We dreamt it, we did it - Our 20 days family road trip to South in Black Tigress

SafeDrive · 27th July 2010, 22:08

[quote=LongDrive lover;1999414]Day 12 Ooty sigt-seeing pics continuing..[quote]

I have to hand it to you sir. You travel for 20 days and then upload all the pictures and photos of those days into this. It's very comprehensive too. Heck, I can't even finish my four days vacation blog!! This is for you LongDrive lover, you deserve it

LongDrive lover · 28th July 2010, 10:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by MX6

And when they put up boards showing years like 1885, does it mean the tree was planted in 1885? Which makes it over 125 years old? Gosh.

Yes, I think so. Our guide also told like this.

Thanks SafeDrive. I could have finished this thread by now, but lost pace due to workload. Anyway, getting back to rhythm now.

Day 12 Ooty sigt-seeing pics continuing..

Our last sight-seeing spot of the day was The Rose Garden. As we came out of SIM's park, we saw one sign board with an interesting advise! (See 1st pic in this post). It became little misty and cold, but still we liked that park, was well maintained. Now pics..

LongDrive lover · 1st August 2010, 12:13

Hi all, I am back with the story. Sorry for the 'business break' !

Day 13: Leaving Ooty

Previous day we have fixed with our Guide to meet near Bus stand at 7.30 am. The plan was to go to Mudumalai Forest reserve - via Masingudi - to Gudalur- to Paykara lake (Yes, he told, it'd be a round-about), then we were to return to Mysore by evening from Paykara lake.

We reached the fixed spot at 8 am, but didn't find Guide, he didn't give his number, waited for a while, then left on our own towards Mysore road. We inquired from locals at the junction where Masingudi and Gudalur roads get bifurcated. I knew taking Gudalur road made sense as we were interested to check Payakara lake and boating; but, at the same time, I didn't want to miss to check those famous 36 hairpin bands, though wife was little hesitant to go to Masingudi road when we described about why that is famous!

Finally, we took the Masingudi road, and I was enjoying those bands. Off course, it was light as we were going down, but, otherwise also, I felt the road is quite broad and good, and even for going-up, that couldn't have been any issue, more so because traffic is very low on that road.

At 16th or 18th band (from top) we saw the board for a waterfall and few vehicles parked. I pulled to the left and was trying to park behind a car outside the road towards hill side. Our front left wheel found itself in a lil depression, I reversed (so as to get the car completely out of road) and again moved ahead, wife was saying there is a pit, but it was not visible as it was covered with grass. So I didn't realize that it was deep, on second attempt my Fr Left wheel went deep into it

. I got out to check, there were few people around as other 2-3 cars were also parked, I called them, 3-4 came to lend a helping hand, we reversed it. On first attempt I was lil light on rpms, so it didn't pull back, then I pushed the pedal and with man-power and horse power, it came out, but right side tyres left a mark on the road. And, as expected, I got full scolding from wife and son for not listening to them!

.

After that, we parked it near the forest checkpost office, and went to check the waterfall. There was a proper spot but no water and no human at the spot, we returned, had snacks, etc, gave vehicle some 45 mints break and left.

Next stop was Bison valley view point! Stopped there, didn't spot any bison, but valley views were nice and weather was pleasant, when it started drizzling, we left. All in all driving on that road was pleasing. Just before reaching Mudumalai forest office and meeting the main Mysore-Gudalur road, there was an elegant old bridge.

Mudumalai forest visit time was over as we reached after 10.30, and we were not interested to wait till 3 pm. From there, instead of taking Bandipur-Mysore road, we turned towards Gudalur (knowingly), had breakfast at a good roadside restaurant, just near the forest check post. Seeing a UP Regn car, they were happily telling us all the north-Indian dishes, but we were asking for dosa and idlies!! Finally, had Aloo Parathans and curd. From there went to Gudalur. But when the hills started just on outer side of Gudalur town, we changed our plan, as we have had enough of hills and lakes/boating, so turned and returned from Gudalur!! The road from Gudalur-Mudumalai-Bandipur-Gundelpet mesmerized us so much that both ways, we drove slowly in 3-4 gears, spotted number of wild-lives, several times (elephants, dears - 2 varieties, white peacock,). Sunflower fields around Gundelpet were also very pleasing.

After Gundelpet, I pushed the speed, so as to reach Mysore with some day time at our hand for sight-seeing. Reached Mysore at 3 pm and went straight to the Palace.

