The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. Ooty now sprawls over an area of 36 sq km with a number of tall buildings cluttering its hill slopes. The scenery, as it unfolds during the trip, is breathtaking, awe-inspiring and fantastic. One can notice a marvelous change in vegetation, as one goes from Kallar to Coonoor.
This beautiful botanical paradise was first brought to the public eye
by John Sullivan, Collector of Coimbatore district in 1819. Though the
Nilgris formed part of Coimbatore district, it was separated into an independent
district in 1868. For a period of 13 years from 1830, it remained part
of Malabar district.
How to Get There:
By Air:
The nearest airport is in Coimbatore, 100 km away. You can catch a direct flight to Coimbatore from Chennai, Kozhikode, Bangalore and Mumbai. Indian Airlines flies Delhi-Kochi via Mumbai and Coimbatore.By Train
Nearest broad gauge railway head is Mettupalayam (46 kms). Major broadgauge railway junction is Coimbatore. It is connected with all major cities. Mettupalayam to Ooty, is connected by a Mountain Railway which is 4 hours journey.By Road
Ooty is well connected by good roads. It is 535 km from Chennai (via Salem), 89 km from Coimbatore, 18 km from Coonoor (via Gudalur), 155 km from Mysore, 187 km from Calicut, 290 km from Bangalore, 281 km from Kochi (via Coimbatore and Palakkad), 236 km from Kodaikanal (via Coimbatore and Palani).There is a regular bus service from Bangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore, Calicut,
Kanyakumari, Tanjavur, Tirupati and Cochin. Buses ply regularly to Mudhumalai
Wildlife Sanctuary, Kotagiri, Coonoor and Doddabeta.
Local Transports
City Bus, Taxi, Call Taxi and Auto are available.Where to Stay:
There are many Hotels and Lodges for stay. Prior booking is essential during peak season.Places to Visit:
Botanical gardens are a major tourist attraction for those who visit Ooty. The beautiful Ooty Lake is a favourite haunt of tourists. The Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary is located where the Nilgiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. Pykara falls, the river has a dam and power plant. There is a breathtaking scenery. The falls, about 6 km from the bridge on the main road, are best in July.For more details visit www.ooty.com