A different usual – Ooty/ Coonoor

We had a long weekend for Ugadi (Hindu New Year) and didn't want to be in Bangalore (27-30 Mar '09). Sharan, in addition, was keen to get back to his photography practice. Ooty and Coonoor – the twin hill stations in the Nilgiri range of the Western Ghats seemed to be the ideal choice given the distance by road and (more importantly) fine weather. On one hand I was skeptical - Ooty had gotten too commercialized over the past years and wasn't a "get-away" in the real sense. On the other hand it was around 9 years since I had been there last. Additionally we had never been to Coonoor. Since we decided and booked in the last minute we got accommodation in 3 different places for the 3N-4D vacation. No cribbing on this one as each place was unique in its own way - First at Destiny's Farm (Avalanche Valley, 30 kms off Ooty), next at King’s Cliff (in Ooty) and lastly at Taj Gateway Hotel (Coonoor).

Note: Destiny Farm and King’s Cliff are part of Little Earth Group (http://www.littlearth.in/)

Fact File:
Distance: Ooty by Road - Coimbatore (80Kms), Bangalore (275 Kms).
Getting there: There are ample of buses and trains from either of the cities. Nearest Airport is Coimbatore.
Best season: February through May, September-October
Know more from:http://www.nilgiris.tn.gov.in/OOTY.HTM or http://www.nilgiris.tn.gov.in/Coonoor.htm

In and around Ooty:
We didn’t go to ANY of the typical tourist attractions (Botanical garden, Centenary Rose Park, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta, etc) as we had been here earlier. Instead we visited the not so popular tourist destinations like the Bee Museum and Green Shop of Keystone foundation. Keystone Foundation is known as an organisation concerned with honey management and marketing for communities (Kurumba and Toda tribes in Nilgiris for e.g.,) without compromising the sustainability of bee's community itself. (http://keystone-foundation.net/web/).

We also visited the Wax World – a private wax museum that has been the poor man's Indian Madame Tussades for years. We had never heard or seen it before. The museum included statues of usual and famous Indian personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, J. Nehru, Mother Teresa, Shivaji, Subhas Chandra Bose among others. Some of the wax statues were hilarious, some terrible and a few were very creative.

We drove around Red Hills and Avalanche Valley – very picturesque hill ranges with acres and acres of tea estates (literally till you can see the horizon) and many unspoiled lakes and ponds all around. But its very disheartening to see that forest area has been cut down for these tea estates.

We tried a couple of very popular restaurants which came recommended – Earl’s Secret at King’s Cliff on Havelock Road (Continental – Very good) and Shinkhow on Commissioner's Road (Chinese – disappointing, may be we didn't order right)

In and around Coonoor:
Acres Wild – is a 22 acre, family-run organic and (homemade) cheese making farm. Their goal is to shape an eco-friendly, holistic and self-sustaining life style for themselves and share this experience with others in hope that others adopt it too. (http://www.acres-wild.com/). This place is run Mansoor Khan and family. His wife, Tina, excitedly explains the process of cheese making. She said she started this only because of her love for Cheese. Cheese can be bought from outlets in Ooty or Coonoor. Mansoor, an avid environmentalist, not only passionately shows around his environment-friendly farm but also keeps you gripped with his views on the global warming phenomenon. Rhea, the darling pet around, is as enthusiastic as Mansoor to show the place.

We never realized that it was Mansoor Khan who was the director of popular Bollywood movies like QSQT, JJWS, AHAT (all with Aamir Khan), Josh (with SRK) and co-producer of Jaane Tu Ya Jane Na (with Imran Khan). Apparently he is Aamir Khan's cousin and Imran Khan's uncle. Shows how much of Bollywood we know. Mansoor moved to Coonoor from Mumbai after being fed up with city life.

We shopped at NeedleCraft (in Singara Tea Estate) - known for its exquisitely hand-embroidered pillowcases, cushion covers, bedspreads, bedsheets and handkerchiefs. Though they are steeply priced, Naaz (the owner) insists that she is just selling on behalf of various local women's welfare organizations and proceeds go to their betterment.

