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From one end of the world to the other
Our trek to Mini World’s End, Greater World’s End, Baker’s Falls and Chimney Pool took us nearly five hours as a Wildlife Department official confirmed that it covered a ten km distance. But it was a most enjoyable walk.

After one crosses the rugged paths that lead to the two World’s Ends, one comes across the flat open green plains at the fringes of which sambhur graze. Tussocks of grass dot the vistas around. Once again one traverses a path through pinkish boulders strewn along the way passing stunted trees, their branches trailing Beard Lichen (a mossy velvety green). The silence is only broken by the twittering of the Yellow eared Bulbuls and the White Eyes.
Through the trees where Dusky striped jungle squirrels frolicked, we arrived at Baker’s Falls. This is a cascading foamy white four-tiered fall.

The water falls in four different places from sheer rock collecting in a deep blue pool and then flows downstream. There is a viewing point with concrete sleepers and one can get almost within touching distance of the water. However at no cost must one try to bathe or get into the pool as the slimy mud is very dangerous and could suck one in. There have been many accidents here and hence caution is a must.

Moving away on a footpath through green slopes, one is suddenly taken by surprise at the “Chimney Pool”, set amidst the green slopes. Water cascades over old man-made concrete steps into a breathtakingly beautiful blue pool. The view is not obstructed by natural vegetation and looks very inviting and refreshing amidst the green of the glade.

The “Arrenga pool” and two other smaller greenish pools amidst the forest, on the Ambewela roadside are also scenic spots. Aquatic life can be seen when the atmosphere is tranquil. Some of the forest areas are now out of bounds so as to protect the wildlife as well as to preserve the plants and trees.

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