Ooty

The great mountain ranges of the Western and Eastern Ghats sweep down to form a "V" about 400 kilometres from the southern tip of India. Just here, where the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka meet in the Nilgiri Hills, are three hill stations, the most famous of which is Ooty. Originally the home of tribal peoples - Todas, Irulas, Kurumbas, Panias and Badagas - Ooty became the focus of British interest in the early 19th century. The Collector of Coimbatore, John Sullivan, laid a bridle path (and built the first house, Stone House), later followed by a road and then a pin-and-ratchet railway nicknamed "the Toy Train" and still popular with visitors today. The town, which was southern India's most prestigious hill station, expanded hugely in the 20th century but still has some distinctive Raj-era architecture, gorgeous views over the rolling hills, tea plantation, botanical gardens, trekking and adventure sports in the surrounding areas. At 2,268 metres, it has a cool, wet climate. The game of snooker was invented at the Ooty Club.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson