Mommy Travel Diaries. A child friendly holiday to Coonoor & Ooty

It’s been only a week since I am back from the Niligiris and I know a lot of people who are back from holidays are still recovering and introspecting life. Conversations at the hills would be why can’t I buy a small plot and build a beautiful home here and just live life. But the truth is very few people can take that plunge and maybe you still need a few more years before you can do that.

Holidays in India also make me realize that India is so incredibly beautiful that it will take me a lifetime to travel to every place and soak in the beauty, fresh air and culture. Over a casual games night one weekend the plan to head over to the hills for Diwali was made. Given that we’ve already been to Munnar, Coorg and Kodai we said lets head to Ooty this time. The immediate response in the house was no it will be too commercial and just like a typical hill station. Just then Google came to rescue and we moved base to Coonoor. So taking you straight to the details of getting there, accommodation, sightseeing and dining out options. Also just before you get packing don’t forget to see how to pack light and easy with kids. 

I would recommend anyone visiting to stay in Coonoor and do a day trip to Ooty.

Getting there:

The best way to get to Coonoor is from Coimbatore. You will find a lot of airlines flying into Coimbatore. You can take a car to drive you up the hills to Coonoor. The hills are winding and those with motion sickness it’s best to pop a pill and keep sick bags handy. If you are travelling with kids make sure you carry extra pair of change for yourself and the little one.

If you are hungry and wish to eat before the car ride begins do stop over at Annapurna restaurant at the metropolitan for a South Indian thali. The thali would comprise of rice,paratha, vegetables, delicious sambhar and rasam. Idli, dosa and noodles are also available but at specific hours.

Accommodation in Coonoor

There are various options to stay in Coonoor but we chose a farmstay at Acres Wild. The property has the best view of the hills and the food though inconsistent is the closest to home. What makes the stay at Acres Wild special is the unmatched view from the Haloumi House. The unruly rustic feel of the cottages, the casual conversations with the owners Mansoor & Tina, the accommodating staff Mary, Margaret and Munna. The kids have a fairly unstructured time creating their own games, wandering in the wild, walking up and down the hills, learning how to make soap, milk the cows and ofcourse cheese making. The feel of the place is very earthy and home like which is a huge draw for both adults and kids. It’s a real break from the city life. The kitchen includes a hot plate and basic utensils to make tea, coffee and something quick like oatmeal. You could also be a chef in the kitchen and whip up your own meal just like we did. You could get your supplies like pasta, olives, olive oil from the Organic Store and you are good to go. Acres Wild is about 2 kms away from the main bus stand and it can be tricky to get out in the evenings without a car.

Colby Cottage, Acres Wild

View from Acres Wild

The Gazebo outside Haloumi Cottage

A casual chat and conversation with the owner Mansoor Khan

The cow shed at Acres Wild

The food: The food is very basic but that’s what makes it special. Meal after meal will not feel rich and want you going back for home cooked food in two days. The breakfast includes Eggs, Toast, Homemade jam, Artisan cheese and a vegetarian option like poha, upma, idli etc. Lunch we stuck to the basics of Dal, Roti, sabji and rice. The food worked in our favour since we were with kids of all ages and we could pick and choose our veggies.

The Artisans Cheese made at Acres Wild and served for breakfast each morning.

If you plan on staying at Acres Wild for over 3 days then you may want to carry a few board games for the evenings when it gets dark soon. I would recommend you stay here for a minimum of 3 nights to enjoy the place to the fullest. The gazebo outside the Haloumi cottage is lovely and don’t miss watching on different species of birds, passing of the clouds and life away from life.

Soap Making at Acres Wild, Coonoor

We then went on to stay at the Gateway in Coonoor. A lovely property but right in the city centre. You will miss the hills and the view at Acres Wild when you get here. We used this time to do local sight seeing like visiting the Dolphins Nose, Lambs Rock and view of the tea estates. A day trip to Ooty was the plan on Day 2 at the Gateway. There are mini trains from Coonoor to Ooty and back and I would highly recommend you take this train ride atleast 1 way. Do check with the hotels for the train timings. There is a train at 7.40 and one at 10.40 a.m. You need to go an hour early to book your tickets. Make sure you get the ones in the First Class compartment. the trains are clean and the view beautiful. There is no washroom in the train so incase you are travelling with children go easy on the fluids. We  then stopped by for a quick lunch at the Ooty Gymkhana since we had a friend there. If you know someone in Ooty the golf course here definitely makes it worth a visit.

Nakul and Me trying to do a Dilwale here.

We then headed to the Pykara Boating Club and this is something you definitely cannot miss. It was one the best views I have ever seen. the lake is clean surrounded by forest on all side. Make sure you take the 8 seater open boat if you love pictures as much as I do.

At the Pyakara Boating Club. Try and take the 8 seater open boats for an uninterrupted view.

At the Pykara Boating Club

We then headed to the Glenmorgan Tea Estate for a quick Tea break and lunch. The distances are far from one point to the other so make sure you carry enough food to snack on in the car or budget time for meals.

Places to visit in Ooty:

1. Pykara Boat Club
2. Glenmorgan Tea Estate
3. Botanical Gardens: Keep atleast an hour to visit this one
4. Honey & Bee Museum
5. Avalanche Lake & Toda Huts

The last day in Coonoor was spent playing outdoor sports like Throw ball, cycling, skating, badminton, frisbee and football at the Gateway. The Gateway has enough outdoor and indoor sports equipment so be a kid and enjoy time with your children. The food at the Gateway is just average in some cases but their south Indian spread is great. Stick to local cuisines and you won’t be disappointed. The service however is brilliant and the staff is extremely helpful.

We also traveled to Ketty Valley to see all the lovely schools in Ooty and dined at the absolutely lovely ‘The Culinarium’

This will be your go to place for some great continental food, coffee and desserts. You must pack in the breads and desserts for some late night meal in your room. You must drop in here atleast for one meal. The other place we dropped by for a meal was at McIver 180 which has great rooms and a great view but really bad food.

We found a great Local Car hire guy with great service, clean cars and reliable drivers. His name is Dinesh and you can connect with him on +919488065722.

Make sure you check on the monsoons. October & November tend to not only get cold but also experience North East monsoons.

Things to Carry:

1. A lot of warm clothing but more jackets than woolens. The weather keeps changing so make sure you try and layer instead of heavy clothing. Carry lots of trousers, leggings and denims for kids.
2. Carry walking shoes
3. Hats and sunglasses
4. Carry Rain jackets as it often rains especially during October & November
5. Food everything is available at the Green Store or at the Coonoor market including Diapers, wipes and other childrens supplies.

If you have been to Conoor and Ooty then share your experience with us in the comments below or on our Facebook page here or on Twitter here with the #Mommytraveldiaries

If you would like to share about your holiday with kids to any other destination then please email us at [email protected]