| Ooty |
| About: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.To feel the touch of nature, Ooty is a right spot for the lover of nature. It is located at a distance of 105 km away from Coimbatore. It sparkles with fresh vegetation and sceneries. It is “queen of all hill station”. The height of the hills in the Nilgiri range varies between 2280 and 2290 meters. It attracts the tourist by its charming flowers. Lofty mountains, dense forest, acres and acres of tea estates are green feast for the eyes of the tourist.The fast food world man runs his life in this world of tension; and living in the sweltering heat; to while away his short leisure hour he can spend that with nature (ooty).The weather of valley is salubrious. Ooty is a best place to know the culture and tradition of India and tribal people. |
| Location info: |
| Address:Ooty, Ooty District Tamil Nadu,,India |
| District:Ooty District |
| Nearest City:Coimbatore |
| Best time to visit:Through the year |
| Climate/Weather: |
| Winter Max 21ºC, Min 5ºC Summer Max 25ºC, Min 10ºC |
| History: |
| The most important thing that makes Ooty always a best place to visit is the climate, Eventhough the season is believed to be from April to June. It was first discovered during the British rule, by the collector of coimbatore called john Sullivan in the year 1817. The name udagamandalam is derived from the word “ottakkalmandu” which means “A village of a single stone” in Tamil language. But, afterwards people used to call this place as ooty in short form. This Region was entirely under the control of tribals called “Todas”. But, fortunately no measures were taken by any ruler to seize this region and hence it remains in its original Nature yet. |
| Interesting places to Visit: |
| Avalanche :Avalanche A break in the words at Cairn Hill presents an Avalanche of views, Strangely enough of a Country about 25 km from Ooty known as the Avalanche. It is on the way to Upper-Bhavani from Ooty via Emerald Camp. The gorgeous scenery at every turn is an experience of wonder and delight. The rivers from the top of the hill at Avalanche give a magnificent sight of the Avalanche Valley and reservoir.OOty Botanical Garden:Mr.Mc.Ivor completed the layout of Govt. Botanical Garden during the year 1857-1867. It covers an area of 22 hectares, ascending the slopes on the hill at an elevation of 2400-2500 meters above MSL. It is a treasure house of temperate flora, consisting of flowering trees, beautiful shrubs colorful lilies bulbous planets enchanting orchids, curious cacti and succulents, pleasing pteridophytes, breath taking glass house plans and charming annuals with bright colours. |
| Ooty Cairn Hill It is situated about 3 km on the road to Avalanche Cairn hill. It is one of the few surviving original walks. The entrance road to the bill is flanked by dense cypress trees. It is a very good picnic spot.Ooty Children’s Park A lovely Children’s park is in the Eastern end of the lake. The lawn and the budding flowers over looking the lake water and grass filled ground will tempt every child to enjoy the atmosphere and make them play joyfully. The view of St.Thomas Church, the moving mountain railway from the railway station, the boating and rowing, the rare horse race etc. are the unique scenes in this garden.Dodda Betta The eminent range of heights which runs North-South in the middle of the plateau, reaches its highest point at Doddabetta at about 8km East-Southeast from Ooty. Its height is 2636 meters. Doddabetta is the highest peak of the Nilgiris District. The Snow down hill (2530m), the Club hill (2448m) and the Elk hill (2466m) along with the Doddabetta, form among themselves the impressive Udhagamandalam Valley.Glenmorgen It is about 17 km from Ooty bus stand and an ecologically rich forestry spot. There is an Electricity Board winch which carries staff from Glenmorgan view point to power house at Singara. All the 4 km of the winch travel passes through undisturbed sholas and wildlife habitat.Ooty Horse Racing The Race Course is situated in the heart of the city. Running area about 2.4 km long and is one of the famous race courses in India. It is a very popular sport during the summer months of April, May and June.Kathatty Water Falls It is