www.isprava.com Welcome to the Nilgiris! At Isprava, we believe that the Nilgiris are the perfect holiday destination. We have explored its rich history and heritage and aim to bring it into our homes. The abundance of picturesque vistas along with its delectable fare leaves you with little time and much to do. It is no surprise that travel guides are replete with recommendations for tourists. The Nilgiris are Isprava’s second home and we personally wanted to help you make the most of your time here with our specially-curated, local-approved, ‘Discover’ – Isprava’s definitive guide to the Nilgiris. This guide is filled with everything from little-known tips and tricks for navigating these spectacular hills, to our inner knowledge of popular cafes and restaurants, events, tourist attractions, clubs and getaways. Whether you are an equestrian enthusiast, nature lover or golf fanatic, we hope that our ‘Discover’ will be your guide to the first of your many experiences and memories. Regards, Nibhrant Shah Founder and CEO, Isprava GETTING TO THE NILGIRIS Kodanad View Point Ooty Lake JOURNEY FROM COIMBATORE AIRPORT EVENTS Fruit & Vegetable Show THE NILGIRI MOUNTAIN Flower Show RAILWAY Dog Show Boat Race HOTELS AND CLUBS Nilgiris’ Horse Racing Season The Taj Gateway Hotel Kurumba Village Resort RESTAURANTS The Wellington Gymkhana The Culinarium Club Café Diem The Ooty Gymkhana Club Tea County Restaurant The Coonoor Club La Maison The Ootacumand Club Open Kitchen Bevina TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Shinkows {table of contents} Dolphin’s Nose The Tandoor Hut Sim’s Park Tea and Spices Droog Fort Catherine Falls THE ISPRAVA DIFFERENCE PHOTO CREDIT: WWW.BETTERPHOTOGRAPHY.IN PHOTO CREDIT: Isprava’s Nilgiris It’s not just a destination in the hills. It’s an enigma that will lure you in. For its climate, revered as the best in the world. For its untouched, unexplored and pristine beauty. For its rich culture and abundant nature. For its panoramic peaks and peace loving people. Isprava couldn’t resist. It commanded our attention. Made us admirers. Compelled us to make it ours. And add to it our sophisticated charm. Isprava’s Nilgiris is a place to desire. Until you make it yours. Albany Cottage, Façade Rendering `The Nilgiris´, which in literal terms means ‘Blue Mountains’ forms a part of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. It is home to three of the most enchanting hill stations in India: Coonoor, Kotagiri and Ootacumand (Ooty). The easiest way to get to the Nilgiris is to fly to Coimbatore International Airport. {getting to the Nilgiris} Within a minute of getting out of the Coimbatore Internaional Airport, one can reach Annapoorna, a large and bustling restaurant where you can start your trip with authentic South Indian food. The journey to either Coonoor or Kotagiri via Mettupalayam would take about two hours. You can also access Kotagiri via Coonoor or vice versa. The drive from Mettupalayam as one comes up to the Nilgiris is immensely picturesque and several natural waterfalls can be seen along the way. Isprava Tips: The Laws Falls is a major attraction, especially during the monsoon. To book a car service from the Coimbatore International Airport you can contact Dinesh at 9488065722 or you can COM . choose the age old traditional way and experience “The Nilgiri Mountain Railway”. {journey from Coimbatore Airport} from Coimbatore {journey imeetpawaskar .J PHOTO CREDIT: WWW PHOTO CREDIT: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) is a treasured element and fabled charm of the Nilgiris since 1899. This Nilgiri rail system is unique as it is the steepest in Asia. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005. A century after it first attracted travelers, the Nilgiri Mountain toy train continues to inspire; weaving through forests, moving through time, along the valleys and into the little dark winding tunnels, round the bends, up the gradients, through the glens, trees and birds. The journey originates in Coimbatore and passes through Coonoor and Wellington while on its way to Udhagamandalam, which is the final destination. {the Nilgiri Mountain Railway} THE TAJ GATEWAY KURUMBA VILLAGE HOTEL RESORT The Gateway Hotel, Coonoor This jungle resort is amidst is the perfect place to unwind an off-trail, untouched and for both business travellers luxurious world in sync with and leisure seekers. Nestled nature. Named after a forgotten in the heart of the rolling hills tribe Kurumba, this resort is a of the Nilgiris, each room tribute to the ancient clan that provides panoramic vistas of co-existed happily with nature in the exotic location. Coupled this hot spot of great biodiversity. with contemporary facilities and This resort has been built a