“ ALL ABOUT OOTY "

Ooty nestles in an amphi theatre created by four majestic hills-Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk Hill and Club Hill. These hills are part of the Nilgiri ranges that are really the meeting point for the Western and the Eastern Ghats. But why the 'blue' mountains-one would naturally wonder at the name. Do rest assured, when the lavender-blue flowers of the famous Strobilanthes cover the hills in floral profusion, it would be time to stop wondering, for it is these funnel-shaped blossoms that are the reason for the name. The beautiful Botanical Gardens are, in a word, Ooty's milestone. Reaching the sprawling maze of greens and blooms, up northeast of the township, one's first thought is of the incredible influence of British rule in India. And these images, reminiscent of the Raj, were all over Ooty. Not surprising, considering that the hill resort as we know it now was founded by the British, in the early 1800s, to serve as the Madras Government's summer headquarters. The Botanical Gardens of Ooty, established in 1847, are much like the typical, manicured and planned gardens one sees so often. But the real beauty of the place is its plants-an amazingly diverse array with trees, shrubs and herbs of a mind boggling number of species. And the flowers were really something to write home about. Was it the altitude-Ooty nestles at 2240 m above sea level-and the rarefied air, or the lack of polluted air that gave these flowers an added shine and gloss? They smiled from everywhere as one ambles about the lovely, spread-out profusion. The fossil tree trunk that one sees here is believed to be 20 million years old! The great charm of Ooty is not so much the specific tourist destination; it is, in fact, the long lovely walks that it offers. Anywhere you go, the serenity of the Nilgiris will be all around you. Specially the strategic points from where one could either see Ooty or the view all around, like Snowdon, Ketty Valley, the Wenlock Downs and, of course, Doddabetta. Further, one could hire a horse either near the boathouse or at the Savoy-for a slightly more exhilarating excursion in and around town.

Ooty is a haven for the seeker of sports, adventure or otherwise-from hiking and riding to fishing for trout and playing tennis and snooker. Then, of course, there is the gorgeously scenic golf course tucked away in the northwest almost straight across town from the Gardens. Many avid golfers believe that the links of the Ooty Gymkhana Club are among the best in the world. Then there is the Race Course, in the heart of town. Today, Ooty has shot up on the demand charts of the Bombay (Mumbai) film industry, and with the southern filmmakers already there, the resort faces quite a glut of starry stuff. With a large number of popular hill stations of the Himalayas snuffed out or made inaccessible by violence and political upheaval, Ooty is now a hot spot for the filmwallah. So you mustn't be rattled to find your peaceful walks punctuated by sudden crowds and an outlandishly attired couple running around a grove of eucalyptus tree. An important and Interesting Tourist spot of Tamilnadu. This place is also a place of visit in the summer season for its chill climate. Udagamandalam-Ooty in short is called as the “Queen of Hills”. It is located at the tri junction of Tamilnadu, kerala and Karnataka. It is at 7500 feet above the sea level and finds its location in the Nilgris (also called as Blue Mountain). Nilgris is a beautiful mountain range which is a part of Western Ghats. Totally there are three places to visit namely Kothagiri, Coonoor and Ooty. Among these three Ooty is given the primal importance because of its scenic Beauty and excellent climate conditions. Nilgris is oldest than the Great Himalayas. Like Icing on a cake ooty adds Pride to this mountain Range.

Ooty is 90 km from Coimbatore, 301 km from Bangalore, 160 km from Mysore, 537 km from Chennai, and 567 km from Kanyakumari, 290 km from Bangalore, 842 km from Hyderabad, 485 km from Kanchipuram, 281 km from Kochi, 265 km from Kodaikanal, 326 km from Madurai, 401 km from Mangalore, 422 km from Pondicherry, 537 km from Rameswaram, 341 km from Thanjavur, 498 km from Thiruvananthapuram, 342 km from Tiruchirapalli, 534 km from Tiruupati. Most visitors arrive in Ooty either by bus from Mysore in Karnataka or by the mountain railway from Coonoor and Mettupalayam. Between the lake and the racecourse are the bus stand and railway station.

“HOW TO REACH OOTY"

By Air

Nearest airport, Coimbatore is 98 kms away. Cochin airport is 250 kms away and Bangalore airport is 276 kms.

By Rail

Ooty has a miniature railway connecting it with the lowlands. The railways starts at Mettupalayam (46 km from Ooty), north of Coimbatore, and goes via Coonoor to Ooty, where you will see some spectacular views of the precipitous eastern slopes of the rain-forested Nilgiris. .

By Road

There are frequent buses for Kotagiri and Coonoor. Ooty is connected by bus service to Coimbatore, Bangalore (via Mysore), Chennai, Kanyakumari, Thanjavur and Tirupati. Karanataka's state bus company (KSRTC) has daily bus services to Bangalore, Mysore and Hassan. Private bus companies offer super deluxe bus services to Bangalore, Chennai, Kodaikanal and Mysore.

“ PLACES TO SEE IN  & AROUND OOTY "

Ooty is a destination that can be visited all through the year. Summers are pleasant, winters are cool, and monsoons are beautiful. Summers during March to May have an average temperature in the range 15°C to 20°C. Summers maximum temperature never crosses 25°C. Winters during November to January are very pleasant and cool with minimum touching below 4°C and maximum ranges about 15°C. Monsoons offer good rainfall during June to September. February-March is spring and October-November is autumn. Ooty is very attractive in all seasons, Winters can be chilly with ice forming. Flower shows during February - March attract many tourists. Ooty celebrates New Year, especially in hotels, with great enthusiasm and cultural shows. Best time to visit is all through the year, may keep off heavy rainy days in monsoon.

Botanical Garden

As the name says this Garden formed by Mr.Mc.Ivor during the year 1857-1867 is a collection of flora. Words to be found to describe the beauty of this botanical Garden.

Children’s Park

Children’s Park At the eastern end of the lake we find a children’s park. Already the climate and natural green carpet, adding pride to ooty, this children’s park is also an important place.

Boat House Lake

Boat House Lake Even though the name of this lake is boat House Lake, people use to call this lake as ooty lake. The British ruler called john Sullivan has constructed this beautiful lake in the years 1823-1825. .

Pykara

Pykara This is the name of a river in this district. It is believed to be the largest in the place. The old Tribals called Todas Believed this River as a Holy one and they were worshipping this river in days of yore.

Glen Morgen

Glen Morgen This spot is located at a distance of 17 km from ooty. An important place with thick forests. More varieties of trees are seen over here. Some important species helpful to mankind are also found here.

Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill A Beautiful hill located to the east of udagamandalam. That too is at the lower bend of Dodda-Betta peak.

Avalanche

Avalanche Located at a distance of 25 km from ooty. A place that should not be missed. A dam called Canada dam is seen here. An exotic experience of mountain trekking could be realized in this place.

Dodda Betta

Dodda Betta This is the highest point in nilgris Located at a distance of 8 km from ooty. In nilgris plateau this peak point runs north- south. A very high location, whose height is about 2636 m.