Mysore sight-seeing with pics coming up shortly....

LongDrive lover · 1st August 2010, 12:47

Day 13: Leaving Ooty Pics..

3rd photo shows the hairpin band 16 (when coming from Ooty) - The Kalhatti water falls spot where our 'wheel in the pit' episode happened.

4th pic shows the pit fully covered by the grass

5th pics shows the mark that our tyre left on the road

Rest are self explanatory.

LongDrive lover · 1st August 2010, 13:02

Day 13: Leaving Ooty Pics.. Continuing...

Wildlife watching in Wild

Glimpses of different wildlife we spotted enroute Ooty-Masingudi-Mudumalai-Gudalur-Bandipur-Gundelpet

We stopped at several places, weather was pleasant..and we were all enjoying it fully

LongDrive lover · 1st August 2010, 13:32

Day 13: Leaving Ooty Pics.. Continuing...

A pleasing drive amidst nature : Mudumalai-Gudalur- Bandipur-Gundelpet- forest stretch

Mysore pics coming up now..

KRRaj · 1st August 2010, 15:45

Great to see you back

That pit indeed does look deep

. Good thing nothing happened. Yeah, the route from Gudalur to Gundlupet is beautiful so as the Masinagudi road. Nice Pictures.

ampere · 1st August 2010, 18:04

There you are. I thought you had gone for another month long outing.

By the way a note on the Bandipur road: Its awesome, but has humps at many places for people to drive slowly so that they
dont run over animals. However some guys try to take side of the hump to avoid it.
But the clever forest guys have put large stones on both sides of the road near the humps!

As they say in Hindi: "Ek ser to doosra sava ser"

TaureanBull · 1st August 2010, 21:15

LDL Welcome back.

The pics are awesome. The informative boards are good. i like the one with info of various types of roses.

The drive through the forest must be an awesome experience. It looks so green, pleasant and quite.

LongDrive lover · 2nd August 2010, 14:16

Thank you all.

A Word about Ooty

Before I proceed with the story, here is what we felt about Ooty. I know I am going to make a controversial statement which would generate sentiments specially from die-hard Ooty fans like our friends Laluks, chevy_lover, and several more. But, I want to say it because this forum is meant to honestly share what one truly feels about:

We didn't like Ooty at al! I see following reasons for it:

1. We went there AFTER having good time at Munnar. So didn't find it as attractive and soothing as was Munnar. The difference was like one is natural, the other is commercial!

2. We didn't cover 2-3 impt points/things, like Dodabetta peak, Kotagiri and train ride.

3. Even Connor is better then Ooty.

But, again these can only be taken as personal opinions, and will differ person to person. So, no controversies plz.

Mysore story coming up next..Remember, we had very good time at Mysore!

KRRaj · 2nd August 2010, 14:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by LongDrive lover

Thank you all.

A Word about Ooty

Yeah. I do agree with you. Ooty is a great place gone to the dogs. Too much crowd and commercialisation, the beauty is lost IMO. :(

MX6 · 2nd August 2010, 15:01

Yeah. I agree with you on this LDL. I hate commercial places. My only failed trip to Ooty was probably 20 years back. I have visited Kodai over 18 times. With Kodai in mind, when we landed in Ooty, we found it so "different" that we came back to Mysore in the same bus.
Commercial is one term I detest. Hence I keep warning people about Murdeshwar too. I used to sit alone on those naked rocks watching the waves pummel them for hours. Now it's all monstrosities up there.
The next time, try Kodai (which I feel is still better than ooty in TN).

laluks · 2nd August 2010, 15:04

LDL, Your observation is correct and I agree.

But Ooty has certain areas which we like. The normal touristy commercialised areas like you mentioned are absolute tragedy. More you tend to identify the hidden areas you'd love the place.

Munnar - is absolutely a stunner. But that too, recently has seen a great amount of degradation compared to 10 years ago.

Golden rule - stay off the touristy path.

LongDrive lover · 2nd August 2010, 15:50

Thank you all for such moral support

. Those thoughts of you really matter. Yes, Murdeswara is also slowly going Ooty-way! Yes, going to hidden areas would be good. Mysore pics coming up this evening for sure, after office hrs.

ampere · 2nd August 2010, 17:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by LongDrive lover

Thank you all for such moral support

. Those thoughts of you really matter. Yes, Murdeswara is also slowly going Ooty-way! Yes, going to hidden areas would be good. Mysore pics coming up this evening for sure, after office hrs.

