ooty

Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam is the 'Queen of hill stations' and the capital of Nilgiris district in the state of Tamilnadu. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means 'Blue Mountains'. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots, was a popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during the colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 7,440 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level. Ooty is located at a distance of 82 Kms from Coimbatore & 539 Kms from Chennai. An added attraction for the tourists to Ooty is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Mettupalayam (UNESCO World Heritage Site)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 marvelous 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.

Pykara Falls Waterfall

At a distance of 23 Kms from Ooty & 569 Kms from Chennai (situated on Ooty - Mysore road near Pykara Dam), Pykara Falls is a majestic falls formed by Pykara River on downstream of the reservoir. The falls cascade down through multiple layers on the rocky bed providing a unique beauty to the stream. The lower part of the falls (that falls from a height of above 60 feet) is mostly closed in the monsoon season to avoid accidents. The falls offer best views in monsoons and post monsoons / early winter. Swimming is possible at upper cascades, but not recommended as the path is filled with sharp rocks and depth of the water is very less. Swimming at bottom of Pykara falls is dangerous. The falls can be reached by little moderate walk (5-10 mins) on well laid path from the entrance and parking location.

Botanical Gardens Park / Garden

At a distance of 3 Kms from Ooty Bus Station & Railway Station, the 22 Acre Botanical Garden was laid out in 1847 and is presently maintained by the government of Tamil Nadu. The original purpose of the Botanical Gardens was to promote and study the various flora in and around Nilgiris. Now, it is open to the public as a park that can be enjoyed by visitors. The Botanical Garden is also a heaven for bird watchers where a variety of birds, both seasonal and year-round residents, can be sighted. A flower show along with an exhibition of rare plant species is held every year in the month of May at this garden. The garden also has a 20 million year old fossilized tree. A summary festival held here in every year May with a grand flower show. Best time to visit is the summer from April to June. The glass house with varieties of flowers is a must see place.

Dodabetta Peak Nature / Landscape

At a distance of 13 Kms from Ooty, Doddabetta (Big Mountain) is the highest point in Nilgiri Mountains and second highest peak in South India at an altitude of 2623 meters (after Anamudi near Munnar, which is 2695 meters). It is the junction of the Western and Estern Ghats. One can have a magnificent panoramic view of the landscape and the whole of the district and even beyond through the Telescope House run by T.T.D.C. There is road access to the summit. There are frequent bus services to Doddabetta Peak from Ooty.

Ooty Lake & Boat Club Lake / River / Backwaters

At a distance of 1 Km from Ooty Bus Station & Railway Station, Ooty Lake is an artificial lake built by John Sullivan between 1823 & 1825. It used to be much larger than its present size, and encompassed the present bus stand and race course as well as much of the present market. Next to the lake there is a Mini Garden with an amusement park for children with a toy train. The average depth of this lake is 40 feet. Swimming inside the lake is not allowed. A well laid footpath circles the entire lake with a total length of about 2.75 Kms. Boating is the most famous activity here. Visitors need to pay refundable deposit to hire a boat.