We went to some typical touristy places since it was our first time in Coonoor:
- Railway Station: A quaint little station famous for the Niligiri Mountain Railway. The toy train runs between Ooty-Coonoor-Mettupalyam through the pristine Nilgiri mountain range.
- SIM'S Park: Botanical Garden in Upper Coonoor with trees as old as 150 years and haven for bird watchers
- Laws Falls: 7kms towards Mettupalayam, worth a skip
- Dolphin’s nose view point: 10kms, has a panoramic view of Catherine Falls
- Lamb's rock view point: 8kms, on the way to Dolphin’s
- Droog Fort: 17 kms, Old Tipu Fort of which only a couple of Walls are remaining, drive to Nonsuch Tea Estate and walk 4 kms through it

Note: Take your vehicle to Droog Fort only if it’s an SUV as the roads quite bad. It’s a beautiful 1 hour walk (one way) for those who prefer it.

Unlike Ooty, there aren’t any restaurants in Coonoor. You may land up eating in the resort/hotel you are staying at. But we did ask some locals around for some typical Tamil food and they directed us to a no-frill restaurant called “Hotel Sri Lakshmi Veg” (off Coonoor Bus Stand). As assured by these locals, we had typical and very delicious Tamil Thaalis. It was a welcome break from days of North Indian, Continental and Chinese food we had during the trip.

So the usual destinations turned out to be a good decision afterall. We saw parts of Ooty never seen before and Coonoor turned out to be a "must return to" place. There are too many in that list already and another much much longer list of "must visit before Armegaddon"... Wonder when and how we'll ever cover everything... *SIGH*.

Here is a link to our photo album:http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/sredir?uname=akshatakaranth&target=ALBUM&id=5319718423183780881&authkey=Gv1sRgCIeExsyxmc2EQw&invite=COW4rtoF&feat=email

Guide Book Writing: Getaway to My Apartment

My Apartment is situated in a pretty complex amidst ghastly concrete cuboids that are void of looks, space and trees. It is also away from all the mayhem on the main road. In every other sense it’s a typical apartment that you would find in Bangalore these days - with an “L” shaped hall and dining room.

Fact File:
Location: The apartment is situated off New B.E.L Road in North Bangalore (Bharat Electronics Limited is a Govt. company and a landmark).
Distance: It’s around 10 KMS from MG Road, 30 KMS from the airport and 8 KMS from the main railway station.
Transport: You could reach this place through either of the public transport system: BMTC Buses or Auto rickshaws (Rs. 7/- per km). You could also hire a taxi (citi taxi: (80) 25566644 or spot city taxi: (80) 25510000)
Journey time: In peak hour, it will take 40mins from the railway station or city centre or airport
Route: From MG Road or railway station you need to head towards Mekri Circle. From there travel towards the Yeshwantpur flyover. Take a right-turn at the first signal you see to reach New B.E.L Road. From Airport, take right towards Tumkur at Hebbal Junction and a left at the B.E.L circle to reach New B.E.L Road. Once on New B.E.L road, look out for a Barista Café. The road opposite leads straight to my apartment complex.

Orientation:
A 3 bedroom, a hall and kitchen with utility is all you can see here. The hall will lead you to a balcony which has an “oh-so-bad” view – the neighbour’s kitchen window. Call it as disadvantages of living in a crowded city. The master bedroom also has a balcony with a slightly better view, overlooking the children’s play area – at least some space before you see the next building!!!

The house pet is Shanta, a 10 year old cat from the street. Unlike usual cats, she loves people and waits to be the centre of attraction. She’ll just sit in the middle of any crowd, to be admired or petted. Though she doesn’t bite or scratch, sometimes she can get intimidating to people who are not used to cats or other pets.

The apartment itself has quite a few curios (including some antiques) and paintings. All around the house, you will find different styles of paintings. The host pride themselves in displaying art work of their artistic friends and families. They seem to know quite a few!!!

The hostess is quite particular about cleanliness which is a good thing for guests. With a pet at home it turns out to be a challenging job. But according to her, the house HAS TO be spic n span at any given time. Mind you – though she would love her guests to maintain the cleanliness, she doesn’t expect it. She will go about her cleaning when its time.

