About Ooty

Ooty, Tamil Nadu

     Ooty, which is deep within the Nilgiri hills, is also known as The Blue Mountains. It is unknown whether this name comes from the blue smoky haze given off by the eucalyptus trees that cover the area, or because of theKurinji flower, which blooms every twelve years giving the slopes a bluish tinge. Unlike any other region in the country, no historical proof is found to state that Ooty was a part of any kingdoms or empires. Tippu Sultan was the first to extend his border by constructing a hideout cave like structure.

Sun rays in side the Tea Estate

     It was originally a tribal land and was occupied by the Todas along with other tribes who coexisted through specialisation and trade. Frederick price in his book Ootacamund, A History states that the area which is now called as the ‘Old Ooty’ was originally occupied by the Todas. The Todas then handed over that part of the town to John Sullivan, the then Governor of Coimbatore. He later developed the town, and encouraged the establishment of tea, chinchona, and teak trees. Like many of the settlers, Sullivan was highly impressed by the way the tribes cooperated, and sought to maintain this balance. He later campaigned tirelessly to ensure land rights and cultural recognition for these tribes and was financially and socially punished for this by the British Government.  The Nilgiri territorycame into possession of East India Company as part of the ceded lands, held by Tipu Sultan, by the treaty of Srirangapatinam in 1799. Rev. Jacome Forico, a priest, was the first European who visited Nilgiris in 1603 and released his notes about the place and the people of Nilgiris. In 1812 surveyor William Keys and Macmohan visited the top of the plateau. In 1818, Wish and Kindersley, Assistant and Second Assistant to Collector of Coimbatore visited this spot and submitted their experience report to the Collector of CoimbatoreJohn Sullivan. John Sullivan with his party proceeded to Nilgiri Mountainand camped at Dimbhatti, just north of Kotagiri in January 1819.

Again in May 1819 he came to the Hill of Ooty and began the construction of his bungalow at Dimbhatti (near Kotagiri), the first European dwelling on the hills. John Sullivan laid the path from Sirumugai (near-Mattupalayam) to Dimbhatti in 1829 and the work was completed in May 1823. The route up toCoonoor was laid in 1830-32. Ooty served as the summer capital of the Madras Presidency and other small kingdoms, much visited by Britishduring the colonial days, and as today, a popular summer and weekend resort.

Sun Rise in Ooty

Soldiers were also sent here and to nearby Wellington (The home of the Madras regiment to this day) to recuperate. Its stunning beauty and splendid green deep valleys inspired the British to name it Queen of Hill Stations. It is reached via winding hill roads or a complicated rack railway system, known as the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, built in 1908 by impassioned and enterprising British citizens with venture capital from the Madras government. Ootyis visited by many tourists from around the world and was once seen on television for ‘Indian Hill Railways’.

      Demography As of 2001 India census, Udhagamandalam had a population of 93,921. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50% (sex ratio of 1000). Udhagamandalam has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 75%. In Udhagamandalam, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.Tamil is the lingua franca of Udhagamandalam. Languages native to the Nilgiris like Paniya are also spoken by the tribes. Due to its proximity to the neighbouring states and it being a popular tourist spot, English, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam are also spoken and understood to an extent

 

(100 km from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu)

Under the shed of Nilgris (Blue Mountains) lies the picturesque land ofUdhagamandalam also known as Ooty. Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above mean sea level, It’s been rightly titled as the as Queen of  Hills. The best thing about Ooty is that it combines the peace and tranquility of ahill station with the comforts of urban life. For residentsof the south it is a delightful place to escape to from the oppressive summer heat specially when it’s famous for its healthy climate and scenic environment.

Ooty tea estate

The green hills, the cascading waterfalls and sparkling brooks, all make the Ooty a delight for the eyes of the city-weary.

Offering a surprising display of tourist attractions as well as wide range for the age long lovely nature walks, Ooty is the idyllic summer.

Tourist Attractions In Ooty
St. Stephens Church:
Being one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris, its base was laid by Rt. Hon’ble Stephen Rumbold Lushington on April 23, 1829, memorizing the birthday of King George IV. Within the church on the Eastern side as well as behind chancel, you ‘ll witness the stained-glass paintings depicting Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms and the crucifixion of Christ among others. While on the Western wall, you can visualize the large divine painting of the Last Supper.

