Thursday, July 24, 2008

Ooty Tourist Places


Botanical Garden


Botanical Garden is one of the best tourist attraction places which attract the tourist from all over the world. This garden was laid out in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweedale and is spread over 22 hectares ascending the slopes on the hill at an elevation of 2,400 meters above Main Sea Level. An explicit collection of flowering tress, beautiful shrubs, and rare colored lilies are seen.

Ooty Lake

John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty, formed this artificial lake in 1824. Today, the place forms a major attraction of Ooty with its host of recreational pleasures. The sparkling lake extends for a length of 2 km and snakes its way in an 'L' shape. Boats, in varying shapes, are available for waddling around the lake. There is also a children amusement park, with a miniature toy train, inside its premises.

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

Rose Garden – Centenary Rose park

Rose Park is situated in the heart of Ooty town and it is located less than a km from Charring Cross at Vijayanagaram, the rose garden is laid on 10 acres of land. This garden has been beautifully laid out in terraces with rose tunnels, pergolas and bowers with rose creepers. Today this garden has the largest collections of roses in the country, around 3000 roses varieties of roses like Hybrid Tea Roses, miniature rose, Floribunda, Ramblers, roses of unusual colours like black, green and many more varieties of roses that will captivate your senses.

Government Museum
Another tourist hot spot of Ooty is the Government Museum located on the Mysore road. Established in 1989, it houses a large collection of tribal objects, ecological details of Ooty and various arts and artifacts of Tamil Nadu. Its exhibits go a long way in presenting vivid details of the lives of Todas of Tamil Nadu.

Pykara – Water Falls

The Pykara is the largest river in the Nilgiris District. It is located about 20 kms from Ooty on the Ooty-Mysore road, 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.

Pykara Boat House
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.

Avalanche

Avalanche lies 28 km from Ooty. Unlike it's name, which conjures up images of destruction and devastation, the place is a nature lover's paradise. It is a lake, which is ideal for fishing, though one has to obtain permission before hand. It is also the perfect place to enjoy bird watching and a quiet afternoon.

Emerald Lake

Located at a distance of 25 km from ooty. A place that should not be missed. Emerald lake is a wonderful lake in the upper plateau region of the Nilgiri hills. It is a part of the silent valley and is beside the Red hill nature resort which is a best picnic place of the region. The site of the lake is wonderful and one would definitely love being at that place. The chirping birds and ducks and other swimming creatures add beauty to the place and the sun set and sun rise is also spectacular here.

Glenmorgan

The beautiful countryside with tea and eucalyptus plantations. undisturbed sholas and fine views is ideal for drives and picnics. The beautiful countryside with tea and eucalyptus plantations. undisturbed sholas and fine views is ideal for drives and picnics.

6th Mile - Shooting Spot

Just 6miles from the Ooty city you can reach this spot. Its green & lengthy shooting spot which is surrounded by forest. You can see this spot in most of Indian movies

9th Mile - Shooting Medu

It takes 9miles from the Ooty city you can reach this spot. Its green & very lengthy shooting spot which is surrounded by forest & mountains. This place is called as "Shooting Medu". Very calm place and very good for picnics. Dont miss to take your family to Shooting medu.

HPF - Hindustan Photo Film

The HPF, one of the major industrial units ot the district, is a public sector enterprise. This unit is located (about 5 Km away from Ooty railway station) over a sprawling area of over 300 acres, near the Ooty golf-links on the Ooty- Mysore road. The HPF was inaugurated by Mrs. Indra Gandhi, Prime Minister, in January, 1967.

This industrial unit is currently producing Indu roll films which are used for taking photographs; Indu X-ray films, the quality of which is acknowledged to be among the best in the world; Indu bromide paper on which photographs are printed; and Induaerographic for geological and defence mapping, industrial X - ray film, laser recording film, CAT film, special film for space photography, oscilloscope direct print paper, photo typesetting paper and range of chemicals for the film processing.

