Ooty: The Queen of Hill Stations

Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a picturesque hill station nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, lush tea gardens, and a delightful climate that has earned it the title of the "Queen of Hill Stations." The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a scenic journey through the hills with its charming blue-and-cream-colored locomotives.

Ooty Lake, a serene artificial lake, provides opportunities for boating, and the surrounding area is perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls. The Botanical Gardens, with a variety of exotic plant species, is a visual treat for nature lovers. Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris, offers panoramic views of the region. The nearby Rose Garden showcases a stunning collection of roses.

Ooty's tea plantations produce some of India's finest teas, and visitors can learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea. The city's cultural heritage is celebrated through the annual Ooty Summer Festival, which includes flower shows, fruit shows, and cultural programs. In essence, Ooty is a place of natural splendor and tranquility, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tourist Places in Ooty

Botanical Garden

It was laid out in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweedale and is spread over 55 acres. Lush green well maintained lawns, rare tree species (like the cork tree which is probably the only such tree in India, the paperbark tree and the monkey puzzle tree - monkeys cannot climb this tree), a 20 million-year-old fossilized tree, an Italian-style garden bordering a clear pool, are some of the many highlights of this garden. A flower show along with an exhibition of rare plant species is held every year in the month of May at this garden. The Garden has a very wide variety of plants that include different types of roses, imported shrubs, rare flowering plants, etc.

Toy Train Ride to Coonoor

The 'Nilgiris toy train' connects Ooty to Mettupalayam, at the foot of the Nilgiris. The construction of this line was a big challenge as the terrain is rather tricky. It was in 1854 that the first plans were drawn but it was a good 45 years later in 1899 that the first train chugged up this track. This railway is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. Today we have the opportunity to enjoy a train ride between Ooty and Coonoor. It is a famous tourist attraction and has been included among the world heritage sites by the UNESCO. The tea gardens and the picturesque landscape make the toy train ride one of the most enjoyable ones in India.

Toy Train ride to Mettupalayam

The 'Nilgiris toy train' connects Ooty to Mettupalayam, at the foot of the Nilgiris. The construction of this line was a big challenge as the terrain is rather tricky. It was in 1854 that the first plans were drawn but it was a good 45 years later in 1899 that the first train chugged up this track. This railway is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. Today we have the opportunity to enjoy a train ride between Ooty and Mettupalayam. It is a famous tourist attraction and has been included among the world heritage sites by the UNESCO. The tea gardens and the picturesque landscape make the toy train ride one of the most enjoyable ones in India.