A Journey Through the Nilgiris with Hushstays: From Coimbatore to Wayanad | Nilgiris Roadtrip
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- Jul 25
- 7 min read
BY ANUSHQA RATHORE, 25 JUL 25
Nestled at the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, the Nilgiris are not just a destination—they’re a passage into slow living, misty mornings, and quiet grandeur. A region where rolling hills wear blankets of mist, where every curve in the road reveals a painting-like view, and where life moves to the rhythm of rustling leaves and distant bird calls. It’s not a destination you check off your list—it’s an experience you sink into. The kind of place where no matter how long you stay, it never feels enough.
Your journey begins the moment you land in Coimbatore, the southern gateway to the Nilgiris. From here, the climb begins—not just in altitude, but in the way the world around you transforms. As the plains give way to forests and tea estates, you’ll find yourself slowly letting go—of phone signals, of noise, of rush. Because in the Nilgiris, the only thing to do is look around… and indulge in the breathtaking beauty that never quite lets you go.
Join us as we travel on a Nilgiris Roadtrip from Coimbatore, through Coonoor, Kotagiri, Ooty and Gudalur to Wayanad, pausing at thoughtfully curated Hushstays homes—each offering a piece of the Nilgiris, in its purest form.
The Beginning: Coimbatore & the Call of Adiyogi
Our journey begins in Coimbatore—a city that hums with Tamil warmth, the aroma of filter coffee, and the color of bustling markets. Before we rise into the hills, we pause at the iconic Adiyogi Shiva Statue—a 112-ft marvel recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest bust sculpture. Surrounded by the tranquil foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains (about 30 kms from the city), it’s more than a photo-op—it’s an experience of stillness and scale.
From here, drive back to Coimbatore and from Coimbatore, a 40 mins (25Kms) drive leads us to Mettupalayam, the starting point of the legendary Nilgiri Mountain Railway—a UNESCO World Heritage marvel built in 1908. This is where the slow climb into the Nilgiris begins, one curve, one tunnel, and one cloud at a time..
The Slow Climb: Toy Train to Coonoor
Hop aboard the blue-and-cream vintage toy train and let the Nilgiris unfold. The whistle cuts through the clouds as you chug past bridges, tunnels, and waterfalls. As altitude rises, so does the charm.
This charming blue train connects Mettupalayam to Coonoor (27 km) and then Ooty (46 km), taking you through tunnels, bridges, tea plantations, and dense forests in a way no road trip ever could.
So you first step off at Coonoor, a town that hasn’t let modernity overpower its soul. And just 10 minutes away lies one of Hushstay’s most beloved escapes.
Pause at Hushstay x Milford Estate Villa, Coonoor
Nestled at 5,500 ft. Hushstay x Milford is a quiet 04-bedroom escape just 10 minutes from Coonoor town—yet it feels like a world of its own.
Wake up to the scent of eucalyptus and the sound of birdsong. Take a slow walk through the peaceful tea gardens or read by a window that opens into the hills. Evenings at Milford are best spent around a bonfire, sipping locally grown tea or unwinding with friends under the stars.
With cozy fireplaces, large verandahs, and antique touches in every room, Milford makes you feel at home the moment you arrive. It’s the kind of place that invites you to do less—and feel more. Whether you're here for quiet reflection, long conversations, or just nature’s company, Milford holds space for it all. Read more about Hushstay x Milford Estate
Just a short uphill walk brings you to Bedford, a quiet little market town where Modern Stores—or Moddy’s, as the locals call it—has been around since the 1950s. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find handmade cheese, jars of preserves, and the chocolates everyone in town grew up with. Nearby, The Cherrie Berry is a lovely spot for a relaxed, farm-to-table meal, tucked inside a private tea estate.
Keep going and you’ll find yourself surrounded by Coonoor’s tea gardens, stretching endlessly across the hills. If you’re up for something more immersive, head out with Zubin, a local who knows these hills better than most. He’ll take you through quiet shola forests, point out wild edible flowers, and show you parts of the landscape you might otherwise miss—all at a pace that lets you really take it in.
The Lesser-Known Beauty: Kotagiri & The Observatory
From Coonoor, a scenic 45-minute drive takes you to Kotagiri, the quiet cousin of Ooty and Coonoor—less crowded, more poetic. On the outskirts of town, tucked into the hills, is a Hushstay that feels like a private universe.
Reset at Hushstay x The Observatory, Kotagiri
Set on a quiet hilltop in Kotagiri, Hushstay x The Observatory is a 03 bedroom retreat for those who crave space—both around them and within. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking endless valleys, this contemporary home is designed to make you pause, breathe, and take it all in.
Mornings here are slow and silent—perfect for journaling by the window or watching clouds roll over the hills with a cup of chai in hand. The home is minimal yet warm, with wooden textures, soft lighting, and corners that invite introspection. Whether you’re curling up with a book, cooking in the open kitchen, or just sitting still, the landscape always feels close—almost like a living painting.