Kalhatty Waterfalls

The beautiful Kolhatty waterfalls are about 100 feet in height and are located on the kalhatty slopes. The falls are about 13kms from the city, so anyone on a tour of Ooty can easily check out the falls and the beautiful area surrounding it. Besides, obviously looking at the waterfalls, you can explore the kalhatty-Masinagudi slopes, that are home to many wild species, including panthers, sambhar, bison and wild buffaloes.

Cosmic Ray Laboratory

The Cosmic Ray Laboratory, situated in the Mutholai village of the Nilgiris, is a unique type of research center where cosmic rays coming from outside the earth's atmosphere are studied. Vital data is collected about these cosmic rays through experiments and important conclusions are drawn on its basis. The center has special importance among the scientific community and has put the city on the international map.

Radio Telescope

The Ooty Radio Telescope is an important instrument, set up at the radio astronomy center near Ooty Tourism. With its highly qualified staff and latest technology, the center is an important place for research in radio astronomy and astrophysics. The telescope is a cylindrical surface, about 530 m long and 30 m wide. It is used to keep track of celestial objects from the time of rising to the time of setting.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sancturies
The most prominent of the wildlife sanctuaries in the state, as well as one of the most important in the southern region, thickly forested Mudumalai borders the Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and the Wyanad Sanctuary in Kerala. Apart from the wide range of animal and bird life, the rich fauna of this sanctuary has made Mudumalai very popular with wildlife enthusiasts.
The Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 67km from Ooty. If you are in town for a couple of days, then a visit to the Wildlife sanctuary would be a great way to spend a day.

The Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of very rich flora and fauna, and is home to many endangered species. Though tigers and Leopards are only seen by the fortunate few, elephants, giant squirrels, sambhar, chital, barking deer and flying squirrels are a common sight. The Sanctuary is also a great place to see many kinds of birds, including colorful parakeets, black woodpecker, Malabar trogon and crested hawk eagle. If you have children with you or you yourself are simply fond of the majestic elephants then, you might like to visit the elephant camp within the sanctuary, Theppakkadu.

The Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary is located where the Nilgiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. The Mysore - Ooty highway runs through the sanctuary, following the course of the Mayyar River, which separates Mudumalai from Bandipur
Situated at a lower altitude and easily accessible to visitors. It borders the Bandipur National Park in Karnataka

Part of the huge Nilgiri biosphere reserve, this park has a large variety of big and small game. It is also one of the most popular parks among wildlife enthusiasts.

Kalhatty water falls
The picturesque waterfalls come down a 36 m drop. A popular spot for picnics and treks. his water falls could be seen in ooty mysore route at a distance of 13 km from ooty. The road runs via the Kalhatty Ghats. It is situated 2,000m above main sea level and with many water falls and rivulets. Situated on the slopes of Kalhatty, the magnanimous Kalhatty Waterfall stands pretty amidst picturesque landscapes. But falls could be seen in a particular season from September to November. The height of this falls is 40m.

The Mukkurthi Peak And National Park

Mukkurthi is a beautiful peak while programming your Excursions in Ooty, which is located at a distance of 40-km from Ooty. Ideally located on the Southern corner of the Nilgiri Plateau, this peal attracts tourists from distinct corners. The Kollaribetta and Nilgiris Peak are the other major peaks, close to this peak which are for the famous tourist attractions in Ooty. A large number of perennial streams flowing between these peaks, make a complete picturesque reality. Furthermore, Bhavani Puzha. Silent Valley, along the Western Ghats, is a feast to the visitor's eye.

Sims park - Coonoor

Sim’s Park is a 12-hectare park in Coonoor, which exhibits over 1000 species of plants. The park is situated in a deep ravine on the Northern side of Coonoor Railway Station at an elevation of 1768 to 1798 mts.

Kodanad View Point - Kotagiri

It is about 16 kms. from Kotagiri on the eastern edges of the Nilgiris. On either side of the road one can see the panoramic view of the tea estates and the river Moyar is breath taking. A watch tower is there to view the panoramic view of Rangasamy peak and pillar. From Kotagiri bus services are available.


