A Beautiful Journey from Delhi to Ooty Via Ram Setu

Some journeys only take you to new places, but the best kinds reach your heart and make you feel different inside. This is how I would sum up my experience traveling on the Journey from Delhi to Ooty Via Ram Setu. It was a really great blend of visiting religious sights, seeing amazing scenery, going up into the mountains, and making good connections with other people. Over the course of the blog, I’ll go over every part of my journey from the busy airports to exploring temples and hills and enjoying dark chocolate in the Nilgiris.

Flying from Delhi to Coimbatore – Journey to the Southern Part of India

We boarded a flight from Delhi to Coimbatore in the morning and reached Coimbatore, after a journey of around 3 hours.

The journey from Delhi to Ooty via Ramsetu connects you spiritually to the land

when we got to southern India, I could notice that the areas were getting greener and greener. I was welcomed in Coimbatore by nice weather and a sense of calm around me. We took a quick ride in a cab to get to Rameswaram’s railway station for my train ride.

A Train Ride to the Sacred Shrine of Rameswaram

It took us 11 hours to finish the train journey from Coimbatore to Rameswaram, but I still enjoyed every second. I talked with a couple from Madurai who had recently retired and shared their experiences from South Indian temples and living in Tamil Nadu. The train started the day on the shore of mainland India and before long, it crossed the Pamban Bridge that crosses the sea over water.

While looking through the window, all I could spot was a huge blue ocean stretching out as far as my eye could reach. It felt like I was right in the midst of the sea instead of being on the boat.

Temples, History & Emotions in Rameswaram

As soon as you step out of Rameswaram station, you can sense the strong spiritual atmosphere of the place.

Ramanathaswamy Mandir

This grand temple is built for Lord Shiva, and people think it’s one of the holiest ones out of twelve similar temples. The corridor, which measures 1,200 meters in length, with over 1,000 pillars, shows the skill of Dravidian architecture. I paid my prayers after taking a holy dip in every one of the 22 temple wells. Just being at the place made me feel calm and stronger inside.

Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi is a town that was abandoned after the cyclone of 1964 and it is now found at the very south of India near where the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean come together. We cruised through sandy roads in a jeep. It was obvious from the ruins of the church, school and railway station that a big storm destroyed the town in 1964. Even though the ocean can be strong, it is still very beautiful to see. Ever since I reached Arichal Munai, on the southernmost tip of India, I could see the first part of Ramsetu (formerly called Adam’s Bridge).

A legend tells that Lord Ram built the bridge across the water to reach Lanka. Seeing the endless shallow sea before me gave me goosebumps. Whether you think the story is true or not, there is definitely something special about the place.

A Personal Moment at Dhanushkodi:

I spotted an old man sitting on a rock at Arichal Munai as I looked at the crashing waves and the sun setting. Right after taking a picture with him, I got an opportunity to chat with him a little. He explained that since his wife died in the tsunami of 2004, he has been coming to this place every year. He understood that where she lay was a source of comfort for him.

The man described how the town was full of life, had a busy railway station, and was woken up by temple bell ringing daily, all before the cyclone of 1964 devastated everything. After sitting for a few minutes with the wind and the sounds of the waves, I felt something different happening inside of me. The grief and deep faith the stranger had made me think of Dhanushkodi as more than just a place; it was an emotion about knowing one another over the passage of time.

The short amount of time we shared left a lasting impression on me during the trip. I remembered that some people we’ve never met before can still have a strong effect on us.

Vibhishan Temple

This temple is a small but significant place built to honor Vibhishan. The people living in this region believe it stands for honesty and goodness. It is calm, uncomplicated, and sends a powerful message.

Return back to Coimbatore & Drive to Ooty

We got on the train from Rameswaram to Coimbatore. After having a good night’s sleep and enjoying filter coffee on the train, we arrived at Coimbatore early in the morning and picked up an SUV rental car for the hills. I booked it in advance through Zoom car.

Traveling to Ooty (at about 3.5 hours) is a magnificent experience, with plenty of hairpin bends, scenic tea fields, and clouds greeting me along the way. We had many breaks along the way, at the Ketti Valley Viewpoint, drinking tea on the side of the road, and by a small waterfall.

A Hill Station Full of Charm – Ooty

I spent the next 3 days in Ooty, and each day turned out to be different and interesting in its own way.

Chocolate & Coffee

• Benchmark Tea & Coffee Factory: I walked through the small museum and saw how tea and coffee get turned from leaves into the drinks we drink every day. There was a rich and earthy flavor in the tasting session. Their filter coffee powder is something you really need to pick up if you’re a fan of coffee.
• Homemade Chocolate Factory: It was amazing to see chocolate being added to molds and left in trays to cool down. My snacks included some fig & almond bars and some dark mint slabs. The smell of the place was good enough to make the trip worth it.

Toy Train & Botanical Beauty

• Nilgiri Mountain Railway is another name for the well-known Toy Train. It was a short journey by car from Ooty to Lovedale. As the train passed through tunnels, over bridges and alongside forests, it made me remember the days I used to travel when I was young.
• Botanical Gardens: Taking up a vast area, it is peaceful and has many green spaces, as well as unusual trees and flowers. You can see the beauty of the city best in the morning.
• Evening at Charring Cross Market: I picked up eucalyptus oil, a set of handmade soaps, woollen scarves, and some freshly picked spices. The liveliness of the town is something to appreciate.

Peaks and Pastries

• Doddabetta Peak: The best place in the Nilgiris is the top, offering a great view of misty hills and the world around. Going early in the morning is the best way to appreciate the forest.
• Café Hop: We decided to try The Culinarium and Ooty Coffee House, as they serve very good freshly baked goods, cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate.

The people of Ooty were friendly and really inviting. I even had a long chat with an old tea worker who told me about life in the tea estates during British times and how things got better as years went by.

Where I Stayed: Hotel & Homestay Recommendations

• In Rameswaram: Hotel Temple Towers is not too expensive, is right next to the temple, and makes sure the rooms are always cleaned well.
• In Ooty: Glyngarth Resort – It costs more, but the nice views, good food, and comfortable rooms are really worth paying for. Zostel Ooty is a wonderful choice for travelers looking to save money.
• In Coimbatore (return night): Hotel Kiscol Grands is close to the airport and is a nice spot to stay for one night.

Coimbatore to Delhi

I finished off my trip by driving the rental car from Ooty to Coimbatore and returned it with no issues. I felt that everything was complete when I got on my flight home to Delhi that night.

While on the plane, I recalled all the experiences and learning from the trip. Understanding what’s important, a peaceful atmosphere up the mountain, emotional moments to remember, and a lot of interesting culture are some of the benefits I experienced. It wasn’t just a vacation. Each activity on my trip challenged all my senses, and the memories I gained will always stay with me.

Travel Tips:

• Best Time to Go: From October through March, the weather is most pleasant, as there is not as much humidity.
• Book Train Tickets Early: For Rameswaram and the toy train, it is a really nice thing to experience.
• Food to Try in Rameswaram: There are many dishes, for example, lemon rice, pongal, and the South Indian thali.
• Food to Try in Ooty: I enjoy eating mushroom pepper fry, chocolate fudge, and having a cup of filter coffee.
• Clothing: Need light fabrics for Rameswaram, and warm clothes are better in Ooty.

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