The Queen of Hill Stations, Udhagamandalam or Ooty is
situated at an altitude of 2290 m above sea level. Just 105 km away from
Coimbatore, it is situated in the lap of the Nilgiri ranges. The Nilgiri
got its name from the blue misty haze that envelops the range. It came
into possession of the East India Company from Tipu Sultan by the treaty
of Srirangapatnam in 1799. However, the first European to visit the
Nilgiri hills was Rev. Jacome Forico, a priest who visited the place in
1603. However, settlement in Udhagamandalam began in 1822 when John
Sullvan, the Collector of Coimbatore decided to build a Stone House
here. Today, it is locally called as 'Kal Bangla' and is in use as the
Chamber of the Principal of the Government Arts College. The base camp
at Parsons valley offers several trekking points within Western Ghats.
The sprawling Mudumalai Sanctuary nearby is love for a lifetime for
adventure tourists.One can also take hang-gliding courses at Ooty organized during March to May every year. The other popular sports here are Goad Trout, Carp and mixed water fishing in the various streams and lakes of Ooty. However, Ooty became famous with the establishment of numerous tea estates here. Known for its lofty mountains, dense forests, sprawling grasslands and miles of tea gardens, Ooty is one of the most preferred tourist destinations of Tamil Nadu, especially during summers. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival held in January is the occasion when tea lovers from all over the world converge. It is also a trekker's paradise with a number of thrilling, exciting and adventurous treks with beautiful natural surroundings varying in distance, altitudes and terrain.
Ooty Tourist Attractions
Botanical gardens are a major tourist attraction in Ooty and sprawl over 50 acres of land. They are located on the lower slopes of Doddabetta peak, the highest point in Ooty. The lily ponds, the clipped bushes in the form of elephants with raised trunks,
How to Reach Ooty
