A Visit to the Queen & King

A Visit to the Queen & King

We have recently (March 18, 2015) returned from an eight-day long family trip to south of India, in the rather touristy Ooty.  Having seen most of North India’s hill-station, this one was on my list of places to visit.  It turned out to be a good choice.  Ooty though scenic and relaxed, does not have much different to offer – surrounded by natural beauty and greenery, visually appealing sights, few breath-taking views, a cool climate and friendly people. 

We had ventured in the off-peak season, thus the tourist crowd was much less, even the hotels were partially occupied.  This is always a blessing in disguise.

The first day we hired a car to take us around Ooty.  The market is bustling, with locals and resident foreigners.  There were not too many tourists to be seen in the market, except at the tourist spots.  There are many points, but the only few points that would be worth a visit are Pykara Lake and 9^th Mile Point.  The view from 9^th mile was really amazing.  We spent about an hour there running around and playing with the kids, sitting on the green grass and chatting away.  I was awed for being so close to nature, as if I could fly with the clouds.  I did wish I could spend some more time there, but the kids wanted to move on. The memory nevertheless will be dear to me. 

Jumping with Joy

Relaxing at 9th Mile, Ooty

Family Bonding

Pykara Lake was also a more interesting visit than Ooty Lake.  After a 20-minute boat ride, we stopped by the café to have a quick bite.  Pykara Falls was dry in the pre-monsoon season.  

Boating on the Pykara

In Ooty we spent sometime in the Botanical Gardens.  Tamil Nadu does take care of nature.  The Gardens were wonderfully kept, clean and tidy.  People were roaming around and children were playing.  A small group of students from the nearby hostel were enjoying the laid back afternoon.   Ooty is popular for education, specially the many hostels within and outside the city.  The nature walk in the Garden was relaxing and enjoyable – a good time to connect and enjoy with the children.  

Strolling in the Botanical Gardens

Leisurely Afternoon at the Garden

After a good sumptuous meal, we headed back to the hotel for a relaxing evening at the hotel.  

Next morning we took the Toy Train to Conoor.  That was real fun for all of us, including my wife and myself.  Passing through the hills and mountains, being so close to nature, going through tunnels while the train whistled away.  This was so much more exhilarating than the drive back from Conoor to Ooty. You can buy your train tickets from the station on the spot, though buying it a few hours earlier is better.

Fun with the Toy Train

Off-Season Crowd

Conoor from the Train

Conoor produces as much tea as Darjaling, a fact that I was unaware of.  Actually, some of the tea plantations at Conoor are at a higher altitude (so I was told).  We visited a plantation, and learnt about Tea Making.  With TranquilTea, we went through a personalized tea-tasting process.  Sandeep was very friendly, showed us around his property.  He has setup his house on the hills, providing a great view of Conoor.  Thanks for the tour and knowledge of the deepness of Tea. 

Tea Learning Session

View from the top of Conoor

We strolled around Sim’s Park for above an hour, had lunch at a local joint and took to the road to head back to the Hotel.  We had skipped the other touristy spots of Conoor, and rather opted to spend the evening relaxing at the hotel, at their lawn and children play area. 

Relaxing at Sim's Park

Destiny is a farm-resort jostled between Emerald Lake and Avalanchi Lake.  A jeep takes us through the forest to the resort.  Without any mobile connectivity or television, it actually is an experience to spend some quality time within nature.  Who would have thought to develop a resort within the forest!  Who would have thought to spend a holiday in such a place!  I did jump on the opportunity when I found out, though with some apprehension.  The resort boasted of various free and paid children activities, including horse-riding, fishing, short/long treks, rope activities and children play areas.  We spent two days there, and were overjoyed with the experience.  The weather was cooperated – it was cool and clear.  On the trek we came so close to the clouds, as if I could jump and grab it.  The two days spent at this resort were probably the best days of the holiday.  We could have gone for longer treks, but that will be for next time. 

Relaxing @ Destiny

Kids Enjoying at Destiny

Beautiful Views at Destiny

The fearless trekker

We took the road to Bangalore, stopping by in Mysore for a day.  Known as the City of Palaces, the Mysore Palace is worth a visit as is the Brindavan Gardens.  We took a guide for the Palace, which turned out to be not so good of an idea.  While this was the third garden of our holidays, each of them had a different theme and setup.  Brindavan is all about musical dancing fountains.  Not as fancy as we have seen abroad, but enjoyable nevertheless.  We also paid our respect to Mata Parvati at the Chamundi Temple.  It is always a blessing to be in a religious setting.  We had the opportunity to get a little closer and a little more time in the temple.

The Grandeur of Mysore Palace

Brindavan Gardens

Blessings at the Temple

Ooty and Mysore are both laid back towns.  People are friendly and ready to offer help and support.  A very different environment than Mumbai and Delhi.  While I do wish I could possible stay there for a few years, I don’t know whether I could pull myself away from the structured and comfortable lifestyle of the metros. 

Destiny Resort is definitely a place to visit and spend some time.  Though an eight-hour drive from Bangalore, it is a good weekend getaway for them.  For others visiting Ooty, you should make it a point to stop by Destiny.  It will be something that most likely you have not experienced in your holidays.