The Nilgiri Diaries-Call of The Blue Mountains

Day 5: Chai Sutra: The Tea Trail of Ooty

1. "Not all who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien

My day began with Rosary and a trek through Elk Hill to visit the legendary Murugan temple housing a colossal statue of Murugan Swamy (Kartikeya), the god of war and bravery and the first born son of Shiva. Surrounded by pines and oaks, this trail took me half an hour's trek and Blessed with some beautiful views. Strong winds and showers of monsoon rain had made the trail not only beautiful but also dangerous but for a adventurer, when has a steep dangerous road stopped men from exploring the unexplored?

Having explored Elk Hill and its charming views, I walked through another picturesque trail to The Government Rose Garden which is home to more than 500 different species of roses. Washed and purged by the heavy showers,  these roses danced in the wind as if to an unheard hilly folk song. 

Next hopping on to an auto, we travelled to Doddabetta Peak,  the highest  point of Tamil Nadu, which covered with mist, not only put up a vestige of eerieness and mystery but also blessed us with rain showers that made this beautiful spot even more beautiful. 

After soaking in showers, and Nature's gift of a few silver oak leaves and a cup of hot Masala Chai,  we sped through the rains to the oldest Tea Factory in Ooty. It is here that I learned of the art of tea-making and how this Beloved Beverage came into being. Nilgiris are not just known for its picturesque spots and magnificent old world charm,  The Blue Mountains also is home to the best and largest. Today's adventure thus took me on an epic journey on the history of Tea Plantations here in the Nilgiri Mountains. Join me as we unravel the history of the favorite Indian as well as English beverage.

Seeped in legends, Tea that is relished by the poor and the rich had its beginnings when according to legend, in 2737 BC. It is said that the Chinese emperor Shennong liked his drinking water boiled before he drank it. One day, while the Emperor's servant began boiling water for him, a dead leaf from a wild tea bush fell into the water. The servant having not noticed it, presented the water to the emperor who tasted it and found it very refreshing. And thus, Tea came into being. As Lu Yu the Ancient Chinese poet and scientist says, "Tea tempers the spirit and harmonizes the mind, dispels lassitude and relieves fatigue, awakens thought and prevents drowsiness.” 

And boy, did that kadak Masala Chai alleviate the tiredness of the aforementioned treks. 

Moreover I learned that the history of tea Plantations in India and especially the Ooty Coonoor belt began in the 1800s. And thus, was born the Nilgiri teas. But what was most fascinating was how tea is made. The different procedures it goes through, the different flavors and more.

Wisdom indeed is more precious than gold, silver, jewels and precious stones!

Next, I saw how Chocolate is made and thus almost seemed to have escaped into Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. 

Our next stop was the Tamil Nadu Sandal Emporium where I learned of the types of sandalwood and their countless benefits.  

On trying to find out an iconic old world cafe, took me to a cafe with the best Chicken and ham Burger in Ooty, Willy's, located close to main bus stand and market of the town. The Cafe is home to some really old and rare books and also the best hot Chocolate I've  tasted since Moody's.  

My adventure for the day thus concluded and await for my final day in Ooty, tomorrow. 

To summarize, an Urdu Sher for my readers, "Hum Musafir hai janaab,  char diwaron se humari tallukh kya hai? Rahe hum chunte nahi rahe qhudh Hume chun leti hai! Issi liye janaab, hume malcom nahin kab ghar basaenge " (I am a traveler, my friend, what relationship have I with 4 walls? My friend,  I do not choose my paths, the road chooses me. And thus, I know not, whether I will ever settle down!)