Ooty Tourist Information

Ooty Tamilnadu

Udhagamandalam, The “Queen of hill station” is the capital of Nilgiri district. It is one of the best tourist resorts. Nilgiris is called as “Blue Mountains”.The name Nila, we know to have been used over 800 years ago since,the King of the Hoysalas Vishnu Vardhana, who ruled from 1104 to 1141 A.D. seized the Nilgiris Plateau.His general Ponisia recorded this fact in 1117 A.D. with mention of Todas.The name Nilgiri was due to the blue haze which envelopes the range with most distant hills of considerable size.

This Nilgiri territory came into possession of East India Company as part at 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, Wish and 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. Collector Mr.John Sullivan with his party proceeded to Nilgiri Mountain and made camp at Dimbhatti, just north of Kotagiri in 1819 in January. 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. Then the Collector John Sullivan laid path from Sirumugai (near-Mattupalayam) to Dimbhatti in 1829 and the work was completed in May 1823. The Best route up to Coonoor was laid in 1830-32. Ootacamund remained still undiscovered.

The first mention of the place occurs in a letter of March 1821 to the Madras Gazette by an unknown correspondent as “WOTOKYMUND”.The first house was build at Ootacamund was undoubtedly the ‘StoneHouse’ by John Sullivan in April 1822. John Sullivan already started flower and kitchen garden at his Dimbhatti bungalow (Kotagiri). Also he had began at Stone House of Ooty with Scottish Gardener John stone to take care of it. In 1821-22 Caption B.S. Ward surveyed and mapped the hills. Mr Ward said in his writing that travelers temporary bungalows were put up at Kodapamund,Nanjanna,Killur and Yellanhali and European vegetables had been tried including Strawberries and apple.In 1827 Sullivan sums up the progress of Ooty including laiding of Ooty lake. 17 European houses had been build and five more at Kotagiri. Then later on by several Englishmen Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri were developed. After 1947. the free Indian people administrators made all developments works of hill station and made popular health and hill tourism resort.

Weather: 12°C, Wind N at 3 km/h, 100% Humidity

Population: 88,430 (2011)

Bandipur National Park Forest

Take a trip down to this Wild Life Sanctuary in the state of Karnataka. It was established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under project Tiger. Once a private hunting area for the Maharaja of the kingdom of Mysore, it spreads over approximately 874.2Sqkms . It is 250 Km from Bengaluru, 70 Km from Ooty and 80 Km from Mysore on the main highway from Mysore to Ooty, making it open to a lot of tourists to have a breathtaking view of the enchanting mist covered peaks of the Nilgiris and plush moist deciduous, semi evergreens and dry deciduous vegetation.

Bandipur National Park is famous for a large variety of animals such as Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Sambars, Spotted deers, Asiatic wild dogs amongst many others.

Over 230 species of birds have been spotted around the national park. To name a few such as Open billed Stork, painted stork, Egrets, Kites, different Eagles, Falcon, Pea fowl, lapwing and the rare to spot vultures. Species of snakes common to the region are Russell’s Viper, Indian python, Cobra, Viper and the flying snake may also be sighted. 001 Orange Headed Ground Thrush

Bandipur forms a part of India’s largest biosphere reserve , the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Bandipur national park is important in the scheme of India’s effort towards nature conservation. It’s a Home to around 70 tigers and over 3000 Asian Elephants as well as other animals like Dhole, Gaur, Sloth bears etc. Gopal Swami Betta is the highest peak in Bandipur range. The best time to visit Bandipur is from March to October. However the park is open throughout the year. The forest receives medium to heavy rainfall in the monsoon months depending on the location.

Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park is situated at the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka on the North Eastern Slopes of the Nilgiris part of Western Ghats descending to the Mysore Plateau. An erstwhile game reserve, Mudumalai was declared a wildlife sanctuary with a 62 sq KM area in the early 1940 by the then Madras Presidency. With Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) in the north, and Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) in the west the region forms a single, continuous viable habitat for a varied range of wildlife and is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. While Mudumalai’s western half receives the southwest monsoon, the eastern tracts receive the

Tusker with his Herd

relatively gentler north-east monsoon which results in a diversity of vegetation types and typical migration of herbivores.

LOCATION

Map

The sanctuary has an area of 321 Sq. KM with 108 sq.KM of National Park area.

It lies within 11o 30’ N to 11o 42’ N and 76o 30’ E to 76o 45’ E.

Rainfall ranges from 800 – 2000mm. Temperature varies from 14o C to 33o C.

