Chai, Chocolate and Books: A Guide to Ooty’s Hidden Gems

If you had to make a ‘Top 5’ list of favourite hill stations in India, chances are Ooty would figure on that list. Nicknamed the ‘Queen of the Hills’, Ooty was once the summer abode of British officers and administrators trying to escape the torrid Madras heat. The misty, blue Nilgiris, the grassy pines dotted with eucalyptus trees and the colonial heritage has ensured that Ooty remain a popular tourist destination over the years. Beyond the scenic beauty, Ooty offers quite a bit for the shopper and the foodie. Here are six experiences that are guaranteed to make your stay at this quaint hill destination an unforgettable one.

Go Chai Shopping at Dodabetta Tea Factory

Sprawling with tea plantations, Ooty produces a wide range of teas from green, black and white to flavours such as cardamom, jasmine, masala and even chocolate. Try stopping at Doddabetta Tea Museum and Factory for an exhibition. Later, you could sample and buy some of their excellent choices in tea. Modern Stores on Garden Road and Nilgiri Tea at Alexander Cottage are some other options.

Discover Earl’s Secret at King’s Cliff

Once a club for the British gentry, King’s Cliff Mansion has been remodelled into a hotel. But its best-kept secret is the culinary delights at its restaurant, Earl’s Secret. Offering mughlai, chinese and continental fare to its patrons, the restaurant is a popular choice for tourists and locals alike. The lovely natural surroundings and the historical mansion add to the experience. 

Gorge on Handmade Chocolates at King Star

This is law: if you visit Ooty, do not return without a few boxes of handmade chocolate. The mecca for Ooty’s handmade chocolate is King Star. Built in 1942, this chocolate confectionery has more than forty delicious flavours of chocolate (and yes, free samples are offered to taste). The chocolates are reasonably priced and quite unlike any other you may have tried. This is a must-visit!

Dig Into Thin-crust Pizzas at Sidewalk Café

One of the more popular options if you’re craving American/Italian, Sidewalk Café is a popular choice for vegetarians and pizza lovers. The wood-fired oven here works overtime to cater to the demands of the guests and while some might say the food is a bit overpriced, the quality more than makes up for it.

Go Postcard-hunting at Higginbothams

Ooty’s oldest and most famous bookstore is located in a heritage building right across the Collectorate. Book lovers will find plenty of aisles stacked with books to keep them busy browsing. The backdrop of the Nilgiris in the distance doesn’t hurt either. Make sure you browse through the postcard section here and do have a chat with Mani, the proprietor, who gives excellent recommendations for books to buy on almost any topic.  

There’s much more you can do while in Ooty, from trekking and angling to simply relaxing by the lake, but these out-of-the-box experiences are something you shouldn’t miss out on. So next time you’re inOoty, make your trip memorable, and don’t forget the chocolates!