Bangalore-Ooty Trip-Breathtakingly Beautiful Palaces,Tigers And Blue Hills-Truly Relaxing
Bangalore To Ooty - A Trip To Remember
Ooty or Ootacamund is a very popular holiday destination of South India, particularly for honeymooners. It takes almost 6 hours to reach Ooty by road covering a distance of 294 km. But, planned properly, one can see many wonderful sights along the way. Prominent are Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary near Mysore,Mysore city with its beautiful palaces, Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai, Ooty and Coonoor. Hire a taxi or motor down this beautiful stretch for engaging sights and sounds.
Travel Plans that most opt for: Choose a long weekend and book all hotels or resorts in advance to avoid disappointment. Set out from Bangalore city early in the morning, preferably by 6 AM on a Friday. The Bangalore Mysore Highway is extremely good and it takes about 2 and 1/2 hours to reach Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary. Exotic species of birds are found on the many islands which are seen up close during a boat ride. Crocodiles abound in the water and best to keep your hands out of the tempting water. Monkeys are aplenty too.
Next stop is Mysore city with its palaces and temples. Dasara festival with its exhibitions, procession,cultural programs during October every year is a world renowned spectacle not to be missed. Lalitha Mahal Palace and the illuminated Mysore Palace are a sight to behold. Opt to spend the night here in Mysore city.
Early morning about 4.30 AM, set off for Bandipur National Park. Proper booking will ensure your seat for the early morning safari into the park. A guided tour is well worth it if one is to be lucky spotting a tiger, leopard,etc. Elephants, bison, varieties of birds, peacocks, monkeys, spotted deer(sambar), hyenas, jackals,snakes, are easily seen. You can book cottages from Bangalore itself, and stay on for the evening safari. Mudumalai sanctuary is an extension of Bandipur(Karnataka) on the Tamil Nadu side. Beyond this is Masinagudi where you can opt to stay at jungle resorts, where they arrange to have you taken deep within the forest to spot animals in the wild. Again, this is at dawn or dusk, so prepare yourself and book in advance.
A steep climb among picturesque blue hills called the Nilgiris, meaning blue mountains, takes us to Udagamandalam or Ootacamund(Ooty for short). The road is beautiful with many viewpoints where you can stop and take in the beauty of Mother Nature. Amidst surrounding blue hills, streams and waterfalls pretty flowers, and cool climate, it is hard to carry the stress of the city life. Viewpoints giving an excellent view of the hills around, waterfalls falling from dizzy heights are many. Lakes with boating facilities are a must and the Ooty Botanical Gardens gives an overview of the beautiful flowers, and butterflies that abound here.
The Nilgiris Heritage train ride between Ooty and Coonoor is a must to view picturesque landscapes. Tea gardens and waterfalls viewed from the train that goes at snail's pace is relaxing for any city dweller. Coonoor is the place for trekking and long hikes, discovering lakes and beautiful spots along the way. Do not forget to carry your camera along.
A 3 day weekend is sufficient to take this trip comfortably, with the option of extending your stay at one of the places, or all of the above. But, never travel before you make your reservations in advance. All Travel Desks of Bangalore's hotels will book your taxis and reserve accommodations at Mysore, Bandipur, Masinagudi and Ooty.
I have been on this trip about 3 times and never tire of it. I know you will enjoy too!
Savor The Picturesque Sights Between Bangalore And Ooty
BANGALORE TO OOTACAMUND(OOTY)
