Wellington In Nilgiris Is A Quiet Slip Tucked Between Ooty & Coonoor

Not many of us are aware of the fact that if it goes with serenity and charm, South India outshines North India on numerous levels. While most of South India terrain is about the thick expanse of nature reserve prevailing over the Ghats, there’s more to those magical landscapes where lie unique experiences. These places studded with a myriad of activities make for every nature seeker’s perfect delight!

To soak in the magical bliss of the south, I’d recommend everyone a trip to the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve. India’s oldest biosphere reserve – the Nilgiris is the thickest canopy of green flourishing in the South and a pretty place to explore. Riding high on motivation, I set for Coonoor & Wellington – Nilgiri’s prized possession, this summer.

Perfectly connected with Coimbatore, Wellington cuts the picture of a dreamy mountain sojourn. Magical views, imposing Doddabetta mountains at a stone’s throw distance, Ooty and Coonoor in the close proximity, and infinite trails in and around the mountains make Wellington an exciting place to be.

After learning about its wonderful biodiversity and stunning outdoors, I was lured into a trip to Wellington, and what could be a perfect time to explore the place other than the peak summer. Central and plains of north India become really unbearable during summers!

So, when Delhi was getting roasted at 43 degrees, I decided to pack my backpack and flee to Wellington in Tamil Nadu. To my liking, I was greeted by a perfect 13-degrees outdoor, garnished with crisp mountain air soaked in monsoon drizzles, and lukewarm sunlight. During my stay, I relished the best that Wellington, Coonoor, and Ooty combined had to offer!

Wellington – Getting there!

By air: National highway Wellington to Coimbatore, which means it’s not at all easy to get there. Coimbatore, being an international airport is well connected with major Indian airports.

By rail: Coimbatore and Mettupalayam are the nearest railheads located at a distance of 70 km and 38 km respectively.

By road: Coimbatore and Ooty are nearest cities from where Wellington can be accessed by road easily. While Ooty is only 13 km far, Coimbatore is 70 km from Wellington.

Most memorable experiences at Wellington alongwith Coonoor and Ooty

i) Local trails and hikes

When in mountains, trekking remains my favorite activity. Soon after I entered the MRC Wellington campus, my eyes were prompt to figure out all the small and interesting trails that made for interesting hikes in the coming days. There are plenty of hikes in the DSSC area that lead to the nearby village and further to the base of the Doddabetta Mountains that over Wellington.

I was quick to figure out a couple of hiking trails that lasted for a couple of hours. After talking to a few locals I got to know that there is Doddabetta Mountain base, which also makes for a popular film shooting spot. Yes, it’s that fascinating.

ii) Heartwarming flora existing indigenously

Wellington is a florist’s delight! The pretty flowers of different colors flourish in the wild scattered amidst the thick greenery of DSSC all around. You just need to look around to see awesomeness existing in various hues.

and here’s another one…

I was completely mesmerized at the sight of these charming lovelies.

iii) Local transport

Local most prominent and apparently the only mode of local transport in the region is the government bus. While they make the cheapest transport option they are super quick with some of the safest pairs of hands behind the steering.

It’s fun and exciting at the same time. Auto rickshaw/cab is the other mode of local transport which is available plenty but you’re certainly not going to like their fares if you’re traveling on a budget.

iv) Road trip to Ooty

To reach Ooty all you need to do is drive for 1-hour from Wellington at a speed of 20-25 kmph. The ride is pretty smooth, and as you would be involved looking a the magnificent vistas all around you wouldn’t even realize when the 18 km distance spanned.

v) Boating & adventure rides at Ooty Lake

The fact that Ooty is one of the most popular places to visit in South India in summer makes it a super crowded tourist spot. Lake and boating activities, rose garden, and adventure rides in the lake premises make it a places ideal for family, especially kids.

Certainly not for solo travelers or experience seekers. I declare this place as a perfect family outing spot.

v) Handmade chocolates

You just can’t leave Wellington, Ooty, or Coonoor without loading yourself with cocoa rich local handmade chocolates. These mouthwatering boxes of delight that can be easily found in local confectionaries, or by the roadside, sold by local small-scale business owners. Rich in flavor, low on sugar, and variety in taste, you just can’t leave Wellington without these trying the handmade chocolates.

and some idli…