Information about Ooty

Ooty's Location

Ooty, is one of the gorgeous hill resorts nested in the green hills of Nilgiri in South India is 105 kilometres far from the Manchester city Coimbatore. It is labelled as a best summer retreat and a must visit destination by both foreigners and residents of Tamilnadu. No doubt, Ooty is an exotic hill station destination with lofty mountains, never-ending tea gardens, and sprawling grasslands that welcome tourist from all the world.

Nestling in the "Blue Mountains at an approximate height of 9,080 feet (2,268 m) above sea level, it provides the sort after natural beauty, solitude, salubrious weather and spectacular views to the visitors. Being a hill station with timeless landscape always enveloped in mist it is tagged as a place of enduring beauty.

A Brief History of Ooty

The original name of the place was Udhagamandalam, The name Udhagamandalam is derived from the TODA word "othakal-mund" which means "house in mountains". Citizens of this place were a tribe called Todas. Though Ooty was occupied way before, it came into awareness only after British advent in the year 1800.

It was famous only in the nineteenth century. The British found Ooty parallel to that of England and this is how Lord Lytton, Viceroy of India described Ooty to his wife ".such beautiful English rain, such delicious English mud." The British played a vital role in the development of Ooty as they found it an ideal summer getaway place.Ooty was made the summer capital of the Chennai Presidency and was memorably nicknamed 'Snooty Ooty'.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Ooty

In fact, this is the only heritage train that runs at the highest elevated place in Tamilnadu. Swiss Vintage Hill train engine is an 'X' Class steam locomotive, made in Switzerland. One of the last few remaining steam trains in India built by British. The Blue Mountain Express departs from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and pass through many tunnels, curves and chugs. Even took we can take a trip down the hills and up the hills and revitalise the senses by experiencing the romantic and the stunning scenery.

The very name Ooty screen us pictures of clear blue mist, beautiful flora and fauna terraced tea plantations, eucalyptus, pine and wattle lining the landscape. Traveling to Ooty, head for the hills, is truly a cool retreat from the scorching sun rays and dusty summer days of the plains. Rather than enjoying the magnificence of Ooty peacefully, you can make your dreams come true by getting spoilt in some exciting adventure sports such as hiking, Para gliding and trekking, Doddabetta peak at Ooty is an excellent place for hand gliding.

Ooty Annual Flower Show & Dog Show
Summer is the festival season at Ooty and most of the festivals are organised during the month of January, February, April & May by the Department of tourism, Tamilnadu. At this festival the various programs conducted are Cultural Programmes, Trekking, fashion parade, Flower and Fruit shows Boat races, Boat pageantry, dog shows, Tea & Tourism Festival etc.

The best time to visit Ooty is March and November, you can also go there during April-June, but this period will remain a bit crowded due to the inflow of high traffic from various parts of India and tourists from abroad.

Places to visit in Ooty

Ooty Tea Gardens

Find some time to visit Tea Gardens - Ooty's most unique feature and envelop miles and miles of indelible scenery. To visit Tea Gardens, see to that you fist get a proper appointment in a tea estate to look at the complete process of how they brew tea.

Ooty Botanical Gardens

This is one of the most frequently visited places at Ooty with a high number of tourist line up during the Annual Ooty Flower Show to see this fabulous Garden at Ooty. The Ooty Botanical Garden has some well-laid out gardens filled with shaded trees and a plethora of flowers. The major attraction here is the fossilised tree trunk, which dates back to as old as 20 million years. The garden as already mentioned serves as a host to the Annual Summer Festival conducted every May, with the remarkable Flower Show being the cynosure of tourism.

Ooty Lake

Now it is time for some waters, some sport and some fun with your family, kit and kin. And here is a place for you to display your mettle by pedalling the pedal boat and paddling the boat across the serene waters - the Ooty Lake is an artificial lake, this is quite popular with families who take pleasure in sessions of boating. The Lake also comprises an attractive Lake Garden, snack bars, a jetty toy train rides and pony rides.

Churches

Ooty boasts of some popular churches as it has been occupied by the British for several centuries and amongst the various churches that you find in Ooty, two of the most important churches in Ooty include the Holy Trinity Church & Union Church.

