On our second day in Ooty we were lucky to come across  Sheriff, a trekking guide recommended by Lonely Planet. He was an incredibly kind, interesting man who has been leading treks for 25 years. He took us on his favorite route, through the Nilgiris to Toda Villages. We stopped at one woman's home, Nastamali (her name means natural flower) and she made us buffalo ghee tea. The Toda have been living in the Nilgiris 'forever' and are incredibly interesting people. They worship buffalo and use buffalo milk for nutrients. Otherwise they're completely vegan. Also, 'marriage' among Todas is very unique. At 8 or 9 they become engaged to each other, and then they sleep together around 13-14. If the woman/girl becomes pregnant, the couple gets married. This process is then repeated again and again, because both the woman and man may leave/enter into marriage whenever they chose. According to Sheriff, "If a woman does not like her husband, he gives her back her buffalo and shawl and she is free to leave." A very interesting contrast to most Indian marriages. Nastamali was married at 13 and is currently 65 and on her fourth husband. 


Sheriff also brought through tea plantations and to the lake. The whole day was amazing. The highlight being meeting a Toda woman and learning about her life. The people her are as beautiful as their mountains.