Altitude ranges from 100’ MSL to 1200 MSL.

Needle Rock Point Gudalur

It is a tourist spot in Gudalur, Tamil Nadu. Where the Gudalur is located 51 km on the west of Ooty and the Needle Rock viewpoint is about 8 km from Gudalur on the way of Gudalur-Ooty National Highway-67. The view point gives you a 360 degree view. The view point is also known as Soochimalai and gets its name from its conical shape.

One of the most amazing places to get a 360 degree view of the Nilgiris, Needle Rock is much more than just a viewpoint. Leagues apart from a usual sunrise and sunset point, it’s a gorgeous place, with the drive from Ooty being a major draw to come all the way up till here.

This marvelous tourist attraction derives its name from a cone-shaped rock which is one of the main features of this area. It is a good place to visit in Ooty for tourists, offering them breathtaking views of grasslands and valley of the Nilgiris. The beautiful landscapes that tourists travelling to Ooty view from this spot make them forget all the worries of a hectic life. Another memorable view that visitors can truly enjoy is the sunset which is clearly visible from this spot.

But, October to June may be the ideal period to embark on a trip to this region as this Ooty view point would give them some exciting moments of their lives. Though there are many other Ooty attractions in the region that are worth visiting, many travelers of Ooty view this place as something which is truly enchanting. Nature enthusiasts would love to be in such surroundings that transport them to an entirely different world.

6th Main Shooting Point

6th Mile, also known as the Shooting Spot, is located just 6 miles from the city centre. This tourist spot is green, extensive and replete with dense forest. Most of the Indian movies feature this shooting spot owing to its natural beauty.

Pykara Lake Boathouse

The placid lake of Pykara, amid the lush green valleys is a lovely getaway from Ooty. Here, a calm lake is surrounded by forests. There is a forest rest House at Pykara. A boat house by the Pykara falls and Dam is added attractions to the tourists. The major attraction of this place is the boathouse, with restaurant and a rest house to provide you with ultimate comfort. It is a clean and scenic lake in between the hills. It is an isolated lake free from pollution and maddening crowed . Boating is conducted here. You will get a wonderful experiences over here. Please Don’t fail to visit here.

Pykara is the name of a village and river 19 kilometres (12 mi) from Ooty in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu. The Pykara River is considered very sacred by the Todas. It rises at Mukurthi peak, flows northwards, and then turns to the west after reaching the edge of the plateau. The river flows through Murkurti, Pykara and Glenmorgan dams, and forms part of an important hydro-electric power project.

The river flows over a series of waterfalls, the last two of 55 metres (180 ft) and 61 metres (200 ft) being known as Pykara Falls. The falls are approximately 6 kilometres (4 mi) from the bridge on the main road. There is a forest rest house at Pykara. A boat house on the Pykara reservoir is an added attraction for tourists. Pykara boasts well protected fenced sholas, Toda settlements, large grassy meadows and good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam, falls and reservoir attract many tourists.

Botanical Garden

Covering an extensive area of 55 acres, the botanical gardens in Ooty, Tamil Nadu are home to some 650 species of plants and trees. A Nilgiri hill station must see, the Ooty Botanical Gardens should be at the top of every tourist’s list. Visitors are greeted with astounding colorful natural beauty from the moment they pass through the gates. For more than 160 years, foreign and local travelers have strolled the lush green lawns of the garden, admiring the stunning variety of flowers, ferns and orchids.

The botanical gardens in Ooty is home to many rare species of trees. Chief among them are the cork tree, the only one of its kind in India. The paper bark tree, the monkey puzzle tree and an old fossilized tree (estimated to be 20 million years old) round out the other rare species. The monkey puzzle tree has been named so because even monkeys fail to climb it.

Newlyweds, on a honeymoon in Ooty, will fit right in with the scores of other Indian couples of all ages who seek privacy under shade, as nature lovers enjoy leisurely strolls throughout the gardens. The garden, begun in 1847 and located on the highest peak of Ooty, is divided into six different sections: Lower Garden, New Garden, Italian Garden (Not to be missed), Conservatory, Fountain Terrace, Nurseries. Maintenance workers from the Horticulture Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu are seen in a multitude of daily chores to keep all parts of the gardens appearing their best.

The Summer Festivals is an annual event held at the gardens in May. The highlight is the flower show where several rare species of plants are exhibited as well as various cultural programs showcasing the talent of the locals and renowned artists.