Ooty Lake:
In the recent years Ooty Lake has emerged as one of the major attraction of hill station. Most of the tourists who flock to this beautiful hill station all throughout the year and particularly in the summers have their hideout at this splendid lake and boat houses. Overall the atmosphere and environment you’ll experience there is absolutely calm & placid.

Botanical Gardens:
It is pleasant to walk in the abundant greenery of the gardens and look up to the stunning variety of ferns, orchids, flowers and other amazing flora.

Famous tourist spot in Ooty

The Botanical Gardens in Ooty is a home to many scarce species of woods and plants like the cork tree, the monkey puzzle tree, the paper bark tree and an ancient inflexible tree that date back to 20 million years. It is an even more profitable suggestion to visit the Botanical Gardens in Ooty during the month of May when an annual Flower Show is held.

Lamb’s Rock:
This place is so lovely that an idea of spending a whole day in its composed and unruffled atmosphere is a one great idea for a visitor. Being an absolute picnic spot, one is sure to experience a very close propinquity to nature. Its greatest attractions are the captivating sights of the plains of Coimbatore and the tea gardens. You can almost feel like visualizing a green blanket covering the slopes of the hills. There are very few places which can offer such amazing broad views, Lamb’s Rock in Ooty is one among them.

Popular Excursions From Ooty
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary:
Located around the Mysore-Ooty highway about 67 km away from Ooty, Mudumalai wildlife reserve was the very first sanctuary in South India. It scatters around 321 sq km and is extremely varied with hills, valleys, ravines, watercourses and swamps. The popular fauna of the sanctuary includes Langur, bonnet macaque, tiger, leopard, wild dog, hyena, jackal, sloth bear, elephants, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, Indian muntjac, mouse deer, wild boar, rodent and flying squirrel. Apart from them it is also a home to rich bird life too.

Coonoor:
Lying just 19 km away from Ooty, this hill station is the second largest amongst all in the Nilgris. Surrounded by tea plantations all around and an altitude of 1839 mt, it’s obviously much chilled than Ooty and thus, it offers a very popular weekend spot for the people around.

Kalhatty falls:
Drizzling from a height of 122 mt, the Kalhatty falls has attained its reputation being one of the greatest tourist attractions around Ooty. Located on the slopes about 13 km from Ooty, the journey from Ooty to Kalhatty Waterfalls is one spellbinding experience. Moreover one can also witness the nearby slopes that are covered with thick forests that boasts of rich flora.

Avalanche and Dolphin’s Nose:
Lying 28 km from Ooty, unlike their names, which arouses up pictures of destruction and devastation, the place is a nature lover’s paradise. They had the most beautiful sights of Catherine falls, a lake which is ideal for fishing and calmness and placidity all over the region. One can also visit the place if you admire bird watching in peace.

Mukurthi Peak and National Park:
These are among the the most beautiful excursions from Ooty. Lying just 40 km from Ooty, Mukurthi peak and the park spreads on the South Eastern side of the Nilgiri mountain range. Standing tall at an elevation of 2500 mt it’s a heaven for trekkers. And as far as the National Park is concerned it boasts rich flora and fauna.

Travel Information Of Ooty
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Ooty is at Coimbatore (100 km). Coimbatore airport is directly connected by flights with major cities like Chennai, Kozhikode, Bangalore and Mumbai

Nearest Railway Station: Ooty has a railway station of its own which is connected by meter gauge tracks to Mettupalayam, which is further connected to Coimbatore and Chennai.

Reaching By Road: Good road network connects Ooty to many important cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore.

