The Indian Panorama

Tag: Ooty

  • Ooty: The mesmerizing hill station

    Ooty: The mesmerizing hill station

    She is charming, she is classy, she is unique – she is the Queen of Hill Stations in India. Udhagamandalam, popularly known as Ooty is a hill station that will surely mesmerise you with its beguiling beauty. A chain of misty hills spread across a lush green carpet – with plenty to see, enjoy and experience. Ooty is much more than a visitor’s paradise. It lends a piece of itself to its guests that they will be thrilled to take back. One of the most beautiful hill stations in India, Ooty nestles in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. An erstwhile summer resort of the British Raj in India, Ooty has transformed over the years into one of the most sought-after tourism destinations in Tamil Nadu.
    With a cool and soothing climate almost all year round, Ooty welcomes tourists from far and wide. It’s not just about the mountains and hills, Ooty offers much more to discerning travellers who drive up the winding roads to reach the pinnacle. Lakes, gardens, parks, peaks, waterfalls and simply amazing accommodation options. No wonder Ooty is called the ‘Switzerland of India’, of such grandeur is the scenic beauty the destination is so well acclaimed for. If you would love to relax over a cup of tea, sitting back and gazing at the vastness of nature, Ooty is indeed the place to be. Besides that, the Nilgiri biosphere is rich in flora and fauna, allowing you to escape into the depths of mystic jungles and explore once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
    Also, you just can’t afford to miss the Toy Train ride from Mettupalayam to Ooty, which is the only daily operational meter-gauge, rack railway in India, providing you with mesmerising views of the Nilgiris.

    Top Attractions Botanical Garden
    The Government Botanical Garden in Ooty, spread over 55 acres, is a mesmerizing tourist site that has been attracting visitors for years. Situated about 2400 – 2500 mts above sea level, the botanical garden was established by Marquis of Tweedale in 1897 with William Graham McIvor as the architect.
    The Ooty Government Botanical Garden has a lot to offer for Nature lovers with its 600 varieties of plant species cultivated and exhibited here. The verdant lawns and the exotic varieties of flora are pleasing to the eye because they are very well maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. The mighty Doddabetta peak can be viewed from the garden.
    Some of the enticing attractions here are the Cork tree, which is probably one of the very few of its kind in India, the paperbark tree, monkey puzzle tree, the majestic 20-million-year-old fossil tree trunk and the Toda mund or Toda hill.
    There is a garden built in Italian pool-style by the Italian prisoners of war from the First World War. It is remarkable for its many varieties of colourful annuals and the lily pond where aquatic plant species are grown.
    Ooty Lake
    The picturesque Ooty Lake, also known as the Ooty boat house, is a much sought-after tourist attraction located in the midst of serene greenery. The Ooty Lake is an artificially constructed lake, built by John Sullivan in 1824.
    Surrounded by the majestically-tall eucalyptus trees and dotted with green bushes along the shores, the Ooty Lake is an impressive spot in Nilgiris district. The Lake, spanning over 65 acres, was originally constructed for fishing. It was later transformed into a tourist park when the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation took over it in 1973. There are many fun activities that tourists can indulge in when they are at the Ooty Lake. Cycles are available for rent to ride around the Lake. Boating is another attraction. A tranquil ride through the waters is an attractive pastime as it lets one take in the entire beauty of the Lake. Paddle boat-, motor boat- and rowing boat services are also available. The ride offers a view of the serene greenery around and also of the distant hills.
    Pine Forest
    A journey of just 15 minutes from Ooty town centre will take you to the famed Pine Tree Forests of Ooty. These scenic woodlands, obscured in a fleeting veil of mist, offer a delightful experience to all travellers.
    Deer Park
    Spread over 22 acres in Udhagamandalam town is another tranquil spot near the Ooty Lake, that is home to a vast number of deer. About six acres of the lake have been used to develop the park. The park was inaugurated in 1986 and is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Although the name suggests that the park is exclusively for deer, the Deer Park is also home to a wide variety of birds and rabbits. This is one of the high-altitude animal parks in India and is easily accessible by road.
    The Sambar and Chital species of deer can be found in the park. The Deer Park in Ooty is a haven for Nature lovers as it is wrapped in a chilly climate and surrounded by enticing flora and fauna.
    Avalanche Lake
    Hidden away from the commotions of urban jungles is the Avalanche Lake, a natural, crystal blue freshwater body. Nestled between the green slopes of the Nilgiris, the Avalanche Lake is a picture-perfect location set just over 20 km from Ooty town. The lake, with its refreshing blue waters and soothing greenery of the surrounding woods, is a treat for anyone in search of a getaway destination to escape the fatigue of mundane life. The lake has some of the best views of the Nilgiris, overlooking the undulating hills draped in perfectly aligned tea shrubs and the opulent greenery of the woods, all in the background of a picturesque lake always veiled in a white fog. The Avalanche Lake and its surroundings are a pristine tract of the Western Ghats, immaculately maintained with the help of local tribes. The Avalanche Lake will be an enthralling experience for anyone who wants a getaway spot to escape into the raw beauty of Nature and be lost and undisturbed in its serenity. Avalanche Lakeshore is one of the best camping spots in Ooty.

