By N Ravi Chander 

 

WITH Bengaluru experiencing its hottest summer, my family and I sought an escape to cooler climes. So we packed our bags and headed to Ooty, the ‘Queen of the Hills’. The trip from Bengaluru also took us through Bandipur, Mudumalai, and Coonoor. Girish, our driver, alerted us of the umpteen hairpin bends along the route as we braced ourselves for the arduous journey. Navigating a vehicle on these winding roads is no walk in the park. However, the hill station’s proximity to Mudumalai forests is a boon to wildlife enthusiasts. One can spot leopards, bears, wild hogs, Malabar giant squirrels, peacocks, langurs, elephants, and antelopes here. The Vibhuti Malai Murugan Kovil, Bokkapuram, built by Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty, is a unique shrine. One can reach it by renting a jeep (a trek up the hill is arduous, but we believe the priest, fit as a fiddle, climbs it every day). The place is desolate, but the top offers a stunning view of the Nilgiri mountains.

 

It astounded us when we saw a young forest ranger striding fearlessly in the tiger reserve, home to scores of big cats. We learned that solitary walks in the jungle, even after dusk, are part of the training regimen. The ranger assured me wild animals were not a threat unless provoked and recalled bumping into a tiger that same morning but kept going. The forest rangers camping in the jungle have overcome their dread of the big cats, and the same holds for the tribals who live alongside the wild animals. A loud cheer echoed as we saw Malabar Giant Squirrels for the first time. The antelopes were a dime a dozen, but the tiger was elusive! The picturesque Ooty tea gardens draw tourists in droves, and the mania to pose for photos here is unbelievable. The plastic-free town is a one-of-a-kind destination.Officials spare no effort to conduct periodic checks and impose strict penalties on those flouting the rules.

 

A ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) is a must. Built by the British in 1908, the exclusive toy train is the only rack railway in India where the train runs on a toothed rack rail providing better grips on the steep Nilgiri rail tracks. NMR always have relied upon its steam locomotive fleets. The train runs through the picturesque Nilgiri mountains from Meetupalyam to Ooty via Coonoor. It passes through umpteen tunnels and scenic stations like Lovedale and Wellington, besides offering breathtaking views. The heritage museum in Ooty houses some rare rail artefacts and iconic photographs of the NMR.

 

A thick cloud of mist envelops the hill town during the monsoons, and the floating clouds make for a spectacular sight. Gorgeous lakes, gurgling waterfalls and stunning forests of giant pines make you fall in love with the place. No trip to Ooty is complete without shopping for chocolates, teas, spices and eucalyptus oils (Nilgiri oil). Outlets hawking these products are a dime a dozen. A familiar sales ploy is to entice shoppers with free samples. The fresh mountain air lends a delightful aroma and taste to the teas, spices and chocolates. On our return journey through Bandipur, we encountered some precious scenes. A mammoth bear waited by the roadside for the traffic to ease before skipping across to a nearby stream. Subsequently, a family of wild jumbos emerged from the bushes, and finally, a bright-coloured peacock crept close to our car, gazing inquisitively at us. Nature never ceases to amaze!