One of the best perks of living in Bangalore is its proximity to the rich bio diversity of the Western Ghats. A couple of decades earlier and I would have said fabulous weather and a laidback lifestyle, but we know Bangalore has moved on from there a long time back. Hence, we have to make do with our proximity to the Western Ghats for fabulous weather, lush forests and for a relaxed atmosphere.
About 5 to 6 hours (give or take an hour or two for traffic) and we are in the lap of one of the world’s hottest bio diversity hotspots. The hill station of Ooty is one such gorgeous destination in the Western Ghats. The drive through the sunflower fields of Gundlupet, the forests of Bandipur and Mudumalai, the steep 36 hairpin bends and finally the mist covered pine forests is the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway or a road trip from Bangalore. I would certainly take that open road to Ooty in a heartbeat. And that is precisely what I did when I needed a break from the rising pollution levels in Bangalore right after Diwali.
My destination at the end of my road trip and my home for 3 days in Ooty was a 1936 colonial home that looked like it had appeared straight out of a fairy tale. The property looked pretty cool and certainly very affordable when I booked it on Airbnb, but boy did it take me by surprise when I actually experienced staying there. I was certainly bowled over by the entire place and would definitely recommend it to families and friends who are looking for a cosy heritage home in Ooty for a relaxed mountain holiday.
Here is why I think this place is truly special:
1936 quirky British heritage house tastefully designed with modern luxuries
Built in 1936 as an English home on a one acre plot, Gravityville will mesmerize you right from the time you cross the main gate. It is that kind of place that oozes cuteness. Be its lovely manicured garden, its ancient wooden staircase, its tastefully designed rooms with defunct fireplaces and big large windows that overlook the property, its super cute bunk bed style room for kids or its warm lounge and dining area, Gravityville will hold everyone’s attention for the entire duration of the day.
Even though the structure of the building is original 1936, new design elements have been recently added. Elements such as color themes, retro styled furniture and quirky signs and sayings make this place truly magical.
The rooms in the Gravityville house are large and come with a Queen sized bed, massive windows, a huge wardrobe, a small lounge area and an attached bathroom. Each room is themed differently. I stayed in a purple themed room called Neelakurinji after the flower that blooms once every 12 years and my friend stayed in a yellow themed room called Sullivan’s Oak. Just the warm colors and the bright sunshine makes you feel relaxed. Modern day luxuries such as a plush bed and pillows, hot showers and room heaters are made available.
Sumptuous food
A holiday isn’t complete without delicious food. And if you know me, I am a stickler for good local traditional food. And I think I struck gold at Gravityville. Their cook dishes out simple, yet supremely delicious traditional snacks and meals that go perfectly well with relaxed family holidays or a fantastic accompaniment for those long reading sessions in the garden. And since you are in tea country, you are spoilt for choice if you happen to be a tea drinker. In simple words, with the bright sunshine, the pure air, good food and a relaxed atmosphere, it is what I call ‘good life’.
Quiet location with plenty of green space
Gravityville is not located in the middle of Ooty, but it is not too far away too. It is tucked in a quiet corner close to the Ooty golf grounds. Only a few houses are located close by. Otherwise, there are just forests and views. And in the one acre plot, there is a manicured lawn, a whole lot of flowering plants, a banana passion fruit climber, many flowering hedge plants and two massive eucalyptus trees. So basically, lots of nature and greenery.
Great cost price
One of the best features of staying at this Gravityville property is its extremely affordable price point. One can book the entire property with its 2 large bedrooms, one small bedroom, one kids room, dining room, lounge and garden all for INR 7000 per night on Gravityville’s Airbnb listing page. This includes all the taxes, though all food and beverages is charged extra. What this means is that a group of 10 to 12 people with family and kids can spend a holiday here for as low an amount as INR 7000 per night, which I think is an absolute steal.
Perfect for small family or friend get togethers and events
This place has the perfect size and location for a cosy and warm family get together or friend birthday party or some of those small gatherings of family and friend. Everything works in its favor – cost dynamics, location, property, food, ease of access from Bangalore and local sightseeing opportunities. Even pets are allowed, but they are not allowed into the main house and you will have to carry your travel kennel.
Great host who is always eager to help
Last, but not the least, I definitely have to say a few words about the host Karthik and the property manager Prem. Both of them are extremely hospitable and go out of their way to ensure that you have a swell holiday. I wanted to enter Mukurthi National Park and Karthik guided me in the right direction. I wish I could have taken up on Prem’s offer of visiting Toda villages nearby, but I guess I can keep it for my next trip.
If you are looking for a cosy and relaxed mountain holiday from Bangalore, Ooty’s Gravityville certainly fits all the criteria. I would certainly recommend going there this winter to enjoy a steaming hot cup of coffee in the cold winter mornings while basking in the sun in their garden. For its price point, it is a steal for family and friend groups looking for weekend getaways. I don’t know how long the price point will remain this low, but till it does make merry and enjoy a much deserved vacation in the lap of nature and away from the chaos of the urban concretized jungle that Bangalore is fast turning into!
To know more about Gravityville and if you wish to make an online booking, look up their listing on Airbnb either on the web or in the Airbnb app.
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