The things that you have to look for in Ooty/Conoor:

- The train ride (must for all parents)
- The Great Lakes (Emerald/Avalance; Thank to TBHP Laluks, CL, DD I found this place)
- If possible Upper Bhavani and Glenmorgan

These three places are really worth it.

Rest are crowded. Its a nice place to laze around.

27th July 2010, 22:08	#286
SafeDrive BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 425 Thanked: 86 Times	[quote=LongDrive lover;1999414]Day 12 Ooty sigt-seeing pics continuing..[quote] I have to hand it to you sir. You travel for 20 days and then upload all the pictures and photos of those days into this. It's very comprehensive too. Heck, I can't even finish my four days vacation blog!! This is for you LongDrive lover, you deserve it
	(1) Thanks

1st August 2010, 12:13	#288
LongDrive lover BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lucknow Posts: 782 Thanked: 114 Times	Hi all, I am back with the story. Sorry for the 'business break' ! Day 13: Leaving Ooty Previous day we have fixed with our Guide to meet near Bus stand at 7.30 am. The plan was to go to Mudumalai Forest reserve - via Masingudi - to Gudalur- to Paykara lake (Yes, he told, it'd be a round-about), then we were to return to Mysore by evening from Paykara lake. We reached the fixed spot at 8 am, but didn't find Guide, he didn't give his number, waited for a while, then left on our own towards Mysore road. We inquired from locals at the junction where Masingudi and Gudalur roads get bifurcated. I knew taking Gudalur road made sense as we were interested to check Payakara lake and boating; but, at the same time, I didn't want to miss to check those famous 36 hairpin bands, though wife was little hesitant to go to Masingudi road when we described about why that is famous! Finally, we took the Masingudi road, and I was enjoying those bands. Off course, it was light as we were going down, but, otherwise also, I felt the road is quite broad and good, and even for going-up, that couldn't have been any issue, more so because traffic is very low on that road. At 16th or 18th band (from top) we saw the board for a waterfall and few vehicles parked. I pulled to the left and was trying to park behind a car outside the road towards hill side. Our front left wheel found itself in a lil depression, I reversed (so as to get the car completely out of road) and again moved ahead, wife was saying there is a pit, but it was not visible as it was covered with grass. So I didn't realize that it was deep, on second attempt my Fr Left wheel went deep into it. I got out to check, there were few people around as other 2-3 cars were also parked, I called them, 3-4 came to lend a helping hand, we reversed it. On first attempt I was lil light on rpms, so it didn't pull back, then I pushed the pedal and with man-power and horse power, it came out, but right side tyres left a mark on the road. And, as expected, I got full scolding from wife and son for not listening to them!. After that, we parked it near the forest checkpost office, and went to check the waterfall. There was a proper spot but no water and no human at the spot, we returned, had snacks, etc, gave vehicle some 45 mints break and left. Next stop was Bison valley view point! Stopped there, didn't spot any bison, but valley views were nice and weather was pleasant, when it started drizzling, we left. All in all driving on that road was pleasing. Just before reaching Mudumalai forest office and meeting the main Mysore-Gudalur road, there was an elegant old bridge. Mudumalai forest visit time was over as we reached after 10.30, and we were not interested to wait till 3 pm. From there, instead of taking Bandipur-Mysore road, we turned towards Gudalur (knowingly), had breakfast at a good roadside restaurant, just near the forest check post. Seeing a UP Regn car, they were happily telling us all the north-Indian dishes, but we were asking for dosa and idlies!! Finally, had Aloo Parathans and curd. From there went to Gudalur. But when the hills started just on outer side of Gudalur town, we changed our plan, as we have had enough of hills and lakes/boating, so turned and returned from Gudalur!! The road from Gudalur-Mudumalai-Bandipur-Gundelpet mesmerized us so much that both ways, we drove slowly in 3-4 gears, spotted number of wild-lives, several times (elephants, dears - 2 varieties, white peacock,). Sunflower fields around Gundelpet were also very pleasing. After Gundelpet, I pushed the speed, so as to reach Mysore with some day time at our hand for sight-seeing. Reached Mysore at 3 pm and went straight to the Palace. Mysore sight-seeing with pics coming up shortly....
	() Thanks

