The longest 9km drive
“Night of the Elephant: A Road Trip Adventure in Masinagudi”
Hi, I'm excited to introduce a new series called "Stories from My Life," where I'll share tales of adventure, travel, friendship, faith, and fun. To kick things off, I'm starting with a thrilling travel adventure and a wild encounter story. I hope you enjoy this series!
A few years ago, my friends and I set off on a road trip from Chennai with the goal of reaching Kanyakumari. On our way, we planned a stop at Rameshwaram to enjoy the beaches. We spent a scorching day in Rameshwaram and then, embracing the freedom of a road trip with no fixed itinerary, we decided to change our plans. Instead of driving straight to Kanyakumari, we chose to visit Masinagudi, near Ooty.
After a long drive, we arrived in Masinaguri and decided to embark on a jungle safari that evening. We stayed at a place 9 kilometers outside the town, so we headed into town, found a local guide, and hopped into his jeep. The safari was mesmerizing; we saw wild elephants and some deer. The sheer size and power of the elephants were awe-inspiring. We watched them snap bamboo like toothpicks, their strength evident in every movement. Our guide regaled us with stories of the jungle and the majestic elephants.
As the safari ended around 6 PM, dusk began to fall. We realized we had to drive back through the forest to our lodging. Concerned about safety, we asked the guide for advice. He shared a recent story of a car that had an unfortunate encounter with an elephant. The car had honked, startling the elephant, which then crushed the car in a fit of rage.
He gave us crucial tips: don’t use high beams, don’t honk, and if we encountered an elephant, we should slow down and stop. Above all, stay in the car and remain silent. Though this advice sounded manageable in theory, the reality was daunting.
With nerves on edge, we debated who would drive the 9 kilometers back. It was decided that the friend who owned the car would take the wheel. As we began our journey, the road was lined with speed bumps, slowing us down and heightening our anxiety. Every turn felt like it could reveal an elephant. The greyish hue of the elephants made them blend into the darkening road, and shadows from trees played tricks on our minds.
About 7 kilometers into the drive, we took a turn and there it was—a lone elephant standing right in front of us, about 10-15 meters away. Lone elephants are known to be more dangerous than those in a herd. My friend who was driving the car slowly brought the car to a halt. We sat in tense silence, whispering, not knowing what to do. The moments felt like an eternity. Finally, the elephant turned and moved to the side of the road.
Sensing our chance, we quickly and quietly drove past it on the narrow road. The relief was palpable as we completed the drive without further incident. That experience is etched in our memories. Even now, over 15 years later, when we get together, we reminisce about that thrilling night.
Traveling with good friends creates unforgettable memories. I hope you enjoyed this story, and I would love to hear about your own wild animal encounters. Thank you for reading!