Ooty, fondly called the Queen of Hills, nestled in the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu, is not just a popular getaway—but a living classroom for our children.

From the base of the hill near Mettupalayam all the way up to the misty heights of Doddabetta Peak (the highest point in the Nilgiris at 2,637 meters), this journey was entirely self-sustained. No hotel bookings, no restaurants—just us, our XUV 500, and the open road.

We converted the second and third rows of the car into a cozy sleeping space, giving the kids a whole new idea of what “home” can be. Meals were cooked on our portable gas stove in safe, permitted spots. In the colder hilltop areas, kind local shopkeepers welcomed us to cook near their spaces—a humbling example of community and hospitality.

For self-learning families like ours, travel is not a break from education—it is education. Geography, climate, biodiversity, local language exposure, map reading, social interaction, and self-reliance—all packed into one memorable trip. These immersive experiences make learning natural and unforgettable.

This Ooty journey was one of our many travel-based learning experiences. We believe such real-world adventures deeply enrich a child’s development—something textbooks alone can’t offer.

Clicked:

Dec 2022

Location:

Udhagamandalam