Dolphin Nose

Dolphin’s Nose around 10 km. away from Coonoor is an excellent viewpoint. It encompasses the Catherine Falls. Lambs nose is another point on the way to Dolphins Nose

St. Catherine Water Falls

From Dolphin's Nose of Coonoor one can have a magnificent view of St. Catherine Water falls which is about 250 feet height. But it can be reached from Kotagiri at a distance of 8 kms. To reach the top of the hills tourist should take a diversion at Aravenu on Kotagiri - Mettupalayam road.




Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Ooty Train

Ooty Train called as "Toy Train" with blue & cream colour with steam engine is very familiar in tourist people. The ‘Nilgiris toy train' connect Ooty to mettupalayam, at the foot of the Nilgiris. It was in 1854 that the first plans were drawn to build a mountain railway from mettupalayam to Ooty. This railway is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. The train itself is a charming blue and cream colours with wooden coaches and has large windows. It is hauled up hills by stream engines, designed and built by the Swiss Locomotive Works. Twelve of such locomotive engines survive even today.

The train travels near 46 km to Ooty approximately in five hours. There are five stations between Mettupalayam and Coonoor - Kallar, Adderley, Hill Grove, Runnymede and Kateri – and, at one time, there were five between Coonoor and Ooty too. Through Wellington, Aruvankadu, Ketti, and Lovedale are still functional, Fren Hill, the last one, was closed down a few years ago.


The train, for obvious safety reasons, averages around 10 km/hour and it is the slowest in India.
Built in the late 19th century, the track rises at a gradient of 1 in 12 and has 208 curves and 13 tunnels.

The train departure from Mettupalayam (Foot of Nilgiris hills) at 7.45 am and reaches Ooty at noon.

You must enjoy this journey. Awesome views of great blue mountain hills. You will love it.



Ooty Tea



The Blue Mountains or the Nilgiris are mountain goes arranged in South India. Nilgiri tea is developed at rises running from 1000 meters to above 2500 meters. Nilgiri teas are proportionally gentle with a smooth, light and clean alcohol and develop throughout the entire year unlike the seasonal Assam and Darjeeling teas.

Fine enhancing teas are handled in the Nilgiris. This essence is inferred from the elevated height and wins all through the year in shifting degrees. They are the blender's dream worked out as expected, for while different heightened-developed teas have quality, Nilgiri teas give alcohol form and solidness too.



Monday, July 21, 2008

Shopping in Ooty

Anything available in the city can be had at Ooty with the added attraction of leisurely shopping. Exclusive Nilgiri products including Nilgiri tea, Fruits, Natural Oils like Eucalyptas, Toda embroideries, plant nurseries are easily available in the town.

Co-operative Super Market and Municipal Market are some of the best places for shopping fruits and general groceries. Kerala Handicrafts and Poompuhar of Tamil Nadu Handicrafts have their showrooms near to Super Market Buildings on Charring Cross.


Festivals in Ooty

Tea And Tourism Festival
The annual "Tea and Tourism Festival" celebrated in the month of January is a draw for tourists.


Summer Festivals
A summer festival is held each year during the month of May in the Botanical Gardens, which is an added attraction for tourists. The Flower Show is the pride of the festival. Cultural programmes are organised for those interested in traditional classical arts. Adventure spots like trekking also form part of the festival.


Sunday, July 20, 2008

What can do in Ooty

Travel in the toy train enjoying the heavenly beauty splashed abundantly all over the place. If u were lucky enough u could spot deers, wild buffaloes, rabbits and rare bird species…

Go for long walks in the chilled weather with your loved ones, hand in hand. Enjoy the fresh carrots being sold on the road sides. Sip some hot Tea.

Visit the country side and get to know the rich tradition and culture of the tribes like Todas and Kothas. You could also get to know another community by name Badagas.

