Udhagamandalam, or Ooty, is the perfect amalgam of serenity and the never ending hustle bustle of an Indian town. While the town may be a little too overwhelming for certain vacationers, it also has pockets that exude the charm of tranquillity and peacefulness. The lovely scenery, quaint and welcoming environment and a blend of modernisation and tradition, Ooty – rightly labelled as the “Queen of Hill Stations” – has charmed local and foreign travellers alike.
Principally established in the 19th century by the British as the headquarters of the Madras government, as LonelyPlanet notes, Ooty has undergone significant development in the decades since. Nevertheless, with its miles and miles of natural beauty spread out like a magnificent carpet doesn’t fail to impress its tourists. Be it the high and lofty mountains, sweeping grasslands or exquisite tea plantations stretching till the eyes can see, Ooty is a favourite hill station for all kinds of vacationers – nature lovers looking to explore, honeymooners seeking private and alone time and photography enthusiasts on the lookout for picturesque scenery.
WHERE TO GO:
There are a plethora of places one can visit in the beautiful town that is Ooty.
Not far from Ooty – 10 kilometres to be precise – is the mighty Doddabetta Peak. Known to be one of the best and most visited tourist attractions, it offers a breathtaking view of the valleys below; serving as an ideal spot for nature lovers. A trek along the lofty mountain on a clear day also offers a view of Mysore and Coimbatore. The Government Botanical Garden, located on the lower slopes of Doddabetta Peak, is another spot that has over the years become a favourite among vacationers. With its founding dating back to 1848, it houses a wide collection of floral species. Rose Garden, boasting a wide array of kinds of roses, is located around 3 to 4 kilometres from Doddabetta Peak and offers a chance to view a variety of colours of the flowers that TourMyIndia.com notes can’t be seen in other parts of the country. The Ooty Lake rounds up the majestic scenic delight of Ooty. Vacationers can either take a boat ride in the serene water, or take a walk along the lakeside. Next to the lake is the amusement park, where kids can indulge in activities like mini train rides.
WHERE TO STAY:
Spending a holiday in the mesmerising mountainside, nestled in a beautiful envelope with a spectacular view of the Nilgiri Hills, is everything that a holiday in Ooty warrants. As the best resort in Ooty, it offers a range of activities guests and members can indulge in, including a play area, clubhouse, and opportunities to engage in adventure activities.
WEATHER:
The best time to visit Ooty is during the winter season, when the temperature ranges from 5 degrees to 23 degrees Celsius. This season, which starts from November and lasts till January, is an ideal time for nature lovers to revel in the scenic beauty the town has to offer. Summers begin from the month of March, and the change in temperature is only slight; the temperature hovers in the range of 12 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius. Monsoons witness heavy rainfall.
HOW TO REACH:
Ooty can be reached by air, bus or rail. The closest airport is the Coimbatore International Airport, beyond which one can take a roughly two and a half hour drive by hiring a cab. Private and state transportation services offer buses and cabs from several nearby towns and cities like Coonoor, Coimbatore, Palakkad, and Udumalaipettai. Ooty has its own railway station, the Ooty railway station, which is well connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu.
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About the Author:
Meera Dewaan is an aspiring writer, literature geek and author. She has several journals, articles and papers to her name. Writing is her passion. She writes about mostly all genres.
7 Comments
Nice informative post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOoty is a lovely destination .
ReplyDeleteVery nice and detailed post. A person looking to visit there for the first time will find it very helpful, like me. :)
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ReplyDeletevery excellent post and informative also.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing this informative post.
ooty has many places to visit .
ReplyDeletealso there are very beautiful hill stations to visit in ooty.
thanks for sharing this one.
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ReplyDeleteDelighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!
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