Ooty
Ooty Hill Station,
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Ooty
Ooty
also known as Udhagamandalam is the "Queen of hill stations" and
the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist
resorts in India. Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is a land
of picturesque picnic spots. Used to be popular summer and weekend getaway
for the Britishers during the colonial days.
It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. An
added attraction for the tourists to Udagamandalam is the mountain train
journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near
Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful
tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation,
gurgling streams and tea gardens.
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One can notice a marvellous change in vegetation, as one goes from Kallar to
Coonoor. The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty
mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea
gardens greet the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism
Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers.
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Area |
30.67 sq km |
| Population |
93,921 |
| Altitude |
2286 m above sea level |
| STD Code |
0423 |
| Languages Spoken |
Tamil, English |
| Annual Mean Rainfall |
991 mm |
| Maximum Temperature |
24.3°C |
| Minimum Temperature |
4.8°C |
| State Capital |
No |
The Verdant hills, the lush green valleys and the pristine natural beauty of the hill resort of Ooty offers the urban tired souls a chance to resume their affair with Nature, to whom they truly belong.
The heavenly hill resort like a blushing bride peeks from behind lofty Nilgiri hills. The unassuming beauty of this heavenly hill resort beckons you to come and and embrace the tranquility and solace that Ooty has to offer.
The Hill resort of Ooty in Tamil Nadu, India, is located in the midst of four high hills; Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk hill and Club Hill. These hills belong to the Nilgiri range or the 'blue mountains.' A British Collector by the name of John Sullivan discovered the hill station of Ooty and developed it as a summer resort, realizing its potential. The original name of Ooty was 'Udhagamandalam, but it was shortened to 'Ooty' after the arrival of British, which might have had something to do with the difficulty one feels at pronouncing such a difficult name! Apparently the British Collector was right about Ooty and now it is one of the most popular hill stations in India, particularly of South India.
HISTORY IN BRIEF
The earliest that is known of the history of Ooty, is that it was ruled by Vishnu Vardhana, the Hoysala King, from 1104 to 1141 AD. Later, after many years, it came under the rule of the British East India Company, after the company signed a treaty with the brave Tipu Sultan in 1799. This is when John Sullivan started the development of the hill station and promoted it as an ideal summer retreat. Lots of cottages, clubs and other buildings were built to house and provide recreational facilities to the British officials. Soon enough, the hill station was growing tea for its inhabitants, who considered high tea to be an integral part of their day. Now, these tea estates not only produce the favorite drink of millions of Indians but also add to the charm and the beauty of the hill resort of Ooty India.
CLIMATE AND THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
Ooty is a picturesque hill station that is pleasant all through the year, so there is no 'wrong time' to visit this place. Though many consider that the best time is from 'February to May' or else from 'September to November'. If you prefer summers, you can simply pack all your cotton clothing, along with a light jacket, just in case there is a shower or drizzle. The winters are somewhat cold, so it would be a good idea to carry your winter wear or woolen clothing with you on tours to Ooty India.
From just behind the central Bus Stand (also near the Railway station) the famous Ooty Lake stretches, in an irregular
'L' shape, for about 2.75 kms in length and varying distances in width(100m – 140m). For the curious, this lake was artificially formed
by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty, in 1823-25 by damming the mountain streams flowing down Ooty valley.
The lake which breached thrice,
completely emptying itself, originally extended up to the present day market and ferries were used to get across one side to the other.
The lake gradually shrunk in size giving place to the present racecourse, the bus stand and mini garden.
At the far end is the Boat House, where all kinds of boats are available for hire from eight in the morning to six in the evening. Surrounded by lofty eucalyptus
trees and shrubs the lake is a scenic delight to ones from the concrete jungles. During summer seasons, in May, boat races and boat pageantry are organized for two
days at the lake which draws huge crowd.
In recent years the lake and the boat house have become the hub of entertainment for the visitors.
At the boat house end, there is children's park with a toy train.
A deer part is located in the adjacent area. Just outside the Boat house local ponies are available for jolly rides at a charge.
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Pykara lake/ Pykara Boat House
The placid lake of Pykara, amid the lush green valleys is a lovely getaway from Ooty. Here, a calm lake is surrounded by forests.
There is a forest rest House at Pykara. A boat house by the Pykara falls and Dam is added attractions to the tourists. The major attraction
of this place is the boathouse, with restaurant and a rest house to provide you with ultimate comfort.
It is a clean and scenic lake in between the hills. It is an isolated lake free from pollution and maddening crowed .
Boating is conducted here. You will get a wonderful experiences over here. Please Don't fail to visit here.
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Avalanche
Located at a distance of 25 km from ooty. A place that should not be missed. An exotic experience of mountain trekking
could be realized in this place. |
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Emerald Lake
Located at a distance of 25 km from ooty. A place that should not be missed.
Emerald lake is a wonderful lake in the upper plateau region of the Nilgiri hills. It is a part of the silent valley and is beside
the Red hill nature resort which is a best picnic place of the region.
The site of the lake is wonderful and one would definitely love being at that place. The chirping birds and ducks and other swimming creatures add beauty to the place
and the sun set and sun rise is also spectacular here.
