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| Nilgiris |
| NILGIRIS
Nilgiri connotes "Blue Mountains”. The charm of the Nilgiris lies in its natural surroundings. The sheer hills and extremely narrow valleys with several brooks and rivulets flowing in all direction with picturesque waterfalls scattered around the region adding to the charm. Nilgiri besides being a trekker's paradise is also the main tea growing region in of South India.
How to reach Nilgiris
By Air
Coimbatore is the nearest airport, 105-km from Ooty, it is connected by flights with all major metros, and after reaching Coimbatore one can take a bus or the toy train to Ooty.
By Rail
to get to Ooty or Coonoor by train one has to first get to Mettuppaliyam and catch the train from there.
By Road
An excellent network of roads and national highways hook up to Ooty with most towns and cities across India. There are regular buses plying to and fro Ooty Coonoor and Kotagiri.
How to move around Nilgiris
As local transportation, auto rickshaws and taxis are easily available.
Places to stay in Nilgiris
The Nilgiris provide varied accommodation preferences to its visitors ranging from luxurious and economy hotels, lodges and resorts. Advance booking is advisable, particularly during the summer months. the deluxe hotels in Nilgiris are well furnished with excellent facilities to make your stay in this hillstation enjoyable.They have nice restaurants, coffee shops, well stocked bars, car parking, swimming pools, Spa etc. The star rated hotels offer nice clean rooms with facilitiies for a comfortable stay. The budget hotels in Nilgiris offer excellent facilities for a comfortable night at low tariffs. Besides the star rated hotels, budget hotels there are fully furnished bungalows with cooked meals. Some bungalows are with two bedrooms and some with four bedrooms.
Hill stations in the Nilgiris
Ooty, Udhagamandalam
Ooty, is the nerve center of the Nilgiri region, and is branded as the "Queen of hill stations' amid the tourist circuits.
Kotagiri
Kotagiri is the oldest hill station of the Nilgiris, dating back to 1819. Situated at a height of 1,950m, it was previously a British hill resort.
Coonoor
This is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris, and famous for its tea gardens and beautiful forests.
Places of Interest in and around Nilgiris
Sim’s Park
Situated in Coonoor, this is a park-cum-botanical garden .Built in Japanese style, the 12 hectare garden houses, over 1000 species (255 genres belonging to 85 families) that form a part of the plant kingdom. The main attraction of this park is the fruit and vegetable show held here in the month of May.
Lamb’s Rock
Lamb’s Rock is the most frequented vantage point of Coonoor, standing here one can see the tea and coffee plantations and the plains of Coimbatore.
Pomological Station
This institute-cum-research hub is sustained by the Horticultural Department in Coonoor. Pomological Station is one amongst the three fruit gardens in the Nilgiri hills.
Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint
Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint gives a fantastic view of the Nilgiri hills the famous St. Catherine’s Fall, can also be viewed from here.
Droog
Droog, 13-km from Coonoor, is the remains of a fort which was used in the 16th century by Tipu Sultan, the celebrated ruler of Mysore.
Law’s Falls
Situated 6 km away from Coonoor, this picturesque waterfall is 180 feet high and is created near the convergence of the Kateri and Coonoor River.
Lady Canning’s Seat
Named after the consort of the then viceroy, Lady Canning’s Seat offers a gorgeous view of the Nilgiri hills.
St. Catherine Waterfalls
The 250 feet high St. Catherine waterfalls, is 8 kms from Kotgari, the magnificent view of the gushing falls is a must-see.
Koala View Point
Situated 16 km from Kotagiri, Koala View Point, from its watch tower, proffers a panoramic view of the Nilgiri hills, the Moyar river and the Rangasamy peak.
Bikkapathi reserve
Bikkapathi reserve this reserve is about 10 kms from Kothagiri, and is ideal for trekking however, prior permission needs to be taken from the range officer before the trek.
Pagasuran Hill
Pagasuran Hill, also identified as ‘Thurug’ hill, is 13 km from Coonoor , this hill is famous for the fort constructed by Tipu Sultan.
Elk Falls
Situated 7 km from Kothagiri, Elk Falls is an ideal picnic spot as it gives an extensive view of the Kookal valley and its several orange orchards. Also worth seeing on way to Elk Falls is the first European house of the Nilgiris which dates back to 1819, it was constructed by s former Collector Sullivan.
Wellington Staff College
Wellington Staff College is situated in a charismatic cantonment town. This is the H.Q. of the Madras Regimental Centre situated on the Coonoor Ooty road. Aruvankadu, Stanely Park and Silk Worm Rearing Station are amongst the other attractions of this town.
Ketti
Ketti is famous for its needle industry and can be visited on way to Ooty. This town is well known for the construction of needles for gramophones, sewing machines and carpet-making.
Fun City
Situated 3 km from Coonoor town, this amusement park is perfect for some family time-out. With various rides, fast food joints, and an ambiance that fosters a festive atmosphere, Fun City is growing tourist attraction in Coonoor.
Botanical Garden
Botanical Gardens Spread over 22 hectares of land was founded in 1847 by Marquis of Tweed-Dale. This garden houses 1000 specimens of rare and common plants, shrubs, and trees. The other attraction at this garden is the Fern House and the annual agro-horticultural show held between April and May.
