Ootacamund Gymkhana Golf Club, Tamilnadu

About Ootacamund Gymkhana Golf Club

The Ooty golf course follows the soft contours of downland, with its tonsured effect of tree-bare heights, ringed with gorse and thickly wooded copses of eucalyptus, oak, rhododendron and fir in the hollows. The course is surrounded by the thickly wooded Avalanch Range.
The altitude of 7,600feet, a few degrees above the equator, provides a combination of light and thin air which is a near intoxicant, and the ball travels much further than it would in the plains because of the rarefied atmosphere. The Ooty golf course is not only scenic but also quite trying, and it would be wise for the visitor to play only nine of the 18 holes on the first day.

Nine of the 18 holes on the Ooty course are blind in that you cannot see the green from the tee because of the undulating landscape. Guide posts fixed on the intervening ridges give the player the necessary directions. The most gruelling hole on this course is the fifth, all uphill and a good 200 feet higher. But the green is rewarding, with a breathtaking view across the hill ranges. The most exciting green is undoubtedly the 13th. It’s here that the player could be interrupted by the baying of hounds as he bumps into a fox hunt in progress. Dating back to 1847, the Ooty hunt has carried on uninterrupted, and Class I foxhounds and beagles are still bred and trained here.

Crowning the Nilgiri mountains in the south of India is the town of Ooty, as Ootacamund is more popularly known. Viewed from Coimbatore (89 km), the blue mountains, as the Nilgiris literally denote, seem to be permanently enveloped in blue. This could be brought about by the large number of gum trees that dot the mountain side, or by the gentle mist, which is so characteristic of the local weather. Ooty, at an altitude of 2,286 metres, is characterised by gently undulating downs and neatly planted tea gardens. It was Ooty’s Wenlock Downs that caught the eye of Col. Ross Thompson, who wasted no time in converting the spectacular area into a golf course, and founded the Ootacamund Gymkhana Club in 1896. The Wenlock Downs closely resemble the South Downs of Sussex, complete with yellow flowered prickly gorse bushes.

Interesting things 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.

Nearest Visiting places

Kotagiri 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.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

For accommodation near Ootacamund Gymkhana Golf Club, nearby towns offer budget lodges, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels. Book ahead during peak season (December-March).

Help Line/Phone Number

Armed Reserve Police Camp
, Pudumund, Ooty (Ootacamund) (Udhagamandalam), The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu

Thondamuthur Police Station
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2617258

Ganga Hospital
313, Mettupalayam Road, Alagesan Rd No. 2, Saibaba Koil, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 043- 0422 2485000

KG Hospital
Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2212121

Sheela Hospitals
46, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu? - 0422 2498381

Vikram Hospital And Ent Research Institute
Venkatasamy Rd, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2550633

Society/Community Phone Number

Ootacamund Gymkhana Club, Finger Post PO, Ootacamund,643006, The Nilgiris,Tamilnadu,India

Telephone: +91-423-2442254, 2448497 Fax: +91-423-2445967

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 of Ootacamund Gymkhana Golf Club

The originator of golf at Ootacamund was Colonel Ross Thompson, R.E. who brought it in 1889,from banglore, when he had been transfered as Executive Engineer, Nilgiri district.In march 1891, Colonel Fane Sewell, then honorary Secretary of the Blue Mountains Tennis and Cricket Club, which was the result of the amalgamation of the revived the playing of golf on the Hobart Park, by obtaining the permission of the municipal council.

How to reach Ootacamund Gymkhana Golf Club

**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)

Best time to visit Ootacamund Gymkhana Golf Club

November to February for comfortable weather. Check specific venue details for seasonal opening hours. Morning hours (9 AM–12 PM) are generally less crowded.

Timings & opening hours

Varies by establishment. Typically open during daytime hours — check locally for specific timings. Many such venues operate 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fees vary depending on the specific venue. Contact the venue directly for current pricing. Some venues may offer free entry with charges for specific activities.

Duration needed

1–3 hours depending on the type of venue and visitor interest. Allow additional time for travel and nearby exploration.

Safety tips

General safety precautions apply. Follow venue-specific guidelines. Keep valuables secure. Supervise children where applicable.

Things to carry

Standard travel essentials: water bottle, comfortable shoes, camera, appropriate clothing for the venue type.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

By Air: Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the primary international gateway. Regional airports include Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), Madurai International Airport (IXM), and Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), depending on location.

By Train: Tamil Nadu has an extensive railway network. Major junctions include Chennai Central (MAS), Coimbatore Junction (CBE), Madurai Junction (MDU), Tiruchirappalli Junction (TPJ), and Salem Junction (SA). From the nearest station, local transport is readily available.

By Road: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) operates an extensive bus network connecting all parts of the state. National highways NH 44, NH 48, and NH 32 provide excellent connectivity. Private buses and taxis are also available from nearby towns and cities.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Ootacamund Gymkhana Golf Club typically has a clubhouse restaurant serving multi-cuisine food including South Indian, North Indian, and Continental dishes. Nearby towns also offer additional dining options.

Things to do at Ootacamund Gymkhana Golf Club

Explore the venue and its offerings. Depending on the type of venue, activities may include learning about local crafts, enjoying recreational facilities, or experiencing local culture.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town and along the main approach roads.

Frequently asked questions

What are the visiting hours of Ootacamund Gymkhana Golf Club? Hours vary by venue and season. Contact the venue directly or check online for current timings.

Is photography allowed? Photography policies vary by venue. Check with the venue staff before taking photos.

Is the venue suitable for children? Suitability depends on the venue type. Contact the venue in advance to determine if it is suitable for children.