Coimbatore Homestay provider - India south india tours & travels|south india packages hotels|about south india|travel agent|tour operators is a famous tourist attraction, mainly for its natural beauty. It has grown to be one of the most famous hill stations in India Here are some more information about Ooty that may come to your help while planning a trip there.
Ooty or Udhagamandalam is the capital of the Nilgiri district. The climate of this place is generally pleasant and thus suitable for leisure tours. The major attractions of this hill station are the green valleys, beautiful mountains and the vast tea estates.
One of the nice season to visit Ooty is during the annual Tea and Tourism Festivals when the hill station bustles with many tea lovers of the country. Many international travelers also visit this beautiful place during this time of the year.
The summer festival also attracts many visitors to Ooty in Tamil Nadu. The gorgeous greenery of the Nilgiris are at their best during this season. The surrounding landscape is also adorned with multiple colors at this time of the year.
Some of the tourist attractions of Ooty are
Ooty Lake- This is an artificially constructed lake built in the year of 1825. it was built for providing an irrigation tank to the people of this region.
Botanical Garden- It is situated on the lower slopes of the Dodabetta peak.
Kalhatty Falls- Located about 113 kilometers away from Udhagamandalam. Water here gushes down from a height of about 122 meters. Government Museum- It preserves the arts and crafts of the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. John Sullivan, the then district collector of Coimbatore, is credited for bringing the beautiful hill station of Ooty before public eye. Thus 1819, when he visited this hill station for the first time, is one of the most important years in the history of Ooty.
Some Englishmen went to Ooty in Tamil Nadu before 1819 even. In the year of 1812 Mr Keys, the Assistant Revenue Surveyor and Mc Mahon, his assistant were sent there by the district collector of Coimbatore. They were the first Englishmen to climb up the Nilgiris. They went up to the Kallati, the lower levels of North Ooty through Dananayakan Kottai. But they never noticed the promising beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Later in the year of 1818, J.C Whish and N.W. Kinderseley visited this place. But it was in 1819 that the route to Ooty was laid and the possibilities of Ooty as an important tourist destination were discovered. Another important fact in the history of Ooty is the laying of the path to the hill station. The earliest route to Nilgiri from Coimbatore was laid in the year of 1821, Shirumugai to Kotagiri. Later in the year of 1832 the first Coonoor Ghat road was built. In the year of 1871, the present metaled ghat road was laid. It connects Kallar and Coonoor by covering a distance of about 25 kilometers.
It was John Sullivan who built the first house in Ooty. It was called the Stone House. Gradually the hill station started gaining popularity with the tourists and historical Ooty became one of the most important hill resorts in India
The Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu were practically inaccessible to the common traveler until the advent of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway or NMR. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway connects the hill town of Ooty with the town of Mettupalayam which is located just at the foot hills. Using the Abt system, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the only rack Railway in the whole of India
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway covers a total distance of about 46 Kilometers to Udhagamandalam and takes an approximate time of four and half hours to do the same. There are five stations at which the Nilgiri Mountain Railway stops between Mettupalayam and Coonoor, these are, Hill Grove, Runnymede, Kateri, Kallar, and Adderley. From Coonoor to Ooty the Nilgiri Mountain Railway used to stop at five other stations, Aruvankadul, Ketti, Wellington, Lovedale and Fren Hill but in the recent past the last one has been closed down.
India Tourist Attractions in Ooty
One of the reasons people like to visit hill stations is that, they not only offer respite from the dust and pollution of the city but also give people a chance to see the undefiled beauty of nature. The green hills, the cascading waterfalls and sparkling brooks, all make the hill stations a delight for the eyes of the city-weary. Ooty is an ideal hill station since it offers all this and much more. There are many places you can tour, such as the Botanical Gardens, Lamb's rock, Dodabetta Peak, among many others.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN OOTY
Botanical Gardens
If you are on a sightseeing tour to Ooty, you might want to visit the Government Botanical gardens, which were laid out in 1847.The picturesque gardens that are maintained by the Horticulture department of the state, cover an area of about 22 hectares. The Gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. The garden is very popular with nature lovers and those who long to walk among greenery and see rare ferns and shrubs up close.