Both these churches characterize striking stained glass windows, serene cemeteries and meticulously carved pews. Do not miss out on the oldest church in Ooty namely St Stephen's Church, which stands apart from the rest with its massive wooden beams. The Kandal Church portrays a relic of the True Cross that is a reflection of the crucification of Jesus Christ.

Charing Cross

Charing Cross, one of the most famous road junction and bustling areas of Ooty. This obvious focal point is always kept busy on commercial Road. Charing Cross is flanked by shops on either side. The famous Spencers departmental store, which sells Planter's Special cigars, made of Indian tobacco is a highlight here. There are numerous shops at this place selling all kinds of articles from cosmetics, fashion jewellery, bags, perfumes, clothes, accessories etc,. For tourists Charing Cross is a place which must be visited by them.

The main shopping street and vegetable market is located here. One of the most important visiting places for the tourists is the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Tourist Office, where one can inquire about Ooty and plan their itinerary accordingly. A number of renowned schools like Breeks All India Higher Secondary School and Breeks Memorial School are also located at Charing Cross, providing good quality education to the children in and around Ooty.

Private bus services also operate from this destination taking travellers to their desired destination. Kingstar bakery near Charing Cross in Ooty sells sinfully delicious chocolate and pistachio fudges. Some of the important tourist places of Ooty are situated very near to Charring Cross like the charming Rose Garden and the Gothic-style St Stephen's Church. Charing Cross can be called a self sufficient place with all kinds of facilities and services.

Shopping at Ooty

At Charing Cross, you can buy Eucalyptus Oil, Honey, Cinchona Products, Coffee, Tea, Confectionaries and vegetables. Most of the shops are open from 9 am to 12 noon and from 3 pm to 8pm. Toda Showroom, Municipal Market, Co-operative Super Market, Upper and Lower Bazaar Roads, Poompuhar and Kairali Emporia are the other major shopping areas of Ooty.

Ootacamund British Golf Club

The Ootacmund British Golf Club is the most exclusive, and best preserved of all the former British Golf Clubs. The Ooty hunt, which still rides to hounds, in pursuit of jackals, is one of the main offerings of the club. This Golf Club has 18 hole Golf Course which is located at the height of 7,400 ft. The Golf links are laid out over an area of 193 acres of the Ooty Wenlock Downs, of the Ooty Gymkhana Golf Club. Ooty races are the other major attraction. The Ootacamund Derby is the climax of the season which attracts top Indian jockeys.

Ketti Valley View

The Ketti Valley is located at en-route to Coonoor. This tranquil spot is a cluster of tiny villages that extend to the plains of Coimbatore and Mysore plateau. This valley is said to be the second longest in the world, it offers enchanting views for miles, especially of the fog on the hills on a winter morning.

Pykara

Pykara is situated on the Ooty Mysore Road at 19 kms away from Ooty. Pykara is famous for its river side view and also for its dam, reservoir and power plant which attracts many visitors. Near Pykara there is breathtaking scenery spot liked by everyone. The falls, located about 6 km from the bridge on the main road, boat house and the forest rest house are best places to visit in the mid of July, but they are also worth visiting from August to December.

Glenmorgan

Glenmorgan is located at 17 kms from Ooty. It is a beautiful countryside with tea, eucalyptus plantations and fine views which is ideal for drives and picnics. An Electricity Board van carries staff from Glenmorgan viewpoint to the power house at Singara. All the 4 km of the winch track pass through undisturbed grass meadows and wildlife habitat. Prior permission of E.B. authorities should be obtained to enter the viewpoint zone.

Upper Bhavani

Upper Bhavani is a 60 kms drive through the verdant green Nilgiris. Upper Bhavani serves as one of the get ways to the Mouthy National Park, 20 kms from Avalanche and 10 kms from Korakundah. The Upper Bhavani sanctuary is spread over an area of 70 sq. kms and is a safe haven to the few remaining Nilgiri Tahr. The resident wildlife of the Upper Bhavani sanctuary includes tigers, jackals, jungle cats, wild dogs, sambhar, giant squirrels, Nilgiri langurs, and leopards.

