Some journeys only take you to new places, but the best ones reach your heart and make you feel different inside. This is how I would sum up my experience travelling on the journey from Delhi to Ooty via Ram Setu. It was a really great mix of visiting religious sites, 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
We took 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, passing through Ram Setu, touches your soul and connects you deeply with the land.
When we got to southern India, I noticed that the areas were getting greener and greener. I was welcomed in Coimbatore by nice weather and a feeling of calm around me. We took a quick cab ride to get to Rameswaram’s railway station for our train ride.
A Train Ride to the Temple 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 life in Tamil Nadu.
The train started the day on the shore of mainland India, and after a while, we went over the Pamban Bridge, with the ocean all around us. I looked out the window and saw a big blue ocean that went on and on. It felt like I was right in the middle of the sea instead of being on a train.
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 Temple
This grand temple is built for Lord Shiva, and people think it’s one of the twelve most important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The corridor, which measures 1,200 meters in length with over 1,000 pillars, shows the skill of Dravidian architecture. After taking a ritual bath in each of the 22 temple wells, I offered my prayers. Just being at the place made me feel calm and stronger inside.
Dhanushkodi
Dhanushkodi is a small town that people left deserted after 1964 cyclone. It now at the southern tip of India, where the Bay of Bengal meet the Indian Ocean. We drove through the dusty, sandy roads in a jeep. The broken remains of the church, school, and railway station made it clear that a massive storm had hit the town back 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 Ram Setu (formerly called Adam’s Bridge).
A legend tells that Lord Ram built the bridge across the water to reach Lanka. Looking at quiet waters 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 feels that where she lay is 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 bells 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 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 understanding one another through 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.
Vibishan Temple
This temple is a small but significant place built to honor Vibishan. The people living in this region believe it stands for honesty and goodness. It’s simple, peaceful, and leaves a lasting impression.
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 Zoomcar.
Traveling to Ooty (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 are turned from leaves into the drinks we enjoy 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 reminded me of 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 over the years.
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 learnings 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: Light fabrics for Rameswaram, and warm clothes are better in Ooty.
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