If there is heaven somewhere on earth, its here, its here….its here. Some wizened old shayer had once remarked about Kashmir.I haven’t been fortunate enough to visit this “heaven on earth” so far. But recently I got an opportunity to visit a poorer cousin of Kashmir, i.e., Ootacamunda alias Ooty!
Popularly known as “Queen of hills” this dainty little hillstation nestles between a bunch of hills which are covered by a labyrinth of tea gardens and age-old eucalyptus trees.
On a fine sunny Saturday morning, I just got up from bed and impulsively decided that I need to visit Ooty. Packed my bag and caught a bus to Ooty. Incidentally, Ooty is just 6 hours bus drive from Mysore. The ride is the most picturesque one that I have had so far in my life.
The journey is just like, flipping through a picture book, full of colorful pictures of hills, valleys, floating clouds, wild animals, streams, lakes. I was lucky enough to get a front seat in the bus, so sitting on my vantage point, I had the best of views. Armed with my N72 (with 2 megapixel camera, nothing to boast about, I know, lolz), I didn’t miss even a single leaf falling or a wild animal crossing the road, even if it was a monkey! My shutterbug caught everything.During the journey I came across quite a few animal sanctuaries. Mudumalai Tiger reserve was one such point.Was quite amazed to see a herd of wild elephants crossing the road, but by the time I got ready to click, they had disappeared into the thick forest.As the driver expertly maneuvered the bus along the 38 hairpin bends on the way, the altitude went on increasing and it became chillier. Valleys and forests got replaced with tea gardens and stretch of well lined eucalyptus trees.
I was so excited with my first visit to a hill station that I behaved like a typical tourist and waved at all the demure and shy ladies plucking tea leaves on the way! The bus stopped at one bend, and the travelers got down to have “garma-garam alu bondaas and vadas” with hot tea. Since it was drizzling slightly, the hot snacks got sold like hot cakes. And as usual, I was the first one to reach the stall and hog down bondas J, much to the amusement of the Bonda seller! He could not help grinning when I took a pic of his Bondaas. BTW, forgot to tell you, I am a die hard fan of all oily deep friend snacks, Alu chop and samosa top my list. But I am trying to keep away from all such temptations since last two weeks, as I have turned over a new leaf.(On a strict dietery and exercise regime, right now!)After having our fill, we got into the bus and I changed sides. I moved to sit on the right for a better view as per my driver’s advice. (Seeing my enthusiasm, as I was clicking pics left, right and centre, he took me for some kind of a journalist or adventure seeker turned reporter!lolz)Clouds and mist were floating alongside our bus and it was a sight to behold! At that moment, I actually felt, “Agar kahin jannat hai duniya mein, to wo sirf yahin hai, yahin hai…yahin hai”.
I made all my future plans regarding my career and personal life at that instant. Will retire at the age of forty, and settle down up here in the hills in a tiny cottage with my parents. The tiny cottage will have only two rooms. One state-of-the-art kitchen with all modern facilities and another cozy living-cum-bedroom with a big fire place infront of which would be the most comfortable arm chair with lot many cushions. Not to mention, the walls would be lined with racks and racks of books! All kinds of books, fiction, non-fiction, autobiographies etc. And this is how I would desire to grow old. The only thing that bothered me was the chilly weather L. Since I am not a person who loves to remain wrapped up in sweaters and shawls…Anyways, long time for that, I am sure, tomorrow will take care of itself, like the famous Scarlett O’Hara used to say in the epic novel, “Gone with the wind”. BTW, it happens to be one of my all time favorites.It was still drizzling when I reached the city Ooty. But the weather could not dampen my fiery spirit! :) To be Contd.... :)
Popularly known as “Queen of hills” this dainty little hillstation nestles between a bunch of hills which are covered by a labyrinth of tea gardens and age-old eucalyptus trees.
On a fine sunny Saturday morning, I just got up from bed and impulsively decided that I need to visit Ooty. Packed my bag and caught a bus to Ooty. Incidentally, Ooty is just 6 hours bus drive from Mysore. The ride is the most picturesque one that I have had so far in my life.
The journey is just like, flipping through a picture book, full of colorful pictures of hills, valleys, floating clouds, wild animals, streams, lakes. I was lucky enough to get a front seat in the bus, so sitting on my vantage point, I had the best of views. Armed with my N72 (with 2 megapixel camera, nothing to boast about, I know, lolz), I didn’t miss even a single leaf falling or a wild animal crossing the road, even if it was a monkey! My shutterbug caught everything.During the journey I came across quite a few animal sanctuaries. Mudumalai Tiger reserve was one such point.Was quite amazed to see a herd of wild elephants crossing the road, but by the time I got ready to click, they had disappeared into the thick forest.As the driver expertly maneuvered the bus along the 38 hairpin bends on the way, the altitude went on increasing and it became chillier. Valleys and forests got replaced with tea gardens and stretch of well lined eucalyptus trees.
I was so excited with my first visit to a hill station that I behaved like a typical tourist and waved at all the demure and shy ladies plucking tea leaves on the way! The bus stopped at one bend, and the travelers got down to have “garma-garam alu bondaas and vadas” with hot tea. Since it was drizzling slightly, the hot snacks got sold like hot cakes. And as usual, I was the first one to reach the stall and hog down bondas J, much to the amusement of the Bonda seller! He could not help grinning when I took a pic of his Bondaas. BTW, forgot to tell you, I am a die hard fan of all oily deep friend snacks, Alu chop and samosa top my list. But I am trying to keep away from all such temptations since last two weeks, as I have turned over a new leaf.(On a strict dietery and exercise regime, right now!)After having our fill, we got into the bus and I changed sides. I moved to sit on the right for a better view as per my driver’s advice. (Seeing my enthusiasm, as I was clicking pics left, right and centre, he took me for some kind of a journalist or adventure seeker turned reporter!lolz)Clouds and mist were floating alongside our bus and it was a sight to behold! At that moment, I actually felt, “Agar kahin jannat hai duniya mein, to wo sirf yahin hai, yahin hai…yahin hai”.
I made all my future plans regarding my career and personal life at that instant. Will retire at the age of forty, and settle down up here in the hills in a tiny cottage with my parents. The tiny cottage will have only two rooms. One state-of-the-art kitchen with all modern facilities and another cozy living-cum-bedroom with a big fire place infront of which would be the most comfortable arm chair with lot many cushions. Not to mention, the walls would be lined with racks and racks of books! All kinds of books, fiction, non-fiction, autobiographies etc. And this is how I would desire to grow old. The only thing that bothered me was the chilly weather L. Since I am not a person who loves to remain wrapped up in sweaters and shawls…Anyways, long time for that, I am sure, tomorrow will take care of itself, like the famous Scarlett O’Hara used to say in the epic novel, “Gone with the wind”. BTW, it happens to be one of my all time favorites.It was still drizzling when I reached the city Ooty. But the weather could not dampen my fiery spirit! :) To be Contd.... :)
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