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| Our toy train to Ooty |
He was almost running and stopped in front of me on the platform of station Mettupalayam, Coimbatore. I was accompanying my friend Tommy Singh as usual to Ooty who was visiting to meet Richard, a common friend and a tea plantation owner. As we love adventure, we decided to go by incredible Nilgiri Mountain Railway Toy Train and enjoy a journey of about 46 Kms.
“I have located The Scottish Highlands near Ooty” said Tommy, panting.
“What?” “This is not Scotland, Tommy”, I almost shouted at him. He stared at me for a moment, took out a brochure and put it in my hand. I read it and looked back at Tommy with my jaw dropped. He had brought great news, indeed! And that’s how our plan changed, for the good.
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| Our Hotel Palve Sugavasam |
We had arrived at Ooty and went straight to our hotel,
Palve Sugavasam at Bishop Down Road, Rama Krishna Puram – Ooty. A nice cozy place in a beautiful garden (
0044 203 027 7155), with great attractions nearby.
As far Ooty, for those who are not aware, is also known as
Ootacamund (Udhagamandalam) and is the Queen of hill stations in South India. Our objective had changed to exploring the nearby awesome green rolling hills
The Scottish Highlands, unique and hidden from the tourist onslaught in South India in the state of Tamil Nadu. We were also looking forward to icing on the cake-
A trek to mesmerizing Doddabetta Peak!
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| Awesome Doddabetta Peak |
Next day early we left to enjoy highland slopes and a trek to Doddabeta Peak, the highest vantage point in Ooty, located at around 2,623 m. This peak is regarded as one of the highest peaks in South India, which lies at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats. We picked up the easiest way to get to the foothill of
Doddabetta, where the trek begins and proceeded to head southeast of Ooty. We drove on a motor able road to 9 kms on the
Ooty-Kotagiri Road from Ooty at the base of the peak and then climbed up to peak. Naturally, the highest peak in the panoramas around you is none other than Doddabetta. If this does not help you identify it, look for the tallest hill capped by a flattish peak. We sat there mesmerized for about an hour. We could see the beautiful valley,
plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore. We could enjoy seeing all this partly due to The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation managed Telescope. Later we trekked down from a different route through awesome
highland slopes.
Remembering Scottish Highlands
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| Anamalai Grass Lands in wildlife sanctuary |
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| Reminding Scottish Highlands |
We were stunned! Truly, the slopes reminded us Scottish Highlands, What a site it was walking on those slopes! We just wandered around until evening.
Really, The Nilgiris hills are a trekker's paradise. Landscaped by nature, the hills abound in trek for lovers of nature. We observed, there were treks and treks in whichever direction you turn and from whichever point you start. Our trek was full of thrill, excitement, adventure, and a way of seeing and enjoying green highlands in all its beauty and splendor.
In fact, Udhagamandalam (Ooty) offers several trek routes, which vary in distance, altitudes and terrain. Trekking pamphlets are available with the Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association
(NWLEA). There are guides who have sound knowledge of certain areas. If necessary, their services may be hired. In addition, for further details you can contact the
Tourist Information Office at Charring Cross, Ooty.We realized that a trek to Doddobetta is not difficult and even kids and old can visit by either walking or by hiring a Pony
The Ketty Valley
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| Ketty Valley |
Next day, early in the morning we went 10 Kms on Ooty-Coonoor highway to have a view of Ketty valley. Brilliant view indeed! And we were really lucky as could see the toy train chugging along the track in the valley below. Spending about an hour, we returned to our breakfast.
The Botanical Garden
Later, by 10 AM we headed for a biological wonder on the lower slopes of Doddabetta Peak-
The Botanical Garden. I was amazed! Twenty-two acres of wonder with a variety of flora. It was laid out in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweedale. As told by an official, it was a mixture of a variety of species that are
rare in the other parts of the globe. The Italian Garden
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| The Italian Garden |
This was a part of the botanical garden and it really surprised us. This garden was first laid out by Italian prisoners of World War I, who were shifted to Ooty. They were placed under the control of the Military station in Ooty. During World War I, Italian prisoners of War stationed here made a beautiful Italian garden full of flowers
The other places visited by us-
Emerald Lake
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| Emerald Lake |
Emerald lake was a wonderful lake in the upper plateau region of the Nilgiri hills. It was a part of the silent valley. We found the site of the lake as wonderful and we loved being at that place. The chirping birds and ducks and other swimming creatures added real beauty to the place.
Avalanche
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| Avalanche |
After traveling 28 Km from Ooty town past the Emerald Lake, we reached at the scenic undisturbed forest called, Avalanche. It was on the way to Upper-Bhavani from Ooty via Emerald Camp. Well, words cannot explain the beauty of gorgeous scenery at every turn. It was an experience of wonder and delight.
In my odyssey of 30 years, this was one of the most memorable trips. What a country India is! A treasure for a tourist’s surprise!
Quick Tips on Doddabetta Trek
- Visit in the morning. Afternoons are usually crowded.
- Avoid late evenings as Doddabetta is surrounded majorly by forests.
- There is no good parking facility. You will have to trek up to to peak (2-3 kilometers) which has a moderate difficulty level
- The motor able road is not good.
- When to go-October to January
- Location: Kotagiri
- Transportation: Upto Kotagiri
- Altitude: 2,623 M (8650 FEET)
- Entry Fee: Rs. 300