about 13 km from Ooty on the Ooty road via the Kalhatty Ghats. Best time to visit this falls is September to November. The fall is about 40 m high. This is among the Best Places for Trekking.Ketti Valley View Located on the road to Coonoor, which is considered to he the second largest Valley in the World. This idyllic spot is a cluster of tiny villages that extend to the plains of Coimbatore and Mysore plateau.Ooty Lake -Boat House This lake known famously as “Ooty Lake”. The lake was constructed in 1823 – 1825 by Mr. John Sullivan, the first collector of Ooty. A wide ran 01 Boats like Pedal Boat Row Boat Aqua Bike etc are available and dancing Cars, Mini Train are added attractions here.Tiger Hill East of Ooty town on the lower lap of Doddabetta peak lies the picturesque spot of Tiger Hill. A trek of about 3 km leads to the spot where also situated one of the drinking Water reservoirs in the town. An almost closed cave in the vicinity is associated with religious legends.Upper Bhavani It is about 60 km from Ooty, 10 km from Korakundah and about 20 km from Avalanche. This is Naturalist’s paradise. The area is rich with undisturbed wild habitat. From Bhangithappal via Sispera one can trek to Silent Valley.Wenlock Downs A vast expanse of understanding landscape offering Gymkhana Club, the Government Sheep Farm and Hindustan Photo Films Company besides pleasure of long stroll on quiet road.Western Catchment It is about 20 Km 12 Mile from Parsons Valley. It consists of, Rolling Grassy downs interspersed with temperature sholas occupying depression and valleys. The landscape is extremely picturesque. |
| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station:Ooty |
| Nearest Airport:Coimbatore, 100 km |
| Road Transport:Ooty is well connected by good roads. It is 535 km from Chennai (via Salem), 89 km from Coimbatore, 18 km from Coonoor (via Gudalur), 155 km from Mysore, 187 km from Calicut, 290 km from Bangalore, 281 km from Kochi (via Coimbatore and Palakkad), 236 km from Kodaikanal (via Coimbatore and Palani) |
| Nearest Visiting places:KotagiriKotagiri which is about 30 km. east of Udhagamandalam, 23 km. from Coonoor and 33 km. from Mettupalayam is one of the oldest and the largest of the hill stations. It is situated at a height of 6511′ above the mean sea level and it possesses an agreeable climate among the hill stations of the district. It is protected by the Doddabetta range from the violent southwest monsoon and is not affected by mists which are so common at Coonoor. The lower elevation of the place makes it warmer than Udhagamandalam. These advantages in the climate make the station a fine health resort. Kotagiri stands at the head of a fine ravine running down towards Mettupalayam. |
| Nearest Petrol Pump: |
| Petrol Pump : Ooty |
| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:Hotel Lakeview West Lake Road, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643004- 022 66181940 Hotal King’s Cliff Havelock Road, Opposite Willow Hill Hotel, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001- 022 66181940Meadows Residency Coonoor Rd, Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu 643001 – 0423 2224444Fortune Hotel Sullivan Court, Ooty 123, Selbourne Road, Not Specified, Ooty, 643 001- 0423 2441415Hotel Sinclairs Gorishola Road, Ootacamund, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001- 022 66181940 Holiday Inn Gem Park-Sheddon Rd, Ootacamund, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001 – 022 66181940 |
| Help Line/Phone Number: |
| Police Station:Armed Reserve Police Camp , Pudumund, Ooty (Ootacamund) (Udhagamandalam), The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu Thondamuthur Police Station Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2617258 |
| Nearest Hospital:Ganga Hospital 313, Mettupalayam Road, Alagesan Rd No. 2, Saibaba Koil, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 043- 0422 2485000KG Hospital Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2212121 Sheela Hospitals 46, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu? – 0422 2498381Vikram Hospital And Ent Research Institute Venkatasamy Rd, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2550633 |
Image Gallery of Ooty-Hill Stations