Visit the Tea estates in and around Ooty. Get to know how tea leaves are plucked. Visit a tea factory to understand how the tea leaves are processed to produce tea dust that we use in our kitchen

Visit the Mudumalai forest sanctuary. (It takes around 2 hours from Ooty)

Visit Defense Services Staff College.

Visit 6th mile and also the 9th mile - Movie shooting spots. Lush green with small stream running at its boundary. Very calm n peaceful area.

Don’t forget to visit golf at the Gymkhana Golf course. (Only members are allowed).

You can get form Fresh Carrot on the way.


How to Reach Ooty

Reach Ooty by Air
The Coimbatore airport is the closest to the Ooty. It takes 3.1/2 hours by road to reach Ooty. There are flights into Coimbatore from Singapore, Sharjah, Colombo and most parts of India including Mumbai (Air Deccan, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Go Air), Chennai ( Air Deccan, Paramount, Indian Airlines and Jet Airways) and Bangalore.

Reach Ooty by Train
The Queen of Hills is connected to the Chennai City (Capital of Tamilnadu state) by a train at night hours. The train called as Nilgiris Express or Blue Mountain Express which leaves from Chennai at night, and reaches Mettupalayam a small town at the foothills of the Nilgiris early the next morning around 6.30am. The train The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train) leaves Mettupalayam at7.10am. The train is very smaller one and can only accommodate few passengers. A through ticket from Chennai to Ooty will ensure a place in the smaller train, although many prefer the faster route of taking a cab or a bus from Mettupalayam.

The steam train takes a very scenic route, and the pace of travel will let you take in the beautiful scenery at leisure with stops at stations for the engine to take on water (the journey takes about 5.1/2 hours compared to 2 hours by road). The train often travels only at 5 - 10 Kmph, allowing some adventurous passengers to disembark from the train and walk along the train.

Mettupalayam can prove to be a bottle-neck during the peak season of April-June with cabs charging exorbitant rates. The train is often quite regular in this part of the country, and is by far the most comfortable way to get here. There are other trains from Chennai to Coimbatore also.

Reach Ooty by Car
The Nilgiris are in Tamilnadu state (South india) but it is not far to the borders of neighboring karnataka and Kerala. The hills consequently can be reached from within Tamil Nadu by traveling up a heavily forest winding road, with many sharp hair pin bends. The road trips from any state is quite scenic, although the Coimbatore-Ooty road is the most & frequently travelled and well maintained.



Ooty


Ooty, is also known as "Udhagamandalam". It’s been rightly titled as the as "Queen of Hills". Ooty, the headquarters of The Nilgiris district is one of the famous hill stations in India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above mean sea level.

The word Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is a land of picturesque picnic spots and had been a popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during the colonial days. There are plenty of interesting tourist spots like Botanical Gardens, Lakes, Boat houses, Water falls, Shooting spots, Wildlife Sanctuary, Tea estates and many more.

Ooty is a picturesque hill station that is pleasant all through the year, so there is no 'wrong time' to visit this place. Though many consider that the best time is from 'February to May' or else from 'September to November'.

General informationArea :- 36-sq-kms
Population :- 8,1763 (1991 Census)
Altitude :- 2,623 metres
Clothing:- Light woollen in summer and heavy woolen during winter
Languages Spoken :- Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and English
Best Season:- April to June and September to October
STD Code:- 0423

Temperature Range (deg C)
Summer- Max 25ºC, Min 10ºC
Winter- Max 21ºC, Min 5ºC - Rainfall 121 cms

Friday, July 4, 2008

Ooty Blog




Ooty is one of the best Tourist spot in the world. Ooty, is also known as "Udhagamandalam". It's been rightly titled as the as "Queen of Hills". Ooty, the headquarters of The Nilgiris district is one of the famous
hill stations in India. It is situated at an altitude of2,240 meters above the sea level.

What are the information you can get in this blog?

Important Tourist Places - Hotels informations (Luxury, Economy & Budget Hotels)-
Travel info
- City Guide - Gallery & Top Schools info and many more...

(Also, you can get more details at http://www.ootytour.com )