[TravelMonk]

Year: 1100 BCE
Place: A college in Pune


A gang of friends making travel plans, irrelevant and impractical at that point. They finalised on Ooty as the destination, no time frame was set. It was one of those “jayenge kabhi na kabhi” plans. Why Ooty? No reason. Someone came up with it and it stuck. The destination didn’t matter to them much, travelling together and having fun did.

Fast forward 2019. The gang is still intact and college is a story of the past. Everyone’s changed and grown up now but one thing has remained constant: Ooty. Over the period of years, the desire for this trip increased, but it could not be materialised due to some reason or another. 2019 was different however. We checked with everyone’s schedule for a tentative November date and voila! Everyone was available! The long thought plan suddenly seemed like reality!
3rd of November was the commencing day decided. There were six of us. Out of them, 4 were in Pune, one came down from Mumbai, and one would meet us in Kolhapur. Two of us could drive well but I kept the wheel to myself for the maximum time. We had planned to spend the 2nd Nov night at the friend’s house in Kolhapur, Hupari to be more specific, and leave early morning on 3rd for Mysuru. Five of us headed down to Hupari from Pune on 2nd evening, chitchatted with the family, spent the night, and slept, dreaming of the long due trip becoming a reality.



Day 1:

As planned, woke up at 5.30 am. Clock was showing 6.30 when we left. Impressive timing for 6 lazy peeps! Our route for the day was fairly straight, the NH4 till Davangere, and then some state highways of Karnataka.





Finally! We were on the road, with high energy and some dense morning fog initially. I was maintaining moderate but steady pace and was in no mood to stop and break the beautiful rhythm, but soon the hungry stomachs in the back seats started making lots of noise and so we stopped for breakfast at a Kamat outlet.
I was so integrated with the rhythm that I didn’t realise it but we had covered more than 120 kms till then, can’t blame the hungry souls. The territory of authentic South Indian food had started and how! A few super soft Idlis, Dosas were gulped down, along with heavenly Filter coffee. What a beautiful day so far!

The day passed by with the distance. Nothing significant to remember. The patch between Hubli and Chitradurga wasn’t in the same state as I remembered it from a year ago. So many diversions slowed us down a bit, but no worries. We left the clean NH4 at Davangere and entered the unknown territory. I was a bit sceptical about the road conditions further, but damn, Karnataka surprised me. Coming from Maharashtra, where even some of the National Highways are in a bad shape, these good roads were a pleasant surprise.





We had planned to stay the night in Mysuru and visit Brindavan Garden on the way. We reached the garden at around 6.30 pm. 12 hours including fuel and food breaks with moderately good speeds, not the best, but not bad either I’d say.

Brindavan Garden was as expected flocked with tourists. We didn’t get to explore the actual garden as the sun already set, instead got tickets for the Light and Music Fountain Show, which apparently is the point of attraction for most of the tourists. Wading through the crowd, got to the venue and grabbed a seat. The show wasn’t particularly great but was a good leisure after a day of driving. Spent some time photographing ourselves later and got back to the car.





Brindavan to Mysuru city isn’t a long drive. We purposefully hadn’t booked any hotel, so our hunt for a hotel began now. Found a decent looking hotel online, but we decided to check it out first before booking, as a good safe parking was a must criterion for me. Google lady took us through some shady Mysuru roads to an equally shady hotel, so dumped it and kept searching. One of us had visited Mysuru a few years back and remembered the hotel he stayed at. The rooms were good, safe parking, he remembered. Good rooms? Don’t care much. Safe parking? Let’s go! Went there, got a good deal after bargaining, got freshened up, and got out for dinner.

Now the situation was, it was 9.45 pm, we were about 20 minutes away from Mysuru city, and the place we wanted to visit for dinner closes at 10. A place named Tegu Mess, suggested by one of our friends was on our target. He repeatedly insisted on going there so we had to try it out. Searched it on Google, called up the number, and requested the guy to keep open till we come. Polite guy, people coming to his place all the way from Pune in the night must’ve fascinated him, he happily agreed. As the name suggested, it was a small homely place with a few tables, and we were his only customers at 10.15 in the night.





First, we ordered what was suggested by our friend, mutton curry with rice. We were dead tired and just wanted to eat and sleep. We were served on banana leaves, and we took the first bite. Aaahaa! What a delicious dish! Excitement replaced fatigue!

