If you thought Ooty’s charm was limited to misty hills and tea estates, think again. Our recent road trip from Ooty to Geddai and Kinnakorai was nothing short of an adventure—Buckle up as I take you through this offbeat journey!
The Wild Ride to Geddai:
We started around 11.30am from Ooty, heading towards Geddai, a route known for its 43 hairpin bends—yes, you read that right! This is not for the faint-hearted, but if you love winding roads and scenic views, you’re in for a treat.
As we descended, the air got warmer, the landscape changed, and suddenly, we started noticing huge piles of elephant dung on the road.
It was both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Were the elephants nearby? Were they watching us from the dense forest? We didn’t spot any elephants, but the fresh poop made it clear that they had been around recently.
The Waterfall of Geddai: Lunch with a View
After winding down the 40th hairpin bend we reached Geddai a quaint little village, Unlike the bustling towns of Ooty or Coonoor, Geddai is a quiet little village where life moves at its own unhurried pace. The locals, mostly farmers and workers from the nearby hydroelectric power projects, live in small houses, often surrounded by farms and plantations of banana trees.
One of the major highlights of Geddai is its hydroelectric power station, which plays a crucial role in supplying electricity to Tamil Nadu. The village is a key part of the Kundah Hydro Power System, and you can often see pipelines running down the hills, carrying water to generate power.
The air in Geddai is clean and crisp, and the surroundings are a mix of rolling hills, tea gardens, and forest patches. It’s the kind of place where you can hear birds chirping all day long, and the only traffic you’ll encounter is a stray cow or two.
As we descended we found the waterfall. It was on the right side of the bridge - a secluded, breathtaking spot that felt like it belonged in a movie.
With the sound of cascading water and birds chirping, we unpacked our lunch and enjoyed a peaceful meal right by the waterfall (In our car). No crowds, no interruptions—just nature at its best. It was one of those moments where time slows down, and you realize just how magical the world can be.
Through the Jungle to Kinnakorai:
After soaking in the beauty of Geddai, we continued our journey towards Kinnakorai via Manjoor. If you thought the Geddai road was adventurous, wait till you hear about this stretch.
The roads were narrow, winding through a thick jungle, with 23 more hairpin bends to navigate. The deeper we went, the more remote it felt. This wasn’t just a scenic drive; it was a full-blown wilderness experience!
Nature didn’t disappoint—we spotted:
Malabar Giant Squirrels leaping from tree to tree
Nilgiri Langur, resting in the tree unbothered.
Colorful butterflies fluttering around us
A variety of birds, some of which we had never seen before
The silence of the forest, broken only by bird calls and rustling leaves, made this drive feel surreal. It was as if we had entered a different world—untouched, wild, and incredibly beautiful.
The Journey Back:
By the time we started our return journey, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the hills. We retraced our route, this time a little more confident with the hairpin bends (okay, maybe just a little!).
On our way back, we took a much-needed coffee break in Manjoor, a quiet little town with cozy tea stalls. The town itself is small but lively, with a few shops, local eateries. It’s not a touristy town, and that’s exactly what makes it special—you get to experience the true essence of life in the Nilgiris. The coffee was strong, aromatic, and exactly what we needed after a long day of driving through crazy bends and wild terrain.
The town is also close to Upper Bhavani, one of the most beautiful and untouched regions of the Nilgiris, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
This day trip from Ooty to Geddai and Kinnakorai was an absolute adventure—one that tested our driving skills, rewarded us with stunning landscapes, and gave us wildlife encounters. If you’re looking for an offbeat experience in the Nilgiris, this road trip should definitely be on your list!
Would you dare to take on the 86+30 (up and down) hairpin bends and venture into the wild? Let me know in the comments!
I will not!
😲