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Ooty, short for Ootacamund (an anglicized name for
Udhagamandalam), is a popular hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu in
South India. Udhagamandalam means abode of clouds in Sanskrit. Ooty stands
at 7,347 feet (2239 m) above sea level in the Nilgiris mountain range.
Located in the mountainous range called the Blue Mountains or Nilgiris (in
the native tongue), it draws swarms of tourists every year. The weather is
quite pleasant at a mean of 15 to 20 °C year round, dropping to lows of 0 °C
during winter. The hill town suffers from rampant commercialization and
erosion of natural resources. The tourism industry has placed an enormous
strain on the natural resources resulting in pollution, water shortage and
bad roads. The landscape is quite unlike the rest of India, marked by
rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus
covered with tea gardens, and eaucalyptus trees. Many portions of the hills
are preserved as natural reserve forests, and special permits are needed to
camp in noncamp sites. Ooty is not the destination in itself, as much as it
is the focal point of attraction. Auto touring the surrounding country side
is certainly a must do. The hilly region also houses smaller towns like
Coonoor and Kotagiri. These towns are less than 1 hour away from Ooty, and
enjoy the same natural climes, but have fewer tourists and cheaper prices.
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air - The nearest airport is at Coimbatore, which has daily flights to
and from Madras, Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum.
By Rail - For a magnificent view of the hillside covered with forests, a
train journey is recommended. The Nilgiri Express leaves Madras at night,
reaching Coimbatore in the morning, and continues to the small town of
Mettupalyam, at the foots of the mountains. From Mettupalyam, it connects to
the Nilgiri Passenger which takes you to Ooty.
By Road - There is a regular bus service from Bangalore (300 km), Mysore
(170 km), Coimbatore (105 km), Calicut (187 km) and Cochin (281 km).
WHEN TO GO
Best time to travel Ooty is April to September.
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WHAT TO SEE |
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Botanical Gardens - The Botanical Gardens were
established in 1848, by the Marquis of Tweeddale. The gardens lie on the
lower slopes of Dodabetta peak, the highest point in Ooty. The gardens
are formally laid out with lily ponds, and there are clipped bushes in
the form of elephants, with raised trunks. Here, a thousand different
species of plants including some thirty types of eucalyptus, are to be
found. The Roman Catholic Cathedral, recently enlarged, can be seen on
the road from Charing Cross to the Botanical Gardens.
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Charing Cross - Charing Cross is a road junction
with markets around it. A short walk from Charing Cross is the Spencers
departmental store, which still sells its own Planter's Special cigars,
made of Indian tobacco.
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Ootacmund Club is the most exclusive, and best preserved
of all the former British clubs. The Ooty hunt, which still rides to
hounds, in pursuit of jackals, is one of the main offerings of the club.
A good game of golf can be had, at the Wenlock Downs, of the Ooty
Gymkhana Golf Club.
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Ketti Valley - the 2nd longest in the world -
offers exquisite views for miles, especially on a cold crisp winter
morning
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Other attractions are : Ooty races are the other major
attraction. The Ootacmund Derby is the climax of the season, and
attracts top Indian jockeys. Ooty Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta peak,
The Railway Station, The Ooty Lake & Boat House The Lawrence School,
Lovedale. |
WHERE TO EAT
There few good restaurants in town.
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