A Mad (Road) Trip on Wheels From Palakkad to Bangalore via Ooty- Coorg exploring the nature!

 It is true that all classrooms doesn’t have walls though our parents would beg to differ! Travel adds a new dimension to our lives. It would teach us to look at things from a different perspective. You travel . You learn. This post is about a bit of madness which made us (Myself and my buddy) take almost 2 days and 1000 + kilometers to reach Bangalore from Palakkad! Yeah, We did stretch that 6 hour- 350km journey a bit more. And I bet you, we didn’t regret a bit . In fact , it was a soul soothing ride through the countryside.

To the Queen of Hills!

It all started with a re-route to Ooty from Coimbatore. Ooty is the prime getaway for anyone living in Coimbatore. Lads in Coimbatore very often go to Ooty to have a cup of tea in that sublime climate! We decided to savour that sole flavor of Ooty tea in that misty morning and thus we left.

Ooty welcomed us with its famed generosity! The misty climate coupled with the scenic countryside gave us the impetus we badly needed. A genuine curiosity might be ringing in your heads by now! What would probably be there in Ooty that we haven’t seen yet. From the world famous Nilgiri Mountain Railways to Botanical gardens, lakes and valleys, we have seen it all right?!  Well we didn’t had such doubts in our mind as we knew where we were heading. Ooty is not just about those crowded tourist hubs; it has marvels hid under its vest for those who are ready to explore!

To the Tiger Hills – Where Sages attained Nirvana!

How can we not savour the Nilgiri tea whilst we are in Ooty?! We stopped right at the beginning of the uphill road to Tiger hills for a morning cup of tea. And it’s no wonder that the tea shop was owned by a Malayalee; it is said that even Neil Armstrong encountered a Keralite’s tea shop while he landed on moon! And I don’t know what made that tea so special whether it’s the Nilgiri  tea plants or the excitement that was erupting inside us!

The uphill road to Tiger hills was no exception to Ooty’s charm and allure! We kept riding uphill and so did our excitement. And there we were. Beyond the stunning valleys and flourishing landscapes of Ooty lied the serene forests of Tiger hills! And a walking trail would lead you inside this heaven. And a stroll through the forests would give you the heal you had been long yearning for!

Tranquillity , Psilocybin mushrooms and much more..! 

If you had been looking for a place to break free, this is it! The grandeur and splendor nature is sure to leave you spellbound here. The buoyant and bulbous clouds descending over the valley epitomize a paradise in front of your eyes! It is the perfect place for those who seek a retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The Tiger hills is rounded with abyss and forests which has rich flora-fauna! Atop the hill, there is a massive pool of water reservoir which is a source of drinking water supply to the city. The crystal clear pool nestled on a mountain top surrounded by thick forest cover, ducking cliffs and deep ravines, is a sight to behold!

It is a perfect spot for recreational activities. If you had been looking for a date with your soul, you are at the perfect place! Terence Mckenna rightly said, ‘Nature is not mute, It is man who is deaf’! Psilocybin mushrooms aka Magic mushrooms are also spotted here.

 We spend a quality time in there; ravishing the exquisite beauty! Though the mist cover and serene ambience forced us to stay back, we left as we heard the call of Coorg!

The route from Ooty to Coorg is absolutely a bliss! The mountain pass and the spectacular backdrop is any biker’s dream. Through that arresting landscape, we headed to the Scotland of India – Coorg!

Coorg – The epitome of Natural beauty!

Since we started from Ooty when Sun was right on top of our head, we reached Coorg by the fall of dusk. Coorg had arranged for a pleasing yet scary welcome for us! Ghost-grey fog awaited us in the entrance and though the climate was ecstatic, riding through that road was a daunting task! The misty and crisp climate was a testimony for Coorg’s sobriquet -  The Indian Scotland!

Since it was too late to explore, we rented a room nearby and called it a day! (We were new to the place and too late to look out for a home-stay. The best way to feel the vibe of Coorg is by staying on relatively cheaper yet intriguing home-stays.)

Whilst we were gulping down beer bottles for unwinding, tasting Coorg’s unique cuisines of Pork, we met this gentleman in Bar who happen to be an advocate from Bangalore! Since we shared a mutual fondness for travel, he told us about this place in Coorg which we shouldn’t miss – Mandalpatti! If we were up for the challenge, he asked us to ride to Mandalpatti during early morning though he warned us of the challenge we might face.  How can we not say a Yes to such an intriguing experience?! We had already made up our mind.

To the abode of Nature – Mandalpatti!

We woke up quite early and rode to the most intriguing and mesmerizing place in Coorg – Mandalpatti! On the way, you can also spot the elegant waterfalls of Abbey. Around 30 km from Madikeri town, the misty, cold, windy and sometimes rainy, climate of Mandalpatti is surely going to astound you!

The en-route to Mandalpatti is quite captivating. The fairyland atmosphere is something you are going to cherish for a long long time! Just before the enchanting hillock of Mandalpatti, we stopped at a solitary local café.

We got acquainted with the lad who was the owner of the shop and got to know that a nearby house is available for rent. And believe me, that lonesome house is pretty much alluring! Imagine waking up to the dense green forests and silver streams, in a misty climate?! That feeling cannot be put down in words. It was an attraction on its own!

After a couple of smokes and coffee, we left to the Zion! Yes, it’s an epitome of natural beauty! The low lying clouds floating over the sprawling green meadows and the misty climate creates a surreal aura which is unparalleled! The majestic panoramic views around adds to the mystique charm. You require a 4 wheel drive to ascend the hill, which is available on rent. But if you wouldn’t mind a bumpy and adventurous off-ride, bikes are the best companions! The jeep drivers in there would dissent, but don’t bother!

Mandalpatti is definitely a nature lover’s bliss! The spectacular landscape and the majestic views around would definitely pursue you for a long time. The steep and sprawling green valleys and astounding bird eye view at the summit would never fail to impress you. 

Coorg – A place with different shades

Coorg is not just about the nature’s marvels. It is also home to the second largest Tibetan settlement in the world! Tibetan monasteries in there gives you a glimpse of culture and tradition you are foreign to! Many elegant waterfalls and sightseeing spots galore this adorable beauty of a place!

After a little exploration, we left to Bangalore in the evening. Needless to say, the Bangalore-Coorg road which stretches from Madikeri to Bangalore via Hassan on the NH-48 is one of the most favourite highways for bikers in the country. The scenic and obstacle-free panoramic views is a treat for the pair of eyes! It would be an endearing and everlasting experience if you hit this road in a bike!

We reached Bangalore by the stroke of night! If you ask me to put the whole trip in an abstract form, it would be more like the expression which a mechanic friend gave once he got to know about our trip, while riding back to Bangalore! His surprise sums up it all! Happy Travelling J