warm and friendly service, artfully on a 10 acre former spice The Gateway Hotel, Coonoor plantation, sculpted into a hill. ensures a truly comfortable stay. {hotels and clubs} You will always hear guests Isprava Tips: Do not miss their speak highly of their hospitality, seven course spice infused menu restaurant and spa. at the Tree Top Dining. Delve into your inner self at their Ayurshala. Coonoor: 5 minute drive And on a gloomy evening, do try Kotagiri: 30 minute drive their Chai Kada. Ooty: 45 minute drive Coimbatore Airport: 2 hour 15 Coonoor: 30 minute drive minute drive Kotagiri: 1 hour drive Ooty: 1 hour drive Coimbatore Airport: 1 hour 45 minute drive THE WELLINGTON THE OOTY GYMKHANA THE COONOOR CLUB THE OOTACUMAND CLUB GYMKHANA CLUB CLUB Spread across 5 acres, The Coonoor Built by the British in the 18th century, Wellington Gymkhana Club, one of The Ooty Gymkhana Club, situated on Club, is a landmark club in the Nilgiris. as you step into this iconic club, you the oldest clubs in the country, has a the rolling Wenlock Downs at a height Established in the 19th century, this was will be transported back in time with recorded history of a century. The Club of 7000 ft above sea level, is one of a small club with a few tennis courts. its panelled walls, parquet flooring and has affiliations with numerous other the finest natural golf courses in the Over the years The Coonoor Club has rosewood furniture. prestigious clubs, in India and abroad. world. Surrounded by the Avalanchi come a long way in memberships and The Club has 15 residential chambers The main attractions of the club are range and a heavily wooded tree facilities. It is a “Members Only” club that retain the old world charm with its sylvan surroundings, sprawling line that consists of eucalyptus, oak, but, is also well connected and affiliated modern amenities, just like every golf course and an inescapable rhododendron and fir, Ooty Golf is an with other clubs all over the country. Isprava home! spell of history it casts on the visitors. idyllic course to play in the midst of One could either go as a local member’s The Ootacumand Club has reciprocal Wellington Gymkhana Club is 69 thick woods. guest or can use his affiliation card there arrangements with various such clubs acres of pure bliss, where nature and Established in the 18th century, The to enjoy games like Badminton, Tennis, across the world. history are a part of the menu. Ooty Gymkhana Club is now affiliated Billiards, Snooker and Cards at the same with prestigious clubs across the time unwind and relax at a well-stocked Isprava Tips: A worthy experience would Isprava Tips: All golf fanatics can enjoy world and thus brings together golf friendly bar. be sitting on the lawns adjoining the a great game by paying a nominal fee enthusiasts from all over. chambers and sipping on high-grown at the Golf Hut. While you are at it, do Coonoor: 2 minute drive Nilgiris tea. try out Café Diem for some great food Coonoor: 45 minute drive Kotagiri: 30 minute drive and an amazing view. Kotagiri: 50 minute drive Ooty: 45 minute drive Coonoor: 45 minute drive Ooty: 5 minute drive Kotagiri: 45 minute drive Coonoor: 3 minute drive Ooty: 5 minute drive Kotagiri: 30 minute drive Ooty: 35 minute drive DOLPHIN’S NOSE SIM’S PARK This curiously-named viewpoint, This is an unusual park-cum- about 10km from Coonoor is botanical garden that was popular with locals and tourists developed around the natural alike. On a good day, you can contours of the land more than gaze down the valley at the city. a hundred years ago by Mr. Lamb’s Rock, further along the J.D. Sims and Major Murray. road, is an amazing spot for a Naturally occurring trees, shrubs family picnic with unparalleled and creepers are in the park, views of tea and coffee as are many unusual species of plantations. plants that have been brought in from a variety of places around Coonoor: 15 minute drive the world. The highlight of this Kotagiri: 45 minute drive park is an annual fruit show and Ooty: 1 hour drive vegetable show, that are held in {tourist attractions} the month of May. Coonoor: 2 minute drive Kotagiri: 30 minute drive Ooty: 45 minute drive KODANAD VIEW POINT Nilgiris. Be it spending quality time with After a scenic drive to Kotagiri, you your family, boating in a crystal clear reach this quaint location that offers lake, pony riding or just sitting amidst views of the entire Kodanad Estate, Toda pure serenity, this lake is a must visit Temples and the Rangaswamy Peak. when in Ooty. Isprava Tips: Do visit the small shops Coonoor: 45 minute drive run by the local tribes. The traditional Kotagiri: 50 minute drive embroidery with vibrant colors on their Ooty: 3 minute drive shawls, stoles and other products is unbelievable.