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10 FROM BOMBAY TO THE WYNAAD.
thickly wooded. To the south there is a further steep descent to the plains.
From
Neddiwattum to Gudalur, the native town close under my feet in the
Wynaad tableland, it is nine mile's by the road, which zigzags down the
face of the steep declivity. This distance may be reduced to five miles
by following the bridle-path—a precipitous and rocky track, along
which careful riding is an absolute necessity. Gudalur is some 2600
feet above the sea. About a mile beyond the bazaar, the road branches.
Here I had some difficulty in finding out which direction to take.
Luckily I discovered a native who could speak Hindustani; and from him
I learned that the road to the right would take me to Nellialum, the
left leading to Devala. The latter was my route; so for twelve miles
more I followed its course, winding through a rich, hilly, and
well-wooded country. I passed Seeputty, and knew I was at last on one
of the estates of the Indian Gold Mines Company, and that the Alpha
mine was not far off. I might, indeed, expect to see evidences before
long of mining activity. But it proved that I expected too much; for I
saw nothing but coffee plantations.
At
Devala there is a good hotel. It has besides a few bungalows and a
native bazaar; but I had still five miles further to ride. The road now
became much more interesting, skirting as it does the very edge of the
magnificent valleys that form the ap-
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