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6th Mile (Shooting Spot)
Just 6miles from the Ooty city you can reach this spot. Its green & lengthy shooting spot which is surrounded by forest.
You can see this spot in most of Indian movies
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9th Mile (Shooting Spot)
It takes 9miles from the Ooty city you can reach this spot. Its green & very lengthy shooting spot which is surrounded by forest & mountains.
This place is called as "Shooting Medu". Very calm place and very good for picnics. Dont miss to take your family to Shooting medu.
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Glenmorgan
The beautiful countryside with tea and eucalyptus plantations. undisturbed sholas and fine views is ideal for drives and picnics.
The beautiful countryside with tea and eucalyptus plantations. undisturbed sholas and fine views is ideal for drives and picnics.
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HPF (Hindustan Photo Film)
The HPF, one of the major industrial units ot the district, is a public sector enterprise. This unit is located
(about 5 Km away from Ooty railway station) over a sprawling area of over 300 acres, near the Ooty golf-links on the
Ooty- Mysore road. The HPF was inaugurated by Mrs. Indra Gandhi, Prime Minister, in January, 1967.
This industrial unit is currently producing Indu roll films which are used for taking photographs; Indu X-ray films, the quality of which is
acknowledged to be among the best in the world; Indu bromide paper on which photographs are printed; and Induaerographic for geological and
defence mapping, industrial X - ray film, laser recording film, CAT film, special film for space photography, oscilloscope direct print paper,
photo typesetting paper and range of chemicals for the film processing.
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Ketti Valley view
Situated on the coonoor Road This valley is the second largest valley in the world. This region is a seen with larger constellations of villages,
that forms the parts of coimbatore and mysore. Home to the Badagas and tribes such as the Todas, Ketti represents a way of life that revolves around caring for
livestock and cultivation of vegetables and potatoes.
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Kalhatty water falls
The picturesque waterfalls come down a 36 m drop. A popular spot for picnics and treks. his water falls could be seen in
ooty mysore route at a distance of 13 km from ooty. The road runs via the Kalhatty Ghats. It is situated 2,000m above main sea
level and with many water falls and rivulets.
Situated on the slopes of Kalhatty, the magnanimous Kalhatty Waterfall stands pretty
amidst picturesque landscapes. But falls could be seen in a particular season
from September to November. The height of this falls is 40m.
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The Mukkurthi Peak And National Park
Mukkurthi is a beautiful peak while programming your Excursions in Ooty, which is located at a distance of
40-km from Ooty. Ideally located on the Southern corner of the Nilgiri Plateau, this peal attracts tourists from distinct corners.
The Kollaribetta and Nilgiris Peak are the other major peaks, close to this peak which are for the famous tourist attractions in Ooty.
A large number of perennial streams flowing between these peaks, make a complete picturesque reality. Furthermore, Bhavani Puzha.
Silent Valley, along the Western Ghats, is a feast to the visitor's eye.
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Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
An ideal adventurous place, located in Nilgiri Hills, where the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the
Eastern Ghats. Area :32,155 hectares. Along side the adventures of the sanctuary, you will also find a varied mixture of flat land,
open grassland, swamp, valley and nullas at this place.
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The Famous Mudumalai wild life Sanctuary is situated at an elevation of 1000 metres and
extending over an area of 321 sq.mts lies this sanctuary between Kerala and Karnataka states. Langur, bonnet macaque, tiger, leopard, wild dog, hyena,
jackal, sloth bear, elephants, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, Indian muntjac, mouse deer, wild boar, rodent and flying squirrel are part of the
wildlife in Mudumalai. This is one of India's best sanctuaries.
Mudumalai wildlife reserve was the first sanctuary in south India. Within the sanctuary is an elephant camp called "Theppakkadu", where there is a rest house. Accommodation is also available at TTDC's Youth Hostel and rest houses in Masinagudi, Abhayaranayam and Kargudi and the Bamboo Banks Farm that is 18-km away.
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Sims park - Coonoor
Sim’s Park is a 12-hectare park in Coonoor, which exhibits over 1000 species of plants. The park is situated in a deep ravine on the
Northern side of Coonoor Railway Station
at an elevation of 1768 to 1798 mts.
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Kodanad View Point - Kotagiri
It is about 16 kms. from Kotagiri on the eastern edges of the Nilgiris. On either side of the road one can see the panoramic view of
the tea estates and the river Moyar is breath taking. A watch tower is there to view the
panoramic view of Rangasamy peak and pillar. From Kotagiri bus services are available.
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Dolphin Nose
Dolphin’s Nose around 10 km. away from Coonoor is an excellent viewpoint. It encompasses the Catherine Falls.
Lambs nose is another point on the way to Dolphins Nose
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St. Catherine Water Falls
From Dolphin's Nose of Coonoor one can have a magnificent view of St. Catherine Water falls which is about 250 feet height. But it can be reached from Kotagiri at a distance of 8 kms. To reach the top of the hills tourist should take a diversion at Aravenu on Kotagiri - Mettupalayam road. |
Further reading