The landscape of Ooty extends beyond the color of the sky and the Neelakurinji flowers – the flowers that gave the Nilgiris (Blue Hills) its name. Nestled in the Nilgiris, Ooty is, indeed, a colorful riot that delights the eyes at every turn.

Vibrant, rich colors are a way of life here. As you embark on the 2-hour journey from Coimbatore to this hill station, the vibrant festivities begin right there. You pass through vast, lush plantations of banana and coconut trees; Every few minutes, you pass roadside flower sellers; You pass many temples, painted in many colors and showcasing Dravidian architecture; Even buses show a trend of liveliness. As you soak it all up on the way to your destination, you enjoy these little things – because, for once, you’re not glued to your phone or laptop screen.

still. This color festival doubled when we reached Ayatana Ooty, a luxury resort located in Muttinad village. As soon as you cross the grand red-stone entry walls of the resort, colorful flowers welcome you and accompany you throughout your stay. Every nook, corner and miniature garden is adorned with ornamental flowers in purple, white, blush pink, magenta, lavender, white, orange and so many other colors that fill your heart and form a perfect contrast. Also works. For the mundanity of daily life.

Another invaluable entity that this property offers in abundance is peace. It is built right above the vast tea plantations, and offers panoramic views of the valley. Neither the horns of vehicles, nor the noise of buses passing by; Just what solo travel dreams (practical ones) are made of.

Combine this secluded bliss with the supreme luxury of enjoying a hot Jacuzzi with nothing around it except a view of the green tea valley, separated only by a glass wall and some blooming bushes. That’s what the Jacuzzi Bungalows here offer. This is a view of a holiday in Bali with cool weather. Privacy, peace and pure enjoyment.

There is also an option to book a bungalow with a private infinity swimming pool overlooking the lush green Tea Valley.

If you don’t plan to sit and relax in this luxury enclave, then set out on an Ooty tour. It is best to allow at least 3-4 days to explore all the popular places, including the much-awaited toy train ride. But, even when you are short on time, you can still experience the essence of Ooty by visiting major attractions like Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, Pykara Waterfall, Doddabetta Peak.

Visiting tea and chocolate factories is an unforgettable experience. Not only can you watch these Ooty staples being made, but you can also taste them. It is also an ideal place to shop for eatables and souvenirs for your friends and family. The surrounding area is an adventure paradise with activities like zip lining, bungee jumping etc.

Spend a few hours at Avalanche Lake, located amidst the Shola forests, where you will find stunning landscapes and adventure. Nearby, visit Toda village for a rare glimpse of the life of the Toda community, who live in distinctive barrel-shaped huts that protect them from the jungle.

As for Ayatana, it is owned by south-based Arat Builders. The property has interiors and architecture that impress at first glance. Much of it is inspired by Ooty’s colonial past, including bungalows, fireplaces in each room, stone walls and a picturesque walkway decorated with beautiful displays of flowers and foliage. You cannot stop without satisfying the desire to capture the natural beauty in your camera or pose in front of it. Every nook and corner is Insta-worthy.

As you explore the resort, you will undoubtedly be mesmerized by the charming tree bark decorations adorning the reception area, your bungalows and even the ceiling in the restaurant. These exquisite items that give the place a rustic charm have been imported from Bali. The venue also celebrates the local community and art. For example, Toda embroidered cushion covers have been used in each room. Ooty was originally home to the Toda tribe, and their distinctive craft featuring delicate red and black patterns hand-stitched on white cloth even has GI tag status.

Head to Tycoons, the multi-cuisine restaurant – a charming, majestic space with spectacular glass entrances and rich emerald and gold accents. The menu is vast, offering many vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Although it includes the quintessential flavors of North and South Indian cuisine as well as continental cuisine, do not forget to try the local flavors and Badaga cuisine; They will make sure that your plate is as colorful as the area you are in.

Enjoy the relaxing ambiance with a variety of activities including swimming pool, swings, indoor games (carrom, table tennis, chess, etc.), or relax by a small lotus pond with a book. For adventure enthusiasts, there is a ropes course for a quick adrenaline rush.

Among everything else, remember you’re in the Nilgiris—don’t miss a morning nature walk! Join a naturalist in Ayatana for a guided tour of the tea plantations, and stroll through the nearby carrot, garlic and potato fields. Apart from tourism, agriculture plays an important role in Ooty’s economy, which is why you’ll often see roadside vendors selling fresh, vibrant produce.

Ooty carrots are famous throughout the country, and so are the ultra-sweet custard apples. Captivated by the colors and freshness, you might just be tempted to bring home a piece of Ooty’s lush palette – with a cool mind, of course.

Oh, and maybe a little bit of blue from the eucalyptus too, because Neelakurinji After more than a decade, the flowers have started blooming again.

fact sheet

Where: Ayatana Ooty

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport

Tariff and Reservation: Starting from Rs 15,000 per night. Learn more here