Trip to Coonoor
As IG's we are supposed to have Monday as a day off. Both Andrew and I teach until 10:20 so our day is somewhat abbreviated.
On August 27 we decided to go to Coonoor by train. There were 6 of us in two auto-rickshaws. We purchased 2nd class tickets for 6 Rs and then joined the mob for a position on the platform. When the train arrived a security guard had to clear a path so that the people could get off the train. We then all pushed to get through the narrow door. Several times two people tried to go through at the same time to no avail. Eventually we were all on board and the same guard then asked the people who were standing to leave our coach and get in another coach.
We thought we were facing the front of the train. In fact we were facing the rear. As we went down from 2200 m to 1700 m we had to keep turning around to look out the window to enjoy the view. There was much to see. I did manage to take some pictures and they will be posted later.
At Coonoor we wanted to find the Tranquility Restaurant so that we could enjoy lunch. The auto-rickshaw driver took us to the "Quality" Restaurant. We insisted on Tranquility and they drove us to upper town. After a few stops and questions we were on our way up even higher. Finally we reached "TranquiliTea" tea brokers. We were shown several teas - Silver tip, Golden tip, Organic green/black, Frost tea, and several others. The tea is made at 70 degrees and not with boiling water. This brings out the taste, etc.
We chose out tea, I had golden tip, and something to eat. Most had scones, I had a walnut square with fresh cream! The tea was pleasant. However, I was disappointed in that it was not hotter.
The rain came and we had to find an auto to take us back down. The local bus arrived and for 2.5 Rs we jumped on the bus for the ride back to town. And what a ride it was. The bus driver kept one hand on the horn and some how managed to navigate his way between cars, trucks, autos and pedestrians as well as the occasional cow or goat. Fortunately I found a seat with the locals and was jostled about nearly sliding off the seat as the bus stopped while going down hill. We had a good laugh.
Once back in town we had a South Indian thali meal on a banana leaf for 40 Rs which we thought was reasonable. Upon sharing the cost back at school we were informed that 25 Rs would have been plenty. Oh well, I guess we were caught as tourists.
The train ride back up was uneventful as our train was waiting in the station. Unfortunately the rain spoiled the view. In all a delightful day off. We saw some of the country and also how the locals travel.
On August 27 we decided to go to Coonoor by train. There were 6 of us in two auto-rickshaws. We purchased 2nd class tickets for 6 Rs and then joined the mob for a position on the platform. When the train arrived a security guard had to clear a path so that the people could get off the train. We then all pushed to get through the narrow door. Several times two people tried to go through at the same time to no avail. Eventually we were all on board and the same guard then asked the people who were standing to leave our coach and get in another coach.
We thought we were facing the front of the train. In fact we were facing the rear. As we went down from 2200 m to 1700 m we had to keep turning around to look out the window to enjoy the view. There was much to see. I did manage to take some pictures and they will be posted later.
At Coonoor we wanted to find the Tranquility Restaurant so that we could enjoy lunch. The auto-rickshaw driver took us to the "Quality" Restaurant. We insisted on Tranquility and they drove us to upper town. After a few stops and questions we were on our way up even higher. Finally we reached "TranquiliTea" tea brokers. We were shown several teas - Silver tip, Golden tip, Organic green/black, Frost tea, and several others. The tea is made at 70 degrees and not with boiling water. This brings out the taste, etc.
We chose out tea, I had golden tip, and something to eat. Most had scones, I had a walnut square with fresh cream! The tea was pleasant. However, I was disappointed in that it was not hotter.
The rain came and we had to find an auto to take us back down. The local bus arrived and for 2.5 Rs we jumped on the bus for the ride back to town. And what a ride it was. The bus driver kept one hand on the horn and some how managed to navigate his way between cars, trucks, autos and pedestrians as well as the occasional cow or goat. Fortunately I found a seat with the locals and was jostled about nearly sliding off the seat as the bus stopped while going down hill. We had a good laugh.
Once back in town we had a South Indian thali meal on a banana leaf for 40 Rs which we thought was reasonable. Upon sharing the cost back at school we were informed that 25 Rs would have been plenty. Oh well, I guess we were caught as tourists.
The train ride back up was uneventful as our train was waiting in the station. Unfortunately the rain spoiled the view. In all a delightful day off. We saw some of the country and also how the locals travel.
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12:23 PM
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