s forest offers a unique blend of adventure, calmness, and enables one to reconnect with nature. In this article, I will share my experience of immersing myself in the serene Centro Forest.

1.The Journey to the Forest

The journey begins with you turning your back on the city direction to one of Chennai’s green lungs, Guindy National Park, or the larger Adyar Eco Park, which is also termed as Tholkappia Poonga. Both parks, despite being surrounded with some urban expansion, contain rich biodiversity. As one enters the forest, one can notice the air refreshing, sounds of traffic disappearing, and the city lights being covered by trees. It is nothing short of magical and hard to digest the fact that there exists such peacefulness merely a handful of kilometers away from the city.

2.Setting up Camp

Camping in a camp is not possible for many tourists in Chennai. However, it can be arranged with special permissions or through organized eco-tourism initiatives. With sunset comes a transformation of the forest, with the golden sun along the horizon slowly fading into a soft moonlit ambiance. Camping at tents with the sound of crickets, witnessed in the breezy twilight forest underneath the trees, is a mesmerizing experience in itself. And to add to the mystical atmosphere, there is the call of a nightjar and owl, with the crackling of dry leaves and twigs covering the forest floor as your soundtrack. 

3.The Symphony of the Night

The wonderful nocturnal creatures commence with their rituals as night sets in deeper, setting fireflies like tiny lanterns, and bats slowly moving overhead and other smaller mammals and reptiles hidden in the undergrowth. The crescendo of the night brings wonder and calmness, with serene and mystifying feelings altogether. The natural wonder of the forest takes the center stage, tuning out the endless murmur from the city far in the distance.

If you get the chance to live under the night sky in Chennai’s forest, you simply must go for it. The electric feeling of the night sky combined with the stars shining bright and their constellations twinkling make the journey worthwhile. The colors are richer, the stars brighter, and magic can be felt lying on mats stargazing in amazement at the night sky. 

4.The Wonderment of Star Gazing 

With all its wonders, the forest remains partially frightening. Each and every sound feels more amplified and frightening. And the best part, wondering about what lies behind the curtain keeps things interesting too. Nature gives and nature can take as well. The moments full of lacking clarity will get your heart racing and bring you to your senses reminding us that we are merely guests in the forest.

For people seeking more thrilling experiences, guided nocturnal walks can be organized. You are provided with a flashlight to guide your way through the adventures of the forest at night. Among the nocturnal adventure’s divine rewards, a rare sighting of palm civets, jungle cats, or shy deer tops the list. Most of the guides who assist in these walks are local naturalists and share captivating stories about the ecosystems, flora, and fauna, outlining the fragile interdependence that sustains them all.

5.The Following Day    

With the night’s mysteries slowly unfolding, the dawn brings in a.

new set of surprises, and with them new opportunities for adventure. The golden sunlight streaming down from the sky, after so long, gives life to dew sprinkled foliage and the fresh air will refresh and liven up even the sunken spirits from being cooped up for so long. The enchanting tunes of birds fill the forest and let you know about the arrival of a new day and peacocks, parakeets, and mynas are ready to announce the twilight battle of the day.  

  The first step towards adventure begins with a stroll or walk in the sun. The wet rustic aroma of the earth, sunlight pouring down onto the trees, surrounded by dew- cladded wilderness serves to be the catalyst for an adventure of a lifetime. The forest, which used to feel cloaked in mystery, is now filled with radiant energy and life waiting to be discovered. During my morning walks, I am delighted to come across butterflies gracefully dancing in the wind, playful squirrels climbing up the trees, and a shy and introverted mongoose whizzing by.

6.A Lesson in Coexistence

Chennai’s forest is not just an escape from the city, but rather a complete experience by itself. Situated on the outskirts of the city, these forests serve as a reminder and an example that coexistence nature makes the heart of the city beautiful, is still possible. The importance of such locations is not just confined to the vivid life, but for the humans too, as these spaces serve as breathers from the concrete jungle and allow people to recharge, reconnect, and rejuvenate with mother nature.  

Conclusion

Chennai’s forests are living proof in the attempt to find a balance between the urbanization of the city and preservation of the environment. Being one with nature amidst the busy life serves as a reminder that nature is resilient and ready to flourish regardless of the conditions. So, it doesn’t matter whether nature is a true lover or a city person looking for an outlet, spending a night in the forests of Chennai serves as a great option to consider. You can finally take a break to really listen to the magic of mother nature and let magic and wonders pour into your life.

 

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