Ooty

Ooty, also known as the Queen of the Hill Stations is a town located in Tamil Nadu and is also the Capital of the Nilgiri District. While Coonoor, around 20 kms away from Ooty, is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri District after Ooty and is also known for its production of Nilgiri Tea. We explored that heaven in the month of June when clouds were always wandering in the sky and weather was also very cool.

I am going to share the story of Trip to Ooty/Coonoor from Bangalore in details. It was a 3-days 2-nights trip.

FIRST DAY

We boarded a bus from Bangalore at Thursday night that departed at around 11 PM and we stepped into Coonoor by 7 in the Friday morning. We had already booked a cottage called Maple Holiday Homes, Coonoor. Its located in a very remote spot surrounded by hills on all sides and the surrounding view from cottage was a treat to our eyes. It’s also very close from the bus stand (around 2kms). At around 10 AM after getting ready and having breakfast, we were all set to explore that panoramic place. We availed a package tour for all the sight seeings in Coonoor for Rs. 1000 for 5-6 hours. Spots visited in Coonoor are as follows:

HighField Tea Estate

Stretched all across the Upper Hills of North Coonoor, this place is available for everyone to roam about with a fresh smell of tea leaves. It is an ideal place for photo shooting with green lands at the background.

Lamb’s Rock / Suicide Point

Located at a high altitude and being so close to the clouds, it gives a wonderful view of the hills and the town of Coonoor. Its also an ideal place for photography.

Dolphin’s Nose

A very famous place in Coonoor which gives a widespread view of Nilgiri Hills and also Catherine Falls.

Tea Factory

Special place for Chai lovers where shows Nilgiri Tea being manufactured and also there is a demonstrator to explain each process. Outside the factory, sample tea of all flavours are offered to taste. And then there is a Tea Store which is so cheap. I recommend everyone to buy and taste Nilgiri Tea.

Sim’s Park

Sim’s Park is an amazing tourist spot in Coonoor which homes almost 1000 types of trees and flowers. Although being crowded, this place is very soothing and calm and is very well maintained. Playgrounds, gardens and boating are also available in this Park.

After spending hours in the lap of nature, we returned to our cottage in the evening. Walking on the terrace in that chilling weather and storing all the beauty in our eyes, we were all set for next day’s unforgettable toy train ride and to visit the Queen of the Hills.

SECOND DAY

Our train was to depart at around 10:40 in the morning from Coonoor and luckily we had all our tickets confirmed. We checkout out from the cottage and headed for the station. We were amazed as train arrived and just clung to it to get pictures. One can also sit in the driver’s seat to have a click. Train whistled and then the memorable experience of almost 2 hours started.

Toy Train

Declared as the world heritage site and built by the British, it is considered as the best mode of transport to travel in the Nilgiri Mountains. The experience is really out of the world. Between Mettupalayam to Ooty, it covers a distance of 26 km and passes through 208 curves, 16 tunnels and 250 bridges.

It was around 12 pm when we reached Ooty. We headed straight to our cottage called Sapphire Grand that we had already pre-booked. It’s around 3 kms from the railway station/bus stand and it’s one of the best cottages that I have experienced in South India. I would recommend everyone to have a stay in that cottage if planning a trip to Ooty. After settling and having something to munch, we set our journey for the Pykara Waterfalls.

Pykara Waterfalls

Located about 19 km from Ooty, Pykara river flows over a series of waterfalls whose last two are known as Pykara Waterfalls. The water is considered very sacred. The sound of the water with cool breeze gives a very soothing experience.

FINAL DAY

We had a return bus to Bangalore at around 6 in the evening and entire Ooty was left to be explored. We booked a tour package to explore the hill station. Luckily, we got a very amazing driver (Connect me if anyone wants his contact number) and he has great experience of time management. We started at around 9 in the morning.

Doddabetta Peak

Highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains with a reserved forest around its peak. Entire Ooty town is visible from this peak. This place is ideal to visit when there is fog and we can feel the clouds passing through us.

Government Rose Park

Largest collection of roses in India with more than 20,000 varieties. The flowers are arranged in five curving terraces covering four hectares. This place is perfect for clicking amazing pictures with all the scenic beauty around.

Wax World

Contains around 25-30 statues of political leaders, actors, super heroes, musicians, revolutionists, sports person. The museum is well maintained and we can pose and click lots of pictures.

Ooty Botanical Garden

Divided into 6 sections namely Lower Garden, New Garden, Italian Garden, Conservatory, Fountain Terrace and Nurseries, it’s one of the key attractions of Ooty. This place is ideal for spending family time together having a wide open area to play or lie down.

Ooty lake

Artificial Lake created by John Sullivan, is the one of the crowdiest points in Ooty. Families spend their quality time doing boating and other entertainment stuffs. Having the options of both pedal boats and streamers, this place is very calm and soothing.

Thread Garden

First Artificial garden in the world featuring flowers, plants & lawns crafted from thread, canvas & wire. It is a one time and a must visit place in Ooty. It is mainly a handicraft museum displaying great skills and dedication. It also holds the Guinness World Record for such an innovative thinking.

TRIP ENDS

So finally after touring the entire Queen of the Hills, we were ready to depart to our location – Bangalore. We headed to the bus stand and bus was already standing on the platform. I boarded the bus and took my seat. After that, I closed my eyes for sometime, recapitulated all the 3 days experiences and memories and locked them deep inside so that they never fade away. I realised that the trip is finally over and thanked nature for bringing me so close to it.

I can find God in nature, in animals, in birds and the environment  ~Pat Buckley

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