State :
Tamil Nadu
Climate :
Ooty enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. Annual Mean Rainfall
991 mm; Maximum Temperature 24.3°C; Minimum Temperature 4.8°C.
Significance :
A beautiful Hill Station.
Ooty - the queen of hill stations :
Also known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is situated in the Nilgiri mountain
ranges of Tamil Nadu. Located at a height of 2,268 meters, Ooty is marked
for its healthy climate and natural beauty. This unique hill station blends
the peace and tranquility of a hill station with the comforts of urban life.
Ooty’s colonial legacy can be felt in every nook & corner of the
place.
Ooty is known for its rolling meadows, wonderful gardens and sightly lakes
vaguely reminiscent of England. The hill station still holds the remnants of
the Raj in its cozy cottages and stone churches. The Botanical gardens have
2,000 species of plants from a grandiose flower show that was landscaped and
established in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweepdale. A fossil of a tree trunk is
outstanding as it is 20 million years old and one can also see an artificial
lake where facilities for boating are available. Pony rides, minitrains
rides, and quiet walks amidst the forest roads are priceless. The highest
peak in the Nilgiri range is Doddabetta, 2.623 mts in height and is just 10
km from the main town. From here one can have a divine view of Ooty city,
Gundalpet, Coonoor, Wellington and Mysore on a clear day.
Connectivity :
» By Air - The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (100
km away) which is well connected by air from Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai.
The other gateway for Ooty, is Bangalore, 280 kms away.
» By Rail - Ooty is connected by a narrow gauge
railway service from Mettupalayam which is the railhead for mainline trains.
From Mettupalayam, the Hill Train takes you upto Ooty, affording the
traveller superb views. The Nilgiri Express connects the railhead with
Chennai daily.
» By Road - Ooty can be reached conveniently via
Bangalore (280 kms), Coimbatore (100 kms) and Mysore (170 kms).
Highlights of the city :
» Botanical Garden - Botanical gardens are prime
tourist attraction for those who visit Ooty, the most popular hill station
of India. They cover over 50-acres and lie on the lower slopes of Dodabetta
peak, which is the highest point in Ooty.
» Kandal Cross Shrine - Considered as the Jerusalem
of the East is stationed in Udhagamandalam in Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri
Catholics mark it as the "Calvary of Tamil Nadu".
» Mini Garden and Rose Garden - The Rose Garden is
located about 3 to 4-km away from Charring Cross and the Mini garden is
situated on the way to the boathouse where the children amusement park is
present.
» Ooty Lake – The enchanting Ooty Lake is a
fabulous tourist spot which was made in the year 1825, by Mr. John Sullivan,
the then Collector of Coimbatore. The purpose behind the making of the lake
was to provide an irrigation tank to the residents..
Things to Buy in Ooty :
Nilgiri products such as garden-fresh Nilgiri tea, fresh fruits, aromatic
and medicinal natural oils like Eucalyptus and essences extracted from
forest herbs, vegetables and spices.
Shopping Areas in Ooty :
Kairali of Kerala Handicrafts and Poompuhar of Tamil Nadu Handicrafts have
their showrooms near to Super Market Buildings on Charing Cross (Opp. Nahar
Tourist Home).