Ooty Tourist Attractions

(100 km from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu)

Sun set in Ooty

          Under the shed of Nilgris (Blue Mountains) lies the picturesque land of Udhagamandalam also known as Ooty. Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above mean sea level, It’s been rightly titled as the as Queen of Hills. The best thing about Ooty is that it combines the peace and tranquility of a hill station with the comforts of urban life. For residents of the south it is a delightful place to escape to from the oppressive summer heat specially when it’s famous for its healthy climate and scenic environment. The green hills, the cascading waterfalls and sparkling brooks, all make the Ooty a delight for the eyes of the city-weary. Offering a surprising display of tourist attractions as well as wide range for the age long lovely nature walks, Ooty is the idyllic 

Tourist Attractions In Ooty 

St.Stephens Church:

Charring Cross

Being one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris, its base was laid by Rt. Hon’ble Stephen Rumbold Lushington on April 23, 1829, memorizing the birthday of King George IV. Within the church on the Eastern side as well as behind chancel, you ‘ll witness the stained-glass paintings depicting Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms and the crucifixion of Christ among others. While on the Western wall, you can visualize the large divine painting of the Last Supper.

Ooty Lake:

    In the recent years Ooty Lake has emerged as one of the major attraction of hill station. Most of the tourists who flock to this beautiful hill station all throughout the year and particularly in the summers have their hideout at this splendid lake and boat houses. Overall the atmosphere and environment you’ll experience there is absolutely calm & placid.

Botanical Gardens:

 It is pleasant to walk in the abundant greenery of the gardens and look up to the stunning variety of ferns, orchids, flowers and other amazing flora. The Botanical Gardens in Ooty is a home to many scarce species of woods and plants like the cork tree, the monkey puzzle tree, the paper bark tree and an ancient inflexible tree that date back to 20 million years.It is an even more profitable suggestion to visit the Botanical Gardens in Ooty during the month of May when an annual  Flower Show is held.

Lamb’s Rock:

    This place is so lovely that an idea of spending a whole day in its composed and unruffled atmosphere is a one great idea for a visitor. Being an absolute picnic spot, one is sure to experience a very close propinquity to nature. Its greatest attractions are the captivating sights of the plains of Coimbatore and the tea gardens. You can almost feel like visualizing a green blanket covering the slopes of the hills. There are very few places which can offer such amazing broad views,Lamb’s Rock in Ooty is one among them.

Popular Excursions From Ooty

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary:

        

Mudumalai wildlife Sanctuary

     Located around the Mysore–Ooty highway about 67 km away from Ooty, Mudumalai wildlife reserve was the very first sanctuary in South India. It scatters around 321 sq km and is extremely varied with hills, valleys, ravines, watercourses and swamps. The popular fauna of the sanctuary includes Langur,  bonnet macaque, tiger, leopard, wild dog, hyena, jackal, sloth bear, elephants,  gaur, sambar, spotted deer, Indian muntjac, mouse deer, wild boar, rodent and flying squirrel. Apart from them it is also a home to rich bird life too.

Coonoor:

     Lying just 19 km away from Ooty, this hill station is the second largest amongst all in the Nilgris. Surrounded by tea plantations all around and an altitude of 1839 mt, it’s obviously much chilled than Ooty and thus, it offers a very popular weekend spot for the people around.

Kalhatty falls:

    Drizzling from a height of 122 mt, the Kalhatty falls has attained its reputation being one of the greatest tourist attractions around Ooty. Located on the slopes about 13 km from Ooty, the journey from Ooty to Kalhatty Waterfalls is one spellbinding experience. Moreover one can also witness the nearby slopes that are covered with thick forests that boasts of rich flora.

Avalanche and Dolphin’s Nose:   

    Lying 28km from Ooty,unlike their names,which arouses up pictures of destruction and devastation, the place is a nature lover’s paradise. They  had the most beautiful sights of Catherine falls, a lake which is ideal for fishing and calmness and placidity all over the region. One can also visit the place if  you admire bird watching in peace.

Mukurthi Peak and National Park:

     These are among the the most beautiful excursions from Ooty. Lying just 40 km from Ooty, Mukurthi peak and the park spreads on the South Eastern side of the Nilgiri mountain range. Standing tall at an elevation of 2500 mt it’s a heaven for   trekkers. And as far as the National Park is concerned it boasts rich flora and fauna.