1st August 2010, 12:47	#289
LongDrive lover BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lucknow Posts: 782 Thanked: 114 Times	Day 13: Leaving Ooty Pics.. 3rd photo shows the hairpin band 16 (when coming from Ooty) - The Kalhatti water falls spot where our 'wheel in the pit' episode happened. 4th pic shows the pit fully covered by the grass 5th pics shows the mark that our tyre left on the road Rest are self explanatory. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

1st August 2010, 13:02	#290
LongDrive lover BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lucknow Posts: 782 Thanked: 114 Times	Day 13: Leaving Ooty Pics.. Continuing... Wildlife watching in Wild Glimpses of different wildlife we spotted enroute Ooty-Masingudi-Mudumalai-Gudalur-Bandipur-Gundelpet We stopped at several places, weather was pleasant..and we were all enjoying it fully Attached Thumbnails Attached Images
	() Thanks

1st August 2010, 13:32	#291
LongDrive lover BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lucknow Posts: 782 Thanked: 114 Times	Day 13: Leaving Ooty Pics.. Continuing... A pleasing drive amidst nature : Mudumalai-Gudalur- Bandipur-Gundelpet- forest stretch Mysore pics coming up now.. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

1st August 2010, 15:45	#292
KRRaj BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 514 Thanked: 35 Times View My Garage	Great to see you back That pit indeed does look deep . Good thing nothing happened. Yeah, the route from Gudalur to Gundlupet is beautiful so as the Masinagudi road. Nice Pictures.
	() Thanks

1st August 2010, 18:04	#293
ampere Team-BHP Support Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 17,928 Thanked: 12,899 Times View My Garage	There you are. I thought you had gone for another month long outing. By the way a note on the Bandipur road: Its awesome, but has humps at many places for people to drive slowly so that they dont run over animals. However some guys try to take side of the hump to avoid it. But the clever forest guys have put large stones on both sides of the road near the humps! As they say in Hindi: "Ek ser to doosra sava ser"
	() Thanks

1st August 2010, 21:15	#294
TaureanBull Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,071 Thanked: 326 Times View My Garage	LDL Welcome back. The pics are awesome. The informative boards are good. i like the one with info of various types of roses. The drive through the forest must be an awesome experience. It looks so green, pleasant and quite.
	() Thanks

2nd August 2010, 14:16	#295
LongDrive lover BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lucknow Posts: 782 Thanked: 114 Times	Thank you all. A Word about Ooty Before I proceed with the story, here is what we felt about Ooty. I know I am going to make a controversial statement which would generate sentiments specially from die-hard Ooty fans like our friends Laluks, chevy_lover, and several more. But, I want to say it because this forum is meant to honestly share what one truly feels about: We didn't like Ooty at al! I see following reasons for it: 1. We went there AFTER having good time at Munnar. So didn't find it as attractive and soothing as was Munnar. The difference was like one is natural, the other is commercial! 2. We didn't cover 2-3 impt points/things, like Dodabetta peak, Kotagiri and train ride. 3. Even Connor is better then Ooty. But, again these can only be taken as personal opinions, and will differ person to person. So, no controversies plz. Mysore story coming up next..Remember, we had very good time at Mysore!
	() Thanks

2nd August 2010, 15:01	#297
MX6 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: City of seven islands. Posts: 2,877 Thanked: 231 Times	Yeah. I agree with you on this LDL. I hate commercial places. My only failed trip to Ooty was probably 20 years back. I have visited Kodai over 18 times. With Kodai in mind, when we landed in Ooty, we found it so "different" that we came back to Mysore in the same bus. Commercial is one term I detest. Hence I keep warning people about Murdeshwar too. I used to sit alone on those naked rocks watching the waves pummel them for hours. Now it's all monstrosities up there. The next time, try Kodai (which I feel is still better than ooty in TN).
	() Thanks

2nd August 2010, 15:04	#298
laluks Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 6,552 Thanked: 16,397 Times	LDL, Your observation is correct and I agree. But Ooty has certain areas which we like. The normal touristy commercialised areas like you mentioned are absolute tragedy. More you tend to identify the hidden areas you'd love the place. Munnar - is absolutely a stunner. But that too, recently has seen a great amount of degradation compared to 10 years ago. Golden rule - stay off the touristy path.
	() Thanks

2nd August 2010, 15:50	#299
LongDrive lover BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lucknow Posts: 782 Thanked: 114 Times	Thank you all for such moral support . Those thoughts of you really matter. Yes, Murdeswara is also slowly going Ooty-way! Yes, going to hidden areas would be good. Mysore pics coming up this evening for sure, after office hrs.
	() Thanks