As a wanderlust soul, I decided to visit Ooty in November. The ideal month to explore and appreciate its beauty. Quite unfortunately, the southern part of India experiences monsoon showers, ranging from heavy to normal, during this time. So, I was a bit worried about landslides in the Nilgiri mountains. My husband hails from Ooty, while I was born and brought up in Madhya Pradesh. He once mentioned the flower Neel Kurinji, which only blooms from July to October once in twelve years. It derives its name from the Malayalam words neela (blue) and kurinji (flower). Over time, people began cultivating tea and coffee plantations, removing this beautiful flower. Thus, it remains an unfulfilled desire of mine to witness it.
Let me first talk about the month of November, which captures a poignant transition from the desolate, sultry weather following the monsoon’s exit in the north. The beauty of November lies in its mild chill. The month has its distinctive charm, offering gentle peace. November has a strong impact on me; I always crave its benign presence. Writers, poets, and authors alike fall in love with its grace.
Blooming flowers of different colors—red hibiscus, pink roses, multicolored petunias, pansies, carnations—all smile at me. The pastel sky, rustling winds, and changing weather keep swinging my mood. My imagination travels in different directions. I long for a benign soul who can transform me from within, making my heart dance like a daffodil in the breeze. Let my heart glisten with rapturous colors while the clear sky rumbles high above, offering enough sunlight.
November offers the juicy essence of romance, magnified by the slight chill. I am ready to navigate brief flirtations with my most adored hobbies. Its clear, soothing tenderness captivates me instantly. I have a strong love affair with this month. I sip hot chocolate, start penning blogs, and paint vivid thoughts of meeting someone whose ideas and inspirations match mine, stirring something soulful within us. What a moment it would be to cherish while singing ghazals by Jagjit Singh, Ghulam Ali, and Mehdi Hasan together. It feels like a dream—the overflowing panoramic picture of a garden around me, a clear sky opening the gallery of my heart in an unrestrained and unabashed manner.
My affinity with November is memorable. I always visit a few scenic spots during this time to experience transformation. Walking on meadows is captivating. As mentioned earlier, I decided to travel to Ooty. Standing 7,347 feet above sea level, the weather was awesome.
We opted for a direct train journey from Indore to Coimbatore and then took the toy train from Mettupalayam to Ooty via Coonoor. After reaching Coimbatore, we relaxed at a relative’s residence for a day. The next day, we took a cab to Mettupalayam to board the toy train. All the while, we prayed to God that there wouldn’t be any landslides, or else this dream would remain unfulfilled. Covering a distance of 26 km, the train journey had 208 curves, 16 tunnels, and 250 bridges. The toy train follows the rack-and-pinion pattern, with the old coal engine at the back pulling the carriages.
I was transfixed by the spectacular mountain journey. The forests offered breathtaking views, and the jerks of the train thrilled and delighted us.
The lovely memories of this travel will remain forever in my mental scrapbook, being driven around the magical landscapes. Just walking together with my dreams, the feather-fine weather’s gentle kiss was soothing. I soaked myself in the natural beauty of the place.
We stayed in a decent three-star hotel called Lake View. Its spacious rooms felt homely, and the ambiance was superb. We luxuriated in the complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel arranged a comfortable vehicle for our sightseeing. First, we went to the boat house and enjoyed a pleasant boat ride for an hour amidst eucalyptus trees.
Our second stop was the botanical garden, where lush green lawns, ferns, and orchids highlighted the landscape. Exotic ornamental plants charmed our vision. Wandering through the rose garden, we were told there were over 20,000 varieties of roses. The Emerald Lake stunned us next, surrounded by woods and blue waters, offering a real treat of flora and fauna. Migratory birds at sunrise and sunset were awe-inspiring.
We also visited a tea estate and the old tea factory at Glendale, where my late father-in-law once worked as a manager. Nestled in the lap of the Nilgiris, we witnessed the leaf-to-tea process in the factory and tasted cardamom and chocolate tea.
Captivated by Catherine Falls, we admired the cascading water, which created an impeccable backdrop. Later, we indulged in the mouth-watering varieties of chocolates at a chocolate factory. We also saw the unique hand-crafted Thread Garden—a collection of handwoven flowers.
Finally, we met the Toda community, an isolated group living in thatched huts and trading dairy products. They have their own unique language.
After four luxurious days filled with complete South Indian cuisine, we returned home with unforgettable November memories.
November, for me, is a time of romance and reminiscence. The hazy realms of old age need not hinder such vibrant moments. November keeps me youthful, allowing my sentiments to explore and explode. Even in my seventies, I revel in the youthful blues it brings. Who cares about others’ judgments?
Living in my dreams, gazing at the clusters of clouds above, I find peace in November’s misty tranquility. I also cherish its festivals. November full moon marks Guru Nanak Jayanti, which this year falls on November 15, celebrating the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Occasionally, November also lights up with Diwali when it doesn’t fall in October.
Children’s Day on November 14 is another highlight, celebrating the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly remembered as Chacha Nehru. I fondly recall my younger days when our school hosted feasts, cultural events, and a Meena Bazaar.
In most states, Dev Uthani Ekadashi is celebrated as an auspicious day observed as Tulsi Vivah. This also falls in November.
November offers a bundle of joys, setting the stage for the festive December. The beautiful, cherished moments of November remain fresh in my memory.
