Looking for a unique place to stay that is peaceful, away from the crowds, and nestled in the lap of nature? Destiny Farmstay in Ooty is the perfect retreat for families with young kids. There are also gorgeous trekking options around, and a stunning lake just a short walk away where the bank provides the perfect spot for day camping. What's more, the farm is home to a variety of animals, including sheep, cows, hens, rabbits, ducks, and horses! This resort features a large multicuisine restaurant that caters to all kinds of food needs, even for the little ones.
All of this and more await you at Destiny Farmstay, Ooty. We have visited three times and would go back in a heartbeat because this place has so much to offer!
Destiny Farmstay is located about 20 to 22 kilometers outside of Ooty and takes around an hour to reach without stops. However, you will be passing through picturesque villages, tea gardens, forests, and along lakes, so be sure to account for a few stops to admire the beauty along the road.
Upon reaching the Destiny Farms parking area, leave your private or rented vehicle there and prepare for a bumpy 4WD ride through the forest. After 20 minutes, you will arrive at the gorgeous resort, tucked away in the mountains overlooking a lake.
The reception is tastefully decorated, with WiFi and mobile network available only in the reception area, allowing you to disconnect from social media and the world and truly connect with your family and nature. The amazing restaurant above the reception serves delicious food. Their aloo cheese kulcha is the absolute best in the world. Adjacent to the restaurant is the bonfire area, which comes alive in the evenings when the bonfire is lit. You can enjoy the warmth of the fire and eat delicious barbecue food. Evening tea and snacks are served near the outdoor play area, and their herbal chai is amazing!
The rooms are clean and cozy, offering great views of the lake and mountains. There is no fan, heater or TV in the rooms. However, on cold nights, they provide hot water bags to keep you warm. Early in the morning, they also provide fresh cow milk for kids, if requested.
Activities:
There are a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities available to keep everyone in the family occupied!
Horse Riding and Grooming:
They have many former racehorses grazing around the property. Guests are provided complimentary horse rides in the morning and evening. At other times, you can explore the adjacent farms on horseback in a guided tour at an extra cost.
Sheep Feeding:
There are a bunch of sheep and lambs that you can feed in the mornings. Kids have a lot of fun doing this.
Fishing: There is a small fish pond where you can go fishing with a guide and try your luck.
Cow Shed: The cow shed has many cows and calves, and you can take the kids to watch milking in the evening.
Trekking:
They offer two types of walks every morning at 7 am. One is the sunrise trek to the top of the mountain, and the other goes through the pine forest, an adjacent village, and carrot farms to reach the lake. Both are amazing experiences and can be done by everyone. We highly recommend doing both! The views from the mountain and the pine forest are just so refreshing!
Zip Line:
They offer ziplining at the property at a cost. It's a great activity to keep teenagers busy.
Camping:
They also offer day camping near the lake. It's a truly beautiful setting, and you can order a picnic lunch to go with it. It's a wonderful experience for families traveling together.
Karaoke:
There is an audiovisual room that organizes karaoke for guests in the evening. You can also screen movies here at an extra cost.
Indoor Games and Activities for Kids:
Indoor games like carrom and chess are available in the indoor play area. They also organize craft activities for kids, like glass painting or pottery, at an additional cost.
Spa:
The location of the spa is amazing, especially during the rains, overlooking the lake. The spa is the perfect evening activity to relax and unwind after a day full of outdoor fun!
In all, we highly recommend visiting this beautiful treasure right in the lap of nature with kids, parents, and pets! There is something for everyone. It's difficult to choose what was my favorite activity - dare I say, lying on the grass and watching the clouds drift by!
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