Nilgiris-
The Blue Mountains
Nilgiri means "Blue Mountains". The entire area of the Blue
Mountains constitutes the present district of Nilgiri. The height of the
hills in the Blue Mountain range varies between 2,280 and 2,290 metres, the
highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2,623 metres.
It's Location And Boundaries
High above the sea level, situated at the junction of the two ghat ranges
of the Sahayadri Hills, Nilgiri district provides a fascinating view. Kerala
on the west, the Mysore State on the north, and Coimbatore district on the
east and south bound it. Headquarters of Nilgiris district is Udhagamandalam
(also called as Ooty).
The Beauty Of Nilgiris
Nilgiris derives its charm from its natural setting. The steep hills and
fantastically narrow valleys with numerous rivers and rivulets running in
all directions with a few fine waterfalls here and there provide beautiful
scenery. The temperate and most equable climate further heightens the
attractiveness of the place. The major tea growing areas in the South are
the Nilgiris and these tea gardens are beautiful to watch.
Adventure And Trekking In The Nilgiris
The Nilgiris are a trekker's paradise. Landscaped by nature, the hills
abound in trek for lovers of nature. There are treks and treks in whichever
direction you turn and from whichever point you start. A trek can be full of
thrill, excitement and adventure and a way of seeing and enjoying nature in
all its beauty and splendour.
Trekking pamphlets are available with the Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment
Association (NWLEA). There are guides who have sound knowledge of certain
areas. If necessary, their services may be hired. And for further details
contact the Tourist Information Office at Charing Cross, Ooty.
Fairs & Festivals
The
Flower and Fruit Show
The annual Flower Show at Ooty and the Fruit Show at Coonoor are the
important cultural events, deserving special mention.
Leisure
Shopping
Just about anything available in the
cities can be had at Ooty with the added attraction of leisurely shopping.
Exclusive Nilgiri products including Nilgiri tea, fruits, natural oils like
Eucalyptas, Toda embroideries, plant nurseries are easily available in the
town. Co-operative Super Market and Municipal Market are some of the best
places for shopping fruits and general groceries. Kairali of Kerala
Handicrafts and Poompuhar of Tamil Nadu Handicrafts have their showrooms
near to Super Market Buildings on Charring Cross.
Eating Out
Blue hills
Chandan Vihar
Tandoor Mahal
Ooty Coffee House
Chinkos Chinese Restaurant
Hills Palace.
How To Get There
By Air
Coimbatore, 105-km from Ooty, is the
nearest airport. It has daily flights to and from Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin
and Trivandrum.
By Rail
Ooty is on the narrow gauge railway
connected to Mettupalayam (47-km), which is directly connected to Coimbatore
and Chennai. The famous toy train connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and
Coonoor.
By Road
A good network of roads and national
highways connect Ooty with all major towns and cities. There are regular bus
services to and from Coimbatore, Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Kanyakumari,
Mysore, Palghat, Calicut, Tirupati and other important destinations in South
India. Ooty is also well connected with major cities of Kerala and
Karnataka.
Local Transport
Coonoor and Kotagiri are also
well connected by road with the major cities and towns of the state. For
local transportation, auto rickshaws and taxis are available.
Places To Stay
Accommodation is available at
the hotels, guesthouses and lodges in the hill stations in the Nilgiris
(Ooty and Coonoor). Coonoor has its share of luxury and budget hotels to
guesthouses and picturesque resorts. Upper Coonoor is highly recommended.
In Ooty, varied accommodation options varying from luxurious and economy
class hotels to lodges and resorts are available. Both Indian and Western
style accommodation and food are available. Prior booking is advisable,
especially during the summer months. It is also possible to get paying guest
accommodations through brokers haunting the bus stand/railway station.
Climate
Temperate and Most Equable.
Summer
Max 25ºC, Min 10ºC.
Winter
Max 21ºC, Min 5ºC.
Rainfall
1,960 mm.
General Information
STD Code: 0423
Area
2,459-sq-kms.
Population
7,10,210 (1991 Census).
Altitude
2,280 and 2,290 metres.
Clothing
Heavy woollen in winter and light
woollen in summer.
Languages
Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and
English.
Location
Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu.
Useful Information
Tourist Information Centres
Tourist Office,
Government of Tamil Nadu
Supermarket Complex
Charring Cross
Udhagamandalam-1
Hospitals
Ooty:
Government Hospital
H.F.M. Sait Memorial Hospital (Govt.)
Vijaya Nursing Home, Ettins Road
S.M. Nursing Home, Coonoor Road
Coonoor:
Government Lawley Hospital, Mount Road
Sagayamatha Hospital
Jaya Nursing Home, Supply Depot Road
Nunkum Hospital
Kotagiri:
Government Hospital
Banks / Money Changers
Ooty:
State Bank Of India, Commissioner's Road
State Bank Of Travancore, 102, Commercial Road
Syndicate Bank, Charring Cross
Canara Bank, 24, Commercial Road
Central Bank Of India, Charring Cross
Coonoor:
State Bank Of India, K.N.M. Compound
State Bank Of Travancore, Church Road
Syndicate Bank, Glen View
Canara Bank, Salam Road
Central Bank Of India, Mount Road
Kotagiri:
State Bank Of India, Kotagiri-down
Syndicate Bank
Canara Bank, Konavakarai
Central Bank
Manali
