<p>Recently, I had the pleasure of driving through Yelagiri Hills, enjoying the stunning views and vistas of the high-altitude, far from the madding crowd and right in the lap of serenity. A very different experience vividly unfolded in front of us as I stepped out of the car. Along with the view, I suddenly felt the cool, hilly breeze and the crisp clarity of the high-altitude air tingling my face. I could hear the wind whistling through the silver fir trees and a raven calling from across the silent valley. I felt the frosty crunchiness of the ground under my feet, not yet warmed by the morning sun. I opened to the rich tapestry of what it means to be outside and intimate with the elements. Instead of viewing nature as a passing scene in a movie, I felt fully alive and connected with it.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Being outdoors, we can taste how we are held and nourished exquisitely by the intricate web of life. It helps us discover our place in the larger scheme of things and, perhaps, to realise that we are already whole. I have been leading wilderness meditation retreats for many years and have observed what a deep sense of peace people feel when they spend some meditative time outside — whether sitting under the trees in deep forests, trekking up high mountains, kayaking in the open ocean or strolling through sunny meadows. Being amidst nature helps one calm the wandering mind, with its restless concerns and perennial planning. Likewise, the body feels more at ease outdoors, and the heart begins to open to and resonate with the peace, silence and stillness of the natural world.<br /><br />The Zenith Taj Grand Resort is situated on the first stretch of the hill top. As one enters the resort, a rocky fence and road welcomes the guest. It extends over 11 acres with unique trees, flowers, a variety of cactus and creepers, guava, star fruit, jack fruit, litchi and more. Food is the highlight of the resort. The owner of the resort supervises every meal being prepared and served to guests. Taste and hygiene is the hallmark.<br /><br />There is also a lake and boating facilities there. Trekking on the hilly slopes is adventurous and enjoyable. After 30 to 45 minutes of trekking over the hilly slopes, we found a spot to watch the sunset. Yelagiri is not far away from the City and is ideal for relaxing. It is about 157 kms from Bengaluru.<br /><br />(The author can be emailed on habeeb_ahamed@hotmail.com)<br /></p>
<p>Recently, I had the pleasure of driving through Yelagiri Hills, enjoying the stunning views and vistas of the high-altitude, far from the madding crowd and right in the lap of serenity. A very different experience vividly unfolded in front of us as I stepped out of the car. Along with the view, I suddenly felt the cool, hilly breeze and the crisp clarity of the high-altitude air tingling my face. I could hear the wind whistling through the silver fir trees and a raven calling from across the silent valley. I felt the frosty crunchiness of the ground under my feet, not yet warmed by the morning sun. I opened to the rich tapestry of what it means to be outside and intimate with the elements. Instead of viewing nature as a passing scene in a movie, I felt fully alive and connected with it.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Being outdoors, we can taste how we are held and nourished exquisitely by the intricate web of life. It helps us discover our place in the larger scheme of things and, perhaps, to realise that we are already whole. I have been leading wilderness meditation retreats for many years and have observed what a deep sense of peace people feel when they spend some meditative time outside — whether sitting under the trees in deep forests, trekking up high mountains, kayaking in the open ocean or strolling through sunny meadows. Being amidst nature helps one calm the wandering mind, with its restless concerns and perennial planning. Likewise, the body feels more at ease outdoors, and the heart begins to open to and resonate with the peace, silence and stillness of the natural world.<br /><br />The Zenith Taj Grand Resort is situated on the first stretch of the hill top. As one enters the resort, a rocky fence and road welcomes the guest. It extends over 11 acres with unique trees, flowers, a variety of cactus and creepers, guava, star fruit, jack fruit, litchi and more. Food is the highlight of the resort. The owner of the resort supervises every meal being prepared and served to guests. Taste and hygiene is the hallmark.<br /><br />There is also a lake and boating facilities there. Trekking on the hilly slopes is adventurous and enjoyable. After 30 to 45 minutes of trekking over the hilly slopes, we found a spot to watch the sunset. Yelagiri is not far away from the City and is ideal for relaxing. It is about 157 kms from Bengaluru.<br /><br />(The author can be emailed on habeeb_ahamed@hotmail.com)<br /></p>
