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Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam is the "    " and the
capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris
means " ". 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
Udhagamandalam 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.



 

The most prominent of the wildlife sanctuaries in the state, as well as one of the
most important in the southern region, thickly forested Mudumalai borders the
Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and the Wyanad Sanctuary in Kerala. Apart
from the wide range of animal and bird life, the rich fauna of this sanctuary has
made Mudumalai very popular with wildlife enthusiasts.

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It is 31 kms. From Udhagamandalam. The climate is very salubrious which 6503

feet above sea level is. Kotagiri is shielded by the Doddabetta ranges which receive
much of its rain from north west monsoon. One can enjoy a pleasure ride on road
flanked by green tea beds on either side.


It is located in an area of 13.2 sq on the way from Coimbatore to Udhagamandalam.

It is second largest hill station in the Nilgiris. It stands on a lower ridge of the plateau
at an altitude of 1858 mts. (6100 ft.) Population is 48003.

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Mukurthi Peak is about 40 km from Ooty. The Mukurthi National Park is located on
the South Eastern corner of the Nilgiris. The area contains a viable population of
Nilgiris Thar(Hamitragus hilocrius). The silent valley is located on the western side
of these ranges. Fascinating feature of the Mukurthi Sanctuary is its variety and
similarities to Himalayan Flora and Fauna.


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Located at a distance of 28kms from Ooty. A beautiful lake surrounded by a thick

shola where even sunlight cannot penetrate and abundant with a wide variety of
avifauna is a Nature Lover's Paradise.

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The road to Coonoor is the same till Mudumalai and Masinagudi. It is another 35 km
to Udhagamandalam, better known as Ooty and 18 more to Coonoor. The drive
beyond Masinagudi entails 35 hairpin bends and though these are very enjoyable
drives, the trouble is, everyone else seems to think so too. Watch out therefore for
maniacs coming tearing down from the opposite side. Masinagudi used to be an
elephant corridor. So don't be too surprised if you do see some wild tuskers on the
road. Apart from the scenic beauty of the road, the drive through Masinagudi is
charming in itself.

The road between Ooty and Coonoor is quite forested with hills looming in the
distance. Again, there are blind turns and you have to be very careful around the
corners. Coonoor town seems as crowded as Ooty but, a little distance away from
the centre of the city peace descends again. Coonoor is more charming as it has
quaint houses, old churches and not too many visitors as compared to its more
famous neighboring city. Ooty and its rolling hills give way to snarling traffic in the
centre of town which is thankfully bypassed for a smooth drive on the way to
Coonoor.

More peaceful and a lot greener and immensely charming, the first impression you
get in Coonoor is that the air smells funny. But then, to our smog-loaded olfactory
senses, fresh air always smells funny. The second assault on your senses will be
the amount of green all around. There are more greens here than on a Pantone
shade card.


$" %
19 km from Ooty. The river has a dam and power plant. There is breathtaking
scenery. The falls, about 6 km from the bridge on the main road, are best in July,
but they are also worth visiting from August to December. There is a forest rest
House at Pykara. A boat house by the Pykara falls and Dam is added attractions to
the tourists. Pykara boasts of well protected fenced Sholas, Toda settlements,
undistributed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam,
Pykara falls and the reservoir attracts many tourists. A boat house with Restaurant
is available. It is maintained by T.T.D.C.

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The beautiful hill station of Ooty, draws quite a good number of tourists from all over
the world. The natural beauty of this region is outstanding and memorable. Apart
from the natural splendors, Ooty has many more attractions that are worth a visit.
Some of the important ones are the Botanical Gardens sprawled over an area of 50-
acre. It was established by Marquis of Tweeddale in the year 1848. These gardens
lie on the lower slopes of the Doddabetta peak, the highest point in Ooty. Another
exotic garden found here is the Rose Gardens, situated about 3 to 4-km away from
Charring Cross. They are spread over an area of 10 acres of land with 2000 variety
of roses. 

There is also a Mini Garden over here along with a children amusement park.
Definitely, a worth visiting site. Another famous attraction here is the Ooty Lake, a
charming artificial lake. Constructed in 1824 by Mr. John Sullivan, the then Collector
of Coimbatore. A noteworthy attraction of Ooty is the St Stephens Church situated
in the hilly area on Club Road. It is said to be the oldest church in the Nilgiris. This
church was built in the year 1829 and consecrated in 1830. The cemetery close by
houses the grave of John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty. Another outstanding
attraction here is the Doddabetta peak. It is the highest peak (2623 meters) in the
Nilgiris and is situated about 10-km from Ooty, offering a beautiful view of the
Nilgiris hill ranges.

LAKE:
From just behind the Main Bus Stand (also near the Railway station) the famous
Ooty Lake stretches, in an irregular 'L' shape, for about two kilometers in length and
varying distances in width. At the far end is the Boat House where all kinds of boats
are available for hire from eight in the morning to six in the evening. During summer
seasons, in May, boat races and boat pageantry are organized on two days at the
lake which draws huge crowds.

In recent years the lake and the boat house have become the hub of entertainment
for the visitors. At the boat house end there is children's park with a toy train. In the
adjacent site there is a deer park. A mini-garden is at the bus stand end and a well
laid footpath circles the entire lake. Just outside the Boat house local ponies are
available for jolly rides at a charge.

For the curious, this lake was artificially formed by Johm Sullivan, the founder of
Ooty, in 1823-25 by damming the mountain streams flowing down Ooty valley. The
lake which breached thrice, completely emptying itself, originally extended upto the
present day market and ferries were used to get across one side to the other. The
 lake gradually shrunks in size giving place to the present racecourse, the bus stand
mini garden and some part from the mini garden end.

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This is another vantage point that¶s shared by Coonoor and Ooty in terms of
distance. It serves as a lovely picnic spot and offers splendid vistas of the plains of
Coimbatore and the region¶s tea states.
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16kms from Kotagiri is Kodanadu. It is situated on the eastern edge of the Nilgiris.
This is also a good viewpoint, which offers enchanting views of the Moyar river and
endless tea estates. The Rangasamy peak is visible from the watchtower here.