Tea Leaves & Coffee Beans: Explore This Gorgeous Hill Station In South

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What Makes It Awesome

Winding around pine thickets for almost half hour, I had been adoring the midnight-blue silhouette of Nilgiris painted against the pale-blue skies. It looked so much like those pretty picture postcards.

Finally, I disembarked at the Sim’s Park. On the board outside, it boasted of the rare plant species from around the world. I walk inside and roamed around, breathing in the fresh air thick with an earthy fragrance.

Having experienced the storm in Ooty last night, Coonoor was surprisingly sunny. And so beautiful that I almost snapped out of the auto midway to dash for the tea gardens flanking either side of the road. Coonoor has acres and acres of them!  Rambling around, one can soak in the overwhelming essence of tea leaves. The Blue Mountain tea that grows here is dark and is known for its intense fragrance and flavour.

Further up the road, you can stop by the Highfield Tea Factory and watch the end-to-end process of tea being made from these tea leaves. The entire place feels immersed in a strong aroma. It will permeate you and tickle your senses.  A few refreshing cups of Chocolate Tea, Masala Tea, and Green Tea later, you will surely feel grateful for the little sips of happiness.

Walking further, I came across coffee beans being ground into powder. And being someone who loves coffee, I instantly picked up a handful to take it back home as a souvenir.

Step out and there are small shops selling natural oils and creams, and feeling whimsically compelled, I immediately bought the cucumber one.

Driving off to Lamb’s Rock, past cultivated plantations, and unguarded wilderness, I was able to discover Coonoor more intimately on the way. Lying sheathed in clouds and mist, it is a beauty enveloped in the embrace of blue hills, that appear melting into the blue skies.

As soon as trek up to the highest viewpoint at Lamb’s Rock and take a fleeting glance around. You'll find yourself staring down into a deep, scary gorge that at the same time accommodates a breathtaking panorama of tea estates, coffee estates, and Coimbatore plains. The path back meanders through a jungle and the experience is alarmingly invigorating.

At last, I reached the Dolphin’s Nose. It took me a while to register how the tip of the peak resembles a dolphin’s nose. Overall, this place is absolutely breathtaking.

You can read more about such trips here: {unsunkensun.com}.

How Much Did It Cost?

INR 1,000 - INR 3,000

Best To Go With?

Bae, Family, Big Group, Kids, and Pets.