In Ooty: A burst of colours and calm right in the middle of tea gardens

Ooty’s landscape extends beyond the color of the sky and the Neelakurinji flowers—the blossoms that gave the Nilgiris (the Blue Hills) its name. Ooty, nestled in the Nilgiris, in fact, is a color riot that delights the eyes at every turn.
Vibrant, rich colours are a way of life here. When you embark on the 2-hour journey from Coimbatore to this hill station, the vibrant fest begins right there. You drive through vast, verdant plantations of banana and coconut trees; every few minutes, you pass roadside flower vendors; you cross several temples, painted in multiple hues and showcasing Dravidian architecture; even the buses seem to have a penchant for vibrance. As you soak it all in on your way to your destination, you enjoy these little things—because, for once, you’re not glued to your phone or laptop screens.

Ooty is a colour riot that delight the eyes at every turn. (Photo: Getty)

Anyway. This colour fiesta only doubled when we reached Ayatana Ooty, a luxury resort cocooned in Muttinad village. The moment you cross the resort’s grand red-stone entrance walls, a burst of colourful flowers welcomes you and keeps you company throughout your stay. Every nook, corner, and mini garden is dotted with ornamental blooms in colours ranging from purple, white, blush pink, magenta, lavender, white, orange and what not, making your heart feel full at the sight and also serving as a stark contrast to the mundanity of daily life.

At Ayatana Ooty. Photo: Medha Chawla/India Today

Another priceless entity this property offers in abundance is calm. It is built right above sprawling tea plantations, and offers panoramic views of the valley. No honking cars or noise of buses passing by; just what secluded travel dreams (the practical ones) are made of.
Team this secluded bliss with the top-notch luxury of enjoying a warm Jacuzzi, surrounded by nothing but the view of a verdant green tea valley, separated only by a glass wall and some blooming shrubs. That’s what the Jacuzzi Chalet offers here. This one is a scene straight out of a Bali holiday with cooler weather. Privacy, peace and pure indulgence.

A private jacuzzi overlooking the verdant tea gardens.

There is also an option to book a chalet with a private infinity swimming pool facing the lush green tea valley.
If you don’t plan on sitting back and relaxing at this luxury enclave, step out for an Ooty tour. It’s best to have at least 3-4 days to explore all the popular spots, including a ride on the much-revered toy train. But, even on a time crunch, you can experience the essence of Ooty by visiting key attractions like the Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Pykara Waterfall, Doddabetta Peak.

Botanical Garden, Ooty. (Photo: Getty)

An unmissable experience is visiting the tea and chocolate factories. Not only can you see these Ooty staples being made, but you also get to savour them. It’s also the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, both edible and keepsakes, for your friends and family. In the vicinity is an adventure heaven with activities like zip lining, bungee jumping, etc.

At Homewood Tea Factory. (Photos: Medha Chawla/India Today)

Spend a few hours at Avalanche Lake, set among Shola forests, where you’ll find stunning landscapes and adventure. Nearby, visit the Toda hamlet for a rare glimpse into the lives of the Toda community, who live in distinctive barrel-shaped huts that protect them from the wild.

A Toda hut. (Photo: Getty)

As for Ayatana, it is owned by the South-based Aratt Builders. The property boasts interiors and architecture that impress at first glance. Much of it is heavily inspired by Ooty’s colonial past with features like chalets, fireplaces in each room, stone walls and a picturesque pathway decorated with an elegant display of flowers and foliage. You can’t stop by without satiating the urge of capturing the scenic beauty in your camera or posing against it. Every nook and corner is Insta-worthy.

Photos: Medha Chawla/India Today

As you explore the resort, you’ll undoubtedly be captivated by the striking tree-bark décor adorning the ceilings in the reception area, your chalet, and even the restaurant. These exquisite pieces lending a rustic charm to the place are all imported from Bali. The place also celebrates local community and art. For instance, Toda embroidery cushion covers have been used in each room. Ooty was originally home to Toda tribe, and their distinctive craft featuring delicate red and black patterns hand-stitched onto white fabric also boasts a GI tag status.

A cushion cover bearing Toda embroidery. (Photo: Medha Chawla/India Today)

Wooden installations lending the space a rustic charm.

Head to Tycoons, the multi-cuisine restaurant—an inviting, regal space with a magnificent glass entrance and rich emerald and gold accents. The menu is vast, offering several vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Though it features quintessential flavours of North and South Indian cuisine as well as continental dishes, don’t miss trying the local flavours and Badaga delicacies; they will ensure your plate is as colourful as the region you are in.
Enjoy the laid-back vibe with a variety of activities, including a swimming pool, swings, indoor games (carrom, table tennis, chess, etc.), or simply relax by a mini lotus pond with a book. For adventure enthusiasts, there’s a rope course for a quick adrenaline rush.

A rope track for adventure enthusiasts.

Amid everything else, remember you’re in the Nilgiris—don’t miss a morning nature walk! Join the naturalist at Ayatana for a guided tour of the tea plantations, and stroll through nearby fields of carrots, garlic, and potatoes. Apart from tourism, agriculture plays a key role in Ooty’s economy, which is why you’ll often see roadside vendors selling fresh, vibrant produce.
Ooty carrots are famous across the country, and so are the super-sweet custard apples. Captivated by the colours and freshness, you might just be tempted to bring a piece of Ooty’s lush palette home – along with a calmer mind, of course.

Ooty carrots are famous across the country. (Photo: Author)

Oh, and perhaps a bit of blue from The Nilgiris too, because the neelakurinji flowers have begun to bloom again after over a decade.
Factsheet
Where: Ayatana Ooty
Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport
Tariff and reservations: Starting from Rs 15,000 per night. Know more here