Overview of the destination
Ooty in recent times has earned the reputation of being a 'commercialized' place. I went to Ooty expecting yet another Yercaud or Kodaikanal (none of which I was very appreciative of) . But on my trip, I felt, I could dream of no better get away.
It is a place where the encircling monsoon clouds fill you with amazement, where the omnipresent greenery makes you feel rejuvenated and refreshed and a place which has an old world English charm to itself teleports you very far from the maddening crowd.
The roads are wider than the normal hill stations, there are lots of places to see. The other run of the mill hill stations boast of a lake ( and some activities in and around it), some peak and some suicide points. Ooty too has them, but the beauty is unparalleled. And apart from just these tourist hubs, Ooty has lots more to explore and enjoy.Food, sight-seeing and shopping
Food in Ooty is of the traditional Tamil Nadu recipe - including idlis, dosas, pongals, rice , sambar and curries. Most of the restaurants server good thali meals which are both appetising and cheap. Ooty tea is a not to be missed beverage. It tastes simply divine and there are different flavours to it as well- cardamom, chocolate, black tea etc. Cardamom tea is something I can live by and Ooty cardamom tea is simply the best!
There are lots and lots of places for sight seeing in Ooty.
My list of the to be visited places would be :-
Dodabetta - This is the 2nd highest point in south India, the first being Munnar in Kerala. It houses a huge telescope viewer from which one can see the borders of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala at a go. The telescope house can be well avoided, since personally I felt the telescope was not well maintained. The surging crowd through the narrow spiral staircase might give a claustrophobic feeling to many. Rather than being here, the time can be well utilised enjoying the gusty winds in the cliffs of Dodabetta. While we were there, the winds were bringing in the clouds with them. Places that were within eye shot, got totally engulfed in clouds within minutes. It was awe inspiring to see the works of nature!
Kodanadu - is another view point. The ride to Kodanadu is through some of the most beautiful tea gardens I have seen. Since we visited Ooty during the monsoons, the surrounding was awash with freshness. It seemed as if the leaves were glistening. From Kodanadu view point, one can have the most breathtaking view of some of the most amazing cliffs.
Tea Museum- Tea is my favourite beverage and a museum dedicated to it!! Wow! That is something. The museum gives many interesting facts about tea, like how it originated and spread to different parts of the world. It also shaped many historic events! (Do read the chart on the Boston tea party!) There are many trivias mentioned about tea estates, how it made a mark in India and how did the sprawling estates some up in Ooty and other parts of southern India. The icing on the cake of the whole journey through the museum is the one piping hot cup of tea that is served at the end. One can purchase a large variety of tea here. And then proceed to get tempted by a wide array of chocolates. Yes there is a chocolate factory which follows where local made chocolates are for sale. Rum and raisins, and almond chocolate are sinfully tasty.
Botanical Garden - Any one who has heard of Ooty has heard of the botanical garden. And it is worthy of the name it has. The garden is a visual treat and a Botanists' paradise. It holds some of the most gorgeous ferns, cacti, pines and a wide variety of plants. It is very well maintained and very beautifully arranged too. The European garden is a place where one cannot stop taking pictures :)
The place in and around the botanical garden, hosts a lot of street side vendors. They sell a variety of wares starting from Ooty chocolates(honestly I did not find them so palatable), dry fruits, spices, sweaters and garments. After some bargaining, one can get a very decent buy.
9th Mile - This is a place which is supposed to be located at a distance of 9 miles from the center of Ooty. Its a hillock where the chill wind can blow one off. It is a very windy place and its thrilling to make the trek to the top of the hillock. Down from there, exists a small lake. Each and every point here is pristine and beautiful.
Pykara falls - The Pykara dam and Pykara falls are yet other must be visited places. The Pykara falls is not a very big rapid, but the force of clear water is a pleasure to view. One must pick up the local sweet carrot around this area.
Apart from these places, the lake at Ooty has a host of attractions beside it. It is the city center and has the only traffic signal of the city. Activities & things to do
Ooty is all about sight seeing but relaxing. Ironical yet true.
A boat ride in the Ooty lake is pretty entertaining. And so is hiring bicycles and toying around the lake.
One must taste the sweet carrots and the boiled corns - in the chill weather, they taste even better.
A trip to Ooty is not complete without savoring the divine tea at the road side stalls.
If it is possible, it is a good idea to make a trip in the heritage train from Mettupalayam to Ooty. The train chugs along at a slow pace and offers a delightful view of valleys, gorges and small waterfalls which no tour operator can provide. I was amazed at the thick tea estates I saw in humanly unreachable places of the mountains and the small quaint houses that spanned my view. Flowers in myriad colors came into focus sporadically and made ones day. Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
Its best to avoid Ooty during the summers since peak season brings along increased prices and crowd. Both of them leave a bad taste in ones mouth.
The best time to travel would be around the months of August to October when the weather is more on the chilly side. One does not get so tired with the walks and the sight seeing under such conditions. But it is best to carry reliable winter wear.
The temperatures dip a lot at nights. It is best to be prepared in case the hotel/lodge does not have sufficient facilities.
Ooty can be reached via Coimbatore which is the nearest station. From here, one can take a bus/ taxi to Ooty. It is a 3 hour drive in a good travel worthy vehicle.
The other way to reach is get to Mettupalayam and take the Heritage train from here. The timings of the heritage train coincide with the timing of the arrival of the trains from Chennai. But it does not run through out the day - there are only 2 trains in the morning and 2 in the evening. It is a good idea to check the timings before venturing on this route. |
