TREKKING THROUGH TEA PLANTATIONS
Level : Easy to Moderate. Total distance : 17 kms approx. Terrain: Tea plantations
The best way to experience the Nilgiris is finding a trail. There are quite a few well-trod trails, and some unexplored ones. I coordinated with a Bangalore-based trek organizer, who were scheduled to trek Kotagiri hills the following day.
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| Trekking through the tea plantations of Kotagiri hills, Nilgiris |
Tip : Trekking is done best with an experienced trek guide/ organizer and with a group, thus making it enjoyable and safe.
With an early start and a few hitches, I finally managed to reach the base camp at Kotagiri hills. After being introduced to the group and a quick breakfast we began the trek around 8 am.
Initial trail of Kotagiri trek
The initial trail was absolutely fun and held promises for a great day ahead... The landscape for the most part of this trek is through tea and coffee plantations, which no doubt is utterly scenic and endearing.
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| view of the valley and an expanse of greenery- Kotagiri trek, Coonoor |
A 360° view of this vast expanse of soothing greenery and mist-laden valleys had me thinking: 'what if I had walked this trail alone, no doubt I would surely have lost my way'.
First break along Kotagiri trail
We reached a small rocky plateau, where we took our first break. After sharing refreshments and some tête-à-tête, I learnt the group had come by an overnight seater bus from Bangalore , and most of them hardly slept a wink that night.
Second break along Kotagiri trail
Re-energized, we continued the trek. Some guys played music which was fun, we chatted, exchanged stories till we reached the second breakpoint~ a small village where some guys got to play football with the local kids.
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| Trekking the Kotagiri trail, Coonoor |
Catherine falls, Coonoor
As the slopes got steeper, the climb got excruciatingly tough and painful, and I consoled myself at seeing a first-timer being literally pushed forward by her faithful friends. Our goal was to reach Catherine Falls by afternoon.
Finally the sound of the waterfall in the distance brought a fresh boost of energy and we reached it in no time. We had lunch, got our feet wet and then began our return to the campsite.
Return trek to campsite
The thought of a downhill climb on our return, was comforting. It was about 4 pm when we stopped by a tea factory, which I really wish we hadn't. The tour was engaging, but the tea dust was choking my lungs. After a great deal of time wasted, and not a single cup of tea offered to us, we continued... My legs ached and a sense of boredom set in, and I wondered why did the trek have to be so long?!
The evening sun threw a new light on the plantations, making it look so magical. Gentle bison were getting their snack amongst the shrubs, but we really had to double our pace to reach the campsite before sundown. And we finally did!
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| bison grazing on the slopes of Kotagiri hills |
Afterall all's well, that ends well! After shower and change we had the usual merriment ~ lighthearted fun, antakshari, songs and a delightful buffet spread.
Conclusion
Although the terrain is easy, mostly through tea and coffee plantations, the trek duration is way too much (17 kms) for a single day, and can get boring at times, not to mention aching feet.
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| Camping amongst tea-plantations at Niligiris Tamil nadu |
There is always the option of only camping and having a fun time instead of trekking + camping.
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