We got to talking with the owner while eating. As we were his last customers for the day, and he was flattered that we came searching for him, he brought all the remaining mutton curry for us. Soon he served us with every dish on his menu! Simply amazing! That dinner was the best end for a long tiring day. What they say is indeed true, good food and good mood go hand in hand. Came back to the rooms carrying our inflated and full to the brim bellies in our hands and slept instantly.




Day 2:

The second day was exciting for me as the Marazzo turned 1 year old! This was the second long tour of the car in a year. First one was right after we took the delivery, we headed deep into Karnataka jungles. We got up and ready before 7.30 and left for Chamundi Hills. The difference in temperature was felt immediately when climbing up the hill. Visited the temple, clicked some photos and returned to Mysuru.





We were going into the city to have breakfast and buy sandalwood products. Found a decent place on Google, decided to go there. Google lady took us through a few very narrow lanes of, what I think was the old Mysuru city.

In one such narrow lane, we were stopping to look at the map and decide if we actually want to go further or not as the lanes were getting narrower. There was a mischievous stone poking out of the side footpath which wasn’t really visible from where I was sitting i.e. the driver seat. I went over it and stopped, but didn’t realise it. While we were deciding if we should proceed or go back, the stone had different plans for us. It made a hole in the side wall of the left front tyre and the tyre was flat. To make things worse, the flat was an uneven surface and very very close to drainage water spillage.

We got to work, took out the spare wheel and the tools. We had to unload some of the luggage first in order to take out the jack and the spare wheel. Good thing we had manpower to do all the work! The jack and the tools were never used before and they had a chance to be useful on the first year completion of the car.
Finally after sweating a lot and getting dirt on ourselves while trying to stay clear of the drainage water, we changed it. Treated our empty stomachs with some tea and biscuits in a hotel nearby.




The Handicrafts Store


The clock displayed 12-ish. We obviously dropped the plan for breakfast and headed to a shop selling sandalwood products. After getting some, headed to a handicrafts store and spent some time there. Soon enough got out of the city and started towards our primary attraction, Ooty!

Stopped for lunch just outside of Mysuru and had our first proper meal of the day. The road to Ooty leads through the jungles of Mudumalai National Park. I wanted to have the cushion of a working spare tyre to rely on and not take any risks. So I stopped at a roadside puncture shop and got it fixed. There were mixed opinions about the last entry in the National Park, some said 5 pm while others 7. If it were 5, we could hardly make it, so gunned it while we had straight roads. Entered the jungle comfortably before time.





It’s always a pleasure to ride/drive through the forests. Turned the music off, rolled the windows all the way down and enjoyed the welcome we received by the spotted dears. No they didn’t do anything special, they were just there. A lot of them. Everywhere you look. More than the dogs in my lane back home.










Soon the sun set. Stopped for a chai and pakoda break.








And then came the fun part. The 36 hairpin bends of Kalhatti Ghat! That too in the dark! Dangerous, but what fun! While others in the car grabbed whatever they can and tried to be seated in one place, I had the most fun throughout. The road is narrow and it was totally dark, but thanks to Marazzo’s good lights, I was able to enjoy it.





Reached the Ooty town soon. We had booked a hotel online named Tulips Elkhill Resort. Asked the Google lady to take us there. Damn what a choice! The hotel was up on the hill, a bit away from the town, but totally worth it. The view it offered was spectacular.




Night view from the hotel


It was chilly. We got a villa of sorts with three attached bedrooms and a small kitchen. Quickly took out our warm clothes and headed to the restaurant. Ate and slept, with a ton of blankets covering us.



Day 3:

We had booked the tickets for Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train, but they weren’t confirmed yet. We had heard a lot about this small train journey and so were keen on doing it. In the morning when we checked, the tickets were confirmed. So the plan for the day was decided. Ordered some tea in the room and showered ourselves with some warm morning sunlight.





By the original plan we had allotted 2 nights stay for Ooty. Though we decided to check out of our rooms and search for a different hotel for the next night. After the mesmerizing view and location of this hotel, our expectations were high and we wanted to see what else is out there, get a new experience. So we checked out, loaded our luggage in the car and moved towards the Ooty lake. We had some time before our train, we spent that in a boat on the lake clicking photos.






Looks attractive, doesn't it


After the tourist-y boating, tried to find a decent hotel with good view for our stay. But none matched our expectations and budget like our previous one matched. So dropped the plan temporarily and went to the small little train station. The station has a small parking area for the vehicles. So that was not a worry.





