The
road to Coonoor is the same till Mudumalai and Masinagudi. It
is another 35 km to Udhagamandalam, better known as Ooty and
18 more to Coonoor. The drive beyond Masinagudi entails 35 hairpin
bends and though these are very enjoyable drives, the trouble
is, everyone else seems to think so too. Watch out therefore
for maniacs coming tearing down from the opposite side. Masinagudi
used to be an elephant corridor. So don't be too surprised if
you do see some wild tuskers on the road. Apart from the scenic
beauty of the road, the drive through Masinagudi is charming
in itself.
The road between Ooty and Coonoor is quite forested with hills
looming in the distance. Again, there are blind turns and you
have to be very careful around the corners. Coonoor town seems
as crowded as Ooty but, a little distance away from the centre
of the city peace descends again. Coonoor is more charming as
it has quaint houses, old churches and not too many visitors
as compared to its more famous neighbouring city. Ooty and its
rolling hills give way to snarling traffic in the centre of
town which is thankfully bypassed for a smooth drive on the
way to Coonoor.
More peaceful and a lot greener and immensely charming, the
first impression you get in Coonoor is that the air smells funny.
But then, to our smog-loaded olfactory senses, fresh air always
smells funny. The second assault on your senses will be the
amount of green all around. There are more greens here than
on a Pantone shade card. |
