Ooty welcomed us with its chilly weather and sunshine, which resulted in a ferocious tan. We rented a bike at the very beginning of our stay and created our own schedule. First on our list, Avalache and emerald. This is about 30 kms from Ooty (everything worth seeing is about 30kms from Ooty!). Started off eager, after a Tamilian breakfast of Pongal and masala dosa. The ride was hard and the terrain beautiful. We encountered wonderful views and tiny hamlets. We encountered kind people who never hesitated to guide us. We did not use google maps and exclusively depended on sign boards and locals, brave us! Emerald is a dam, a little further to the dam leads to the waters, so beautiful. Avalanche is a forest offering safaris. Back to our hotel with the promise of a fire and hot chocolate. We got in before sunset, lest we lose our way.
Our hotel, Sherlock rested on top of a hill, was not easy to get to, the road was rustic. Our stay here was simply amazing! The cottage with its own private garden, the valley view and the hospitality, which was the one of the best I have experienced.
Next day we woke up at our leisure and decided to explore Pykara waterfalls. The ride again was hard with lots of hairpin bends and the view was a bit different from the previous day’s. The previous day had us hopping from one village to another, today it was just the highway and us and the beautiful tall trees lining the roads. We had to climb down to view the waterfalls, not the best waterfalls I have seen, but it was good to be among the tourists! On the way we caught a few viewpoints which made our trip fruitful.
Evening found us at Charing cross, the main city place of Ooty, hunting for chocolates! It was home-made chocolates in every other store! We made our way through them and finally ended our stay with a wood fired pizza at the sidewalk café, which earned my stamp of approval!