If you are in Ooty in the month of May, then you can also be a part of the summer festival, which is held here annually. The festival holds flower shows and various cultural programs showcasing the talent of the locals and the renowned artists.
Ooty Lake
If you love the outdoors, Ooty lake is a must see for you. It was built in 1825 and is about 2.5 km long. Visitors to this lake can go for boating on the lake or enjoy their favorite outdoor activity of fishing. If the latter really appeals to you then remember to get fishing permission before you head to buy baits!
Dodabetta Peak
The Dodabetta Peak stands at an altitude of 2,623 meters. It is the highest point in the district, making it possibly the best vantage point around Ooty. It is merely 10kms from Ooty so you can simply grab your camera and head straight to the peak, and click amazing pictures of he valley below. Many say that on a clear day, which is honestly not that often, one can see far off areas, even the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore.
Lamb's Rock
Lamb's Rock is another vantage point that is ideal for taking pictures and is a wonderful picnic spot. It is merely 9kms. From Coonoor and is known for the splendid views it offers of the plains of Coimbatore and the tea states in the surrounding areas.
Kodanadu's View Point
Kodanadu is about 16kms from Kotagiri, and is situated on the eastern edge of the Nilgiri range. It is a great vantage point that offers a breathtaking view of the Moyar river and the tea estates. There is a watchtower here that offers a view of the Rangasamy peak.
WEEKEND TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS
Though Ooty in itself can keep you occupied for many days, but if you can never have enough of greenery and scenic beauty, than you can visit numerous place around Ooty, such as Coonnoor and Kotagiri, which are also quite popular with tourists.
Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
The Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 67kms from Ooty. If you are in town for a couple of days, then a visit to the Wildlife sanctuary would be a great way to spend a day. The Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of very rich flora and fauna, and is home to many endangered species. Though tigers and Leopards are only seen by the fortunate few, elephants, giant squirrels, sambhar, chital, barking deer and flying squirrels are a common sight. The Sanctuary is also a great place to see many kinds of birds, including colorful parakeets, black woodpecker, Malabar trogon and crested hawk eagle. If you have children with you or you yourself are simply fond of the majestic elephants then, you might like to visit the elephant camp within the sanctuary, Theppakkadu.
Kotagiri
East of Ooty, is a little village of kotagiri, which is about 28km from the popular hill station. Kotagiri is the oldest one of the three hill stations in the Nilgiris. It is not as popular as the other two, Ooty and Coonoor, yet it is said that it probably has the most pleasant weather among the three of them. It is a beautiful hill resort that has wonderful tea estates and is definitely worth a visit.
Kalhatty Waterfalls
The beautiful Kolhatty waterfalls are about 100 feet in height and are located on the kalhatty slopes. The falls are about 13kms from the city, so anyone on a tour of Ooty can easily check out the falls and the beautiful area surrounding it. Besides, obviously looking at the waterfalls, you can explore the kalhatty-Masinagudi slopes, that are home to many wild species, including panthers, sambhar, bison and wild buffaloes.
Sim's park
The Sim's Park is spread over an area of 12 hectares and is situated in Upper Coonoor. The park it is believed has more than 1000 plant species, including many flowering plants, pines, ferns and shrubs. If you are visiting in May, then you can attend the fruit and vegetable show, which is a tradition and is held annually.
Dolphin's Nose
If the name is not amusing enough for you, you can come down to this very Dolphin's nose and have a good time, enjoying games and an outdoor picnic. The Dolphin's nose is a great vantage point that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. If it is clear day, you can even see the Catherine falls from here.
