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Kerala News
Ooty - Queen of hill
stations - Ooty Udhagamandalam
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.
The Tea
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.
Visit Ooty during this festival, when tea lovers from all over the world
converge. An occasion not to be missed!
Prime Attractions of Udagamandalam
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 - Ooty
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.
Summer Festival
There is several beautiful
hill stations in Tamil Nadu. With the Summer Festivals, the hills are even
hospitable to welcome the visitors. The summer festival is held in the
'Queen of Hill Stations',
Tea and Tourism Festival
Akin to the nectar of
the Gods is the Camellia Sinensia, which is a bush that gives fragrant
amber ambrosia-a refresher and stimulizer. In other words, TEA.
Significance - Udhagamandalam
Historical
It is believed that the
name Nila, has been in use for over 800 years since, the King of the Hoysalas
Vishnu Vardhana, who ruled from 1104 to 1141 AD seized the Nilgiris Plateau.
His general Ponisia recorded this fact in 1117 AD with mention of Todas.
The name Nilgiri was due to the blue haze, which envelops the range with
most distant hills of considerable size. This Nilgiri territory came into
possession of the East India Company as part of the ceded lands, held by
Tipu Sultan, by the treaty of Srirangapatnam in 1799. Rev. Jacome Forico,
a priest was the first European who visited Nilgiris in 1603 and released
his notes about the place and people of Nilgiris. In 1812 surveyor William
Keys and Macmohan visited the top of the plateau. In 1818, Wishand Kindersley,
Assistant and Second Assistant to Collector of Coimbatore visited this
spot and submitted their experience report to the Collector of Coimbatore
Mr. John Sullivan. Settlement in Udhagamandalam began in 1822 with the
construction of the Stone House by John Sullivan, the then Collector of
Coimbatore. The bungalow, which is locally called "Kal Bangla", is one
of the landmarks of Udhagamandalam and is now the Chamber of the Principal
of the Government Arts College.
Fairs & Festivals
- Udhagamandalam
Summer Festivals A summer
festival is held each year during the month of May in the Botanical Gardens,
which is an added attraction for tourists. The Flower Show is the pride
of the festival. Cultural programmes are organised for those interested
in traditional classical arts. Adventure spots like trekking also form
part of the festival.
Leisure - Udhagamandalam
Entertainment
Trekking
The Nilgiris are a trekker's
paradise. Landscaped by nature, the hills abound in trek for lovers of
nature. There are treks and treks in whichever direction you turn and from
whichever point you start. A trek can be full of thrill, excitement and
adventure and a way of seeing and enjoying nature in all its beauty and
splendour. Udhagamandalam (Ooty) offers several trek routes, which vary
in distance, altitudes and terrain. There is a base camp at Parsons valley,
from where one can start trekking to various points within Western Ghats.
The down hills of Western Ghats on the North ends up with meeting the extensions
of Eastern Ghats, where the sprawling Mudumalai Sanctuary lies which opens
vistas for adventure tourists. Trekking pamphlets are available with the
Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association (NWLEA). There are guides
who have sound knowledge of certain areas. If necessary, their services
may be hired. And for further details contact the Tourist Information Office
at Charring Cross, Ooty.
Hang-Gliding
Hang-glidng courses are
also organised during March to May every year, with the assistance of the
Department of Tourism. Contact the Tourist Officer, Ooty for assistance.
Angling
Goad Trout, Carp and
mixed water fishing is possible in various streams and lakes of Ooty. The
Assistance Director of Fisheries issues the fishing licence.
Shopping
Just about anything available
in the cities can be had at Ooty with the added attraction of leisurely
shopping. Exclusive Nilgiri products including Nilgiri tea, fruits, natural
oils like Eucalyptas, Toda embroideries, plant nurseries are easily available
in the town. Co-operative Super Market and Municipal Market are some of
the best places for shopping fruits and general groceries. Kairali of Kerala
Handicrafts and Poompuhar of Tamil Nadu Handicrafts have their showrooms
near to Super Market Buildings on Charring Cross.
Eating Out
Blue hills Chandan Vihar
Tandoor Mahal Ooty Coffee House Chinkos Chinese Restaurant Hills Palace.
How To Get There - Udhagamandalam
By 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.
By 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.
Local Transport
Taxis, tourist cabs,
auto rickshaws are available in plenty. There are no standard rates except
tourist cabs. Town buses are also available to all important places. Conducted
sight seeing tours are arranged by the private operators and the Government
Tourism Development Corporation.
By Air
Coimbatore, 105 km from
Ooty, is the nearest airport.
Places To Stay - Udhagamandalam
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.
Climate - Udhagamandalam
Winter
Max 21ºC, Min 5ºC
Summer
Max 25ºC, Min 10ºC
Rainfall
121 cms.
General Information -
Udhagamandalam
STD Code: 0423
Location
Niligiri District, Tamil
Nadu.
Founded By
British In 1800.
Area
36-sq-kms.
Population
8,1763 (1991 Census)
.
Altitude
2,623 metres.
Languages
Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada
and English.
Distance
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