Hey there, lovely readers! So, let me take you on a virtual ride through my trip to the gorgeous Nilgiri mountains, especially the enchanting town of Ooty. Flashback to 2021, when the pesky second wave of COVID-19 was finally on its way out, and life was attempting to regain some normalcy. The idea of sharing the experience of the Ooty escapade popped up, thanks to a friendly nudge from my travel-savvy friend Deepanjan.
In the heart of August, the perfect backdrop for an escapade, I set forth on this expedition with my eternal travel companion – none other than my wonderful mother. The adventure kicked off with a flight to Coimbatore, followed by a picturesque cab ride. Picture this: winding roads, lush greenery, and the promise of a stunning hill station at the end of the trail. We made a pit stop at a charming roadside eatery, indulging in a hearty lunch while soaking in the breathtaking views of the mountains and the colorful homes dotting the landscape. Oh, and I forgot to mention the Nilgiri Mountain Railway Track playing peek-a-boo alongside the road.
Ascending further, the temperature gracefully declined, signaling our entry into a cooler sanctuary. Toss in some light warm clothes; you might just want to snuggle up a bit. The entire journey, inclusive of a leisurely lunch, spanned about four hours, culminating in our arrival at the hotel by evening. The property was strategically positioned across from the resplendent Ooty Lake which is a man-made marvel, born in 1823, is surrounded by aromatic eucalyptus groves, elevating the picturesque scene to new heights. And let's not forget the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, gracefully tracing its route along one side of the lake. This added a touch of old-world charm to an already enchanting locale, akin to scenes plucked straight from a dream.
That night, I cozied up in bed with the delightful anticipation of a warm and inviting morning awaiting me. August in the hill station promised a break from the rains, as the monsoon typically graced Tamil Nadu in the latter part of the year. The thought of sipping a steaming cup of tea while perched on the balcony, gazing at the serene lake below, lingered as one of the most gratifying memories.
Most hotels in the area boasted a buffet breakfast with an extensive menu, setting the perfect tone for a comfortable and enjoyable start to our day. Energized after our lavish morning feast, I charted out our first-day itinerary, earmarking Coonoor for exploration, with a special focus on the famed tea estates of the Nilgiris.
It's worth noting that our visit coincided with the lingering effects of the COVID era. Consequently, several tourist spots in Ooty and its vicinity, including the heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railways, remained closed as a precautionary measure. Undeterred, I strategically selected places like tea estates and lesser-explored gems to avoid the crowds and make the most of our time amid the lush landscapes.
Coonoor, a charming town nestled about 20 kilometers downhill from Ooty, beckoned us with the promise of a delightful 30-minute train ride. However, sticking to the convenience of the cab we'd hired from the hotel, our preferred mode of transportation for sightseeing, felt like a wise choice. The hotel-arranged cab not only ensured a trustworthy ride but also offered negotiable rates, making our journey all the more seamless.
As we embarked on the journey to Coonoor, our driver treated us to an unexpected gem—a midway viewpoint that opened up to the entire valley. Ooty, with its lush landscapes, has been a favorite backdrop for many Bollywood films, and this viewpoint was no exception. The nostalgia hit us as we took in the breathtaking scenery, knowing that the iconic "Chaiyya Chaiyaa" song had been filmed on the Nilgiri Mountain Railways, the very train route unfolding before our eyes.
However, due to the prevailing circumstances of the time, the train wasn't operating, prompting us to opt for the cab. Despite this change in plans, our journey continued seamlessly, leading us to the enchanting tea gardens. The sight was nothing short of mesmerizing. While I had explored tea gardens before, like in Munnar, the Coonoor landscape offered a unique palette of greens, browns, greys, and whites. The mist gracefully rising from the valley wrapped the entire tea garden in a serene embrace, with a few birds joyfully navigating the vast expanse, adding a playful touch to the scene. It was a symphony of nature, and we found ourselves lost in the beauty of the moment.
After a delightful exploration of the tea gardens, our appetites led us to a local eatery conveniently situated nearby. The ambiance was modest, but the delicious fare proved more than satisfying, successfully taming our hunger pangs.
With renewed energy, our next destination awaited: a hidden gem near Coonoor, Catherine Waterfalls. The falls owe their name to Catherine Cockburn, wife of M. D. Cockburn, credited with introducing coffee plantations in Kotagiri. Nestled about 7 km from Kotagiri and 21 km from Coonoor, Catherine Falls treated us to captivating views of the Mettupalayam plains, dense forests, and the surrounding hillocks.
Our cab chauffeured us through a scenic route, unveiling picturesque mountain views and lush green tea estates en route to Dolphin's Point. Located just 12 km from Coonoor, Dolphin’s Nose presented an unobstructed panorama of Tamil Nadu's landscape. We soaked in the breathtaking scenery, with a pair of Bisons (Indian Gaur) leisurely grazing in the vicinity of the tea gardens, adding a touch of wildlife charm to the vintage blue landscape. It was a moment of tranquility, and we relished the unique experience that the region had to offer.
As the day tour wrapped up on a satisfying note, I found myself bidding adieu to the first leg of this blog. Stay tuned for Part Two, where I'll unravel my experiences in Kotagiri, take you on a leisurely stroll through Ooty, and embark on a thrilling journey to a section of Nagarhole National Park. The adventure continues, and there's so much more to explore!
Thanks for reading!
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