The train arrived soon and as the name suggested, it did look like a toy. The seats were toyish too. Legroom was non existent and comfort had no relevance. It was especially difficult for us 6 feet and above people. But anyway, no public transport is ever kind to tall people, so we were habitual.





The toy train is supposed to take you through the hills showcasing the region’s beauty, which it did. The train stops only once, at Coonnor, on its way to Mettupalayam, some 50 odd kms from Ooty by road. This is your chance to get off. We did not. We thought the journey further will be worth it. In our collective opinion, it wasn’t. The faces of all the people who got off at Mettupalayam reflected the same.







Overall the journey is good, comprises of some beautiful scenery and good cold weather, but, only till Coonoor. All of your day goes into this ride if you continue it till the last stop.








We got off the train at about 7-ish in the evening. Stretched out cramped muscles, felt free, no exaggeration.






It was getting dark. We had to go back to Ooty. You can either hire a cab or take the bus. We walked to the bus station and asked around for the Ooty bus. All the signboards were as good as paintings to us. The bus was almost full and ready to leave. Each of us got separate seats. The road from Mettupalayam to Ooty is beautiful! And narrow in certain places, comprising of a few hairpin bends. After a few kms, I got moved to the conductor’s seat, the one in the driver’s cabin. My second most favourite place in a vehicle after the driving seat! And damn! Was that a fun ride! The way they drive those big heavy buses and trucks on those tight hairpin bends, amazing.





The driver had blasted Tamil music on speakers loudly, and although we didn’t understand the lyrics, soon we got the hold of the beats and started enjoying it. The air was getting colder as we climbed the hill, music and fancy interior lights were as energetic as before, the driver was having fun on those tight bends, tackling traffic, and I was thoroughly enjoying all of this. Reached the Ooty Bus Stand at around 9.30 pm. It was cold, and we weren’t carrying any warm clothes with us. The railway station is just a 2 minutes walk from the bus stand. The car was there. Safe and sound. A big load off my chest.

We, having failed at our new hotel search, called up last night’s hotel and got ourselves the same rooms with the same deal. Quickly headed to it, up the hill again, checked in, and got our warm clothes out at the earliest. We didn’t like the in-house restaurant of the hotel so decided to head back into the town for food. It was almost 10 and we were doubtful if any place would be open. Found one A2B, aka Adyar Ananda Bhuvan. I had good experience of this chain of hotels in my last trip to Thanjavur and Pondicherry, so went in.





the whole day was spent on chips and biscuits as we didn’t have enough time to have proper lunch before the train. We were hungry for good food. Filled our empty stomachs and headed back to our hotel. We expected the weather to be cold, but didn’t expect it to be this cold. Fingertips were getting numb after a few minutes out in the open.
Overall good day, no regrets but a lesson learnt. Slept thinking about what the next day has to offer.

[TravelMonk]

Day 4:


The drill repeats, morning sunshine, warm tea and cold weather. Only if every morning was like this!







Our stay for tonight was going to be Coimbatore, Isha Foundation to be specific. One of our gang members was pursuing a course there and we added Coimbatore to the plan to grab this opportunity to meet him. Coimbatore is just 100 odd kms from Ooty, so we could afford leaving by 3-4 pm. It was time to explore the other places of Ooty.







After checking out, went back to A2B to have some fuel for our bodies. Our first target for the day was Doddabetta Peak. It was a nice hilly road through the Nilgiris and tea plantations. As other tourist points, this peak was crowded as well. Spent some time there, enjoyed the view, clicked some photos and climbed down the hill.




The view from Dodabetta


We didn’t have a plan now. Spotted a signboard pointing at a tea garden and we decided to follow it. Some joy sparked when I realised that we were going opposite in the direction of the crowd. This place had no visitors, absolutely no one there. There was a nice garden with multiple view points in the hill, all to ourselves.







Left after an hour or so, didn’t bother to check the watch. It had no purpose anyway. There’s no point in hurrying when you’re truly enjoying. Just stop chasing the time and live the moment.




Our jugaad for a group photo


We finalised on visiting a tea and chocolate factory. Got to taste different types of teas, bought chocolates and got out. Now was the time to discuss the plan, or the lack of it.

We had to be in Coimbatore the same night as rooms were booked in our names. Though we wanted to spend more time in Ooty as well. I liked this cozy little town and couldn’t get enough of it. Same goes for almost every place I visit though, so maybe I’m a little greedy in that matter.





