Glenmorgan Travel Guide - A Hidden Paradise

Located just around 25 KM away from the famous hill station of Ooty, Glenmorgan is what Ooty is not - serene, calm, untouched and devoid of the mad rush of casual vacationers. If you are on the lookout for a quiet retreat to rejuvenate your body and soul, then Glenmorgan fits the bill perfectly.

You might have heard the rave reviews Ooty used to receive from our previous generation and got tempted to experience the magical charm yourself. If that's the case, then in all probability, your Ooty trip in 2015 would turn out to be an epic disappointment.

It was a paradise once upon a time, which has lost its elegance due to the rapid commercialization in last decade or so. However, don't be disappointed, because you have this gem of a secluded town in the Nilgris - Glenmorgan. Forget the 'lost paradise' and get hooked to the 'hidden paradise' that Glenmorgan is.

For our generation, Glenmorgan is the real Ooty - if ever there was one in the first place.

Famous for its undulated hills covered with a huge carpet of tea plantations, Glenmorgan village is nestled in the lap of the Mother Nature. The beautiful countryside with tea and eucalyptus grooves, untouched shola grasslands and breathtaking views of the lush green valley, on the backdrop of bright blue sky dotted with white clouds, Glenmorgan is literally a hidden paradise.

Did You Know? Gelnmorgan is home to one of the oldest tea gardens in the entire Nilgiri region - the Glenmorgan Tea Estate established in the year 1863. Another highlight of Glenmorgan is the Pykara Hydro Electricity project. Located at an altitude of 3080 feet above the sea level, this is the highest power plant in the entire Asia continent.

How to Get There?

Being a tiny little hamlet located off the radar, there is no direct mode of transport to Glenmorgan. Travellers need to travel to either Ooty or Coonnoor and then proceed towards Glenmorgan using the local transport.

By Road:

Ample number of public and private buses ply to Ooty from all major cities and towns located nearby. Bangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore, Chennai or Trivandram, you can get a direct bus to Ooty. Once you reach Ooty, you can either take the local buses from Ooty main bus stand or hire a cab to Glenmorgan.

Ooty-Glenmorgan bus fare is just INR 20. On the other hand, a 5-seater non-AC taxi from Ooty would cost you around INR 250.

If you are driving down on your own vehicle from Bangalore or Mysore, then you need have to reach Ooty. Take the Mysore-Guddalore-Ooty (NH67) highway to reach Pykara Waterfalls. Proceed further towards Ooty for another 4-5 KM and you will find a left sided diversion for reaching Glenmorgan. The junction is well-marked with a sign-board, so it shouldn't be an issue to identify the diversion route. Drive further for another 10 KM and you will arrive at the beautiful Glenmorgan village.

In-case you are coming down from the Coimbatore side, then you will need to go through Mettupalayam, Coonoor, and Ketti Valley. Don't take the bypass to Ooty town and stay on the highway NH67. Continue towards Mysore through the Guddalore route. After the Ooty Shooting Point (9th Mile), you will find the Glenmorgan board on your right side. The diversion is right in the middle of two important tourist attractions at Ooty - the shooting point and Pykara waterfalls.

By Train:

There's no train service to Glenmorgan. Nilgiri Heritage Train from Mettupalayam can take you to Ooty and then you need to use the road transport to arrive at Glenmorgan.

By Air:

Air travel is not an option as there is no airport in and around Ooty. International travellers can land at Mysore, Bangalore or Coimbatore airport and subsequently take a bus or taxi to reach Glenmorgan.

Best Time to Visit Glenmorgan:

Glenmorgan is blessed with pleasant weather throughout the year. Salubrious climate makes it a place that can be visited at any time of the year.

Tourist Attractions at Glenmorgan:

Ropeway:

One of the main attractions here is a 3 KM long mechanical ropeway that connects Singara to Glenmorgan. The hour long ride from the Singara Power House to Glenmorgan passes through the lush green deep valley and offers amazing view of the distant Nilgiri plateau. Sadly, it is not operational at the time being, but tourism department is contemplating reviving the ropeway ride to promote tourism at this tiny little hamlet. There are rest houses available at both the ends to accommodate tourists visiting Glenmorgan.

Glenmorgan Lake:

Glenmorgan lake acts as the fountain-head for the Pykara Power Plant. It is a very scenic waterbody surrounded by the riches of nature. Boating facility is not available on this lake, but the atmosphere around the lake is so serene that it will revitalize your soul.

Bungalow Viewpoint:

Within a walkable distance from the lake towards the Southern side lies a deserted old bungalow. Take the narrow pathway right beside the compound and walk through the winding trail for 5 minutes. You will be greeted by a pristine view of the undulating Nilgiri Mountain Ranges and the lush green valley underneath. The picturesque views of the Pykara power house at Singara, the Moyar valley and Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is sure to leave you awestruck. It's the place where the 'Blue Mountains' (Nilgiri) turn in to vibrant 'Green'.

Pykara Waterfalls:

The Pykara river originates from the Mukurthi peak, flows towards the north side, then turns towards the west and drops off from a cliff after reaching the edge of the plateau. The river flows through Murkurti, Pykara and Glenmorgan dams, and forms the Pykara hydro-electric power project. The twin waterfalls near the Pykara dam are of 55 metres and 61 metres in height. Situated amidst greenery all around, it has turned in to a favorite tourist attraction for the travellers visiting Ooty.

Madumalai Tiger Reserve:

Singara power house is situated on the border of Madumalai Tiger Reserve at Masinagundi. The Masinagundi-Bandipur stretch of the highway is well known for spotting wild animals. You need not have to take a safari ride to spot wild animals like deer, peacock, elephant and langur. Just take a ride through this road on your own vehicle and you can assured to spot wildlife. You can even catch a glimpse of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, if you are very lucky. You may take a forest safari conducted by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department if you have time in hand.

Where to Stay?

Besides the two guest houses owned by the forest and the electricity departments, Glenmorgan does not have too many staying options for the tourists. You can, however, find a few decent accommodations at Singara and Masinagudi, within a radius of 3-6 KM from the Glenmorgan village. Listed below are a few of the reliable accommodation options -

No	Hotel	Location	Distance	Minimum Tariff	Contact
1	TNEB Rest House	Glenmorgan	0 KM	INR 600	(+91) 42324 43837
2	Forest Guest House	Singara Power House	3 KM	INR 750	(+91) 42324 43977
3	United-21 Paradise	Woodbrook	4.9 KM	INR 1500	(+91) 22618 41444
4	River Valley Resort	Singara Road, Masinagudi	6.5 KM	INR 2000	(+91) 42325 26279
5	InnTheWild	Singara	3.9 KM	INR 3500	(+91) 80307 52575

The two T's - 'Tourism' and 'Tea' - are the inseparable twins of Nilgiris district. Glenmorgan offers you the opportunity to taste both. There may not be much to do at Glenmorgan, but when you are looking for a peaceful vacation, isn't it sufficient to be in a serene location doing absolutely nothing? With solitude as your only companion, Glenmorgan is the place that can provide you the absolute bliss of a quiet retreat.

Regards,
Deb