Where to stay:
Of the 3 bedrooms, the master bedroom with an attached bath, is the largest and is occupied by the hosts. The second bedroom, which is the guest bedroom, is slightly smaller with a queen size bed and an attached bath. The bedroom window overlooks a block of empty plots lined around just coconut trees. The space amidst the concrete jungle is a welcome sight. The last bedroom is really a multi purpose room. You will find a writing table, computer ware, library and even a single cot. The only disadvantage here is that there is no attached bath. You will have to use the common bath which is at the end of the dining hall.

What to eat:
Stay includes breakfast and dinner. On special requests, lunch can be arranged for. A variety of south Indian (mainly Mangalorean) and typical north Indian dishes are made by the house cook. On days that the hosts are free from their routine, they also churn out some continental or Chinese food as well.

Recommendations: Poha or Dosas for breakfast, Different varieties of Rasam or Sambhar for lunch, Bhajjias for snacks, special veg. pulao for dinner. And Lichi Phirni for dessert

Things to do:
Wireless internet is free those who own laptops. You could either plonk yourself in front of the TV or read a book from the small library. There is plenty of good music to listen to if you have an ear for classic rock, 70’s disco or Hindi fusion like Indian Ocean or Shakti. Group indoor games like Pictionary, Cluedo, Scrabble or even cards are available at the library. On rare occasions your hosts may allow you to cook something special in their kitchen [Warning – cooking MUST BE vegetarian and more importantly, should be followed by cleaning].

Culture:
A laid back setting except in mornings when there is a mad rush. The hosts have quite a few routine things to be accomplished before heading out for the day. So beware of hostess way as she might (quite literally) bite you for getting in her way.

You can have a relaxed and long evening at the apartment with no time restrictions. You may hear an occasional complaint from the neighbours if the evening turns loud, but the hosts keep them at bay.

The host turns out to be a good entertainer. If you fancy a drink or two, he’s even better. He’ll dish out unique cocktails and keep you entertained all night long. Patrons tip off that if you play truth or dare after a few rounds, the host will challenge a bare dare!

Around the apartment:
The apartment complex has all modern day amenities. You will find a basic gym and a swimming pool (with changing/bathing facilities). A small clubhouse over looking the swimming pool can hold around 40-50 people. For those interested, there is also a table-tennis table. A beautiful walking track has been laid outlining the complex. Along the path you will find herbs, shrubs and trees neatly planted. The diligent gardener maintains them along with a small lawn area at the entrance of the complex.

Get away:
A 2 minute walk takes you to the New B.E.L main road which has now become a shopping and eating haven for people of North Bangalore. One doesn’t feel the need to go to the popular Commercial Street or Brigade Road for shopping once this place has developed.

You can find almost all regular brand stores – Lee, Wrangler, Levi’s, Flying Machine, Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Bata, Fabindia, Urban Yoga, Reid n Taylor, Raymonds, Allen Solly, Peter England, Titan to name a few. You can also find grocery stores like More and Reliance Fresh.

There are numerous restaurants serving popular cuisines like Continental, Chinese, Mughlai, Arabic, Andhra and South Indian [Prices ranging from Rs.300/- to Rs.1250/- per meal for two]. You can also find cafés including popular Café Coffee Day and Café Barista. There are even a few darshinis for those who love their Masala Dosa or Idli-Vada-Sambar.

Recommendation: Savoury is an Arabic Restaurant chain popular for its Shawarma Roll (Rs.35/-) or Broast Chicken (Rs.100/-). Neel is a multi-cuisine Restaurant ideal place for a family dinner. Its known for its tandoori spread and surprisingly - cocktails. Try their innovative Kali Mirch or Hari Mari Mirch Kebabs [around Rs. 200/- per plate].

The only pub on this road is a branch of a famous old pub of Bangalore, called Pecos. It will ensure your Saturday night is well-spent. Regulars swear by their good beer [unlike the main pub], better food [try the Crab or Prawn Pullimunchi Roast] and best Rock music around North Bangalore [Rs.250/- per pitcher, avg. of Rs.125/- per dish].

If you are an early bird, go for early morning walks. The entire New B.E.L Road stretch is around 5KMS. With huge trees planted on either side of the road and a decent footpath all along, it forms a perfect boulevard. The cool breeze will only make your morning walk more enjoyable.