Open at 8 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. daily, a visit here is far better than any picture can show. Cool, clean mountain air brings out the fragrant blossoms of roses, shrubs and other rare flowering plants. Entry fee is nominal at just Rs 10, add another Rs 10 for a camera.

Tourists staying at a nearby hotel in Ooty could comfortably walk to the botanical gardens. Tuk tuks line up outside the entrance gates looking for fares. A nearby bike rental shop boasts scooters for hourly, daily and weekly rates. Or hop on any local bus which has frequent passes of the gardens.

Ooty Lake

From just behind the central Bus Stand (also near the Railway station) the famous Ooty Lake stretches, in an irregular ‘L’ shape, for about 2.75 kms in length and varying distances in width(100m – 140m). For the curious, this lake was artificially formed by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty, in 1823-25 by damming the mountain streams flowing down Ooty valley.

The lake which breached thrice, completely emptying itself, originally extended up to the present day market and ferries were used to get across one side to the other. The lake gradually shrunk in size giving place to the present racecourse, the bus stand and mini garden.

At the far end is the Boat House, where all kinds of boats are available for hire from eight in the morning to six in the evening. Surrounded by lofty eucalyptus trees and shrubs the lake is a scenic delight to ones from the concrete jungles. During summer seasons, in May, boat races and boat pageantry are organized for two days at the lake which draws huge crowd. In recent years the lake and the boat house have become the hub of entertainment for the visitors.

At the boat house end, there is children’s park with a toy train. A deer part is located in the adjacent area. Just outside the Boat house local ponies are available for jolly rides at a charge.

Rose Garden

The Government Rose Garden is the largest rose garden in India. It is situated on the slopes of the Elk Hill in Vijayanagaram of Ootytown in Tamil Nadu, India at an altitude of 2200 meters. Today this garden has more than 20,000 varieties of roses of 2,800 cultivars. It is one of the largest collection of roses in India.

The Rose Park was established at Vijayanagaram in Ooty town to commemorate the centenary Flower Show in Government Botanical Gardens, Udagamandalam in May 1995. The flowers are arranged in five curving terraces covering four hectares. This garden is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department.

Doddabetta Peak

The Doddabetta 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 10kms from Ooty so you can simply grab your camera and head straight to the peak, and click amazing pictures of the valley below. 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 Doddabetta Peak is said to be one of the highest peak in south India & famous tourist spot in India. Ooty is undisputedly one of the best hill stations of South India and anyone who visits it is so completely charmed by its beauty that he cherishes the desire to visit it over and over again.

There is a “Telescope house” that is run by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation in the Doddabetta Peak to enable the tourist to get a better view. Any visitor is sure will be impressed after a visit to this highest peak of the Nilgiris. Trekking to the top peak as it is not very challenging, and at the same time provides views that are worth every step you take through the jungles.

Tea Factory

Doddabetta Tea Factory is situated in Ooty. Here you can learn the process that goes into making everyone’s favourite hot beverage – the cup of tea. The Tea Factory not only allows you to walk in and see the process, it also has guided tours to explain the entire process to you. Manufacturing CTC tea, the factory is like no other – with the walls covered with paintings, posters and such like, all related to the history of the tea industry and explaining the process of making that cup of tea which you relish. Learn the art of withering, fermenting, rolling, firing and sorting as you walk through the factory fascinated by the process and filled with that special aroma that only a tea factory produces. A place that one must definitely visit, in order to understand the difference in the quality of the various grades of tea and appreciate the art that goes into making your morning cup perfect.

Wax Museum Ooty

Housed at a prominent 130 year old bungalow on Ooty – Coonoor Road (Near Aawin milk), this museum displays life-size look-alike wax statues of famous people. Wax statue making involves computerised digital imaging techniques, traditional and conventional sculpting and molding methodologies. Depending upon the complexity, the cost of making a wax statue varies between Rs.3 lakhs – 15 lakhs. The statues are made by a business man / Engineer Shreeji Bhaskaran as a hobby. He is also famous for making the wax statues of “The Last Supper” (22 feet in length and 500 kgs of wax) which was unveiled and blessed at the Art Gallery of the SE Cathedral (World Heritage building) in Old Goa by His Eminence Cardinal Paul Poupard, the President, Council for Inter religious Dialogue at the Vatican on 20th November 2006. This museum was inaugurated by Sri. Santosh K.Misra, Collector, Nilgirs district in March 2007. The museum has become “A must see” of Ooty. Timings 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Entrance fee Rs. 20. No ticket for children below 10 years.

