“The tiny rack train heaves its way up the tree-lined hills,
Crisscrossing gorges, hugging hairpin bends, puffing
Smoky trails in the crisp morning air, fragrant with eucalyptus.
We get fleeting vistas of the scorched plains below us,
Receding from view as we circle the mountain at 6000 feet.”
The words that the famous poet, Stephen Mendonca, used to describe Ooty – The Queen of Hill Stations
Ooty is the capital of Nilgiris District and considered as one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. This is the spot with wonderful and picturesque locations that attract a number of tourists every year. It is located at the height of 2240 m about sea level and the main attraction while reaching the place is the train journey starting from Kallar and passes through turbulent bending roads and dark passageways. One can also enjoy the greenery at your both sides and attractive streams running through them. Take a look over the wonderful tea gardens stretched all over the area and enjoy the refreshing breeze that makes one’s mind fresh and enthusiastic.
“The history of Ooty is both rich and fascinating. The history of Ooty reveals interesting and often charming aspects of the culture and life of the people of Ooty. Once one set foot in Ooty, he will see the traces of the historical events that happened here. Quite a few of the most visited attractions in Ooty have historical significance.”
Leaving Ooty without visiting Droog fort can perhaps be viewed as not eating the crust of a samosa.
Droog Fort (also called Bakasura Malai) is a historic fort located 15 kilometres from Coonoor, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. The fort was used as an outpost by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. Today, the fort is in ruins, with only one wall remaining. The site attracts tourists, who reach the fort by hiking through the Nonsuch Tea Estate.
Annamalai Temple is a situated about 20 km distance from Ooty. This place has grown as a famous temple of Lord Muruga, known as 7th Hill house of the Lord. The view from the Temple is really majestic and at night and festivals this temple is decorated and it looks as beautiful as the curtains of Soloman
Ooty lake is another eminent attraction of the nature lovers. This beautiful lake is stretched over the area of 2.5 km and was built in the year 1825. The area is surrounded by green hills and gives one the experience of refreshing breeze and relaxing cool atmosphere. Visitors come here for boating; also, if you have a great fisherman, this area is famous for fishing purpose.
Ooty can be one’s trip through dream-like indulges of chocolate and all that’s sweet. One should lose himself in the city’s bakeries which serve temptations like white chocolate, strawberry chocolate, fudge, home-made chocolates, buns and cakes. Equally popular here, are the tea plantations and hence a hot cup of local and exquisite varieties of tea. Another beverage to try here is the wine from the local vineyards.
Also relish North-Indian cuisines, Chinese cuisines, as well as sandwiches, pizzas and hot breads. One may also try the vegetarian South-Indian platter here with essentials like Idli, Dosa, Chutney, Vada, Sambhar, Rasam, Upma, Sweet Pongal, Payassam, Kesari.
To reach this heavenly place one can use many means of transport. Coimbatore is the nearest domestic airport from Ooty which is well-connected with most of the Indian cities. You can also take a flight from as Bangalore airport is connected with most of the cities across the globe. There are regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai connecting Bangalore and Coimbatore. Once you reach the airport, you can take a taxi or bus from there to reach Ooty. Bus service,both government and luxury buses, are available from Bangalore, Mysore and Chennai to Ooty. These are overnight buses and the journey is quite comfortable. The nearest railhead is Mettupalyam, 40 kilometres from Ooty. There are trains from Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore and Bangalore connecting Mettupalyam. Some of the popular trains are Ooty Udagamandalam Passenger train, Mettupalyam Udagamandalam Passenger train, Mangalore Mail and Mangalore Express. From here on, you can also board the heritage train known as the Nilgiri Mountain train which takes you uphill on an exciting journey. However, if you wish to reach faster, take a taxi from the railway junction.
Road trip is also an option if you wish to have more fun along the journey. The best part of a road trip to Ooty is that you drive through the reserve forest area and stunning scenery, and that surely is some experience. If you wish to drive from Bangalore to Ooty there are 2 routes you can take: via Mysore or via Chamarajanagar. Finally you reach Gundlupet, the border town and enter the forest road amidst Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tip :- Although a number of options available to make your journey more interesting travel with Gozocabs
Ooty is very alluring all throughout the year. Winters can be chilly with ice forming. Flower shows during February – March attract many tourists. Ooty celebrates New Year, especially in hotels, with great enthusiasm and cultural shows. The place can be visited all through the year keeping off the heavy rainy days in monsoon. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers to visit the place and have a great time in this wonderful place.
There is no dearth of accommodations, with many hotels and inns that cater to every budget. Accommodations are no more expensive than most cities in India, and the popular Indian hotel chains have a presence here.