Glenmorgan, Ooty - Vast Tea Estate, A Lake And Breathtaking View

When in Ooty, this is another spot you shouldn't miss, especially, if you love greenery, lakes and all things natural…

As the winter chill is starting to subside giving way to spring, the folks here at DSSC too have started venturing out, either as a part of S&PA or private gatherings. So today it was picnic and angling at Glenmorgan for most of us. Last September when my sister in law visited us, this was one place I shortlisted for a day’s picnic, but since they stayed only for a couple of days and Doddabetta (the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills) sounded like a better option, we skipped this. But now I realize it was such a bad idea! Yes, Glenmorgan with its vast expanse of tea estate, beautiful lake and breathtaking view can any day outdo the crowded, at mist’s mercy (mostly a view point, misty days can be a spoilsport) and highly commercialized Doddabetta.

One of the oldest of the private tea estates, this place is located at about 25 km from Ooty (in Pykara route). First look at the spot – you will wonder if the world has so many tea drinkers! Yes, the tea estate covers a large expanse of land; all neatly maintained and trimmed giving it an even carpet feel. The main lane branches out in to tarred pocket roads and as you walk along the side of the beautiful lake, remember to count each step and breathe in the refreshing aroma of eucalyptus. I always thought eucalyptus oil was extracted from the bark of the tree (my bad!), until I plucked a few leaves and smelled it today.

The lake is long and a quiet walk along its side is all you need to forget about life’s predicaments and merge in with nature. And that diamond like shine on the surface of water – sun’s rays hitting the water create some kind of reflection to cause sharp and clear twinkles on the surface and it is a sight you should see to believe!

Unlike Avalanche and Emerald Lake, this one does not have much leveled ground; the slope ends directly at water bed. So it can be a little fussy to find a place to set up your tent, but seriously, does anyone care about all that when you have a lake full of clean water inviting you to take a plunge? On a bright sunny day, the lake at Glenmorgan will make an excellent picnic spot; but remember to carry food because there are no shops or restaurants nearby.

Well talking about angling, it was again a disappointment; it’s like we did not learn our lessons from Avalanche episode or we end up fishing at all wrong places. Good 3 hours spent with the bait in hot sun and not even a single fish to claim!

After lunch take a walk up the hill to the view point to enjoy the view of the valley below including Mudumalai National Park, Mysore, the Moyar Valley as well as the Singara powerhouse. The place even has a 3 km haulage ropeway from Glenmorgan to Singara power house. The path is said to be too steep, taking 41 degree inclination near German point, which makes it a difficult ride. Although this would show up in your searches for things to do in Glenmorgan, here is a tip I can share so that you are not disappointed the way we were. The ropeway is operated only two days in a month; so know the days beforehand and plan your trip accordingly.

In short, a great place to be and a great day to spend in good company!