Avalanche

Avalanche is located at a distance of 26 km away from Ooty. The name "Avalanche" was originated in the year 1823 from the name of the valley situated here. This is one of the best tourist hot spots for trout fishing, and rods can be hired here from the trout hatchery. This place is excellent for walking and superb sceneries. A 7 kms walk from Avalanche is the MacIvor's Bund. Ahead of this is Mukerti Peak, at an altitude of 8031 feet, which is also a part of Nilgiri Tahr Sanctuary, created in the most remote part of the mountains. Forest Department Guest House is available for accommodation. Avalanche Top is 4 kms away from bungalow. Avalanche is an abundance of a wide variety of avifauna makes it a Nature Lover's Paradise.

Mouthy Peak and National Park

Mouthy Peak and National Park is located at 36 kms away from Ooty, which is surrounded by high hills and is 6 km long. The name is derived from 'muku' (nose) and 'ardha' (half) suggesting a severed nose for shape of the peak.

The Electricity Department and Nilgiris Game Association Bungalows are on the south side of the lake. Enjoy boating and fishing is permitted. The Mouthy National Park is located on the South Eastern corner of the Nilgris Plateau. The area contains a viable population of Nilgiri Tahr.

Kalhatti Falls

Kalhatti Falls is situated at 14 kms away from Ooty. The picturesque waterfalls come down a 36 m drop. A popular spot for picnics and treks. The journey from Ooty to Kalhatti Waterfalls is a mesmerizing one with breath taking view on both sides of the road to Kalhatty. The thirteen Kilometer journey will keep the tourists wanting for more but they will be pleased to see that there are more surprises waiting for them. Their short but splendid trip from Ooty to Kalhatti Waterfalls will take them to a place, next to paradise.

Dolphin's Nose

Dolphin's Nose is located at an excellent natural surrounding 10 kms away from Coonoor. Ooty to Dolphin's Nose is one of the exciting journeys. The ideal time to visit this place is between the months of October and March. At this exotic destination one can pamper in various games and outdoor picnic. At this exciting spot, tourists can enjoy a number of adventurous activities like hiking, horse riding, trekking, and boating.

Kotagiri

Kotagiri is situated at 29 kms away from Ooty. This little hill station offers a quiet retreat in beautiful surroundings. The word Kotagiri literally means the hill with the houses of the Kotas. The beautiful climate all year round beckons the tourists from the plains.

At an elevation of 1985 meter from the sea level, Kotagiri is situated on a geographical 'open terrace' and abound in knolls and valleys. Undulating hills roll down for miles basking in the bright sunshine and stretch across to merge in the equally green paddy fields. Its attractions include the Kodanad view point and the Rangaswamy Pillar and Peak.

Kodanad View Point

Kodanad is located at 20 kms away from Kotagiri on the eastern edges of Nilgiris. On either side of the road one can experience the sight of the endless view of the distant plains, tea estates, the River Moyar, dams and the green pastures of the paddy field, a place not to be missed. Other areas of attraction around Ooty are Mukerti Lake, Pykara Lake, Tiger Hill and Marlimun Lake.

Dotabetta in Ooty

Dotabetta is the highest peak in Ooty. This peak offers a beautiful vista of the Nilgiri Hills. The artificial Lake is a place of attraction and is yet another contribution of founder of the hill station - John Sullivan. Ooty has numerous gardens, the Ooty Botanical Garden here is maintained by the Department of Horticulture, Tamilnadu The exotic & ornamental plants beautify this garden and the prestigious summer festival takes place here. In addition to these, the other places to visit are the beautiful Italian floral garden and Rose garden.

It is a delightful place to pass some special days with your newly-wed life partner. Quite a number of hotels offer warm hospitality. Contact the resorts much in advance as they run full most of the time. During your trip to Ooty breathe cool refreshing air, watch the mist rise above the mountains, observe the sunset over the hills, and do shop some useful Nilgiri products including Nilgiri natural oils, tea, fruits, plant nurseries, Toda embroideries, homemade chocolates in the town Co-operative Super Market and Municipal Market.

How to travel to Ooty

Coimbatore is the nearest airport to Ooty. The toy train connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and Coonoor between the Nilgiri hills. The state transport runs frequent services to Coimbatore.

Weather at Ooty

A place attractive and suitable to make visit all round the year. Weather at Ooty is generally pleasant during summer, cool during winter, and refreshes the minds of a visitor. During summer months (March to May) the temperature doesn't cross 250C. Winters months November to January is cool and the temperatures are below 4°C and are usually upto 15°C. Monsoon months (June to September) are rainy. Spring is during February-March and autumn.is in October-November.

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