Coonoor Tamilnadu

The Nilgiri hills have been the home of the Toda tribe for centuries. Coonoor began to develop as a tourist destination in the 19th century when the British made the region a popular hill station. During summers Coonoor enjoys a mild climate while the burning sun scorches the surrounding plains. The British gentleman, who discovered these hills in 1819, returned the following year to build the first bungalow. Attracted by the temperate climate, the British elite lost no time and established their settlements in the hills. With them came tea plantations. The construction of a railway line accelerated the development of this region.

In those days the rail track from Chennai ended at Mettupalayam. From there the journey to the hills had to be undertaken on pony or bullock cart. In August 1891, the Governor of Chennai laid the foundation of the Nilgiri railway. The concourse was ready within three years, after which a new company undertook the project. In 1897, the line reached Coonoor and was officially inaugurated the following year. By 1908, the line was extended up to Ooty. Today the train is a major attraction and Coonoor attracts a large number of tourists round the year.

Dolphin Nose Coonoor

Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint is a tourist spot in Coonoor, The Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu. Dolphin’s Nose is well over 1,000 feet above sea level, 10 km from Coonoor and is a spectacular spot to visit. The tip of the peak resembles a dolphin’s nose, hence the name Dolphin’s Nose. It is an enormous rock formation that is entirely unique. There are gigantic ravines found both to the left and right of Dolphin’s Nose and there is a view of inspiring Catherine Falls with its continuing stream several thousand meters below which is located a relatively short distance away opposite of the Dolphin’s Nose. Best part of spot are the hairpin turns and tea plantations on the way.

Sim’s Park Coonoor

The Sim’s Park, located in Coonoor is one of the main attractions in Tamil Nadu. Covering an area of over 12 hectares, this park-cum-botanical garden lies in the heart of the city of Coonoor and was developed more than a hundred years ago by Mr. J.D. Sims and Major Murray in the year of 1874.

Sim’s Park was built around the natural contours of land which are found in plenty in the Nilgiri hill range on which the park is located. The park is situated at a height of 1780 meters above sea level and is one of the most beautiful parks in the state of Tamil Nadu owing to the presence of ideal climatic conditions for growing flowers and trees. The garden is visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year and even in winters. The natural Shola trees can be found all along the footpaths provided for walking. The sholas are evergreen trees that grow in patches in the Nilgiris and contribute to the extremely beautiful and serene environment of the Sim’s Park.

Best time to visit

The temperature and weather in Coonoor stay pleasant throughout the year. The summers last from March to May and have temperatures hanging around in the range of 15°C to 25°C. This is the most pleasant season in Coonoor. The monsoons start in June and last till September offering mild to medium rainfalls. The winters lasting from December to February are not that chilly here with temperature band in 10°C to 20°C.

Tea Factory Coonoor

Nilgiris, the blue hills or queen of hills, with its beautiful valleys and salubrious climate supports a wide range of flora and fauna.

Doddabetta, the second highest peak in south India, is situated.

In this region, the ‘Neelakurunji’ a flower that bathes these hills in lavender, flowers once every twelve years, a natural phenomenon as intriguing as the great wildebeest migration of the Masai Mara.

Nilgiris (The Blue Mountains) are one of the most spectacular ranges in South India with lush vegetation and teeming with wild life and the source of numerous beautiful streams and rivers. Against this idyllic background the famous Nilgiris tea is grown.

The combination of fine fragrance, brisk liquor and strength makes NILGIRI a blender’s dream and a truly unique tea found nowhere else in the world.

Grown at an elevation ranging from 1000 to 2500 mtrs above m.s.l.

Significantly, plucking continues here throughout the year with no dormant season.

Coonoor Tea Trade Association (CTTA) was formed in 1963. The first auction was conducted on 23rd March 1963 with70 lots comprising 20,303 kgs of tea from 43 factories.

Currently CTTA has got 179 Buyers, 164 Sellers and 9 brokers.

View Point Coonoor

Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint is a tourist spot in Coonoor, The Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu. Dolphin’s Nose is well over 1,000 feet above sea level, 10 km from Coonoor and is a spectacular spot to visit. The tip of the peak resembles a dolphin’s nose, hence the name Dolphin’s Nose. It is an enormous rock formation that is entirely unique. There are gigantic ravines found both to the left and right of Dolphin’s Nose and there is a view of inspiring Catherine Falls with its continuing stream several thousand metres below which is located a relatively short distance away opposite of the Dolphin’s Nose. Best part of spot are the hairpin turns and tea plantations on the way.