Ooty A Romantic Getaway

The queen of hill stations for your queen of hearts-what could be more lyrically romantic? The honeymoon, the start of a fairy tale 'happily-ever-after' life, and the perfect locate for it-Ootacamund. The Nilagiris or the Blue Mountains, whimsically named so by the local inhabitants long ago because of the blue haze enveloping the 6500 ft. high mountains. It breathes of romance, right from the tiny train that winds its way up the single track through the scenic hills and vales, at an almost agonisingly slow pace-no matter at all if both one's heart and tummy are full! Waterfalls, tea slopes, eucalyptus swaying and rustling in the breeze, wafting its pungent aroma, happy, friendly faces all around, holidaying merrily or just wishing the world away...And flowers everywhere, blossoms galore from scentless, climbing roses to fuchsia, regal agapanthus. Christmas cacti and disgustingly healthy ferms in greenhouse. One could almost undertake the risks of , matrimony just for the sake of honeymooning in Ooty!

Motoring up from Mettuppalayam or Coimbatore ius pleasant enough, as is from Mysore, barring brioganish encounters. The sighting of an elephant, or herd of them, can cause temporary excitement, if one can bear to take one's eyes away from one's spouse. The gradual chill in the air, and the light mist, along with frequently watery sun and gentle rain seems to give a certain edge to mushibess. A few years ago, Dasaprakash held sway with its lovely row-type cottages and delicious vegitarian food. Today, after the resort boom, five star hotels beckon visitors, turning the whole stay into a package deal. but the YWCA, now that speaks of old world charm, hot porridge and cake, and a homely pet dog. And what's more one can opt for spacious cottages, affording complete privacy. So what does one do in Ooty, in togetherness? The Botanical Gardens, of course, set up in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweedle. A 20 million year old fossilised tree trunk could well symbolise eternity, undying feelings and all that kind of sentiment, in the newly weds.

The large lake provides boating pleasure through the day, a perennial regatta-like gay atmosphere. And pedal boats for two are a safe and private option for couples. Dodabetta, the highest point around Ooty,about 10 kms. away, offers more scenic vistas, though of late the crowds have robbed it off its romance and rustic charm. Overnight trips top Coonoor and Mudumalai wildlife lodge, about 67 kms. away, are definite treats. But of course one must be prepared to be away from the bustle of Ooty. Coonoor's Law Falls and Sil's Park are certainly worth a visit. Kotagiri, about 28 kms. away from Ooty, is a smaller and much quieter hill station. Waterfalls abound in the region, and the famed Kodanad viewpoint will be familiar to most visitors, seen often in movies.

However, Ooty proper, has enough attractions to keep anyone happy. Numerous plantnurseries and greenhouses, left behind by colonialism, are open to plant lovers. Flowers are grown on a commercial scale, much of it reaching Chennai and Bangalore florists.

The main street in Ooty town ius a delight to walk through. One can pick up woolens from Tibetans, old clothes from missionaries, jams, honey, hill garlic, old books, plants by the dozen, dried flowers have one's likeness drawn by talented unknown artists and best of all, buy home-made chocolates that are special to Ooty-chunky blocks of almonds and praline. The bakery will even wrap each individual piece of chocolate in foil for you.

And for the more choosy-Toda silver and gold jewellery, and embroidery, can be found in tiny side lanes, if one only knows where to go. A steep climb above the gardens would bring one to the Toda settlements for a vision of a different way of life.

All manager of food is available in this honeymoon paradise-Gujarati,South Indian, Chinese, Bhelpuri,etc. And the abundance of fruits make for special deserts. Autos with no meters but steeply 'reasonable' rates are quite a must in Ooty, other than in the relatively flat walking areas. A walk in the clouds must have a price, and a smooth getaway shall certainly demand a wifely ransom-the start of a lifelong practice, one fondly hopes!