My Ooty Diaries

There is something esoteric about the Nilgiri Mountains. As a nature lover, my fingers froze at Ooty the moment I scrolled at its pics on the web. I got so carried on viewing its scenic beauty on the web and witnessing it took me to a whole new level. Midway between Tamil Nadu and the Western Ghats rests a resort of paradise Ooty. This beautiful resort is home to rich flora and fauna, sandalwood forests, Lakes, dams, reserved parks, tea gardens and much more. One can take a full glimpse of Ooty in just three days.

My trip to “The queen of Hill Stations” was indeed the most enthralling to me. I was thrilled to be amidst the alluring sceneries. I just wanted the flight to land and run towards the mountains. Though after every flight I would straight away head to the lounge and grab my meal but this time, this was not in my mind. All I craved was to enjoy the picturesque Ooty. Typically I prefer a 3-5 course meal (typically including a salad, soup, entree (typically up to 3 choices) accompanied by a drink and then finally dessert. This time I just had fruit juices and some Rice and pasta salad and no deserts. I wanted to have some space in my tummy to taste the homemade chocolates the rare treats of Ooty, Fruits and Honey, the exotic tea and the savouring street food. Wohoooo, my 3 hours were over now. The flight had also landed. I was in the business class so we deboarded first. I grabbed my luggage and ran to take my taxi as well. Then I went to the hotel, signed a couple of papers and got my room keys. I opened my luggage. I was everything so fast as I just wanted to make my way towards the mountains. But there was a chit in my bum bag which said, " Honey, take rest first. Don't hurry. You've good three days to spend with the mountains". I pondered upon it, took a nice long warm bath. The bathtub was quite big for me and I drowned every minute. My bad.

Now I grabbed my lunch and dozed off. I woke up at five in the evening. I put my boots and a wind shutter on. Grabbed a muffler and sat in a taxi and headed straight to the Emerald Lake hoping not to miss the sunset. God listened to my wish. I was enthralled to be able to witness the panoramic view and was fortunate to perceive the sunset. I would say, the glimpse of the sunrise and the sunset from here is breathtaking and is not supposed to be missed. It's a must in a person's life. It is an ideal place to spend time with your loved ones. I was missing Deergha. I stayed there for about 45 minutes.

Then my tummy started grumbling. I wanted to give a try to all the eateries of Ooty. I headed towards the Momo House. I reached there in about 35 minutes and sat on a chair in the corner. The chairs were cushiony. There was one more chair on my table. The restaurant was full and most were couples. After all, Ooty is the most desirable hill station for honeymoon duos and those who don't know about it. I wished if I could enjoy the company of anyone. Then I buried my nose into the menu card. A few minutes later a waiter came to me and I ordered Cheese and Corn Momos. They were delectable. I could tackle them at any hour of the day. Now I came out of the restaurant and headed towards the Ooty Coffee House and ordered the Vanilla Cappuccino. I had Vanilla Cappuccino from many companies, but this was most appetizing. Now it was eight. I did not want to go back to the hotel so I was just aimlessly strolling nearby. Now I had reached my hotel and it had been an hour since I had the momos and so I was hungry again. The buffet was till 11. I went there had my dinner and slept.

The next morning I woke up. Took a shower and took a taxi to Ooty Rose Garden. I reached there in almost an hour. Woah there were so many flowers. Everywhere flowers. I wanted to pluck a couple of them but it was not allowed. I snapped many photographs there. I met many people there some were the natives. One of them was Irene and she told me about the Chocolates at Kingstar Confectionery.

The moment I heard chocolates I just craved to go there regardless of anything even the cab. Then I took my cab and headed to the Kingstar Confectionery. Oh boy, I said to myself. There were so many varieties of chocolates all were colossal. I shopped two big packets of assorted truffles, one big packet of assorted white, three packs of oreo delights, one package of strawberry white chocolates. Also, a big combo which had two small packs each of cappuccino truffle, cookies and creme, chocolate fudge. Also, my every time favoured Butterscotch Truffle. Everyone stared at me after all I had taken so many chocolates. I did not seem embarrassed as I am a food lover and which is nothing to be ashamed of.

