Nestled amongst the blue mountains of southern India, the erstwhile British township of Ooty enchants tourists, adventure enthusiasts, honeymooners and the film industry alike. An amphitheatre created by four majestic hills - Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk Hill and Club Hill that are really the meeting point for the Western and the Eastern Ghats, the real name of this 36-sq-km hill resort is Udhagamandalam. These are referred to as 'Blue Mountains' because of the lavender-blue flowers of the famous Strobilanthes that bloom to cover the hills in floral profusion during the season. Ooty, the Queen be seated in this heavenly abode remained undiscovered to the great southern dynasties and it took the British to explore it in the early 1800s. They were, however, not the first friends of this land as a tribe called Todas had been living there long before the British came, claiming that the Nilgiris had been their home since time immemorial. The British constructed the first railway line in the area and made it the summer capital of the Chennai Presidency.

While at the hill resort enjoying the cool breezes makes a trip to the Ooty Lake. The lake is the centre of much of tourist activities. At the nearby boathouse the rowboats and the Ooty lake Tourist motorboats can be hired for unwinding. Besides watching the beautiful sunset in an experience of a lifetime. Adjacent to the lake is a large graveyard of St. Thomas Church that was built way back in 1870. Here the huge pillar topped by a cross, over the grave of William Patrick Adam, the Governor of Madras Presidency, who died in Ooty in 1881 will not fail to catch your eye.

Shopping Attractions
For a judicious shopping at Ooty, look for exclusive Nilgiri products such as garden-fresh Nilgiri tea, fresh fruits, aromatic and medicinal natural oils like Eucalyptus and essences extracted from forest herbs, vegetables and spices. One may also opt for Toda embroideries and plant nurseries easily available in the town. Co-operative Super Market and Municipal Market are some of the best places for shopping fruits and general groceries.


Prime Attractions

• Botanical Gardens
  Established in the year 1847, this 22 hectare picturesque garden is maintained by the Horticultural Department of the state. There are about 650 flora species that are being nurtured in this garden. There is a fossil of a tree here as well, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. The place also hosts the annual summer festival in May in which various flower shows and various cultural programmers are held to showcase the whole range of repertoire of the botanical gardens and the local people.
  
  
• St Stephens Church
  Situated in the hilly area on Club Road, St Stephens Church is said to be the oldest in the Nilgiris. The church was built in 1829 and consecrated in 1830. The beam of the church was taken from the palace of Tipu Sultan at Srirangapatnam. The cemetery closes by houses the grave of John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty.
  
  
• Horse Riding
  Ooty is known as the “Queen of hill stations” among the tourists. The place, it seems, is exclusively designed to keep the people outdoors. The favourite tourists' hangouts are Botanical Garden, Ooty lake and many other such places where you can enjoy the most while riding on a horse back. The facilities for these horse rides are easily available.
  
  
• The Mukkurthi Peak & National Park
  Mukkurthi Peak is about 40 Km form Ooty and the Mukkurthi National Park is on the southern corner of the Nilgiris Plateau. The area contains a viable population of Nilgiri Thar (Hamitragus hilocrius). The other mahor peaks are Kollaribetta and Nilgiris Peak. The area witnesses innumerable beautiful and perennial little streams, which fall into Bhavani Puzha. The Silent Valley in the Western Ghat is located on the Western side of these ranges. A fascinating feature of the Mukkurthi Sanctuary is its endemism and relationship with Himalayan flora and fauna.
  
  
• Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
  Located at a height of 1140 meters, at the junction point of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, it extends over and area of 321 sq. km. A variety of flora consisting of tropical ever green forest, moist teak forest, secondary grasslands and swamps are found. Panther, Sambar, spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild boar, Porcupine and many others make up the fauna of the forest along with the avian fauna that includes Minivets, Hornbills, Fairy Blue Birds and Jungle Fowls.

How to Reach

• By Air
  The nearest airport is Coimbatore (100km) which is connected to Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore.
• By Rail
  Udhagamandalam on the narrow gauge railway is connected to Mettupalayam which is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai on board gauge.
• By Road
  Udhagamandalam is connected by good motorable road. It is 535 km from Chennai (Via Salem, Mettupalayam ); 89 km from Coimbatore.