Bangalore to Ooty: A Spontaneous Weekend Adventure with Friends!

Bangalore to Ooty Adventure.

It was a Friday night, and the usual pub scene just wasn’t cutting it for us. We were bored of the same old routine and craved an adventure. Every Friday we used to do the same. Hit the bar, drink some good liquor, try different cuisines, and come back home. We wanted to do something different this time. That’s when the idea struck – let’s go on a long drive tonight.

Our trip to Ooty

We hopped on the Zoom car app, ready to find our escape wheels. Here’s the catch: most cars were booked solid as it was the weekend. The only option left was a 48-hour rental. Now, we weren’t planning a grand expedition, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures! We figured, “What the heck?” and booked it anyway. They charged a pretty hefty amount including the weekend surcharge but we were too desperate to pay it without any hiccups. It was 1 AM, and our impromptu weekend-long drive was officially underway.

We hit the road, the open highway stretching endlessly before us. We thought of driving towards Rasta Cafe – a traveler’s night out place in Bangalore but we have been there before so started looking for new options for a long drive. As the miles flew by, we realized we had come too far from Bangalore city and thought why couldn’t we utilize this opportunity and explore a new place?

A new destination popped into our heads – Ooty, the Queen of Hills! With a 48-hour car at our disposal, why not? Little did we know, this decision would lead to an unforgettable adventure.

Since none of my friends knew how to drive, the responsibility fell on me. After an overnight long drive, we reached the Ooty border around 6 AM. Craving some caffeine and energy for the day ahead, we stopped at a Cafe Coffee Day for a much-needed breakfast.

Belly full and spirits high, we continued our journey. We entered Bandipur National Park, driving slowly with the hope of spotting some wildlife. Unfortunately, our luck wasn’t with us that day – all we saw were some deer and monkeys. Still, the excitement of the potential encounter kept our adrenaline pumping. There is a routine checkup you have to pass through at the Bandipur National Park crossing where they check for liquor, hookahs, or drugs and ensure you enter the state clean.

Finally, at around 8 AM, the rolling hills of Ooty greeted us. The view was breathtaking, and the excitement in the car was off the charts. We rolled down the windows, blasting music, and soaking in the fresh mountain air. Everywhere we looked – a photo opportunity! We stopped often, capturing memories of our spontaneous adventure.

Now, here’s the thing: we were so caught up in the excitement of planning this last-minute trip that booking a hotel completely slipped our minds. No worries though! We parked the car, found a nearby dhaba, freshened up, and then hit the streets of Ooty, ready to explore.

The day was a whirlwind of activity. We strolled through the charming town, indulging in delicious local treats. We bought boxes of chocolates, a must-have from Ooty, and marveled at the sprawling tea farms and the fascinating process of making jaggery. We even ventured out to Coonoor to witness the stunning Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint.

By the time evening rolled around, we were exhausted but exhilarated. It had been a non-stop day, and I, the designated driver, had been at the wheel for most of it. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel an ounce of fatigue. The adrenaline and excitement of the trip kept me going.

With heavy eyelids and satisfied smiles, we piled back into the car and began the journey back to Bangalore. The drive was smooth sailing – my friends snoozed peacefully as I navigated the familiar roads. Within 6 hours, we were back home, successfully completing our epic 24-hour Ooty adventure.

We still had a day left on our car rental, but honestly, we were spent. The next day was dedicated to pure relaxation, reliving the memories of our crazy road trip.

This trip to Ooty was a testament to the power of spontaneity. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that aren’t planned, the ones that take you on unexpected journeys and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Read my other adventure from Bangalore to Pondicherry.

To learn about visiting attractions in Ooty, visit Tripadvisor.