As my days in Bangalore were winding down before a big move to Mumbai, I felt an inexplicable urge to tick off one last adventure. A road trip to the serene hill station of Coonoor seemed like the perfect farewell to the city that had been my home for so long. Along with my law firm colleagues Tanya and Sushmita, we decided to embark on this one-day weekend getaway, even though it came with its share of uncertainties.
Setting Off on the Journey
We rented a Maruti Swift from Zoom Car for the trip, and Tanya was the only one among we three, who could drive. Although Tanya knew driving, none of us were sure how she would fare on the challenging route to Coonoor, infamous for its numerous hairpin bends, given she used to drive less frequently. More than the stay, it was the idea of a road trip to such a scenic hill station that thrilled us and made the prospect of the journey itself the most exciting part. With a mix of excitement and apprehension, we left Bangalore early in the morning, determined to make the most of our time together.
The drive began with the familiar chaos of Bangalore’s early morning traffic, but as we moved away from the city, the landscape gradually transformed. Wide highways flanked by fields and small towns gave way to winding roads lined with dense vegetation. The anticipation of reaching the hills kept us energized, with music from Tanya’s Safarnama playlist, and mindless chatter filling the car. As we drew closer to the Nilgiris, the air grew cooler, and the scenery more enchanting. The journey itself felt like a reward, and every passing kilometer brought a sense of joy and anticipation.
The Hairpin Adventure
As we approached the Nilgiri hills, the real challenge began. The road to Coonoor is notorious for its hairpin bends, each turn demanding precision and focus. Tanya, though initially nervous, handled the car like a pro, navigating each sharp bend with growing confidence. Every twist and turn rewarded us with breathtaking views of lush greenery and mist-covered valleys, making the nerve-wracking drive worthwhile.
Driving through this terrain was not just challenging but also deeply immersive. The route passed through a national forest area, where we had to adhere to strict speed limits and maintain silence in the designated quiet zones. The tranquility of the forest was occasionally interrupted by moments of excitement as we spotted deer grazing peacefully by the roadside. These glimpses of wildlife amidst the pristine environment added a magical touch to the journey, reaffirming our decision to embark on this adventure.
The Unfortunate Bus Incident
Just as we were beginning to enjoy the journey and reaching the bustling town of Ooty, disaster struck. A local bus, coming round about a traffic signal, sideswiped the front bumper of our car. The damage wasn’t catastrophic, but it was significant enough to report it to Zoom Car and file a compliant to to the nearest police station. No prize for guessing, we could barely get any compensation from the bus driver. What followed was a frustrating ordeal of filing complaints and waiting for the formalities to be completed. The incident threw a wrench into our plans, forcing us to cancel our much-anticipated ride on the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway—the toy train that we had been so excited to experience and leaving us no time to visit elsewhere that day.
Arrival in Coonoor
By the time we reached Coonoor, it was already late evening, and most of the day had been consumed by the aftermath of the bus incident. Tired but undeterred, we checked into a modest hotel and tried to make the most of the evening. We played games like darts, enjoyed a fireside chat, and gathered around a bonfire, sharing stories and laughter that lifted our spirits. Despite the day’s setbacks, there was something magical about finally being in Coonoor.
Cycling Through Tea Estates
The next morning, Sushmita and I decided to explore the nearby tea estates on bicycles and visited the nearby Highfield Tea Factory. Cycling through the sprawling plantations, surrounded by the aroma of fresh tea leaves and the sight of verdant hills, was an experience that made all the struggles of the previous day fade away. We paused frequently to marvel at the sheer beauty of the landscape, the silence broken only by the occasional chirping of birds. The tranquil environment felt like a balm for our city-weary souls.
On the Way Back
As we began our journey back to Bangalore, we made a quick stop at the local market in Coonoor to purchase some of its famous homemade chocolates. The rich, indulgent flavors were a sweet reminder of the town’s charm, and we couldn’t resist picking up extra for friends and family. The return drive, though less eventful, gave us time to reflect on the trip and the memories we had created together.
Reflections on a Memorable Trip
The road trip to Coonoor was far from perfect, but it was undoubtedly memorable. From navigating treacherous hairpin bends to dealing with unforeseen hiccups, it was an adventure that tested us in many ways. Tanya’s determination to drive on such a difficult route and our collective ability to adapt to challenges made the trip all the more special.
For me, this journey was more than just a weekend getaway; it was a poignant farewell to Bangalore and the friends I had made there. As we drove back to the city later that evening, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the memories we had created. The trip, though short and chaotic, was the perfect send-off before starting a new chapter in Mumbai.
How to Reach Coonoor
By Car: The distance between Bangalore and Coonoor is approximately 293 km. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on the chosen route and traffic conditions. Common routes include via Mysore (NH 275) or via Salem (NH 44 and NH 544).
By Air: Take a flight to Coimbatore and hop on a cab to travel for 2-3 hours (around 70 Km) to reach here.
By Train: There are no direct trains from Bangalore to Coonoor. You can take a train to Coimbatore Junction (CBE) or Mettupalayam (MTP) which take around 6-7 hours to reach.
By Buses: Several private operators provide direct bus services from Bangalore to Coonoor. The journey typically takes around 7 to 9 hours.
Where to Stay
We stayed at TeaNest in Connoor. This place is a tea lover’s paradise! The rooms have charming names like Jasmine and Chamomile. They also have tea-themed meals, like tea-braised chicken brochette and chamomile tea compote, to name a few.
However, there are many other options that you can consider depending on your budget:
- Gateway Coonoor (IHCL SeleQtions Hotel);
- Destiny – The Farm Resort;
- Neemrana’s Wallwood Garden
- The Xanadu
- Fairy Glen
Pro Tips
If you are driving on a rented car:
(a) ensure you have the necessary Tamil Nadu state permits to avoid fines, and
(b) Book in the driver’s name to avoid high penalties for accidental damage—like the INR 10K we paid for a dislocated bumper with Zoom Car.
Photography
I used my entry-level Sony DSLR camera (Alpha 58) at the time to capture shots even while on the move. Naturally, some of the results were less than perfect—shaky and not sharply focused—due to the absence of optical image stabilization. Looking back now, I find many of the photos I took during the trip less impressive than I might have hoped. The landscape shots and my early attempts at post-processing were, at best, modest. That said, I took the time to revisit my hard drive and select some images that could still tell the story of this long-overdue travelogue.
Discover more from Creative Genes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Creative Genes 