To date, Ooty has been the most amazing hill station that I have visited in South India. Even though it is mostly famous for being the perfect honeymoon destination, however, it is not a bad idea to go there for a solo trip as well. Ooty has the best picturesque waterfalls, emerald lakes, distinct colonial charm, and not to forget the hills. In Ooty, I found a seamless blend between the inimitable British era charm and modern India as kept traveling from the sprawling bungalows and farmhouses with lush surroundings to the city’s heart. As I was going from Coimbatore, I decided to book a dependable taxi in Coimbatore to take me to Ooty. It cost me only 2,888 rupees as I booked a Tata Indica.
I booked a cab from Coimbatore to Ooty as I wanted to experience the long drive. As I entered Ooty, I could see the distant verdant hills, the extensive tea gardens, sprawling grasslands, dense forests, and the sparkling brooks. I visited Ooty in October. Hence, the temperature was around 25 degrees Celsius, and the weather was pleasant. The nights were not too cold, which made my overall visit comfortable.
A visit to the Dolphin’s Nose
The Dolphin’s Nose is one of the most splendid sightseeing places in Ooty. It is formed with numerous huge rocks. It is located at 1000 feet above sea level. It is 10 kilometers away from the Coonoor hill station in Ooty. It presents a beautiful view of the Catherine Falls. The rock’s peak reminds the people of the nose of a Dolphin, hence the name. I arrived there early in the morning so that I could witness the astonishing sunrise. I had packed some lunch before with myself because I planned to stay there till the sunset. The cool breeze blowing around me helped me refresh myself from my otherwise hectic life. There are also vast acres of tea plantations that left me awestruck.
The famous Nilgiri Mountain train ride
To experience the enchanting aura of the Nilgiri Mountain, I went for the Nilgiri Mountain train ride. While the train traced the ever going railway trails, I witnessed the soothing and refreshing views of the lovely hills. The blissful breeze and the enticing aroma of the Nilgiris was very wholesome. The ride took nearly four hours. It stopped at thirteen stations, which includes Coonoor and Mattypalaiyam. I went for the first-class journey, which cost us 142 rupees each. There is also a second class journey, which costs only 24 rupees.
Lip-smacking delicacies of Ooty
Eating out here in Ooty is a complete treat to the taste buds. The mouth-watering Indo-Chinese and Chinese food at restaurants like the Shinkow’s Chinese Restaurant and the Wang’s Kitchen on Commissioner’s Road have everything from meat-based specialties to wok-tossed noodles. I also munched on various Western food like baked goods, snacks, delicious loaves of bread, pizzas from Hot Breads located at Charing Cross. I also went to the Sidewalk Café, a fast food joint to have their famous American-style burgers, salads, and soups. At the end of my trip, I went to the Sullivan Court Hotel on the weekend to have their most fantastic buffet lunch.
The Avalanche Lake of Ooty
I have always been a nature lover. So, paying a visit to The Avalanche Lake was mandatory for me. The place is nothing less of a paradise. The captivating landscape, decorated with lovely flowers, further adds to the beauty of the area. The lake was formed due to a landslide that happened in 1823. The lush greenery helped me spend some quality time with myself and admire the natural beauty around me. Apart from indulging myself in my surroundings, I also enrolled myself for popular activities like trout fishing, rafting, and mountain trekking. There are also various other activities like open jeep driving, rappelling, and horse riding.
My journey to Ooty is itself dotted with breath-taking sights of the magnificent ad awe-inspiring tea gardens, the Nilgiri Hills, and the serene waterfalls. Traveling through the peaceful and calm landscape of Ooty almost made me feel like I am in a movie, walking around the winding country lanes while the fresh air infuses into my soul. It is the best getaway place to escape from the scorching sun and the mind-blogging humidity.