The Everyday Explorer

" A family Drive to Ooty - Where the Clouds Come to Say Hello "

Last weekend, my parents and I decided to flee away the city for a couple of days and head to Ooty (Udhagamandalam). It had been months since our last proper family trip, so when my Dad suggested we took the old car white car out for a long drive.

We left Mysuru early in the morning, while the streets were still quiet, covered in the morning mist and the sky was just starting to turn pink. Dad took the wheel, like he always does when he's super excited, and mom in other hand packed her usual "just in case" snacks - Banana chips, coffee in a steel flask, and homemade sandwiches. It already felt like old times.

The drive through Nanjangud and Gundlupet was peaceful, and once we entered the Bandipur forest, the air changed completely. We rolled down the windows, the smell of wet earth and eucalyptus filled the car . We even spotted a few deer by the roadside - a small reminder that sometimes the best part of a trip happens before you reach anywhere. 

As we began the climb up the 36 hairpin bends which falls on Masinagudi - Ooty road which is specifically on the Kalhatty ghats, Dad shifted the gears carefully. Mom kept reminding him to honk at every curve, because we had to careful while taking turns as it was dangerous, we all laughed every time the car groaned up a steep stretch .

By the time we reached Ooty, the air had turned cold and the mistake was everywhere - soft, white clouds which was drifting right across the road. We stayed at a cozy homestay near Doddabetta, run by a friendly couple who made us fresh tea and hot hot onion pakoras as soon as we arrived.

The next day we visited the Botanical Garden, took pictures by Ooty lake, and stopped for roasted corn and homemade chocolates near Charing Cross. It wasn't about sightseeing, Honestly it was really about being together again, with no rush and no phone calls interrupting us.

On the drive back, Dad played his old song playlist - the same he used to play when I was a toddler - and for a moment, evrything felt exactly the way it used to. 

If you are planning a weekend trip with your family and loved ones then Ooty would be the  best destination to go with. The scenic beauty, the calmness of air in that place, The beautiful pink and orange hues summoning the sky at evenings is a treat to your eyes. 

How to get there - It takes about 4 hours from Mysuru via Nanjangud - Gundlupet - Bandipur - Masinagudi route 

Stay: Cozy homestays near Doddabetta or Elk Hill 

Must try things : Local tea, Homemade chocolates, and roasted corn by Ooty lake and Pine forest.