It
is called the Queen of Hill Stations. And not many will dispute
this.
Sandwiched between the Eastern and Western Ghats, Udagamandalam(Ooty or Ootacamund) has a lot that makes up an ideal holiday
destination. At an altitude of 7,500 feet above sea level, it is
part of Niligiris meaning Blue Mountains (so called
for the blue haze that envelops these mountains). In the Botanical
gardens here (started in 1847) a fossilised tree trunk is visible
below the lake. The annual flower show and the dog show held in
the gardens, draw crowds from across the country. Boating
on the serene and scenic lake is part of most tourists' itinerary.
Leaf tea and Eucalyptus from the estates in Udagamandalam is most
sought after. Carrots and beetroots which are grown here is also
a hit with the tourists. A short distance away is Doddabetta,
(meaning 'big mountain' in Kannada) the tallest peak in the Niligiris.
From Ooty, tours are also organised to the wildlife sanctuary at
Mudumalai. If you have the time, a journey in the Toy
Train, from Mettupalayam to Ooty is a must.
584 km from Chennai.
Nearest airport - Coimbatore
Nearest Railway hub - Coimbatore or Mettupalayalam.
Toy Train connects Mettupalayalam to Ooty.
It
is called the Queen of Hill Stations. And not many will dispute
this.
Boating
on the serene and scenic lake is part of most tourists' itinerary.
Leaf tea and Eucalyptus from the estates in Udagamandalam is most
sought after. Carrots and beetroots which are grown here is also
a hit with the tourists. A short distance away is Doddabetta,
(meaning 'big mountain' in Kannada) the tallest peak in the Niligiris.
From Ooty, tours are also organised to the wildlife sanctuary at
Mudumalai. If you have the time, a journey in the Toy
Train, from Mettupalayam to Ooty is a must.
