We started out after a breakfast at the hotel. We headed straight to Dodapetta peak, which at 2623 mts is the highest peak in Tamil Nadu. From here there is a wonderful panoramic view of the city.

On the way to Coonoor, we stopped in a Tea estate. We had an explanation of how tea is prepared from the leaves and tasted three different types of tea. The first three quality of tea is exported abroad and only the last quality comes into India.

Then we went to Sim’s park, a botanical garden which containts various varieties of plants. One such tree was planted way back in 1850. Sim’s park has a better view than the botanical garden at Ooty.

Next stop was Dolphin Nose, named for the shape of the rock. From here one can view St. Catherine falls. We also stopped by Lamb’s rock, named after an Englishman. One can have a good view of Coimbatore plains, Mettupalayam, Mountain train tracks.

After lunch, we came back to Ooty for a boat ride. The artificial lake was constructed in 1824 by Mr. John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore, who located and constructed the early settlements of British Raj in Ooty.

Ooty was the only tourist place known to us when we grew up. From School trips to Honeymoon trips every one goes to Ooty. For such a place which has been in the attention for decades, it is very tourist-unfriendly. The public transport does not connect all the attractions well. It is better to hire a taxi or go via a tour package. Roads are poorly maintained, but everywhere there is a charge, either as entrance fee or as parking fee. Probably it is true to say that the British Raj was ousted after they laid the infrastructure and the current Indian officials and politicians are enjoying the benefits.