About Ooty
Often
Referred to as 'The Queen of Hill Stations', Udhagamandalam, known as Ooty,
is one of the most scenic and visited hill stations of India. Nestling at a
height of 2240 m in Nilgiri's, Ooty is situated at a distance of nearly 105
Km from the famous city of Coimbatore. The scenery is surely the main
attracting factor for tourists, but the other major reason for the huge
inflow of the tourists is the salubrious climate that remains throughout the
year.
Ooty first came into limelight when British found it in the year 1800.
Although Ooty was inhabited way before, it was only in the nineteenth
century that it became famous. Ooty was later chosen as the summer capital
of the Chennai Presidency. The first railway track in Southern India also
came up in Ooty. In fact, you can still take a ride in the one of the last
few remaining steam trains in India that still operates here in Ooty. Apart
from enjoying the splendors of Ooty leisurely, you can also indulge in some
thrilling adventure sports like trekking, para gliding and hiking.
The attractions of the city !
» Botanical Garden :
Bitanical garden consists of numerous ornamental plants that adorn this
garden. Botanical Garden is also the venue for the famous Flower Show held
in May every year. The show itself attracts tourist from around the country
and from foreign countries as well. The main attraction of the park is a
fossil tree trunk which is proved to be more than 20 million years old.
» Government Museum :
For all you history and culture buffs who wish to know more about the unique
past and present of Tamil Nadu.the Government Museum is a must visit.
Situated on Mysore road, the museum showcases items like tribal artefacts,
district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts
of this wonderful state.
» The Mukurthi Peak & Mukurthi National Park :
Mukurthi Peak and the national park are situated about 40 Km from Ooty. The
Mukurthi National Park is located on the South Eastern corner of the
Nilgiri's Plateau. The area contains a noticeable population of Nilgiri Thar
(Hamitragus hilocrius). The famous silent Valley is located on the Western
side of these ranges.
» St. Stephen's Church :
St. Stephen's Church is one of the oldest churches in entire South India.
It is located on the Mysore road, near the Collectorate and dates back to
the days of Rt. Hon'ble Stephen Rumbold Lushington, the then Governor of
Madras. He laid the foundation for the church on April 23, 1829, to coincide
with the birthday of King George IV. There are stained-glass painting on the
Eastern side as well as behind the chancel. However the main attraction of
the church is the glass paintings depicting Mary holding baby Jesus in her
arms and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. On the Western wall, above the
paneled doorways, is a large life-like painting of the Last Supper.
» Pykara :
Situated about 21 Kms/13 Mile on the Ooty-Mysore Road, boasts of well
protected fenced Sholas, Todas settlement, undisturbed grassy meadows and
also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam and the reservoir attracts many
tourists.
» Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary :
Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Nilgiri's District
bordering Kerala as well as Karnataka State. The park is situated at an
altitude of 1000 meters and covers an area of 321 sq. kms. The main fauna
species found here are Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Spotted Deer,
Barking Deer, Mouse, Wild Boar, Parcupine etc.
» Doddabetta :
Doddabetta is the highest peak (2623 meters) in the Nilgiri's and is only
10 km away from Ooty. Lying at the junction of Western & Eastern Ghats,
it is a must vist attractions for all tourists. The lofty heights of
Doddabetta offers beautiful vistas of the Nilgiri Hills ranges. There is
also a telescope house run by TTDC.
