View from Sengottirayar Malai, Coonoor

Trek to Sengottirayar Malai - Highly recommended
24 km from Coonoor town, ensconced in the vast tea and coffee estate of Paliniappa and Sultana Tea Company lies Sengutirayar Malai. This 3 hour trek clocks about 8 km and 64 floors and 13000 steps on the health meter. The guided trek (the estate provides the guide) of moderate difficulty is largely through the many hills slopes of manicured tea shrubs with intermittent patches of wilderness enhancing the trek experience. A short but steep climb towards the end brings us to the peak and offers an incredible 360' panoramic view of water, plains and hills with virgin forest for as far as the eyes can see. The visual experience is enhanced by the incredible light and shadow play of the sun on the hill ranges. Bonus - spotting of the Indian Gaur lounging along the trekking path.
Paliniappan Tea Estate provides a simple and filling breakfast of hot Idlis, vadas, chutney and sambar before the trek. We were welcomed back with Cold lime juice - one of the most refreshing glasses of juice we have had. The South Indian vegetarian lunch was to die for!
In all, a wonderful experience. Highly recommended if you are in the Ooty / Coonoor area.