Tribal in Ooty

The tribal research center (T R C) was constituted on second October 1983 at Udhagamandalam and is functioning on its own 25 acres of hill terrain at M Paladin, 10 km away from Ooty bus stand. His Excellency, the then President of India, Thiru Gyani Zail Singh had very kindly laid the foundation stone for the Tribal Research Centre, listed at present with Ministry of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai. This center is funded by both State and central Governments on 5050 basic and it is the youngest of the 14 Tribal Research institutes in the country. The relevance of Tribal Research Centre is very much identified as ‘Tribal Essential Institute’ for the welfare of the 36 Scheduled Tribes of Tamil Nadu

Major objectives of the Tribal Research centre are

• To conduct studies on tribal Communities
• To import training and proper orientation on tribal cultures and development.
• To record Social, Economic, Religious, political and Psychological changes among the Scheduled Tribes.
• To recommend weaker community
• Thus the Tribal Research Centre is acting as an integral part of the planned Development of the Tribals. It is concentrating more on Nilgiris district because all the six Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) identified by the Government of India like Todas, Kotas, Irulas, Kurumbas, Paniyans and Kattunayakans are exclusive inhabiting since ages in Nilgiri hills.
• Facilities Available at Tribal Research Centre
• Library with books and journals on tribal studies
• Well furnished Guest house
• Tribal Map on the land
• Audio-video system to entertain tribal festivals and tradition of dance and song
• Indoor and open Air Tribal Museum.
• Special Cultural heritage Attraction
• The Tribal Museum is function in the campus of Tribal Research Centre since 1989 depicting various tribal cultures of Tamil Nadu and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Recently carved fier-made tribal statues are attracting more number of tourists from India and abroadThe Tribal Museum is functioning in the campus of Tribal Research Centre which is located at Muthorai Palada, 10 km away from Ooty town. Tribal Museum is placed on the hillock depicting rare artifacts and photographs of primitive tribal groups of Tamil Nadu as well as Andaman and Nicobar Islands and developed on the interests of Anthropological and Archaeological primitive human culture and heritage. Tribal Museum is also having an open air tribal houses belongs to Toda, Kota, Paniya, Kurumba and Kanikaran. Popular six sculptures are exhibited inside the museum depicting the life size physical anthrop models of Todas, Kotas and Paniya.
  

  Pykara

          The most accessible of all the nearby lakes. A boathouse and picnic areahas been developed to provide access to this area. Most of the remainder of thelake is within a reserved forest and off limits to visitors.

  The Pykara is the largest river in the District. It is considered very sacred by the Todas. The Pykara river rises at Mukurthi peak. It passes through hilly tract, generally keeping to North and turns to West after reaching the Plateau’s edge. It gets down majestically in a series of cascades; and the last two falls of 55 meters and 61 meters are known as Pykara falls. They are about 20 Km from Ooty.

  The Pykara Lake is about 21 Km from Ooty on the Ooty-Mysore road.Boating on the Pykara lake is enjoyable. A restaurant is also available. Wenlock Downs, a vast Expanse of grassy meadow on way to Pykara, is a favorite picnic location and is very popular with the movie makers of this country.

  A beautiful and well protected Sholas, Toda settlements, undisturbedgrassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat, Pykara is widely becoming one of the major tourist attractions. Located at a distance of 21-Km from Ooty, this place is embraced with Pykara Dam, Pykara Falls and the reservoir. The major attraction of this place is the boathouse, with restaurant and a rest houseto provide you with ultimate comfort.

           Pykara Lake is situated about 21 Km from Udhagamandalam on theOoty – Mysore road. The Pykara Dam, close to the lake is an impressive engineering feat.

  Pykara Falls 

  The Pykara Falls are a favourite of picnickers who throng the place on holidays and weekends. The Falls are located close to the Pykara Dam.19 Km from Ooty. The river has a dam and power plant. There is a breathtaking scenery. The falls, about 6 Km from the bridge on the main road, are best in July, but they are also worth visiting from August to December. There is a forest rest House at Pykara. A boat house by the Pykara falls and Dam is added attractions to the tourists. Pykara boasts of well protected fenced Sholas, Toda settlements, undistributed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam, Pykara falls and the reservoir attracts many tourists. A boat house with Restaurant is available. It is maintained by T.T.D.C.

