Drove down from Bengaluru to Chamraj Tea Estate in the Nilgiris, a
distance of 350 kms.
Once you cross
Mysuru (Mysore) it becomes more scenic, especially when you go past the
Bandipur National Park and the Madumalai National Park.
Chamraj is famous for their “Chamraj Golden Tip”, an extra
special quality of Nilgiris tea leaf always fetching a record price. Specially
hand plucked Chamraj Golden Tips come from the Chamraj Estate, just west of
Conoor, a property belonging to The
United Nilgiri Tea Estate Ltd.
If Chamraj was at the southwest end of Nilgiris “Kotercherry” or Kotagherry was at the north
eastern end, now known as Kotagiri. The place is simply beautiful.
It was the first table land to be reached by the Europeans when Wish and Kindersly ‘discovered’ the cool of the jungle heights in 1819 while pursuing a band of smugglers. It was their ‘discovery’ that led John Sullivan to establish a home in Kotagiri. Of those Europeans who followed Sullivan and opened the Nilgiris, it was said, “If you live in Conoor, you live till 80, if you live in Ooty you will live till 90, but in Kotagiri you will have to be shot!” He wasn’t shot but, John Erskine lived till he was 100 after he arrived in Kotagiri.
The tea gardens are lush with tea leaves. On a clear sky you
get to see the lovely sunrise and sun set
Spotted some coffee plants too here.
If you have the
patience you are likely to spot different species of birds
I saw one land crab who was in two minds about staying put and
carry on with his feeding (see video)
We had those “Chamraj Golden Tip” in one of the tea stalls
where it was freshly prepared for us
and some tasty “parippu wada” after a long time.
The military establishments in this area are
well maintained.
On the way back, while passing through the Madumalai National Park, there was this tusker who gave us a threatening charge as we slowed down (can be seen in the video) He was probably trying to protect this little one in the herd.
20 comments:
Excellent , excellent! Just lived the documentary so much, the little nuances like the shot in the rear mirror of the car tells a lot about your observation, bravo!
I agree with padmaja - you are truly observant and can catch the special moment.
I enjoyed this post.
Enjoy reading your blogs.. lovely shots.. capture the natural beauty of nature. Regards Joellan and fly.
Such amazing pictures. I think the thing that struck me most (oddly) was the picture of the trees on the hill. Something about their design is just so...odd. I guess I'm used to full-leaved trees like oaks.
Really good pictures!.Enjoyed the blog too.
Always wanted to visit Bandipur, Ooty and Conoor but somehow it hasn't happened as yet. Some day.....lovely pics.
Wow, that was awesome. You got some great shots.
the monkeys and elephants are my favorite. :) beautiful photos.
Beautiful pictures.
Your passion for travelling and exploring places is ....Wow.
What I admire the most is the way you share not just your experiences but also all the little details. - Shamla Mallela
What a lovely post.
I really liked all of your photo's, seeing the monkeys and elephants, the tea pickers too.
Thanks for sharing.
All the best Jan
I would love to explore here. What a fun trip. Reminds me of being in the wild.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
lovely pictures and the narration cool. Thank you for sharing with us. :)
I like that saying about living so long! That bodes well of the area for sure. The elephant is neat. I'm glad to see the tusks are removed, perhaps it will be safe from poachers I reckon.
Lovely captures and interesting narration.
Wonderful pictures. the tea and wadas must be a treat for you... :-)
Enjoyed the video, too...
Nice writeup and the pictures are superb. Congrats
Tomz
What a fascinating trip. I heard of these places from my mother and grandmother. It made me want to go there. for some reason your blog hasn't been showing up in my feed even though I followed you years ago.
What is that red building in Ooty?
Wonderful! Great trip :)
I enjoyed this so much, loved the video, thanks for sharing.
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