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You are here Home » Top Destinations » Ooty Tamil Nadu
Honeymoon in Ooty/Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu, India![]() ![]() About Ooty/Ootacamund The Queen of hill stations, Udhagmandalam or Ooty is a gift of nature, in the picturesque Nilgiris (Blue Mountains), with its rolling green downs for hunting, misty mornings and mild evenings, making it reminiscent of the English countryside. The ambient beauty of this hill station lies in its peaceful ranges, surrounded by a misty blue haze. Known for its salubrious climate and scenic beauty, it is a delightful place to escape to, from the oppressive summer heat, for the South Indians and in the winters for North Indians, wanting to avoid the cold. HISTORYIt is really surprising how this paradise remained unknown to the powerful rulers of the South. Although the first inhabitants of this place were TODAS, a tribe that still continue to live there, though their population is only about 3000, the place remained unknown to the outside world till early 19th century. The real credit for modernizing Ooty and making it accessible goes to the British who constructed the first railway line in the area and made it the summer capital of the Madras Presidency. They constructed various bungalows, buildings and lakes to give it a present look. FOODBoth Indian and Western style accommodation and food are available. Prior booking is advisable, especially during the summer months. SHOPPINGGo for some antique Toda jewellery sold in the main bazaar and also at the Savoy Hotel. Ooty also has lovely embroidered Toda shawls, a variety of teas (eucalyptus, geranium, lemon grass, camphor) and Nilgiri honey. Maps and guidebooks can be purchased at the Higginbothams bookshop. Also try out the cheddar, Wenleydale cheese and Planter's Special cigars made of Indian tobacco, at Spencer's Store. ENTERTAINMENTIn January, Ooty celebrates Pongal. The Annual Flower and Dog shows are held in May at the Botanical Gardens. General Information of Ooty/Ootacamund LOCATIONSituated at an altitude of 2,268 m in the Nilgiri mountain ranges of Tamil Nadu. How to Reach By AirIA and Jet have daily flights to Coimbatore from Mumbai. Airport: The nearest airport is at Coimbatore, 105 km away. By RailThe narrow gauge service connects Ooty to adjoining areas. The Swiss Vintage Hill train runs from Mettupalayam via Coonoor. It leaves at 7.45 am and arrives in Ooty at 12 pm. The ride is definitely a must if you want to enjoy a stunning view of the region. Nilgiri Express comes in from Chennai. Railway station: Mettupalayam serves as a lowland railhead for Ooty, while Coimbatore is the major rail junction. The narrow gauge service connects Ooty to adjoining areas. By RoadMost state bus services operate from the Central Bus Stand, Dr Nanjappa Road, Gandhipura. There is a good bus service from Ooty to Bangalore (298 km) via Mysore and the tea growing area of Gudalur-Naduvattam-Pykara, or via the steeper yet prettier route via Masinagudi-Kathati. Private bus services also operate from Charing Cross. CLIMATETemperatures range from 25?C in summers to 5?C in the winters. Tourist Attractions in Ooty/Ootacamund The Botanical Gardens ![]() The botanical gardens established in 1847, presents a variety of exotic and ornamental plants. Detailed observation and study of these enable research scholars and students alike, to pursue their studies and record the findings. A unique feature of this garden, right in the midst of all the greenery and jus t below the Mini Lake, is a fossil tree trunk, which is 20 million years old. Both the annual Flower show of the Agri-Horticulture department and the Dog show of the South Indian Kennel Club are held here. Golf Club
Dodabetta
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Others AVALANCHE - The ever-popular Avalanche, which derived its name, from an avalanche here in 1823, is just 24 kilometers from Ooty. It has some interesting treks and the streams are extremely productive for trout fishes. |