Ootacamund or Ooty is situated in Nilgiri Mountains near Tri Junction of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Ooty is the only hill station in India which attracts visitors during all seasons. It has built up a fame as the `all-seasons -hill resort' and the `queen of hill stations'. It is one of the most popolar hill resorts in southern India at an elevation of 7216 ft. above sea-level, her moods change with every season, but each of her moods is hospitable to the visitor. Nestling among the hills at a point where the Eastern Ghats meets the Western Ghats, the district headquarter town of Udhagamandalam sprawls along a beautiful plateau. The Eastern Ghats are mighty and attractive while the Western ghats have wooded loveliness. Nature unfolds itself in and around Ooty in a myriad of profiles, each one with a distinctive grandeur and individuality.
This natural charm, several attractions compel the tourist to stay on for extended periods with comfort. The first British came to Ooty in 1812. He was followed by a few hundred European missionaries, educationist and civil servants. Finally, the hill stations attracted many Europeans so much so that it became the summer capital of the then vast Madras presidency, or the present Tamil nadu State, which consisted of 75% of what we call South India today. Soon, Indian princes or Maharajas (who were the ruler of various areas and territories throughout India and industrialists built their palaces and mansions.
Ooty Lake and Boat House
This is the most popular tourist hub in the town, just behind the bus-stand. An artificial lake, it was built by John Sullivan in the mid 18th century. One can go for various kinds of boat rides here from morning to evening. There is also a children's park and a deer park nearby.
Rose Garden
Another popular tourist spot of Ooty, Rose Garden or Mini garden is around 3-4 kms from the Charring Cross and has a variety of exquisite blooms to see.
Thread Garden
This is home to a variety of flowers and what is unique is that these are not natural flowers but made out of threads. It is believed that it took 12 years to create this garden. |