  • Ooty: Queen of the Nilgiris

    Ooty: Queen of the Nilgiris

    Nestled amidst Nilgiri hills, Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a top-rated tourist destination. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company, the Queen of the hills is a picturesque getaway.
    Dotted with tea gardens, serene waterfalls, winding country lanes, and charming colonial architecture, Ooty is the perfect respite everyone. Popular among couples and honeymooners, Ooty allures its visitors with the panoramic views of the Nilgiri mountains.
    The Nilgiri mountain railway is the steepest track in all of Asia. Remember the hit song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ where Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora matching steps on top of a train? Remember the breathtaking locales as the train chugged its way across lush greenery? Yes, that was the Nilgiri Mountain Railways, and the Nilgiri Mountains all along.
    Nilgiri Mountain Railway
    Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as Toy Train in Ooty, is one of the key attractions of the popular hill station Ooty. Such is the train’s popularity and history that it was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005. Started in the year 1899, it has continued to charm its visitors over the past many years winding its way through the best of nature.
    The Toy Train covers a distance of total 46 km in a span of 5 hours and takes one through a truly spectacular journey filled with picturesque views en route. Another fascinating feature of the train is that its youngest X-class locomotive is over 50 years old and the oldest is 80 years old.
    Weaving amidst the forests, dark snaking tunnels, sharp bends, and amid mist and fog, the Nilgiri Mountain Train will take you on a spectacular trip up and down the green slopes. Apart from offering a beautiful journey, the uniqueness of the trip lies in the fact that the rail system is the steepest in Asia and worth a visit.
    Ooty Lake
    Ooty Lake is one of the most refreshing and beautiful places to visit in Ooty. It lies at a distance of approximately 2 km from Ooty city in the green hills of the Nilgiris district. The stunning lake is spread over an area of 65 acres, and its foundation was laid down by John Sullivan who was the collector of Coimbatore in 1824.
    Ooty Lake is surrounded by Eucalyptus trees and greenery all around and is a great place to experience the beauty of this hill station. One can also spot numerous streams coming out through the hills. This is a perfect place to capture people who are genuinely interested in photography. The lake is filled with beautiful water birds with the exotic Nilgiri mountain ranges in the background.
    Ooty Lake is pretty fun as well activity-filled place. One can hire paddle boats, rowing boats and motor boats from the boathouse here. There is a mini train too for kids to hop on and take a quick tour of the lake. Boat races, as well as other events, are also organized here for two days in May. Since there are a lot of visitors during weekends, it is advisable to visit the lake during weekdays. The romantic song ‘Dil Deewana’ from Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989) too was shot here along with a few scenes of Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani (2009).
    Emerald Lake
    Emerald Lake is situated in Emerald Village, around 20-22 kilometres from the main city of Ooty and is a part of the Silent Valley National Park in the Nilgiris District. Serene and away from the maddening crowd, the lake and its surroundings are much cleaner and offer a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely time in the vicinity of nature and quietude.
    It is one of the unexplored and virgin places of the South Indian hill station, not yet encroached by the masses of tourists that visit the place every year. Emerald Lake is the ideal spot in Ooty for nature lovers. Tourists usually flock there for the picturesque scenic beauty of the lake, and the green Nilgiri slopes and tea plantations surrounding it. It is a paradise for nature photography enthusiasts as the delightful landscape offers a perfect subject and composition.
    Ooty Botanical Gardens
    Ooty Botanical Gardens lie on the lower slopes of the Doddabetta peak, the Government Botanical Garden is a splendid garden in Udhagamandalam, near Coimbatore in the state of Tamil Nadu. Sprawled over an area of 22 hectares, the garden is divided into several sections that are trimmed beautifully to present an endearing sight.
    Visitors are greeted with astounding colourful natural beauty from the moment they pass through the gates. For more than 160 years, foreign and local travellers have visited the lush green lawns of the garden, admiring the stunning variety of flowers, ferns, and orchids present here. Another highlight of the Botanical Garden is the Toda hill, known as the Toda mund, which gives the visitors an insight into the lives and culture of Todas (a tribe of the Nilgiris).
    Dolphin’s Nose
    Located about 12 km away from Coonoor is the Dolphin’s Nose about 1,500 meters above sea level. The tip of the peak of this enormous rock resembles a dolphin’s nose and this is one of the most visited tourist spots in The Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. It is set amidst the rolling hills of the Nilgiris Hills (or the Blue Mountains). The gigantic rock formation is entirely unprecedented. There are enormous canyons found on both the sides of the destination and there is a clear view of the Catherine Falls, another popular tourist destination with its ongoing current several thousand meters below, which is located at a short distance from the Dolphin’s Nose.

