The most amazing discoveries, vibrant colors and pulsating energy, often lies in the local bazaars or markets of different places. The local market at Ooty is a perfect example. Just a little off Commercial Road, is this maze of bustling lanes that you simply must explore when you are in Ooty. Soak in its sights, sounds, aromas and colors. Discover. Enjoy. Smile. Let the place unravel through its bazaar.
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Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Bylane, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: If you are a woman, buy some flowers for your hair. It's a nice, feminine local tradition to embrace while you're here
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Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Bylane, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: Make some fresh chili flakes with these chilies. They have a tasty, sharp sting
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Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Bylane, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: Keep your eyes open for some indigenous public art and graffiti, like the Indian Flag on the wall in the pic.
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Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Bananas, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: There is a huge variety of bananas available here. Take one of each type and enjoy the subtle differences in the texture and flavor. Once you are done, take the peel and run it on your teeth. It's a great whitener. Then use the non-stringy inside part to shine up your leather shoes. And finally, bury the peel an inch or two inside a plant's base. It provides high nutrients to plants.
Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Nazarpattoos (Evil Eye Masks), Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: These colorful masks are put outside the house to ward off the evil eye.
Pick one or a few in different colors and use them to make a funky mask wall.
These also make great kitsch gifts to carry home.
These also make great kitsch gifts to carry home.
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Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Lime and Coconuts, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: Drink lime in tea or warm water. It's great for your metabolism, cures hangovers and regular consumptions improves your overall health. You can also rub the juice on your armpits as it works as a good , natural deodorant.
Lime and Coconuts, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: Drink lime in tea or warm water. It's great for your metabolism, cures hangovers and regular consumptions improves your overall health. You can also rub the juice on your armpits as it works as a good , natural deodorant.
Lady selling greens, Ooty Market
Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Soul Sherpa Tip: The freshest and most delicious greens for a nice soup, stir fry or salad.
This lady vendor is very friendly. Just smile at her and even if you don't speak Tamil, she'll give you the best stuff at bargain prices.
This lady vendor is very friendly. Just smile at her and even if you don't speak Tamil, she'll give you the best stuff at bargain prices.
Coconuts, Ooty Market
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Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Soul Sherpa Tip: Add an extra punch to your smoothies by blending in some grated coconut. Or sprinkle it on cereals, salads, sprouts or boiled gram.
Banana Leaves , Ooty Market
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Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Soul Sherpa Tip: Steam your fish in these to retain moisture and add a subtle. You can also use these as plates or pack your picnic food in them. Cool. Eco friendly. And very hygienic.
Veggie Shop, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: There are 2 common varieties. One for cooking and the other for salads.
Chop a few and serve raw with fresh Oregano, a sprinkling of celery salt and roasted garlic flakes.
Or make a delicious fruit salad with chunks of tomatoes, watermelon, papayas and mint.
Chop a few and serve raw with fresh Oregano, a sprinkling of celery salt and roasted garlic flakes.
Or make a delicious fruit salad with chunks of tomatoes, watermelon, papayas and mint.
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Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Carrots, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: The Nilgiris has some of the country's most delicious carrots.
Eat them raw or make a bucket of thin, crunchy carrot chips. Serve with a yogurt dip. Totally yummy!
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Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Rope Shop, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: Take your favorite neon colored rope and use vertical strands to create a funky curtain or partition in a room. Or wrap neatly around flower pots to make a colorful statement.
Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Cattle Ornaments, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: Wrap these in your hair to create a super cool, bohemian look. Tie two together to create a waist belt. Or use them as add-on accessories on a large bag. Simply love the shells and pompoms. You also get a version with small tinkling bells.
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Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Sleepy Dog Square, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: Let sleeping dogs lie :)
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Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Mounted posters of Hindu Gods & Goddesses, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: Buy the square tiles and use them to break the monotony of a plain wall.
If you love kitsch, you could cover an entire wall with these, and keep the others completely plain.
If you love kitsch, you could cover an entire wall with these, and keep the others completely plain.
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Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Artificial Flowers, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: Take a few meters of the blindingly colorful flower strands and string them around the house when you're having a party. Throw in some Chinese Lanterns and candles, play some Jazz and Voila! You have totally stunning, whimsy decor for your do!
Photo: Bindiya Murgai
Banana & Palm Tree Decorations, Ooty Market
Soul Sherpa Tip: These are used on auspicious events like festivals, pujas (prayer ceremonies) and weddings. They are meant to ward of the evil and usher in the good. Take a few. Put them at your entrance and let the good vibes flow!
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