The Nilgiris has been
unfortunately synonymous with the crowded bustling city square of Ooty. Ooty
town has been abused, plundered and ‘concretized’ into a tourist nightmare. And
hence we chalked out a vacation into the lesser known and more picturesque
neighbouring towns of Ooty..away from the madding crowds..
And so we commenced a road trip
that took us through the festivities of Mysore Dussehra into the serene jungles
of Bandipur and Masinagudi and finally to the hilly magnificence of the
Nilgiris.
Though Mysore was our ‘night
halt’ to the ultimate destination of Ooty, we could not help but participate
and revel in the celebrations that unfolded on the streets of Mysore. The
majestic Mysore palace - ornate and
resplendent almost like a bride awaiting the wedding vows..the crowds – happy
and joyous as if in the midst of a family wedding..the streets – decorated and
bustling with activities..A sensory magic that we unknowingly melted into and
very soon we were one of ‘them’.. We halted to admire the lights and sounds of
the monuments of Mysore followed by a cultural extravaganza that unfolded in
the backdrop of the palace and finally to fill our tummies with hot, crispy
dosas from a sought after street vendor (interpreted from the never ending line
of customers)..Our ‘halt and sleep’ schedule was slightly derailed but this was
one change of plan that was more welcome than ever..!
The next morning, a sleepy but
excited trio bundled into the car on the exploratory drive up the hills..a
growling tummy made us stop at a restaurant that unfortunately could boast of
its ‘grand signage’ than its food or service..but when the hills are calling,
such mishaps are soon forgotten and nothing could shake off our determination
to enjoy! The journey itself pleasantly surprising us with unexpected spotting
of wild deer, elephant, peacocks and monkeys with white, black and grey faces
as we drove through the morning stillness of the Bandipur and Masinagudi
jungles. The eclectic mix of chirpy birds, the morning air and the silence of
the jungles wafted into the car and we could not help but leave behind the
pressures and nightmares of city dwelling.
As we climbed up the hills, the
fog and the flowers welcomed us at the various ‘hairpin’ bends and there was a
charming lightness that we experienced as we finally arrived at the farm stay
property – already cleansed and ready to idle without a purpose. And we could
not have chosen a better place than Destiny farm. A place so naturally endowed
with an uninterrupted view of Avalanche lake engulfed in the midst of green
hills – almost like a postcard painted in hues of green. We kicked started the
vacation with a sumptuous lunch where strangely the intake of calories and
happiness doubled in the same direction..We were lost in the pastures and
beauty that nestled in this property…we sat by the benches, rolled in the
garden or simply ambled around to take in the varying sights and sounds of the
farm..A joy ride on a handsome horse and visit to the stable rounded off the
day and we settled into the starry night as the vast expanse of dark skies
intermingled with tiny stars bid us good night.
The next morning, we set out on a
trek to the little hills that surround the farm..the long uphill walk to the
summit was well rewarded with an astounding view of the lakes and the
fauna..the bright morning shades streaming into the lake giving it a sparkle like
never seen before! The fresh air and the views kept us spellbound at the top
and after a lot of coaxing, the journey back and out of the property had to be
completed.
Fortunately, the yearning for the
mountain and pine forests were satiated as we drove through myriad small towns
of Niligiris..tiny stations, beautiful pine forests, heavenly tea plantations
and a string of colourful village houses all framed into fresh yellow, purple
and red flowers..the roads winding and turning and each bend blasting off a
sight unlike the earlier one. We settled into a beautiful bungalow by evening
as the valley and its colours transformed from crimson to a deep black with the
shimmering lights of the dwellings below. My Enid Blyton childhood came alive
as a cozy fireplace lit up in the room and I browsed through the library and
explored the Victorian charms of the bungalow.
A day more of the magnetic hill
station and pine trees..a day more of green plantations displaying multitude of
shades as the rain and sunshine alternatively caressed them..a day more of
idyllic existence..
The ‘last day’ without a choice struck
us…so with our lungs filled and souls stirred , a sad but sure drive back
commenced.. my ‘mountain’ being rejuvenated..I prepared for the harsh reality
of the urban jungle ahead and the obnoxious call of duty and routines.