  • Ooty: The serene and misty hill station

    Ooty: The serene and misty hill station

    The most famous hill station south of the Vindhyas, Ootacamund’s resplendent tea plantations and red-roofed bungalows still carry echoes of its colonial past. Originally a densely forested area in the Nilgiri mountains, it was converted into a summer retreat for the British in the 19th century. The undeniable natural beauty of Ooty (as it’s universally referred to) and its misty green trails continues to draw visitors every year. Ooty is pleasant all year round, but the summer months are the high season. If you want to avoid the crowds and don’t mind a drizzle then head here between August and November, when the rains turn the hills a luxuriant green.
    Tea plantation tours
    Several tea estates in Ooty’s neighbour Coonoor offer guided tours, which offer stunning views and fascinating insights into the making of the popular beverage.
    DODDABETTA PEAK
    At 8,969 feet, Doddabetta is the highest peak in the area. It lies between the western and eastern ghats, around 10 kilometres outside Ooty. On a clear day, you can get commanding views of the Nilgiris, and even the plains around Coimbatore. There’s also a telescope which allows you to zoom in on surrounding hill-stations like Coonoor and Ketty.
    MUDUMALAI NATIONAL PARK
    The first wildlife sanctuary in southern India, this national park is located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Spread across the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, it has plenty of options for wildlife enthusiasts.
    You can take a jungle bus safari to spot common wildlife such as elephants, deer and gaur (Indian bison). The Theppakadu Elephant Camp also organises visits and elephant rides, and their evening feeding sessions are a star attraction. If you’d like to stay for a longer time, book yourself a room at the eco-friendly Jungle Retreat, which organises treks, safaris and river hikes.
    AVALANCHE LAKE
    Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot that’s home to a large number of species of plants, mammals, birds and reptiles. Watch out for You can walk along the shore or fish for trout and carp. The surrounding areas are inhabited by the Todas, one of the oldest Nilgiri tribes.
    Pykara falls and lake
    Surrounded by forests, locally known as sholas, this picturesque lake is located 25 kilometres away from Ooty.
    Things to do
    Besides visiting its sprawling tea plantations and red-roofed bungalows, there are plenty of things to do in Ooty. You can say a prayer at the St. Stephen’s Church that was built in 1829 in neo-Gothic style and is supported by wooden beams from Tipu Sultan’s palace.
    A ride in the Nilgiri Mountain Railways is also a great way of exploring this region. If you have the luxury of time, you can even hop off at Coonor or Wellington enroute. If you think that the city only has churches and tea plantations to offer, head out to the Racecourse where horse riding is a 125 years old tradition or stopover at the Botanical Gardens for a refreshing day time excursion. With the crowds conspicuous by their absence, it’s no wonder that Ooty is a honeymooner’s paradise.
    Shopping in Ooty
    When it comes to shopping in Ooty, there isn’t very much the city has to offer, but there are a few things you can stock up on while you’re in this hill station in the Nilgiri mountain range. The weather in Ooty is favourable for the growth of spices and tea—almost every shop you come across will be selling locally produced varietals of both—aside from which the locally made cheese and oil is also worth buying, as is the delicious home-made chocolate.
    Things you should buy before leaving Ooty
    Acres Wild
    Acres Wild, a family-run farm-stay in Coonoor, produces vegetarian and organic cheese with milk from Jersey and Holstein cows.
    The Green Shop
    Epicures can also get fresh spices like cloves, nutmeg, pepper and cardamom from The Green Shop in Ooty.
    Handmade chocolates
    Ooty has a sizeable handmade chocolate industry. Indulge your sweet tooth with the truffles, fudges and marshmallows available at King Star Confectioners on Commercial Road or The Modern Store on Botanical Gardens Road.
    Aromatic Oils
    Ooty’s plantations also produce aromatic essential oils such as camphor, eucalyptus and citronella, which can be used for medicinal purposes.

