|
|
OOTY
The "Queen of hill stations", is the capital of Nilgiri district. Nilgiri means "Blue Mountains". Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, it is a land of picturesque picnic spots.
The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers. 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.
|
Botanical Gardens
The most beautiful jewel on the crown of the "Queen of Hill Stations"; lush green well maintained lawns, rare tree species (like the cork tree which is probably the only such tree in India, the paper bark tree and the monkey puzzle tree - monkeys cannot climb this tree), a 20 million year old fossilized tree, and a vast variety of flowering bushes and plants in myriad hues, fern house with a vast range of ferns and orchids, are some of the many highlights of this garden.
A flower show along with an exhibition of rare plant species is held every year in the month of May at this garden. The "Summer Festivals" is held each year during the month of May in the Botanical Garden and is an added attraction for tourists.
|
 |
Charing Cross
Charing Cross is the focal point on the busy commercial street of Ooty. Here you can take in the smells and sounds of Ooty. The main shopping street and vegetable market are here. The Charing Cross is very much like the main square of an old English town.
Fernhill Palace
Fernhill Palace is the erstwhile summer residence of the Maharaja of Mysore. The palace resembles a Swiss Chalet. Its carved wooden bargeboards and ornamental cast iron give it that characteristic appearance. The Fernhill Palace has now been converted into a luxury heritage hotel by the same name
.
Rose Garden
Situated in the heart of Ooty town, this garden has been beautifully laid out in terraces with rose tunnels, pergolas and bowers with rose creepers. Today, this garden has the largest collection of roses in the country. Hybrid Tea Roses, miniature roses, Floribunda, Ramblers, roses of unusual colors like black and green are some of the more than 2,000 varieties of roses that will captivate your senses.
|
 | Dodabetta
Among the viewpoints around Ooty are Elk Hill, Green Valley View and Snowden Peak but the most prominent is the Dodabetta Peak, which is the highest point in the district at a height of 2623m. It is also the second highest mountain in the Western Ghats. Provided the day is clear, one can see as far as the plains of Coimbatore and the Mysore plateau. It is around 10 km from Ooty, off the Kotagiri road
. |
Lake View:
The Lake is another attraction and boating is very popular. The artificial lake, shimmering under the gentle sun is a popular spot for the tourist. Pony rides are available along the road skirting of the lake.
Kotagiri
It is 31 Kms. from Ooty. The climate is very salubrious which is 6503 feet above sea level. Kotagiri is shielded by the Doddabetta ranges, which receives much of its rain from northwest monsoon. One can enjoy a pleasure ride on road flanked by green tea beds on either side.
Around Ooty |
Coonoor
Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris. It has a milder climate than that of Ooty. Situated at an altitude of 2000 ft and only 17kms from Ooty, is not very commercialized and retains a certain amount of untouched charm. It is a small town with an equable climate that has made it popular as a hill resort in its own right. The main attraction is the Sim's Park, a small well-maintained botanical garden that has several varieties of plants not to be found in other hill stations. Viewpoints and picnic spots around Coonoor include Lambs Rock, Lady Canning's Seat, Dolphin's Nose, St Catherine Falls, Law's Falls, Ralliah Dam and Droog. |
 |
 | Toy Train Experience
At a maximum speed of 33 km per hour, this ' toy train' treks across plains, plantations and forest clad hills. This narrow gauge mountain train winds through 46 km. of forests, tea plantations, sixteen tunnels, and more than 250 bridges, starting from Mettupalayam on the plains. Moving at a pace little faster than walking the journey takes four-and-a half to five hours, but is more than compensated by stunning views. Its leisurely pace offers you a panoramic view of changing vistas. The invigorating air and the delights of scenic hill resorts provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. |
UDAGAMANDALAM
Udhagamandalam (Ooty), the capital of Nilgiri district, is popularly known as the "Queen of hill stations' among the tourist circuits. It is situated at a distance of 105 km away from Coimbatore. The height of the hills in the Nilgiri range varies between 2280 and 2290 metres, the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2623 metres. |
 |
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. |
|
 |
|
