A Memorable Trip to Ooty and Coonoor

 With the kids safely shipped off to their grandparents' place, my wife and I decided to make a road trip to the idyllic hill stations of Ooty and Coonoor.  

The brilliant plan for some much-needed couple time turned out to be even better than expected due to weather induced isolation in the overcrowded holiday destination. Here are the pics...

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We hit the road before sunrise. As the day began, we found ourselves driving on smooth roads and getting distracted by the breathtaking scenery all around us.

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The route from Bangalore to Ooty takes you through vast forest areas of Bandipur and Mudumalai. It's known for its wildlife, and if you're fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of some wild animals. However, we were hoping and crossing our fingers that we wouldn't come across any elephants on the road.

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It was a delight to watch a charming fawn amidst the chital family

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Chital, also known as spotted deer or axis deer, are graceful and beautiful creatures. They are medium-sized deer with a light brown or reddish coat covered in white spots, which give them their distinctive appearance. The males have elegant antlers that branch out in a unique shape. 

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The enchanting scenes surrounding us were a perfect match for the stunning creatures that inhabited the area, painting a picture-perfect backdrop for our journey.

Witnessing a peacock taking flight added an extra layer of awe to its already breathtaking beauty.

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A peacock walked casually on the roadside, so close that I couldn't capture the whole bird.

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A baby monkey appeared satisfied and content after the recent breastfeeding session.

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We were fortunate to catch a glimpse of an elephant in the distance, safely away from the road. Even though it was far, it was a delightful sight to behold.

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We spotted a family of Langur monkey nearby. It was a wonderful sight to see them together.

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The leader of the langur family had a very expressive face.

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As we neared Ooty, the sight of tall trees and vast tea estates, typical of hill stations, filled us with excitement.

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As luck would have it, the weather took a sudden turn as we arrived in Ooty. What started as a light drizzle quickly transformed into a heavy downpour, further cooling down the already chilly temperature.

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We arrived at Sinclairs Retreat, a hotel boasting a magnificent view. Despite the inclement weather that kept us confined to the hotel, the surroundings were awe-inspiring and breathtaking.

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While gazing through my suite window, I caught sight of an Indian White-eye hidden behind a flower, sipping nectar in the rain.

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Taking advantage of a brief pause in the rain, we opted to explore Eagles Dare Adventure club, situated within walking distance from our hotel.

Watching my wife in the queue for the Zip line adventure, I noticed a hint of apprehension on her face. 

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But as soon as she took the plunge, her expression transformed into pure excitement and delight.

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Despite the rain, we managed to make a quick visit to the botanical garden. Although our time there was cut short, we still relished the opportunity to explore and admire the natural wonders within the garden's lush surroundings.

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We also took an exciting two-mile uphill trek to reach a Toda hut.

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Toda huts are traditional dwellings of the Toda tribe, an indigenous community in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. These unique huts are characterized by their distinctive conical shape, typically constructed using bamboo, thatch, and grass. The Toda huts have a compact design with a small entrance and no windows, providing protection against the elements.

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Back at the hotel after dinner, we enjoyed the calming evening breeze and admired the beautiful city lights from above.

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During our morning garden stroll, amidst the blossoming flowers and the merry melodies of chirping birds, we snapped pictures of each other. We were so lost in our own little world that we didn't even notice the other people around us. We just kept taking pictures of each other. It was a great way to start the day.

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Sinclairs Retreat had plenty to offer in terms of sights and experiences. Despite being stuck there due to the rain, we didn't regret it at all.

We happily spent a considerable amount of time appreciating the exquisite flowers and the charming antics of the birds.

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Daisies

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Pelargonium

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A delightful array of Alstroemeria

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Fuchsia

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Canary aeonium

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Surprisingly, the House Sparrow, rarely seen in Bangalore, was abundant in Ooty, brightening the surroundings with its cheerful presence.

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Spotting an Indian Blackbird was an exciting first-time experience for me.

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African lily

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An Indian Blackbird enjoying its breakfast.

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Red hot poker

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Foxglove

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Geranium

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Crocosmia montbretia

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The following day, we embarked on a scenic train journey from Ooty to Coonoor. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, often referred to as the "toy train," is a charming narrow-gauge railway. 

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The train ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, built by the British in 1908, is highly sought-after. We had made online reservations well in advance to secure our seats for this popular journey.

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The toy train, with its adorable small size and vintage charm, winds its way through the scenic landscapes of the Nilgiri Mountains.

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As it traverses the lush green valleys and tea plantations, the train ride creates an unforgettable experience.

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Lovedale is a quaint and charming railway station.

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After a scenic train journey, we arrived at our next destination, Coonoor. 

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In the soft glow of the early evening, Coonoor railway station appeared truly enchanting. 

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We checked into the YWCA Guesthouse, which offered us a delightful and comfortable stay.  

The YWCA Guesthouse, originally built by an American missionary in 1850, holds a rich history and is now under the ownership of YWCA India since 1969. This charming cottage showcases the architectural style of its era, exuding a sense of warmth and nostalgia. 

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A panoramic view of Coonoor town.

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We explored the lush tea gardens of Highfield Tea Factory. 

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The sprawling tea plantations, blanketed in vibrant green hues, created a breathtaking sight.  

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With the green tea leaves as her stage and the gentle breeze as her partner, she swayed and twirled.

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My wife couldn't resist having some fun with the tea leaves. With a mischievous smile, she playfully showered herself with the freshly plucked leaves.

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We even indulged in a tea tasting session, savoring the distinct flavors and aromas of the estate's signature teas.

At the tea factory's souvenir shop, we ended up purchasing a variety of items, including green tea, masala tea, handmade soap bars, and homemade chocolates.

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Adjacent to the tea estate, there was a picturesque golf course, perfect for a round of golf amidst the scenic surroundings.

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Our next stop was Sims Park in Coonoor, eagerly anticipating a delightful birdwatching experience. However, as luck would have it, we were greeted by another bout of rain.

Amidst the rain and disappointment, there was a delightful surprise waiting for me. I spotted a Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher, a lifer for me.

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The following morning, before departing for Bangalore, we took some time to explore the beautiful flora and fauna surrounding the YWCA guesthouse.

The surroundings were teeming with house sparrows. 

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I could even spot a mating pair among them.

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She struck exaggerated poses, trying to outshine the sunflower's grandeur.

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She swayed to the music of chirping birds, letting their cheerful melodies dictate her dance.

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In an unexpected encounter, we crossed paths with an Indochinese gaur within the guesthouse premises. As its flared nostrils exuded an intimidating chuff, both of us instinctively ran for our lives.

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Two juvenile red-whiskered bulbuls remained inseparable, sticking to each other like devoted soulmates.

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An Indian White-eye.

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Despite our patient wait, the fan tail display of the White-throated fantail turned out to be underwhelming.

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A jungle babbler exhibited its typical behavior, hopping from branch to branch.

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An adult red-whiskered bulbul caught our attention with its charming presence.

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Some more portraits in and around the charming 170 year old building.

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As we got ready to hit the road back to Bangalore, we were graced with the delightful presence of an Indian Blackbird bidding us farewell with its melodious song.

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Overall, our trip was immensely enjoyable, despite missing out on several popular hotspots due to the unpredictable weather. We would love to hear your comments and experiences from your own travels!

Linked with Mosaic Monday