Hill Station - Ooty ( Udhagamandalam )

Location	:	Niligiri District, Tamil Nadu
Discovered By	:	British In 1800
Highest Peak	:	Doddabetta
Famous Festivals	:	Summer Festival And The Tea And Tourism Festival

Welcome to one of the most breathtaking locations in entire India. Udhagamandalam is the official name of this hill station, but is more famous by the name Ooty and and is admiringly referred to as 'The Queen of Hill Stations'. Situated nearly 105 km from the city of Coimbatore, Ooty nestles in the Nilgiri Hills, nearly 7,347 m above sea level. As you enter the magnificent hill station of Ooty, you will be treated with excellent weather, deep forests, lush green slopes and landscape dotted with acres of tea gardens in both sides of the road.

The history of Ooty is that of Royalty and development. Ooty served as the Summer retreat for British Officers of Madras presidency and enjoyed a special reputation with them. Ooty developed thick and fast under their rule, most of which is still present in all its glory. The best is surely the railway network that was installed in Ooty. In fact, a ride in a steam train in Ooty has become one of the favorite attraction of tourists here.

While in Ooty, the best way to explore the surroundings of this quiet and small hill station is by trekking through the Nilgiri Hills. Walking along the well laid out tea gardens, taking in the aroma of fresh tea is truly a feeling for a lifetime. The best time to visit Ooty is February and May. During this period, aerosports is also an option for the tourists.


Main Attraction of Ooty

• Rose Garden
  Covering an area of 4 hectares, Rose garden is divided into five terraces and is a wonderful spot for outings. There are approximately 2800 varieties of roses in the garden that mesmerize tourists of all ages. This is the largest collection of roses found anywhere in India. The park is situated at an altitude of nearly 2200 m and provides an unmatched views of surrounding areas.


• Doddabetta Peak
  Doddabetta Peak is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills. At distance of 10 Km from Ooty and at an altitude of 2623 m above sea level, Doddabetta Peak is among the most visited spot in and around Ooty. You are advised to trek to top of the peak for some wonderful moments. Not only is the trek through the woods a picturesque one, the views of the Nilgiri Hills that you will get once you reach the top are simply breathtaking.


• Ooty Lake
  Ooty lake is an artificial lake that was built by the then district collector John Sullivan in the year 1825. The lake is a famous option for picnics among locales as well as tourists as the lake offers opportunity for both boating and fishing. However, you will have to take prior permission from the officials for fishing in the lake.


• Government Botanical Garden
  Government Botanical Garden is home to few of the most rare species of plants, brought here from all corners of the world. The garden is open to public since 1848 and is maintained by Department of Horticulture. The park covers an area of nearly 22 hectares and is famous for a 20 million year old tree fossil, rare tree species like Lily Pond and Cork Tree. Do not forget to solve the puzzle of monkey-puzzle tree situated here. It is named so because monkeys can't climb this tree.


• Deer Park
  Situated just 1 km from the famous Ooty Lake, Deer Park is one of the very few high altitude wildlife parks in the country. Deer park is not a very big park and covers only 22 hectares. The main attraction of the park are chital and Sambar.

Accommodation in Ooty
Ooty being one of the most happening tourists destinations in India, sports numerous luxury hotels as well as budget hill resorts. There are hotels that are situated in the sedate countryside and there are hotels right in the heart of city center. You have the option to choose according to your convenience. Some of the good staying option in Ooty are Sullivan Court, Hotel Sinclair, Sterling Holiday Resort and Hotel The Monarch.

How To Reach Ooty

• By Air
  Coimbatore Airport at Peelamedu is the nearest airport to Ooty. It is nearly 100 km from here. Coimbatore receives flights from all major airports in the country. From the airport, the most convenient way to reach Ooty is by taking a taxi. There are privately run and state transport buses as well plying between the two cities.


• By Rail
  Ooty is well connected to all cities of Tamil nadu. You can reach Ooty from Chennai by taking Nilgiri Express that takes tourist till, Mettupalyam. From there, you can either take a bus or a steam train. Traveling by steam train is the advised way as surroundings on the route is breathtakingly attractive.


• By Road
  The well laid out road network connects Ooty to all the major cities of Tamil Nadu and nearby states. There is regular public and private bus services to and from Ooty. For traveling inside Ooty, local buses, taxis and rickshaws are easily available.