After discussing different combinations and rejecting the idea of revisiting Ooty in 2 days, while thinking about a lost day on the mountain railway, we decided to say goodbye to Ooty, and be satisfied in whatever little we explored. Came back to the town as some of us had to shop for a few things in the market. After grabbing some pure coffee powder and a few other things, hopped back on the road towards Coimbatore. Oh, the hairpin bends! Once again I was the only one enjoying them! Had a blast driving through them, even though the body roll slowed me a lot. This was the same route by which we came back to Ooty by bus from Mettupalayam, after our toy train journey.





We stopped somewhere near Mettupalayam for snacks when the sun was going down. Crossed Coimbatore in the dark and joined a narrow road leading to Isha Foundation. It is located about 30 kms outside of Coimbatore. What a spooky road it was! We were late for their food timing, so as soon as we reached, met up with our friend, registered ourselves and rushed to the dining area. Soon after, headed to the cottages where reservations were made for us. Got freshened up, chatted for a while, and slept.



Day 5:

Last night we couldn’t see around in the dark much. When we got up and popped out, we were welcomed by green Velliangiri hills all around us! The air was fresh, pollution free, as needed and much loved by me.

At the risk of starting a car vs bike debate, I admit, what I get on the bike, don’t get in the car. The wind. Each has its own advantages and own type of fun but the ‘Win’d factor gives the bike the trophy. Nevertheless, took in the fresh air as much as we could and got ready.

We got up early, to start exploring the beautiful area of the Ashram. It is spread across 150 acres, much of it consisting the farmlands. All the buildings and facilities are positioned spaciously and to get somewhere, you either have to walk or cycle. The architecture and landscape designing is beautiful. We explored the ashram till about 11 am and then moved to the much photographed, famous Adiyogi statue.





The statue is located outside of the Ashram gates, hence it is accessible to all visitors. The sun was on top of our heads now and frying us out. Drenched in sweat, we spent a good amount of time clicking photographs in different poses. Hey, sunburns can heal! Photos are important!





The statue is humongous, 112 feet tall to be exact. After the photos were finished, we walked back towards the Ashram gates while trying to fit in the statue in our vision.




Velliangiri Hills from the statue


There’s a restaurant near the statue parking, a decent clean one. Went in there to have lunch. While going to the statue in the morning, we had coffee at this restaurant, and it was the perfect coffee I’ve ever tasted in the South. Simply delicious! I had three cups of that wonderful beverage and was ready for a fourth one. So when we went in there again for lunch, ordered another cup of that coffee while waiting for lunch.





The plan now was to move towards Bengaluru and cover as much distance as possible. Bengaluru was targeted as it would take the load off of the next day, when we return home.
Packed our things, loaded the car, bid adieu to our friend and left at around 3 pm. My friend and I, both fans of the Nannari Juice, made sure to gulp down two glasses each before leaving.
These two delicacies, authentic local coffee and Nannari juice are on my ‘mandatory things when in south’ list. Permanent spot. Rock solid.





It was raining lightly. The Ashram to Bengaluru is around 400 kms. We joined the NH44, the longest highway in India at Salem after it was dark. It was still raining and yet we were maintaining good pace. We decided to have dinner close to Bengaluru if not in the city.

Bengaluru traffic is horrible, and so I was firm on crossing Bengaluru and then finding a stay. We don’t want that traffic headache first thing in the morning. Last time I was in Bengaluru, it took me about 2 hours to get out of the city, at the sunrise, on a bike. Not taking chances this time, let alone in a car.





We found a decent looking restaurant somewhere before Bengaluru. It was closing down! 10.30 in the clock, we were late for dinner. I was, expectedly, tired and a little bit sleepy after having food. So, thought about dropping the decision to cross Bengaluru anyhow. Thought about it. It was my decision to make, whether to stop or continue. I’m not in the favour of driving when you’re not confident, but I was. Confident enough and energetic enough to continue. Decided with myself to stop anytime I feel I can’t do it and not risk it.

Following the Google lady, we took the NICE Road. Nice road isn’t as nice as the name suggests I must say. Patchwork on the road helped me stay awake though! Soon enough joined the familiar Tumakuru Highway and our search for a decent stay began. Must say, it was harder than we thought. It was already past 12 and everything looked deserted.




Chai breaks at toll nakas are essential


Finally spotted a cheap looking lodge, so went in to check it out. But the half sleepy guy hurled a random big fat number at us as room charges, which wouldn’t suit the room condition at all even if you consider our helplessness. Google gave us some relief and guided us to an OYO just another kilometre away. The hotel looked decent and charges were definitely lower than the previous half sleepy over optimistic guy, but still expensive. Afterall we were going to leave in just 6-7 hours.

