Walk In The Clouds At COONOOR

With the plains roasting in the summer heat, what could be better than escaping to an altitude of nearly 2,000 m above sea level? That's where Coonoor is, making a perfect for a short break from Bengalore or Chennai  season. Located in Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, Coonnor, is less touristy than nearby Ooty, beckons with its cool climes, green vistas, tea estates and opportunities for trekking. There's much to see and do here. To begin with, head to Hidden Valley, lush and green, se against dramatic mountainscapes. Much of it can be explored only on foot, so it's a splendid trekking zone. If the route is challenging, the rewards are the spectacular views at every turn.

Go also to Droog Fort which served as Tipu Sultan's outpost in 18th century --reached after a three-km trek through tea gardens. Only some parts of this fort remain now, but you can recall history and delve into the past in this picturesque setting. The watch tower of the fort provides a vantage spot from which to take in great views.

Other things to do in Coonoor include an outing to Catherine Falls, an impressive double cascade in Kotagiri. Lamb's Rock is a lookout point providing sweeping views of the Coimbatore plains. A trip to Sim's Park, a fetching botanical garden set amidst shola forests, provides for hours of pleasant walking.

You can also walk past High field Tea Estate and get some insights into the process of tea-making at Guernsey Tea Factory. Coonoor is also home to a rich Toda tribal culture and you can buy tribal crafts and artefacts at the charming Green Shop here.

Getting There: Coonoor is about 280 km from Bengalore six-hour drive via Mysore. Coonoor is just 20 km from Ooty.

Stay: Do it in style and stay at the luxurious Kurumba Village Resort which has a superb setting and great service.

Shopping: Local produce is a nice thing to take back from Coonoor. Check out the stores that sell wild honey and handmade chocolates and take them back home for friends and family.

SAPUTARA, The Spendour of The Sahyadris

Saputara nestles at high altitude in the Sahyadri range, but it is so much more than just another hill station. It is situated on a plateau in the Dang Forest and the Sarpganga which flows through it adds to its beauty. Early risers should head to Sunrise Point, which is just 1.5 km away, to be enthralled by a spectacular show in the sky. Even at other times, you get lovely views of the hills from here. There are  some beautifully laid-out gardens in Saputara and Rose Garden comes alive with blooms in-season. The Lake Garden, by Saputara Lake, is a popular attractions and the landscaping of the Step Garden also draws visitors. 

Head out of town to Gira Waterfall, with the water cascading from a height of 30 feet into the Ambika river. It is at its best just after the monsoon and November is a very good time to see this sights. 
About 60 km from Saputara, near Waghai, is the Unnai Mata Temple and the hot springs which every visitor to the area must experience. The warm spring waters are believed to have curative properties. In Saputara there is also a little gem of a museum showcasing the tribal lifestyle. You are bound to enjoy the display of jewellery, tools and other everyday objects used by the Dangi People. Also visit the Gandharvapur Artist Village, a culture center where you can learn about the unique arts and crafts of the region.

Tips From Unveil India: Some hotels arrange special tribal dance performance for groups. Check these out if you like an extra does of local culture.

Drive: Saputara is 280 km from Mumbai  and it's a comfortable drive that takes just over four hours. You will pass pretty vineyards beyond Nashik and Dindori.

Stay: The Patang Lords Eco Inn has a prime location, overlooking  the lake, and several room look out over the water body. Sapatura also has several B&Bs for budget travellers.

Shopping: Buy some Warli art work as memento of your trip to Saputara you wil also find other souvenirs at the Gandharvapur Artist Village.

Chiplun, A River Runs Through It

Chiplun, in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district, lies on the Mumbai-Goa driving route and makes for the perfect short break. Here, surrounded by unspoiled nature, you can slow down and find an antidote for city-included stress.

Chiplun is also known as the abode of Lord Parshurama and has a famous temple dedicated to him. The Vashishti river meanders through the little town, lending it a definite serenity. It looks spectacular in the morning light. Sunsets across the river are another of Chiplun's top attractions and you must catch one, too. 
On weekend trip to Chiplun visit the 300-years-old Parshurama temple, which draws scores of devotees. Go also to the Marleshwar temple. Spend some time at the Shivaji museum which showcases various aspects of the life of Chhattrapati Shivaji. 

Ten km from Chiplun, set in the Vashishti river, is the small island of Gowalkot which houses a fort dating back to 1690. This is a big draw for trekkers who reach the top of the fort to be rewarded with superb views. The route to Nageshwar Temple is also popular with tekkers and exhilarating without being too difficult. The laterite Pandava Caves  are also must-see when you are in Chiplun. With the monsoon just receding, the Sawatsada Falls, not far from the Parasurama Temple, will be in full flow and are well worth visiting as is the Koyna Dam. The Nehru Smriti Udyan is a good spot from which to take in this awe-inspiring dam.

Getting There: Chiplun is 320 km from Mumbai and makes for a hotel that has a river view.

Stay: There are local plenty of accommodation choices in Chiplun. Look for a hotel that has a river view.

Eat: Eat the local Malvan cuisine when in Chiplun. The seafood is excellent and the jack fruit chips are a speciality.

Chikmagalur, Coffee Break In Cool Climes

They say the first coffee on the subcontinent was planted in Chikmagalur, the seeds brought by Baba Budan, for whom there is a shrine here. Naturally the coffee culture perfumes the very air of Chikmagalur and strolling through lush plantations, carpeted in green, is part of the experience here. So is relaxing at homestays on coffee estates and sipping some excellent coffees brewed just right. Coffee-lovers can also visit the Coffee Yatra Museum to take in the history and legend surrounding the bean and drink and learn how to tell Arabic from Peaberry. 

Chikmagalur is home to   Karanataka's highest peak, Mulayanagiri, and this rugged, mountainous terrain is a perfect destination for trekking enthusiasts.

The climb to Kemmanagundi is another exhilarating adventure and as your reward there are sweeping views of the hills veiled in mist. Other adventures in the region include rafting down the river Bhadra which loops around Chikmagalur, now placid, now frisky. Outdoor companies such as Capture arrange these rafting rips and most resorts and homestays which will help you connect with them.

If your idea of great weekend break is a few rounds on the green, It has its club with a very well maintained nine-hole course. The other club you could drop in at--if you know a member--the Kadur club, a Raj-era club that seems still frozen in time. During the break in this utterly relaxing destination, you should also take the opportunity to explore the unique Malnad cuisine of the region, which includes kadubu and unusual chutneys.

Tip from Let's Unveil India: Carry your wooillies, because it can get quiete cold up in the mountains at this time of the year.

Shopping at Chikmagalur: Don't leave town without some coffee. None of the supermarket stuff comes anything close to estate-ground beans.

Where to Stay?

If you are looking for luxury, check into the Serai, run by the cafe coffee day folks. There are plenty of less expensive lodge available here.

Getting There: Chickmagalur is 280 km from Bengalore and makes for a comfortable and enjoyable road trip.