Mukurthi
About 36 km from Ooty is Mukurthi. Here you can take a look at the imposing Mukurthi peak. According to the Todas, the indigenous people of this locale, the souls of the dead move on to the next world from this very sacred place. It is an interesting place for the skeptics as the flora and fauna of this pace bears a striking resemblance to that found in Himalayan region. You can also visit the Mukurthi lake which is close to the peak and is worth a closer look.
Avalanche
Avalanche lies 28 km from Ooty. Unlike it's name, which conjures up images of destruction and devastation, the place is a nature lover's paradise. It is a lake, which is ideal for fishing, though one has to obtain permission before hand. It is also the perfect place to enjoy bird watching and a quiet afternoon.
Coonnoor
Coonoor is a famous hill station that is 17 kms from ooty. It is probably the second most popular hill station in the Nilgiris. The hill station stands at a height of 1839 meters and is known for its great picnic spots and picturesque surroundings.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
Tea and tourism Festival
If you are in Ooty in the month of January, you cannot possibly miss the Tea and Tourism festival. At the festival, you can learn more about your favorite drink and possibly taste some of the best cups of tea.
Makar Pongal
In January, if you find yourself holidaying in Ooty, then do not forget to join the festivities and enjoy the celebrations.
Flower Show
The popular flower show is held in May at the botanical gardens and is a great event that attracts visitors from all over.
Ooty Train
The meter gauge Nilgiri Mountain Railway has tracks which are made of 50 lb rails. On the path of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway there are a total of 250 bridges. While 32 of them are important and major bridges and 15 are small over the road bridges. Between Kallar and Ooty the Nilgiri Mountain Railways passes through 16 tunnels and from Mettupalaiyam to Udagamandalam, the lapse is dotted with stone ballast and the cushion which vary from 75 mm to 150 mm.
A journey on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway cruising through the natural beauty of the Nilgiri Mountains. The virgin forests and the misty mountains seems to welcome the travelers to the land of eternal beauty.
It is pleasure to drive down the picturesque roads of Tamil Nadu and especially to climb up the Nilgiri Hills to the hill station of Ooty is magnificent. The presence of a number of Car rentals in Ooty allows to maximize this pleasure. One can hire a vehicle from the car rentals in Ooty are surf the natural beauty of the place and the regions around it.
Ooty is the perfect place to rejuvenate one senses and what better way to just take a drive through the misty mountains. The Car rentals in Ooty rent out car to the tourists to go for sight seeing and also visit the nearby places. The Car rentals in Ooty can provide the tourists with all kinds of Cars which also includes coaches for those traveling in groups. Car Rental in Ooty usually rents out luxury car and make sure that the tourists have a pleasant journey. The cars that these Companies rent out include, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Camry, Mercedes Benz, Somo, Qualis, and Maruti.
There are a number of Car rentals in Ooty and these Companies also arrange tours on request, These Car rental in Ooty Companies include:
Rich Tours & Travels: +91 94435 53696, +91 98430 52696
AROUND OOTY
The sweltering heat, the rising mercury, the sweat trickling down one's forehead, this is how one would describe the summers in the cities. But imagine being able to feel dewy grass under one's feet and cool air fanning one's cheek, as one walks by sweet smelling flowers while listening to the birds twittering and serenading the whole valley with songs of mirth and beauty. Wish you could be in this paradise? Fortunately, you can experience all this while you tour Ooty and other various places close to the Nilgiris with Ooty India
Besides Ooty, other places in Tamil Nadu, that will transport you to a world of happiness and joy are, Coonoor, Kodaikanal, Coimbatore and the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary.
While, Coonoor and Kodaikanal are popular hill stations in the Nilgiris. Coimbatore is a place with temples and monuments besides being a commercial center, famous for its textile industry. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is ideal for those who love animal and want to add a bit of adventure to their holiday. Regardless of what you seek, a quiet holiday, a fun trip or a wildlife tour, you can have it all with Ooty India For your next holiday, take a holiday package to Tamil Nadu and see all the tourist destinations that make Tamil Nadu, a unique state of India
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