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Kanasu: The Sustainability Dream
Kanasu, meaning ‘dream’ is a concept café that sells the idea of sustainability. It is a fun place that is seriously responsible.
Just off Charing Cross is a wonderland where dreams come true, for kids and adults alike. Kanasu, meaning ‘dream’ is a different kind of place in a tourist town.
A café and shop with a different perspective, Kanasu, is a fun place that is seriously responsible. This reflects in its décor and ambience - up-cycled cafe furniture such as comfy armchairs made of car tyres, tables covered with papier-mâché and baskets made with rolled magazines.
The souvenir shop has handcrafted mementoes to carry home. Sustainability is at the core of all its products: organic cotton baby clothes, up-cycled paper jewellery and Toda embroidered bags. There are pop-up classes and workshop of the day: the place is always buzzing with activity sessions for kids and adults.
So one can walk in to eat a Choco-lava cake, but end up learning how to make one too; Ditto for gingerbread houses and homemade chocolates. At Kanasu, the menu has food for both the mind and the body.
Kanasu also organizes ‘Behind Bars’ cycle trails. It is possible to pack a hamper, take a bike and head for the lesser-known paths of Ooty.
Kanasu, on the Ooty – Coonoor road is where unusual vacation dreams could come true.
Good to Know
Location: 3 km from the Sterling (Elk Hill) resort
Location: 4 km from the Sterling (Fern Hill) resort
Other Attractions
On Toda Trail - Glimpses of the Earliest Inhabitants of the Nilgiris.
3hrsThe Todas, an ethnic group who used to live in the Nilgiris, migrated here more than 2000 years ago. Anthropologists believe that they evolved in seclusion.
Mudumalai National Park- Step Into The Wilderness
3hrsMudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a recognised tiger reserve. Nestled in the Nilgiris, it is home to many endangered species and is rich in flora and fauna.
The Blue Mountain Express: The Steepest Track in Asia
3hrsThe charming old world steam coaches, huffing and puffing against the blue and emerald hills of the Nilgiris, are a magnificent sight. Its thrilling to ride in one.
Mukurthi Trek: Nature's Balancing Act
3hrsDiscover the treasures of the Shola Forest in Mukurthi National Park. Trek up to a stunning view of the peaks in the Nilgiris.
The Stone House and the Oak Tree: John Sullivan's Legacy
3hrsJohn Sullivan, the man who designed Ooty, built this picture-perfect bungalow for himself. This charming building, about 150 years old, also has an oak tree of the same age for its companion.
Cairn Hill: Reminiscence of the British Era
3hrsThe forests of Cairn Hill are spread over 168 hectares and have a few of the original surviving cypress plantations from the British era.
To Shoot a Mocking Bird: A Must Feat for Birdwatchers
3hrsThe Nilgiri’s bird Laughingthrush is an artful dodger. Its mocking laughter challenges those in the vicinity. Though it is audible, it isn't easily visible.
St. Stephen 's Church: A Reminder of Colonial Heritage
3hrsMade from wood stripped from Tipu’s Palace at Srirangapatna, St Stephen’s Church follows the Gothic style of architecture and has beautiful stained glass windows.
Rose Garden: A Wonderland of Roses
3hrsThe Rose Garden of Ooty is India’s most renowned garden, sprawling across 10 acres on the slopes of Elk Hill, housing more than 20,000 varieties of roses.
Jain Mandir: Soul and Solace
3hrsThe Nasiyan Jain Temple, greatly revered by the Digambara sect of Jains, is dedicated to the first of the 24 Tirthankaras, Lord Rishabhdev.
History Trails of Ooty: Colonial Era and Beyond
3hrsJohn Sullivan, the then district collector of Coimbatore is credited to have discovered this beautiful hill town nestled in the Nilgiris. A drive on the old Mysore road is a journey through the history of Ooty.