The forest had a fresh, vibrant green cover probably due to the recent rains, I did not expect it at this time of the year.
There were several vehicles near the forest department visitor centre for the Bandipur Safari rides and we also saw many of their jeeps on the road with lots of excited people in them
Soon we were on the Tamil Nadu side in the Mudumalai forest range. Here, at Theppakadu as planned earlier, I turned left towards a narrow bridge that had a 'Weak Bridge, Go Slow' sign. This was my first time on the Masinagudi route and I was really looking forward to this drive.
The road after the bridge started off a little narrow, broken on the edges at some places. There were few vehicles coming in the opposite direction, probably from Masinagudi, there was also the share of reckless, speedster local jeeps trying to bully others to get off the road and hog the asphalt for themselves!
We reached Masinagudi town, went past the taxi/jeep stand there and then found calmness setting in, the road much wider and fresh tarmac as well. Spotted a nice looking Cafe Coffee Day outlet near Mavanalla but did not go there, instead stopped a little ahead where the road was wide and got some cool breeze and some photographs as well.
Further ahead, saw the HPB's (Hair Pin Bends) begin and wow, it had new tarmac with good lane markings.
It was wide enough for a car in each direction to pass comfortably but if there's a bus the equation obviously changes!
Also, the hair pin bends are almost back to back so the ascend is very quick. There are several signs on the way alerting drivers to be on second gear.
It got cooler and cooler as we climbed up the hills and soon it was 22 degree Celcius, welcome contrasting change from Bangalore's high 30's.
By 10:40 we were near the Gudalur Road (RTO checkpost junction), now that was quick, could not stop anywhere for pictures though.
Got into Ooty town, Charring Cross, turned right to go towards bus stand.
At the bus stand junction I stopped to ask a cop for directions to Emerald and he was blank! I then asked for Avalanchi road and he asked me to proceed to the left further ahead from the bus stand. Just some two hundred metres ahead reached another circle, and was confused so turned to the left and stopped a little ahead at a fork. Here I saw Club Mahindra to the right side so that was a good landmark.
Called Vijay and his number was busy!
Now, I remembered the printout I had taken earlier that morning, one of the reasons for our delayed start - an excellent
post by @deepakhon on the Red Hills thread with turn by turn directions, this was our saviour! This thread was also helpful in convincing the powers that be to visit Red Hills
Turned back and headed to the road on the other side of the circle. Few minutes later called Vijay to confirm that we're on track and he asked us to call him after reaching Emerald.
It was a wonderful, slow drive soaking in all the wonderful vistas on offer and stops at some places for photographs. Drove past several villages, the Good Shepherd institutions, almost no traffic and excellent roads.
Reached Emerald with trip meter reading 300Km at 11:45am.
Called Vijay and directions he gave matched the one by @deepakhon so we were on track.
After crossing the bridge at Emerald, another ghat road begins with 34 HPB's leading to Avalanchi.
We drove till HPB #5 and turned right towards the Emerald Dam. Two more small bridges with the lake on either side and grass meadows leading down to the lake on one side, couldn't ask for more. There were some vehicles and people walking around, some on a picnic. Stopped for some photos here and headed right at next 2 forks.
Soon we saw the "Red Hills, 400m" sign and turned left. First 50m or so is asphalted and then a track with mud, stones and pebbles leads to the resort. This is easily driveable in small cars as well without any hits to the underbody as our Dizzy soon proved.
Reached the parking lot of the Red Hills resort where few vehicles were parked, trip meter reading 307Km, time 12:15pm and the temperature was 20 degree Celcius.
I parked Dizzy and we headed towards the white British bungalow on top. Amazing views from just outside the bungalow with the front portion having Emerald Lake views and views of tea estates and hills from the other sides.
Though no celebrations, this made my day and was a cherished Birthday gift for myself - felt happy that we decided on this place.
We met our host Vijay, spoke to other guests and the staff there were very friendly. We had a good lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon just enjoying the views, going around the property, some badminton (yes, my daughter carried a light kit as well). That evening we had dinner at the dining hall and caught some IPL cricket too. Thankfully the rooms do not have TV's, a welcome change when on vacation.
Speaking to the staff I found that some of the guests were planning an early morning trek up the hills so I enlisted myself for the same. Also checked for sunrise/dawn break time and hit the sack after setting the alarm for 5:30am.
Time to stop talking and share some pictures.
Some nice views near Masinagudi
Excellent Road after Masinagudi
The drive to Emerald
Dizzy
High Tea!
Bridge at Emerald village
Temple at Emerald village
Emerald Dam
Emerald Lake