About Ooty - "The Queen of Hill Stations"

Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam is the "Queen of hill stations" and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is a land of picturesque picnic spots. Used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. An added attraction for the tourists to Udagamandalam is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens.

One can notice a marvellous change in vegetation, as one goes from Kallar to Coonoor. 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. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers.

The Verdant hills, the lush green valleys and the pristine natural beauty of the hill resort of Ooty offers the urban tired souls a chance to resume their affair with Nature, to whom they truly belong.
The heavenly hill resort like a blushing bride peeks from behind lofty Nilgiri hills. The unassuming beauty of this heavenly hill resort beckons you to come and and embrace the tranquility and solace that Ooty has to offer.

The Hill resort of Ooty in Tamil Nadu, India, is located in the midst of four high hills; Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk hill and Club Hill. These hills belong to the Nilgiri range or the 'blue mountains.' A British Collector by the name of John Sullivan discovered the hill station of Ooty and developed it as a summer resort, realizing its potential. The original name of Ooty was 'Udhagamandalam, but it was shortened to 'Ooty' after the arrival of British, which might have had something to do with the difficulty one feels at pronouncing such a difficult name! Apparently the British Collector was right about Ooty and now it is one of the most popular hill stations in India, particularly of South India.

History in Brief

The earliest that is known of the history of Ooty, is that it was ruled by Vishnu Vardhana, the Hoysala King, from 1104 to 1141 AD. Later, after many years, it came under the rule of the British East India Company, after the company signed a treaty with the brave Tipu Sultan in 1799. This is when John Sullivan started the development of the hill station and promoted it as an ideal summer retreat. Lots of cottages, clubs and other buildings were built to house and provide recreational facilities to the British officials. Soon enough, the hill station was growing tea for its inhabitants, who considered high tea to be an integral part of their day. Now, these tea estates not only produce the favorite drink of millions of Indians but also add to the charm and the beauty of the hill resort of Ooty India.

Climate

Ooty is a picturesque hill station that is pleasant all through the year, so there is no 'wrong time' to visit this place.