Read more about Hushstay x The Observatory
Just a short drive away is Kodanad View Point—a popular spot, but worth it for the sweeping views of the Nilgiris. It’s a great place to pause, take in the landscape, or even lay out a picnic along the scenic route to Ooty or Coonoor. On the way, there’s a quiet hilltop church along the Way of Nawa that’s perfect for a peaceful stop.
If you’re into golf, both the Ooty Golf Course and Wellington Golf Course in Coonoor are beautiful places to spend a few hours. For a peek into local culture, visiting a Toda mund offers a glimpse into the traditional homes and way of life of the Toda people, the region’s indigenous community. And if you're feeling curious or adventurous, ask around—you might hear stories of the Kattu Nayakars, forest-dwelling honey hunters whose legends still echo through the hills.
The Classic Route: Ooty, Mudumalai & into the Wild
After soaking in the old-world charm of Ooty—from its colonial-era architecture and manicured botanical gardens to its serene lakefront and lively markets—it’s time to head deeper into the Nilgiris.
A scenic 35 km drive (approx. 1.5 hours) west of Ooty takes you to the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, one of India’s first wildlife sanctuaries and part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Spread across 321 sq km, it’s home to elephants, leopards, Bengal tigers, Indian gaurs, and over 260 species of birds. If you're lucky, you'll spot wildlife crossing the road or peeking through the trees as you drive through this protected corridor.
Continue for another 20 km (approx. 45 minutes) and you’ll arrive at Gudalur, a tranquil town located at the junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Unlike the more commercial hill stations, Gudalur is peaceful, lush, and surrounded by spice plantations, forested hills, and the kind of quiet that feels untouched.
Stay Close to Nature at Hushstay x Plenti House, Gudalur
Nestled at the edge of the forest in Gudalur, Hushstay x Plenti House is where the wild meets warmth. Surrounded by cardamom plantations, rolling hills, and the sounds of birds and rustling trees, this thoughtfully designed four-bedroom home is perfect for families, creatives, or anyone looking to unplug and slow down.
Each room opens into nature—be it through wide windows, open verandahs, or quiet corners where the forest feels just an arm’s length away. The interiors are cozy, understated, and rooted in comfort, with a layout that encourages connection—whether over shared meals, books, or just silence.
What makes Plenti special is its pace. You don’t come here to check off a list—you come to sit by the fire, sip on spiced tea, listen to the rain, and let your mind breathe.
Read more about Hushstay x The PLENTI House
Start your day with a calming yoga session, learn to cook a few regional dishes alongside the in-house chef, or head out on a guided walk through the estate—where every turn comes with a story about the land and the people who call it home.
Step a little further out, and the Nilgiris unfold in all their richness. Marvel at the life-size Lantana elephant sculptures in Thorapalli near the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, or venture into the Bandipur sanctuary for a chance to spot wildlife in its natural setting. Meander through tea gardens, spend time in nearby Adivasi villages in quiet conversation
From Gudalur, the drive into Wayanad, Kerala (approx. 70 km / 2 hours) is nothing short of cinematic—winding through ghat roads, lush rainforests, and misty hillscapes that make the journey as enriching as the destination.
The Final Retreat: Hushstay x Aston Gravity , Wayanad
As you cross into Kerala’s Wayanad district, the landscape deepens in green—thick canopies, cascading waterfalls, hidden caves, and ancient tribal villages all blend into a region that feels deeply alive. Wayanad is not just scenic—it’s a district where waterfalls, caves, and heritage villages all coexist under a thick green canopy. And right at its hilltop sits one of Hushstays’ most luxurious hideouts.
Indulge at Hushstay x Aston Gravity, Wayanad
Set high up on Ambukuthi Hills, Hushstay x Aston Gravity offers a peaceful perch above Wayanad’s lush valleys. This 02-bedroom modern villa is designed for those who want to retreat into nature—without letting go of comfort. With panoramic views on all sides and minimalist interiors that open up to light and landscape, Aston invites you to slow down and soak it all in.
Mornings begin with birdsong and soft mist drifting through the trees. Spend your day lounging by the private pool, soaking in the jacuzzi, or firing up the barbecue deck for a sunset meal. The glass-wrapped bedrooms and warm wooden accents create a space that feels open, airy, and grounded.
Ideal for couples, small families, or two friends travelling together, Hushstay x Aston Gravity balances raw beauty with thoughtful design. Whether you’re gazing out at the hills, journaling on the balcony, or sharing stories over dinner under the stars—this is a stay that brings you closer to nature, and yourself. Read more about Hushstay x Aston Gravity
The End… or Just the Beginning?
The Nilgiris aren’t just a destination—they’re a feeling. A way of slowing down, of noticing more, of reconnecting with nature and with yourself. At every Hushstay along this journey, you don’t just check in—you tune out of the noise and tune into something quieter, deeper, more essential.
From misty tea estates to forest retreats, from sun-drenched verandahs to windows that frame nothing but green—each stop invites you to pause, breathe, and feel what it’s like to be fully present.
So pack light. Leave space for stories, silences, and the unexpected. Because in the Nilgiris, the best part of the journey is that it never really ends—it simply stays with you.
Let the hills call you home—one Hushstay at a time.
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