Ooty

Location: The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu
Climate:
Summers: 25⁰ C (Maximum), 10⁰ C (Minimum)
Winters: 21⁰ C (Maximum), 5⁰ C (Minimum)
Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport
Nearest Railhead: Ooty Railway Station
Must Visits: Niligiri Railway Station, Ooty Lake, Ooty Botanical Garden, Government Rose Garden, St. Stephen Church, Stone House
Language Spoken: Tamil, Badaga, Malayalam, English, Hindi
STD Code: 0423

Officially known as Udagamandalam, Ooty is the short and the popular name of Ootacamund. It is a famous hill station situated in the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu. Based at the altitude of 2,240 m above sea level, Ooty has been tagged as the "Queen of Hill Stations". There is not much reference to the origin and history of Ooty. This region was primarily occupied by Todas, which co-existed with other regional tribes. Todas, later on, handed over a part of town to the Governor of Coimbatore, Mr. John Sullivan, who, in turn, developed the town, and encouraged the establishment of tea, chinchona, and teak trees. During the British Raj, the hills in Ooty were developed and used by the British. Madras Presidency and other small kingdoms used Ooty as their summer capital. During colonial days, British soldiers used Ooty as a summer resort.

The stunning beauty, lofty mountains, dense forest, deep green valley, sprawling grasslands and extensive tea gardens of Ooty draws a large number of tourists every year. Some famous historical landmarks and tourist places are Niligiri Railway Station, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, St. Stephen Church, Stone House and Government Rose Garden. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Niligiri Railway Station is one of the oldest mountain railways of India and offers a unique glimpse of the British Raj built railways. Yet another interesting site to visit is the Ooty Botanical Garden. Originally meant for purely academic purpose, the lush green spread of the garden is now open to public and offers visitors a diverse variety of flora, ranging from rare trees, flowering bushes and plants, ferns and orchids. An annual flower festival is held in May that shows culture and talent of local people.

Government Rose Garden is country's biggest rose garden with around 17,000 varieties of roses planted here. Perhaps you wouldn't believe, but the famous Ooty Lake is not natural. It is artificial and was built by Mr. John Sullivan. Boating is one of the main attractions of the lake. St. Stephen Church is one of the oldest churches in the country and a famous landmark to visit in Ooty. Toda huts, Stone house and Wax World are few other significant landmarks in Ooty. The places around Ooty are as beautiful as Ooty itself. Tourists can enjoy the tea plantations in nearby hill sides which are famous for their picturesque views. Doddabetta Peak is the highest peak in Nilgiris and offers panoramic view of Ooty and the nearby places. Pine forest, Wenlock Downs, Kamraj Sagar Lake and Emerald Lake are few other tourist spots around Ooty.

Best Time To Visit Ooty
Wish to sample the simple luxuries of nature? Then head out to Ooty, every wanderlusts ultimate getaway destination. The mist, the monsoon and the enveloping greens makes Ooty a truly exotic destination for the travelers. The scenic landscape, picturesque tea estates, lavish woods and the impeccable beauty of the place lends the city its unparalleled charm.

History Of Ooty
A trip to Ooty undoubtedly charms your attention with its natural beauty, exotic ambience and colonial charisma. Even if you are not much of a nature lover and the green environs, extraordinary landscapes and rich resorts, doesn't beguile you, then wait until you excavate Ooty's history and unearth its fascinating past.

How To Reach Ooty
If you are a nature lover and desperately looking for a holiday in the midst of lush green environ and awesome climate, then Ooty is the place for you. The undeniable charm of the place with its thick forest and superb view of the hilly region makes it the quintessential holiday destination for the itchy feet and the honeymooners.

Places To Visit In Ooty
Ooty, the "Queen of Hill Stations" is an ideal getaway for the city dwellers and worn-out souls looking for some sort of rejuvenation. The picturesque hill station, studded with towering conifers and picturesque hills, is a hotspot for the trekkers too. Endowed with attractions like Ooty Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Glen Morgan, Children's Park, etc.,

Shopping In Ooty
Ooty is the ellipsis for 'Ootacamund,' a hilly town nestled in the heart of Nilgiri Hills. Situated 7500 ft above sea level, Ooty is encircled with soaring pines and misty hills, making this place a hugely popular summer destination with the vacationists. While you are in the town,