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 PHOTO CREDIT: WWW.BETTERPHOTOGRAPHY.IN

{table of contents} Catherine F Droog F Sim’s P Dolphin’s Nose tourist attra The OotacumandClub The CoonoorClub The OotyGymkhanaClub Club The W Kurumba Village The hotels and Railway the NilgiriMountain Coimbatore Airport journey from getting to the T aj Gateway Hotel ellington ark ort alls clubs Gymkhana Resort ctions Nilgiris THE ISPRA T The Shinkows Bevina Open Kitchen La Maison T Café Diem The Culinarium restaurants Nilgiris’ HorseRacingSeason Boat Race Dog Show Flower Show F events Ooty Lake Kodanad View ea andSpices ea CountyRestaurant ruit & Vegetable Show andoor V Hut A DIFFERENCE P oint 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 choose the age old traditional way and experience “The Nilgiri Mountain Railway”. {journey from Coimbatore Airport} from Coimbatore {journey . com .j imeetpawaskar 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.

Coonoor: 1 hour drive Kotagiri: 20 minute drive Ooty: 1 hour 15 minute drive

OOTY LAKE Spread across 65 acres, Ooty Lake is one of the most visited spots in the DROOG FORT Droog Fort once served as an outpost of the king of Mysore, and today is a popular picnic spot in the Nilgiris that is reached at the end of an exhilarating trek. However, what now remains of the fort is a watchtower, but the sweeping views and the possibility of glorious bird sightings make it a must-visit.

Coonoor: 30 minute drive Kotagiri: 50 minute drive while you are in this part of the elegant Ooty: 1 hour drive Nilgiri Hills.

Coonoor: 30 minute drive CATHERINE FALLS Kotagiri: 5 minute drive Catherine Falls is a picturesque, double Ooty: 1 hour drive cascaded waterfall situated in Kotagiri. This breathtaking location including the trekking trail leading to it, is a must visit FRUIT & VEGETABLE DOG SHOW SHOW Organized by the South of India Spanning over 2 days, this Kennel Club (SIKC), the Dog Show annual fruit and vegetable show is held at the Government Arts is conducted at Sim’s Park in College ground in Ooty. One of Coonoor, during the last week of the most looked-forward to events May. The event is organized by of the season, this show hosts over the department of Horticulture 400 different breeds of dogs that and is being held every year since come from all over the country. 1964. This landmark show attracts over 25,000 attendees. Coonoor: 40 minute drive A special Vegetable Show is also Kotagiri: 45 minute drive conducted annually at the Nehru Ooty: 10 minute drive Park in Kotagiri. BOAT RACE Coonoor: 2 minute drive Organized at the Ooty Lake and Kotagiri: 30 minute drive conducted over 2 days, the Boat Ooty: 45 minute drive Race and Pageantry is one of the most popular events in May. Being FLOWER SHOW a famous tradition in South India, This show is held at the Botanical it not only helps bring people Garden in Ooty annually, during together but also helps keep up the third week of May. More than an age old tradition in the most 250 exhibitors display over 150 authentic way.

{events} different varieties of flowers. This vibrant show was first conducted Coonoor: 45 minute drive in 1896 and today sees over Kotagiri: 50 minute drive 150,000 attendees every year. Ooty: 3 minute drive

Coonoor: 45 minute drive NILGIRIS’ HORSE Kotagiri: 45 minute drive RACING SEASON Ooty: 10 minute drive Nilgiris' horse racing season has been a summer attraction for years. Hundreds of horses arrive for this two month long show. The racing season usually commences on the auspicious Tamil New Year’s day, a tradition associated with the hills since the British regime. Coonoor: 45 minute drive Kotagiri: 50 minute drive PHOTO CREDIT: WWW.DANIELSEIDEL.COM PHOTO CREDIT: Ooty: 5 minute drive {restaurants} experiences. experiences. unique with some along and quaintfood, cozy ambience any tourist’s list their delicious for restaurantsthese are high on rustic,to local, to from gourmet around world. the From fancy you just trip went aculinary on forgivenbe thinking for that variedand so in flavours, you’d are unique so Nilgiris the to areHere afew restaurants, that Number: 845001111 0 5 4 Pasta &the thin crust Pizza 98 : r e b m u Isprava Recommends: Tart, Lemon N t c a t n o C 643102Nadu Bandi Sholai, Coonoor, Tamil Address: 2A Kotagiri Road, Cuisine: French Café Diem Pot Pies &Chocolate Éclairs Isprava Recommends: Quiches, 7293 +91-423-251 Number: Contact 643202 Address: Bicketty, Tamil Nadu European Cuisine: The Culinarium refreshing Milkshakes refreshing Banana Walnut cake and their Isprava Recommends: Burgers, 7598070700 Number: Contact Kotagiri, Tamil 643217 Nadu Address: Donnington Road, Cuisine: Italian Restaurant Tea County Shinkows The Tandoor Cuisine: Chinese, Hut Asian Cuisine: Indian Address: 38/83, Address: Kotagiri, Commissioners Road, Tamil Nadu 643217 Opp. SBI, Upper Contact Number: Baazaar, Ooty 9488085059 643001 Isprava Recommends: Contact Number: Tandoori Chicken and +91-423-2442811 Kathi Rolls Isprava Recommends: Sweet corn soup, chilly pork and fried rice.