Ooty Lake
This artificial lake was created by John Sullivan between 1823 and 1825. The peaceful setting, hill-flanked shores and alluring weather make it the focal attraction of Ooty. Besides picnicking and riding on the toy train, one can also rent out row boats, paddle boats, and motor boats at this lake.
Ooty Club
Established in 1820, this club is a flourishing souvenir of Ooty’s colonial past. From its building to its lawns, its breakfast menu and decor, everything has a British touch. So much so that this club till date follows the rules set at the time of its inception.
Thread Garden
This innovative garden is a must visit for the lovely handmade flowers that thrive here in various colors and shape. All flowers, leaves and buds here are been woven from threads by 50 craftsmen over a span of 12 years that too without the use of needles.
Rose Garden
Established to celebrate the centenary flower festival, this 6 hectare Garden has become India’s largest Rose Garden. Situated on the foothills of the Elk Hill, the garden has a staggering assortment of 17526 rose plants and 1919 variety of roses.
Government Museum
This museum houses a vast collection the tribal vestiges, and ecological samples from the state of Tamil Nadu.
Raj Bhawan
Constructed by the Duke of Buckingham in 1877, the Raj Bhawan is situated in the area of the Botanical Gardens and lets tourists explore its magnificent grounds.
Stone House
Constructed by John Sullivan, the Stone House is also called ‘Kal Bangla’ by the tribals. This was the first bungalow built in Ooty which is now the official residence of the Govt. Art College Principal; however, it is open to visitors.
St. Stephen’s Church
This Gothic fashion church with a castle like fascia is the first church to be constructed and actively used in Ooty.
The Nilgiris Library
The Nilgiris Library, has been in business ever since 1868, and is home to some of the richest and the rarest collection of books. This library is a paradise for book lovers, and academicians.
The Museum
This is a very well stocked museum devoted to the Nilgiri district’s cultural and chronological heritage. It has artifacts, like stone sculptures, Toda hut models, rare coins, and ecological samples.
Art Gallery - Lalith Kala Academy
Located on the Ooty Mysore highway, The Lalith Kala Academy displays contemporary paintings and figures from all over India.
Palaces around Nilgiris
There are several palaces in Ooty, built by the royal families of Mysore, Vadodara, Jodhpur, and Hyderabad, all these palaces are worth visiting. Some of these palaces are Tamizhagam, Fernhill Palace, which is now a luxury hotel and The Cedars–Baroda Palace.
Wenlock Downs
Stretched over 20,000 acres of grassland loaded with Shola vegetation, the Wenlock Downs is amid the well-liked family attractions in Ooty. Downs is mainly visited as a picnic spot for its natural exquisiteness, the Gymkhana Club, Govt. Sheep Farm, and Hindustan Photo Films Company can be visited while picnicking here.
Hindustan Photo Films Company
This company is the foremost suppliers of film stock in India and could be visited after getting permission from the officers-in-charge.
Kandal Cross
Kandal Cross church is measured sacred by the Roman Catholics, it is believed that the church enshrines the ‘True Cross’ in its confines. Myths suggest that the ‘True Cross’, the cross on which Jesus Christ crucified , this cross was brought into India by a disciples delegate.
Avalanche
Also recognized as the Canada Dam, Avalanche is quite contrary to its name and makes a peaceful detour, as it is situated 28 km from the station. The lake at this point is delimited by thick Shola vegetation and is ideal for trekking.
Dodabetta
10 km from Ooty, Dodabetta at a height of 2638 m above sea level, which makes this the highest peak of the Nilgiris. At this peak, one is treated to magnificent views of the Nilgiri Hills.
Glenmorgan
17 km from Ooty, this extensive picnic spot tenders great views as and side attractions, like the tour of the Toda tribal settlements.
Kuruthukkuli
The Nilgiris Guinness Park is the key tourist attraction in this small village of Kuruthukkuli near Ooty. This is the park where in 2002, about 300 volunteers, planted 42,184 saplings in over 72 acres to place a new Guinness World Record for ‘planting the most number of trees in a single day’.
Pykara Dam
Placed 21 km from Ooty , this dam site proffers great views, a frivolous reservoir, and treks to nearby settlements. The best time to visit this dam is in July.
Mudumulai Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mudumulai Wildlife Sanctuary is amid the most popular sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu for its utter assortment of preserved flora and fauna. Here, elephants, bison, sambars, barking deer, tigers, leopards, civets, and giant flying squirrels make up the animal kingdom. An added attraction here is the Elephant Camp where elephants are reared in captivity and skilled to carry timber.
Mukurthi Peak and National Park
Mukurthi National Park was declared a park in 1982, the most distinguishing feature of this park is its similarity with the Himalayas as far as the flora and fauna are concerned. The park besides protecting the Nilgiri Tahr from extinction, it also gives a safe refuge to giant squirrels, sambars, barking deer, gaur, wild boars, elephants, tigers, leopards, and several genres of birds. The best time to visit this park is from February-June.
The Blue Mountain or The Nilgiri Railway
This toy train first ran in 1898 and should be on the ‘must do’ on the list of any tourist. Hailed as the ‘Pride of Tamil Nadu’, it swathes a distance of 46 km from Mettuppaliyam to Ooty, via a picturesque route speckled with 16 tunnels and 250 bridges.
High above the sea level, located at the seam of the ghat ranges of the Sahyadri Hills, the Nilgiri district not only proffers mesmerizing views and charismatic falls but also , takes one back in time to the days of the Raj.
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