Now it was twelve and I was hungry. This time I knew I had to go to Earl’s Secret. It was a nice cottage eatery that served continental cuisine. I reached there at one. It designed in British era decor with a cosy dining reservation and fireplace that too at a spectacular location was like a cherry on top. In starters, I ordered a kebab Sampler veg and tandoori bharwan aloo. It was lip-smacking. I loved the spices and the savoury aroma. Now I was even more hungry and ordered Boona Palak Corn, Kesar Kofta Curry accompanied with Garlic Naan for the main course. The waiter said that my order would be ready in fifteen minutes. They were the longest fifteen minutes of my life. I tried to occupy myself by burying my nose on Instagram, but I broke every time. I would always get diverted due to the rich aroma. Finally, my meal arrived. The main course was succulent. Now it was the time for the desserts, so I ordered Earls Secret Brownie. It comprised of white walnut brownie with ice -cream. That was so delectable.

Then I left from there. Next was going to be the epic as I was going to Doddabetta Peak. Woah I was so intrigued. I reached there at four. To my astonishment, I discovered that it is the highest peak in the Nilgiris. It was located at an altitude of 2623 meters, which almost drove me dumbstruck. It was covered with dense sholas and rich flora and fauna habituated there. There were insignificantly stunted, rhododendron trees, amid heavy coarse grass. The flowering sub-alpine shrubs and herbs were so predominant that they were even near the peak. The peek from the top of the peak is infatuating. There is a telescope house at the peak with two telescopes manifesting a bewitch glimpse of the valley around. The Doddabetta Peak is also encompassed by a reserved forested area that has colossal species of threatened flora and fauna which adds to its overall mystique. The surroundings there were so placid and tranquil unlike the environment I endure in Delhi. I sojourned there for approximately one and a half-hour.

Now I took a taxi and went to St Stephen's Church. There I got to know that it was one of the architectural miracles that the British left for us. It was an antiquated church, which dated back to the 19th century, was constructed to accord with the birthday of King George IV. All this the guide told me. There was something different about the bell. Rather than the usual bell in the tower, there were four hammer-like compositions fastened on an inverted-V shaped wooden plank using wires. These wired wooden planks were pulled to produce musical sounds. There was also a painting on the panelled doors which embellished the last supper. On the stained glasses, there were the pictures that portrayed the crucifixion of Christ and Mother Mary cradling baby Jesus in her arms. I was in church for about thirty minutes.

Then I headed to Mud Pie. I had already read the reviews and found that it was a nice place for chaats. I reached there and took a chaat for myself. There were rolls, sandwiches, cakes, pastries, samosas, cutlets, panipuri and a lot more in galore. Then I took a roll and cutlet. I wanted to have panipuri also but it was eight already and I had to have dinner. I had it and took a taxi back to the hotel. I was so fatigued and wanted to go back to the hotel and catch up on my sleep.

I reached back to my hotel at nine. I went to my room and took a long hot bath. This time also suffered from the same drowning problem. Then I had some pains in my body. So I went for a forty-five-minute full body massage. The masseurs used Mediterranean oils which smelled pleasant. The message was relaxing. Then I went to the buffet and had my dinner. After that, I was so exhausted that I just dozed off to sleep.

The next morning also, I took a bath and breakfast at the buffet and grabbed a taxi. It was my last day. My back to home flight was scheduled in the evening at six. I first went to Avalanche Lake. The view was breathtaking. The verdant greenery of mountains made a stupefying landscape for the visitors. Then I went forward to rafting. It was my first time. Woah!! It was adventuresome. I loved it.

Then I went to the C Store Cafe. It had a large variety of fast food. I grabbed a grilled cheese with veggies and a cup of hot steaming chai. The sandwich was delectable and the chai refreshed me. After that, I headed to the Nilgiri Markets. I got to know that it was known for its freshly produced food - items. I couldn't stop myself from shopping. I purchased some essential oils and the original Nilgiri tea. Then I went to the local stores where I could get hold of freshly grown strawberries and honey. I went indoors and got a chance to see how honey is made. I also got a bunch of fresh strawberries.

Then I was alarmed and looked at the time it was three. So I went back to the hotel, had my lunch and headed to the airport. As I went inside the airport I did not want to go back to Delhi. All I wanted was to stay at Ooty. I cherished everything about Ooty. I took gifts, oils, honey and my fresh memories of Ooty back home.