Exploring Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, Kotagiri
Discover the Beauty and Wildlife of This Tropical Rainforest Gem Introduction: Longwood Shola Reserve Forest Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, nestled in the heart of Kotagiri, is a small yet significant tropical rainforest spanning just 115 hectares. Serving as a crucial water source for numerous villages in Kotagiri, this forest first caught my attention in Outlook Traveller, which led me to explore it in November 2005. First Encounter with the Rainforest and Its Leeches During my initial visit, the guesthouse caretaker attempted to discourage me from trekking, citing an abundance of leeches. Unfazed by his warning, I insisted on proceeding with the trek. Within minutes, however, leeches began latching onto us, forcing us to flee the forest in just five minutes. Return to Longwood Shola: A Journey 11 Years Later In February, I decided to venture back to Longwood Shola, now experienced and unfazed by leech bites. Accompanied by two guides, a forest watcher, and a young APW, we embarked