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Nilgiri tea, fruits, natural oils like Eucalyptas,
Toda embroideries, plant nurseries.
Best Hangouts : Hills, lake, gardens, etc.
Best Activity : Stroll Around the hill resort.
Festivals : Summer Festival, Tea and Tourism Festival.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Kodaikanal, Coimbatore, Trichy,
Bangalore, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Mysore, Calicut, Coonoor.
When to Visit : September to May
About Ooty
Ooty or Udhagamandalam, the capital of Nilgiri district, is
popularly known as the "Queen of hill stations' among the tourist
circuits. Situated at a distance of 105 km away from Coimbatore,
Ooty is a lovely place with lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling
grasslands and miles of tea gardens. Situated at an altitude of
2,240 m above sea level, Ooty is a land of picturesque picnic spots.
An added attraction for the tourists to Ooty / Udagamandalam is the
mountain train journey, 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.
One can notice a marvellous change in vegetation, as one goes from
Kallar to Coonoor. 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.
Major Attractions
Botanical Garden
Botanical gardens are a major tourist attraction for those who visit
Ooty, one of the most popular hill stations of India. They sprawl
over 50-acres and lie on the lower slopes of Dodabetta peak, which
is the highest point in Ooty.
Government Museum
The Government Museum At Ooty The government museum, Mysore Road,
Ooty has items of tribal objects, district's ecological details and
representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu. It was set
up in 1989, with a view to provide education benefits to the
residing and visiting population of Nilgiris district. Tourist
Information Admission: Free Timings: 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm
to 5.00 pm Closed On: Fridays, Second Saturdays and National
Holidays Ooty The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (100-km). Ooty on
the narrow gauge railway is connected to Mettupalayam, which is
directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai on the broad gauge.
There are regular bus services connecting Ooty to Coimbatore,
Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Mysore, Calicut, Tirupati
etc.
Hills and Views
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 kilometres from Coimbatore
Kalhatty Falls
The Kalhatty falls are located on the Kalhatty slopes at about 13-km
from Udhagamandalam on the Udhagamandalam - Mysore Kalhatty ghat
road. Also known as the "Kalahasti Falls", the water here cascades
down a height of 122m.
Kandal Cross Shrine
Kandal cross, a Roman Catholic Shrine considered, as the Jerusalem
of the East is located in Udhagamandalam in Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri
Catholics consider it as the "Calvary of Tamil Nadu".
Mini Garden and Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is situated about 3 to 4-km away from Charring
Cross. Mini garden is also situated on the way to the boathouse
where the children amusement park is housed.
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
The Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary is located where the Nilgiri Hills,
the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. The Mysore
- Ooty highway runs through the sanctuary, following the course of
the Mayyar River, which separates Mudumalai from Bandipur.
Ooty Lake
The beautiful Ooty Lake is a favourite haunt of tourists. It was
constructed in the year 1825, through the initiatives of Mr. John
Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore. This lake was built in
order to provide an irrigation tank to the people.
Getting There
Air : Coimbatore, 105 km from Ooty, is the nearest airport.
Rail : Ooty is on the narrow gauge railway, connected to
Mettupalayam (47 km), which is directly connected to Coimbatore and
Chennai. The famous toy train connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and
Coonoor.
Road : A good network of roads and national highways connect Ooty
with all major towns and cities. There are regular bus services to
and from Coimbatore, Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Kanyakumari,
Mysore, Palghat, Calicut, Tirupati and other important destinations
in South India. Ooty is also well connected with major cities of
Kerala and Karnataka.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available at the luxurious and economy class
hotels, lodges, and resorts in Ooty. Both Indian and Western style
accommodation and food are available. Prior booking is advisable,
especially during the summer months.
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