OOTY - Blue Mountains - Majestic hills add charm to this quaint hill-station

The Nilgiris, which basically signifies ‘blue mountains’, are a range of around 24 mountain peaks jogging through Tamil Nadu and around Karnataka as well as Kerala. The pretty hill station of Ooty, short for Ootacamund also now officially Udhagamandalam, lies surrounded by 4 peaks — Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk Hill, and Club Hill. When you chug with the magnificent landscape in the toy train, the beautifully positive scent of eucalyptus fills up the mind

The fairly hotel or resort city of Ooty was invented by the British Collector of Coimbatore , John Sullivan , around 1820 to allow the sahibs to avoid the searing heating of the plains . Sullivan's legacy is the best hill stations in India today, attracting everybody from families to honeymooners to wildlife fans. Ooty's moving green hills, substantial landscapes, lake and waterfalls allow it to be an ideal environment for certain invigorating.

Located 7, 500 ft. above sea level, the climate in Ooty is perennially pleasurable. Eucalyptus trees and tea and coffee plantations are plentiful, filling up the atmosphere with a gentle heady spicy aroma. Although tea and coffee are the town’s major produce, essential herbal oils of eucalyptus, lemon grass, geranium, clove, and also camphor prepared from local plant harvests are also highly appreciated.

Sullivan established Ooty Lake between 1823 and 1825, and introduced vegetation such as potato and barley and the idea of horticulture in Ooty. The city slowly developed as the summer time capital of the Madras Presidency of the British. Although, the unique residents of Ooty are the Todas, a tribal community popular for handicrafts such as shawls with their brand name red, black, and white embroidery.

The most important visitorsattractions all around Ooty are the Ooty Botanical Gardens, the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, tea and coffee plantations, Ooty Lake, the amazing Doddabetta (highest peak of the Nilgiris at 8,652 feet), and mile after mile and miles of conifer, eucalyptus, pine, and wattle jungle.

Getting Around

Auto rickshaws , taxis and tourist cabs can be found commonplace around the bus station , the train station and marketplaces . The auto rickshaw price ranges have to be negotiated every time while the taxis require a meter fare . A tour from the Ooty railway station to the Charring Cross Junction , a large market area with streets leading to Coonoor and Commercial Road , costs approx . Rs .30 . The taxi fare will certainly range between Rs . 40-50 for the same . For more info , communicate with the Government Tourist Office : 0423-2443977 .

HOW TO REACH

By Air

IA and Jet have every day flights to Coimbatore from Mumbai. Airport: The nearest airport terminal is Coimbatore, it is 105 km away.

By Rail

The narrow gauge service connects Ooty to neighboring areas. The Swiss Classic Mountain train runs from Mettupalayam via Coonoor. It leaves at 7.45 am and comes in Ooty at 12 pm. The journey is unquestionably essential if you need to experience an excellent view of the place. Nilgiri Express is available from Chennai. Mettupalayam railway station, serves as a lowland railhead for Ooty, while Coimbatore is the leading rail junction. The narrow gauge services links Ooty to neighboring spots.

By Road

Many state bus services operate from the Main Bus Stand, Dr Nanjappa Road, Gandhipura. You can find a fantastic bus facilities from Ooty to Bangalore (298 km) via Mysore and tea growing region of Gudalur-Naduvattam-Pykara, or via the steeper but prettier route via Masinagudi-Kathati. Personal bus services also conduct from Charing Cross.

Kodaikanal- Princess Of The Hill Stations

Kodaikanal- the most popular and beautiful hill station is situated at the Palani hills of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu of India. This hill station is located 7,200 feet above sea level. This city is counted on as an well known tourist destination of India as well as it has a great history as retreat.

Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in South India. The scenic beauty of this place has the capability and charm to mesmerize the nature lovers.

How to reach?

Kodaikanal is accessible both via rail and air ways. The nearest railway station located to this hill station is Kodai road, 80 km away from Kodaikanal. Another major rail station which is connected with Kodaikanal is the Coimbatore junction.

This city is also connected with the other states of India via airways. Madurai airport is located 120 km away from this hill station and it connects both Coimbatore and Chennai. Coimbatore is another major airport, located 180 km from Kodaikanal.

Besides, one can reach to Kodaikanal by taking cab from Coimbatore and Madurai.

What to see?

There are various popular tourist destinations located in Kodaikanal. To name a few: Pillar Rocks, Green Valley View or the Suicide Point, Devil's Kitchen, Bear Shola Falls, Dolphin's Nose, Bryant Park, Silver Cascade Falls and more.

Apart from that, there are various Internationally well known educational institutions located in Kodaikanal. These are- Kodaikanal Christian College, Kodaikanal International School, Mother Teresa University. Kodaikanal is also affected by the Christian sculptures and culture. So, the churches of Kodaikanal are a must visit.

Summer festivals are very famous in Kodaikanal with various cultural programs, fruit and flower shows, adventure sports and boat races are too attractive and various tourists come to visit this hill station during the festival season.

Kodaikanal is also well known for homemade chocolates, eucalyptus oil, pears and plums. Apart from that Kodaikanal is also famous for the Kurinji flowers, that blooms once in every twelve years. Woolen clothing is also available in Kodaikanal at cheaper rates.

Activities within Kodaikanal

The term Kodaikanal in the local language means gift of forest. The thick forest with various kinds of trees, enchanting waterfalls, huge rocks in wilderness-all of these things have made the area a real gift for those people who come to visit it. The tourists can indulge themselves in several activities like horse riding, cycling, trekking, boating and various other types of adventurous activities.

Best time to visit Kodaikanal

The best time to visit Kodaikanal is all around the year, specially during the winters and the summers. Avoid the monsoon timing.