Tea and Spices Special Tea of the Nilgiris, Aromatic oils and Spices of South India are popular take aways from here and if you ask us, M/s. Vishal Marketing Co. in Coonoor, is the place to go. LA Maison Bevina Contact Number: +91-423-2232500 / 9443524125 Cuisine: French Cuisine: Multi-Cuisine Address: Kotagiri, Address: Ooty Tamil Nadu 643214 Mettupalayam Road, Contact Number: Coonoor 643102 +91-4266 -273347 Contact Number: Isprava Recommends: 9443998886 Make sure you reach Isprava Recommends: out a day in advance Buffet and Desserts

Open Kitchen Cuisine: Italian Address: House no 27, Club Road, Gray’s Hill, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu 643101 Contact Number: 9823102971 Isprava Recommends: They serve the best pizzas in town. Try the Breakfast Pizza sprava launched the Isprava story, you become a in 2013 with the part of the family. singular aim of At Isprava, we understand that becoming a global buying a home involves many leader in the luxury considerations. Whether it is holiday home a retirement retreat, a holiday segment. Built escape or a home away on the pillars of from home, it needs to be an exclusivity, comfort exclusive, unique and secure and integrity, we purchase. A valued investment at Isprava believe we can that is equipped with the best- accomplish this goal by staying in-class facilities, amenities Itrue to these defining principles. and services. A place you can But we also realise it takes more call your own. At Isprava, we than pillars and principles to strive to embrace the highest make an impactful difference. It benchmarks to deliver all this takes great relationships. That is and more... why when you become a part of

signature aesthetics We don’t just build beautiful houses, we craft homes that redefine luxury. Ones that are {the isprava difference} {the isprava comfortable yet elegant, ones that showcase traditional techniques with a contemporary outlook and those that exude global style sensitivities and yet feature the charm of the region. At Isprava, each home is different from the other. Each home Facade, Villa Cecelia, Goa has it’s own unique story to tell. furnishing, the isprava seamless purchase facilities & concierge experience amenities We don’t just respond to We don’t just sell you At Isprava, we deliver requests, we anticipate a home, we provide a promise of exclusivity, them and surpass all you with a seamless comfort and integrity. expectations. Whether experience. We have Each Isprava home its arranging for a designed a full proof includes a unique yacht, or indulgent and transparent blend of taste, scale, massage, yoga services purchasing process. style and comfort. or even a personal chef, One that entails up-to- A layout offering we will oblige. Isprava’s date paperwork and abundant natural light, dedicated guest documentation, on time great views, high relationship teams will completion of projects, ceilings, maximum ensure you’re never left fully approved land ventilation and liveable in need. They will give clearances and the most space. Plush, verdant, you unlimited access stringent adherence to manicured lawns and a to exclusive privileges. all guidelines. Isprava’s private pool. Complete And make your holiday commitment to their furnishing, bespoke home experience one to clients is inherent and soft furnishings, custom remember. purchase experience designed artisanal tiles unlike any other. and all white goods. At Isprava all you have to do, is arrive!

Sit out, Villa Verde, Goa convenient property social awareness renting out management & action protocol services We don’t just strive to At Isprava, we create We don’t just give you make a difference in great investment a luxury property, we your life, we also want opportunities for you. extend complimentary to make a difference We appreciate the property management in the world. By taking potential in renting services. Our team up socially responsible out our properties including a property initiatives ourselves, and hence cater to manager, guest we encourage all our make this possible in relationship manager, home owners and a convenient manner. electrician, plumber, renters to partake in We identify your needs gardener, pool these activities too. Be and assist you with all maintenance staff, it waste and garbage relevant resources. We security guard, car and management, animal always assure the finest driver is always at your welfare initiatives or assistance. service. conducting ethical labour practises, Isprava believes in a sustainable way forward.

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