Negotiated a little bit with the owner and got one single room with 6 occupancy. Exhausted us carried just the essential bags to the fourth floor. I triple checked if the car is locked and all windows rolled up. The parking was in the open and adjacent to the highway. I did not have the luxury of choosing a hotel by judging its parking space. Pushing all the worries away, I threw myself on the bed and went off.



Day 6:

Today’s destination was Hupari, where we started. Yes the trip was over. 6 days went by in a flash. The return journey is always a little bit boring. You’re not looking forward to anything. You’re just doing what you have to do. Sit in the car, the car will take you back home. Auto.
The thoughts of your routine and a degree of sadness lingers in the mind. Adding insult to injury is the boring NH4. So no chance of anything remotely interesting happening.





I woke up after everyone was ready. That was the rule, as the driver, I slept first and woke up last. Maximum sleep for the win! Quickly got ready and left by 7. Not bad!

As we started our last leg of the journey, I cheered at our success at avoiding the traffic. The road was nearly empty now, with occasional cars. Put on the cruise control and went into that phase, the zone, the trance, where you just keep going in a rhythm and do not want to stop. But the passengers in the back seats have stomachs and they get hungry. You have to feed the hungry. We made sure to have one last authentic Idli in Karnataka, before entering our very own Maharashtra. The day went pretty relaxed and we reached our friend’s house in Hupari pretty comfortably at around 6.




Good to see this


Most of us still had to get back to Pune the next day but the trip officially ended. Our century old travel plan could finally be ticked off. Traveling alone is exciting and peaceful and challenging in a good way, but traveling with a bunch of good friends is always fun and exciting. We were already planning the next one! Now it’s going to be an interesting waiting game before that actually happens.

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[haisaikat]

A true travel minded group the moment you decided to explore Ooty further by moving closer to the Lake. And what a fantastic account of the journey accompanied with superb photographs, if that is all through mobile you will surely put DSLRs to shame. I have rated the thread 5 stars.

And surely your travel brought back my memories of our 2016 Trip to Bengaluru, Ooty and Mysore. The sprial Aloo fry near the lake, the boat ride, all of it. Back then when we visited Vrindavan Gardens, I found it was not only overcrowded who were throwing food, polythene, everything after eating in the waters but more important it was poorly maintained with many sprinklers ending up making the tourists wet by shooting water in wrong directions, a pungent watery smell all along, bushes not trimmed properly. The light and sound show was an attraction and by the time we reached the other side of the park through the crowd things were already halfway done. But yes it still a nice place.

Some snaps from our trip

The palace at Mysore, it was very hot on that day


Bandipura Forest, Just behind the safari ticket booking counter, there was a whole flock of them, they are not bothered by nearby human presence


Vrindavan Garden


Ooty Lake, boat ride


View Point neat Ooty on a hilltop temple, unable to recall the name


Also the Toy Train ride we enjoyed thoroughly as we did not have booking and morning train was taken by Army personal fully, so after 5 hours of standing in queue for a 20 rupees ticket, it was really worth it in the open window 2nd class compartment.

I have some questions though
1. The group had 6 members, how did you manage the seating considering the luggage space required?
2. How did the Marrazzo pull on the hills with 6 on board and luggage being a FWD car?

Would love to see some more pictures of the gang and road.

[TravelMonk]

Originally Posted by haisaikat

A true travel minded group the moment you decided to explore Ooty further by moving closer to the Lake. And what a fantastic account of the journey accompanied with superb photographs, if that is all through mobile you will surely put DSLRs to shame. I have rated the thread 5 stars.

Thank you!
The photos are a mix of DSLR and mobile photos.
The way you described Vrindavan garden, sadly not much has changed.
Unfortunately we couldn't visit The Mysore Palace due to time constraints, but I have a separate spot for Mysore in my list, so one day!

About the questions-
1. 6 people and luggage for 7 days are a tight fit, but we managed it. We were traveling pretty light, so could fit all the bags in the boot. Other small bags and miscellaneous stuff was kept in between the second row seats and in the last row. The first trip we did in the Marazzo, right after the delivery, we fit 7 people and luggage for 4 days in it. So for a small-ish long ride, it is manageable.
2. There is noticeable turbo lag, especially if you're not habitual to the car. However once you get the hang of it and learn to keep it on the boil, Marazzo pulls pretty easily, even with 6 people. No issues there.

I did not upload photos of anyone as some of us value their privacy too much