If you had to make a ‘Top 5’ list of favourite hill stations in India, chances are Ooty would figure on that list. Ooty, also known as the “Queen of the Hills,” was once the summer home of British officers and administrators seeking refuge from the scorching heat of Madras. Ooty has remained a popular tourist destination over the years due to its colonial heritage, misty, blue Nilgiris, grassy pines dotted with eucalyptus trees, and mist. Ooty has a lot to offer shoppers and foodies beyond its scenic beauty. The following are six activities that are certain to make your time spent in this charming hill town one to remember. Shop for chai at the Dodabetta Tea Factory. With its numerous tea flavors, Ooty will win you over.
Sprawling with tea plantations, Ooty produces a wide range of teas from green, black and white to flavours such as cardamom, jasmine, masala and even chocolate. Try stopping at Doddabetta Tea Museum and Factory for an exhibition. Later, you could sample and buy some of their excellent choices in tea. Other options include Nilgiri Tea at Alexander Cottage and Modern Stores on Garden Road. King’s Cliff, where Earl’s Secret is, Once a club for the British gentry, King’s Cliff Mansion has been remodelled into a hotel. Earl’s Secret, however, is home to some of the region’s best-kept culinary secrets. The restaurant is a popular choice for tourists and locals alike because it serves mughlai, chinese, and continental cuisine to its customers. The beautiful natural setting and historic mansion enhance the experience. At King Star, indulge in handmade chocolates.
Buy handmade chocolates for loved ones back home
This is law: if you visit Ooty, do not return without a few boxes of handmade chocolate. The mecca for Ooty’s handmade chocolate is King Star. Built in 1942, this chocolate confectionery has more than forty delicious flavours of chocolate (and yes, free samples are offered to taste). The chocolates are reasonably priced and quite unlike any other you may have tried. You must visit this! At the Sidewalk Café, try the thin-crust pizzas. One of the more popular options if you’re craving American/Italian, Sidewalk Café is a popular choice for vegetarians and pizza lovers. The wood-fired oven here works overtime to cater to the demands of the guests and while some might say the food is a bit overpriced, the quality more than makes up for it.
At Higginbothams, go card-hunting
Ooty’s oldest and most famous bookstore is located in a heritage building right across the Collectorate. Book lovers will find plenty of aisles stacked with books to keep them busy browsing. The backdrop of the Nilgiris in the distance doesn’t hurt either. Make sure you browse through the postcard section here and do have a chat with Mani, the proprietor, who gives excellent recommendations for books to buy on almost any topic.
You can do a lot more in Ooty, like go fishing and trekking or just relax by the lake, but these unusual experiences are something you shouldn’t miss. So next time you’re inOoty, make your trip memorable, and don’t forget the chocolates!