|
|
|
|
THE TRYST EXPERIENCE |
|
|
|
|
|
The Nilgiris is the place for natural beauty -- no palaces, forts, museums, temples. It is a polyglot area of 5,500 sq kms populated by various tribes -- Toda, Badaga, Kota, Irula and Kurumba…but alas, most of them have been assimilated into the highly questionable benefits of mainstream society. The mountains and valleys are lush with forests -- both natural and man--made -- spices, herbs, medicinal plants, tea, coffee, vegetables, eucalyptus, teak, pine, conifers etc.
Recommended minimal stay to enjoy the facilities of The Tryst - 3 nights.
Recommended minimal stay to enjoy the Nilgiris - 5 nights. We could help you with your South India tour itinerary.
|
|
1.
COONOOR Sim’s Park; 30 minutes from The Tryst -- Selection of trees from all over the world. Highfield tea factory near Sim’s Park -- tour of tea factory, tea tasting, purchase various varieties of tea. Dolphin’s nose and Lamb’s rock; 45 minutes from town -- two good viewpoints from 6000 ft to the plains, if the weather is fine. Why not visit the most beautiful Children's home in India? The Green Shop at Bedford Circle for genuine local products. Coonoor market in the town centre -- browse around for anything and everything. The scenic Mountain railway-One of the great railway journeys. Steam engine between Mettupalayam and Coonoor -- 3 hours. This stretch is really spectacular. One and a half hours by road.
2. OOTY Visitors coming via Masinagudi –Plan to arrive at Ooty for lunch and catch the 3pm train to Coonoor. Visitors coming via Mettupalayam – Stay overnight at Mettupalayam and catch the 7am train to Coonoor. *Book
train tickets in advance* Or you can catch the 10.30 am or 1.30pm train from Coonoor to Ooty Diesel engine between Coonoor and Ooty. Botanical gardens (out of season during Oct to March; not a patch on gardens abroad,anyway!). St Stephen’s church. Dodabettah -- highest point in the Nilgiris. Don't come with romantic ideas wanting to see Toda villages. They have embraced modern living....There are wretched 'museums'...
3. RED HILLS Gorgeous scenery of lakes and mountains. Sumptuous lunch at Red Hills Guest House overlooking the lakes with your charming hosts, Vijay and Banu. For serious trekking in the mountains, a guide can be arranged.
4. BILLIKAL Absolutely breathtaking views from a peak overlooking Mudumalai forest. Great place for trekking in scrub jungle and bird/animal--watching. Effusive Pan, very knowledgeable in local history, flora and fauna, will be your host and guide and will provide refreshments.
5.MUDUMALAI FOREST Splendid scenery as you negotiate 36 hair--pin bends in 30 minutes! For serious wild--life enthusiasts-- Mark’s basic but atmospheric Jungle Trails in the middle of the forest. Eccentric Mark is a true carer of wild life.
COMMENTS Trips 1 and 2 are the usual touristy ones. Trips 3, 4 and 5 are non--touristy for true nature and scenery enthusiasts and those who love walking. They are quite different from each other; you will have to choose. For even more serious trekkers -- pre--historic rock paintings near Kotagiri, where you have to hack your way through the jungle!
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