  Situated about 21 Km on the Ooty-Mysore Road, Pykara boasts of well protected fenced Sholas, Toda settlements, undistributed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam, Pykara falls and the reservoir attracts many tourists. A boat house with Restaurant is available. It is maintained by T.T.D.C.

  It is situated about 21 Km from Ooty, on the Ooty-Mysore Road. The tourist attraction are well protected fenced Sholas, Toda settlements, undisturbed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat.The Pykara Dam,Pykara falls and the reservoir attracts many tourists.There is a forest Rest House at Pykara. a boat House with Restaurant is available.

  Dottabetta

             The beautiful hill station of Ooty, draws quite a good number of tourists from all over the world. The natural beauty of this region is outstanding and memorable. Apart from the natural splendours, Ooty has many more attractions that are worth a visit. Some of the important ones are the Botanical Gardens sprawled over an area of 50-acre. It was established by Marquis of Tweeddale in the year 1848. These gardens lie on the lower slopes of the Dodabetta peak, the highest point in Ooty. Another exotic garden found here is the Rose Gardens, situated about 3 to 4-Km away from Charring Cross. They are spread over an area of 10 acres of land with 2000 variety of roses.

  Another famous attraction here is the Ooty Lake, a charming artificial lake. Constructed in 1824 by Mr. John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore. A noteworthy attraction of Ooty is the St Stephens Church situated in the hilly area on Club Road. It is said to be the oldest church in the Nilgiris. This church was built in the year 1829 and consecrated in 1830. The cemetery close by houses the grave of John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty. Another outstanding attraction here is the Dodabetta peak. It is the highest peak (2623 meters) in the Nilgiris and is situated about 10-Km from Ooty, offering a beautiful view of the Nilgiri hill ranges.

  At 2,623 mtrs above MSL, Dodabetta is the highest Peak in the Tamil Nadu and is about 10 Km from Ooty bus stand. The name Dodabetta literally means ‘Big mountain’ in the Badugu Language, which is so in reality. It is at the junction of Western and Eastern Ghats and offer beautiful vistas of Nilgiri Hills range. It is surrounded by dense Sholas. One can have a magnificent panoramic view of landscape and the whole of the District and even beyond through the Telescope House run by T.T.D.C., which is an added attraction . The Sunset is spectacular from this view point.

  Dodabetta is widely famous and the highest peak (2623 meters) in the Nilgiris. Ideally located at a Ooty Lake distance of 10-Km from Ooty, this beautiful place is situated between the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats. You can get envision the beautiful view of Nilgiri hill ranges from this peak, which is surrounded by dense Sholas.

  It is the highest peak (2623 mtrs) in the Nilgiri’s and is 10 Km from Ooty. It lies at the junction of Western and Eastern Ghats and offer beautiful vista of the Nilgiri Hills ranges. There is a telescope house run by TTDC.

  The Dodabetta Peak stands at an altitude of 2,623 meters. It is the highest point in the district, making it possibly the best vantage point around Ooty. It is merely 10Km from Ooty so you can simply grab your camera and head straight to the peak, and click amazing pictures of he valley below. Many say that on a clear day, which is honestly not that often, one can see far off areas, even the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore.

  The highest point in the Nilgiri Hills, offering spectacular views over the town and district. There is road access to the summit. There is a reserved forest area around the peak.

  This is the highest point in the area. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Coimbatore plains and the Mysore plateau.

  This is the highest peak in the Nilgiris. It is 2,623 mtrs above sea – level and is located about 10 Km from Udhagamandalam. It lies near the junction of the western and Eastern Ghats.

  This highest peak (2638 m) of the Nilgiris and Tamil Nadu is accessible by road. Panoramic views of the Nilgiri hill ranges can be enjoyed from here.

Travel Information Of Ooty

      Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Ooty is at Coimbatore (100 km). Coimbatore airport is directly connected by flights with major cities like Chennai, Kozhikode, Bangalore and Mumbai 

Nearest Railway Station:

     Ooty has a railway station of its own which is connected by meter gauge tracks to Mettupalayam, which is further  connected to Coimbatore and Chennai. Reaching By Road: Good road network connects Ooty to many important cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore.