UDHAGAMANDALAM or OOTACAMUND

Do you know real name of one of most beloved hill station in India Ooty. It’s Udhamangalam and Ootacamund, yes fondly known as Ooty, located in Tamil Nadu, it is queens of western ghats. God bestowed this enduring town with lush greenery, chirping birds, coffee and tea gardens, scenic landscapes and favorable climatic conditions. It is situated on Nilgiri hills which is famous for its fragile and exquisite ecosystem. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site with most part of Nilgiri hills biosphere reserves ecosystem protected as a conservative reserve. 

HISTORY

In ancient days called as Ottakal Mandu then changed under British rule from udhamangalam to ootacamund and later shortened to Ooty. John Sullivan discovered Ooty in 1820. Britishers always hunted for colder places to built their summer houses. So Ooty became one such destination. Soon it was developed by authorities for quicker outreach. It was named summer capital of Madras Presidency. It served as a provincial to Britishers. It has a forest fables with copious fauna and flora density. 

CHAI PE CHARCHA 

Heterogeneity of tea in Ooty is extremely well known. Connoisseur will find plenty of options for taste bud satiation. Few best known tea to take away with you are Chamraj tea, Glendale tea, masala tea, Kodanand estate tea, chocolate tea and so many other options that you will be amazed. 

TAKE AWAYS 

Color, vibrancy and favourable climatic conditions for plantation and surplus is growing of teas, oils and spices. Don’tmiss out of handmade chocolates, aromatic oils and organic oils, spices and other delicacies. Few places to shop  are 
•    Charing cross for spices
•    Chamraj tea shop for varieties of flavours. 
•    Tibetan markets for rare items
•    Ooty lake shop on nature’s land 
•    Lower Bazaar road for clothing and chocolates 
•    Ooty municipal for flowers and other goods 

PLACES TO VISIT 

•  AVALANCHE LAKE: A must visit place around 28 kms distance from city. It is a picturesque for nature lovers. It is believed that it was created because of a massive landslide. Ideal picnic spot and also famous for trekking and camping in bhavani hills upper region. It’s also famous for trout fish. 
• EMERALD LAKE: Situated in a place named Silent Valley near Village emerald  in the Nilgiris hills. It’s around 23 kms from Ooty and is a perfect destination to get away from noisy city life amidst tea plantation. 
• OOTY LAKE: A must included place in every itinerary. It’s an artificial lake in Ooty which offers boating and landscape to behold. 
• WENLOCK DOWNS: Sheep gazing and stretch of eucalyptus trees is a scenic view in this hilly area. Very calm and sound surrounding is a perfect place for leisure walk. 
• OOTY BOTANICAL GARDEN: One of the most visited place in in Ooty it’s undeniably must visit. Botanical garden is maintained by Horticultural department. Divided in five sections major attraction is flower show conducted during summer festivals. Another attraction is fossil tree trunk which is around 20 million year old. 
• ROSE GARDEN: Biggest rose garden in India, it has 20000 species. It’s a visual treat for tourists to see so many monuments made of roses and 4 acres garden brimming with roses. 
• OOTY TOY TRAIN: It’s a vital part of a day tour organized by operators. It runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty via Connor. This 47 kms long train has breathtaking view and landscape, toy train is a must indulge activity. 
• STONE HOUSE: First house to be built in Ooty by John Sullivan, as a summer house. It’s now has been converted into a government museum. 
• DODDABETTA PEAK: Adding a charm to Ooty trip, this highest peak in Nilgiris hills is famous among trekkers. Dense flora and fauna adding to beauty and telescopic view from top is mesmerizing. 
• DEER PARK: Just around 2 kms from Ooty lake, this deer park is rich in deer species. For wildlife enthusiast it’s a place one must visit and you can also hone you wildlife photography. 
• KALHATTY WATERFALL: Spellbound beauty of this exquisite waterfall is mesmerizing. Located around 13 kms from city it’s for nature’s lovers and bird watchers. Chirping of birds is so soothing that you will forget your worries. 
• MUDUMALAI NATIONAL PARK: A tiger reserve and home for about 50 tigers. This is a national which will take you closer to nature. There are guest houses located inside park as well. 
• NEEDLE ROCK VIEW POINT: Named as per view available from top. Also known as soochimalai it is also a famous trekking spot. 
• PYKARA WATERFALL: Situated around 20 kms from city between Mysore and Ooty highways. In a parlance it’s a hotspot for picnic with boating house and restaurant for eatables. 

HOW TO REACH 

• Airport: Coimbatore airport is the nearest airport to Ooty. Around 88 kms of distance you can avail book a can prior to your visit. 
• Railway: Mettupalayam is the nearest railways station to Ooty. You can definitely come here and then take toy train to reach with picturesque landscape. 
• Roads: Ooty connect via bus from cities like Bangalore, Mysore and Chennai. Private as well as government buses operate on this route.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: 

Ooty is a round the year destination yet best time to visit can be April to June and September to November.
• Summers: Temperature ranges from 20°c to 30°c (no dreading heat) 
• Rains: Temperature ranging from 15°c to 23°c ( adequate rainfall) 
• Winters: Temperature ranging between 5°c to 17°c ( misty mountains and chiller season)