  • Ooty: Queen of the Nilgiris

    Ooty: Queen of the Nilgiris

    Nestled amidst Nilgiri hills, Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a top-rated tourist destination. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company, the Queen of the hills is a picturesque getaway. Dotted with tea gardens, serene waterfalls, winding country lanes, and charming colonial architecture, Ooty is the perfect respite everyone. Popular among couples and honeymooners, Ooty allures its visitors with the panoramic views of the Nilgiri mountains.

    The Nilgiri mountain railway is the steepest track in all of Asia. Remember the hit song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ where Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora matching steps on top of a train? Remember the breathtaking locales as the train chugged its way across lush greenery? Yes, that was the Nilgiri Mountain Railways, and the Nilgiri Mountains all along.

    Nilgiri Mountain Railway

    The Nilgiri Mountain Railway built by the British in 1908 is a World Heritage Site. It’s a 46-kilometre beautiful toy train journey that starts from Mettupalayam and goes through tunnels, curves, bridges and beautiful scenery to reach Ooty in five hours. From 300 feet to 7200 feet, the Ooty toy train is definitely a ride to cherish. Here’s a tip – try to sit on the side that looks out in to the valley for the best views on the way up.

    Ooty Lake

    Ooty Lake is a popular destination for picnicking, paddle boating and enjoying Ooty leisurely. Built in 1825, it is a 2.5-kilometre long lake meandering through the scenic beauty of the Nilgiris.

    Botanical Garden

    Ooty Botanical Garden, spread over a huge area of 22 hectares and with more than 650 species of flowers and trees, is a horticulturist’s delight. The highlight of the garden is a fossil tree that is believed to be 20 million years old. Another attraction here is the Toda tribe settlement towards the top of the garden. Be privy in to the lifestyle and culture of this tribe during your visit.

    How to Reach Ooty

    Ooty’s colonial charm and innate splendor attracts tourists from all over the world every year. Ooty has a well linked network of Air, Rail and Road ways.

    By Air

    The nearest airport to Ooty is located in Coimbatore. The hill station is at a distance of about 98 kilometers from the Coimbatore Airport. The airport is connected to Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai and Cochin by Indian Airlines flights. In order to reach Ooty from the airport, one has to hire a taxi or a bus to reach Ooty.

    By Rail

    The hill station of Ooty has a railway station of its own. It is called the Udhagamandalam railway station and can be reached by The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (a.k.a. Toy Train) from Mettupalayam. Though the toy train isn’t very fast but the scenic beauty of this route attracts many tourists. Mettupalayam is the nearest major railway station to Ooty. One can also hire a private taxi to reach Ooty here. The distance of Ooty from Mettupalayam is about 52 km.

    By Road

    Ooty is also connected to all the nearby towns and cities by good roads. The hill station connects to various other important cities of South India like Chennai, Bangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore, etc. The road to Ooty from Coimbatore is popular for its scenic beauty. As Ooty is located on NH 67 several tourist buses and taxis commute here without any hassle.

    Shopping in Ooty

    Shopping in Ooty is one of the most exciting and thrilling experience for tourists who love to go on a shopping spree. Endowed with sprawling tea gardens and luxuriant green forest, Ooty is known for its fine flavored and aromatic tea leaves, delicious honey, eucalyptus oil and several fruits.

    The shopping malls of Ooty are flooded with natural products of forests. Ooty is a paradise for those who love shopping. Surrounded by tea gardens, the tourists can smell the enchanting scent of fresh tea leaves while taking a stroll in the long winding paths of Ooty.

    The fresh tea leaves are purchased by the tourists as a relic of the beautiful place of Ooty. Another prominent itinerary in the list of items while shopping in Ooty is the pure and sweet honey which is available in all the stores and shopping centers of the place. The natural oil of Eucalyptus has a great demand among the shoppers because of its medicinal value. The markets of Ooty are full of fresh fruits that impart a colorful look to the place.