A Tribal TRYST

Ooty in the Nilgiris Hills of Tamil Nadu may be one of India's most visited hill stations, but an immersion into the life and culture of the local tribes makes for an offbeat, experiential way to rediscover the charming region.

- VIJAYA PRATAP

A MIDST THE MIST-COVERED mountains of the Nilgiris, in the warmth of a bonfire under tall conifers, I bond with the indigenous tribes of the Todas and the Badagas. These are the original inhabitants of the 'Blue Hills', an enchanting part of the Western Ghats in South India. Dancing around the fire and keeping up with the beat, I try to imitate the graceful steps of their turbaned chief, but fail to match his vitality. I covet their hearty laughter, playful banter, and the glow on their faces courtesy the warmth of the fire. After dinner, we sit around the fire and the Toda women educate me on their ethnicity. When I admire their curled plaits—soft and smooth with an enviable sheen-one of them tells me how they braid them. The others giggle innocently and extend a warm invitation to their homes the next day.

This exciting discovery of local culture is certainly one of my most cherished takeaways from my stay at the Sterling Fern Hill in the popular hill station of Ooty. Keeping in mind the discerning traveller who is increasingly looking for experiential travel, the recently launched Sterling D&E (Discoveries and Experiences) brings authentic experiences for guests to explore and participate in—such as the arts, culture, cuisines, and heritage of the Todas and Badagas, the local tribes that form an integral part of the Nilgiris. A collection of sought-after inspirations, from the local flora and fauna to the folklore and many other distinctive traits of the destination, are brought alive through custom-made installations within the resort.