Title - Enjoy nature at its best

If you want to enjoy nature to the fullest and be away from the crowded city, the Anejari Butterfly Camp near Kollur, about 80 km from Udupi, is the place to be in.The camp is set in the natural and lush green surroundings of the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. The Souparnika river meanders its way gently by the camp. The cool atmosphere and sweet fragrance of the trees greet the visitors at the camp.There are two small cottages and 10 tents in the camp run by the Department of Forests. Three persons can stay in either a cottage or a tent. The rate is the same – Rs. 1,000 a day. You have to pay extra for the food prepared by the department there and a maintenance fee of Rs. 50 a day. In addition, you have to pay an entry fee of Rs. 200 a person for Indians and Rs. 1,000 a person for foreigners. You can stay for a maximum of three days. There are no ceiling fans here as there is no power supply in the camp. Only solar lamps are available. This means there is no television to distract you. Since there is no mobile connectivity, you are effectively cut off from the stress and tension of the outside world. In short, your only companion here is the nature with its variety and richness.

You can look out for the butterflies, birds, and wild animals here. The department has made three trails – Butterfly Trail (3 kilometres), Birders Trail (3 km) and Nature Trail (10 km). You can walk on whichever trail you want. The Forest Watchers of the department accompany you on each trail.

According to the Range Forest Officer Austin P. Soans, on the Butterfly Trail, one might get an opportunity to watch butterflies of various hues and colours, including Tawny Coster, Tamil Lacewing, Plain Puffin, Malabar Tree Nymph, Paris Peacock, Grey Count, Red Helen, and Blue Oak Leaf.

There is a possibility that you may spot a Malabar Giant Squirrel, a sambar, wild boar, bison, peacocks, barking deer, and other wild animals on the Nature Trail. “We have constructed a watch tower for the wildlife enthusiasts to watch wild animals with night binoculars,” Mr. Soans said.

According to Santhosh Kundeshwar, wildlife photographer, birds, including Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Small Blue Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher and Asian Paradise Flycatcher, could be spotted at the camp. “It is a quiet place to watch birds. I have been visiting the camp for the last three years,” he said. The best period to visit the Anejari Nature Camp is from October to March. There is a children’s play area in the camp. N.A. Madhyastha, Environmental Biologist, said: “The Anejari camp is well maintained and a nice place for nature lovers. One can enjoy it more if one stays overnight.”

Private buses and taxis take you from Udupi to Anejari. The nearest railway station is the Mookambika Road (Byndoor) and taxi service is available.

For details, call 9480807649