She is charming, she is classy, she is unique – she is the Queen of Hill Stations in India. Udhagamandalam, popularly known as Ooty is a hill station that will surely mesmerise you with its beguiling beauty. A chain of misty hills spread across a lush green carpet – with plenty to see, enjoy and experience. Ooty is much more than a visitor’s paradise. It lends a piece of itself to its guests that they will be thrilled to take back. One of the most beautiful hill stations in India, Ooty nestles in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. An erstwhile summer resort of the British Raj in India, Ooty has transformed over the years into one of the most sought-after tourism destinations in Tamil Nadu.
With a cool and soothing climate almost all year round, Ooty welcomes tourists from far and wide. It’s not just about the mountains and hills, Ooty offers much more to discerning travellers who drive up the winding roads to reach the pinnacle. Lakes, gardens, parks, peaks, waterfalls and simply amazing accommodation options. No wonder Ooty is called the ‘Switzerland of India’, of such grandeur is the scenic beauty the destination is so well acclaimed for. If you would love to relax over a cup of tea, sitting back and gazing at the vastness of nature, Ooty is indeed the place to be. Besides that, the Nilgiri biosphere is rich in flora and fauna, allowing you to escape into the depths of mystic jungles and explore once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Also, you just can’t afford to miss the Toy Train ride from Mettupalayam to Ooty, which is the only daily operational meter-gauge, rack railway in India, providing you with mesmerising views of the Nilgiris.
Top Attractions Botanical Garden
The Government Botanical Garden in Ooty, spread over 55 acres, is a mesmerizing tourist site that has been attracting visitors for years. Situated about 2400 – 2500 mts above sea level, the botanical garden was established by Marquis of Tweedale in 1897 with William Graham McIvor as the architect.
The Ooty Government Botanical Garden has a lot to offer for Nature lovers with its 600 varieties of plant species cultivated and exhibited here. The verdant lawns and the exotic varieties of flora are pleasing to the eye because they are very well maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. The mighty Doddabetta peak can be viewed from the garden.
Some of the enticing attractions here are the Cork tree, which is probably one of the very few of its kind in India, the paperbark tree, monkey puzzle tree, the majestic 20-million-year-old fossil tree trunk and the Toda mund or Toda hill.
There is a garden built in Italian pool-style by the Italian prisoners of war from the First World War. It is remarkable for its many varieties of colourful annuals and the lily pond where aquatic plant species are grown.
Ooty Lake
The picturesque Ooty Lake, also known as the Ooty boat house, is a much sought-after tourist attraction located in the midst of serene greenery. The Ooty Lake is an artificially constructed lake, built by John Sullivan in 1824.
Surrounded by the majestically-tall eucalyptus trees and dotted with green bushes along the shores, the Ooty Lake is an impressive spot in Nilgiris district. The Lake, spanning over 65 acres, was originally constructed for fishing. It was later transformed into a tourist park when the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation took over it in 1973. There are many fun activities that tourists can indulge in when they are at the Ooty Lake. Cycles are available for rent to ride around the Lake. Boating is another attraction. A tranquil ride through the waters is an attractive pastime as it lets one take in the entire beauty of the Lake. Paddle boat-, motor boat- and rowing boat services are also available. The ride offers a view of the serene greenery around and also of the distant hills.
Pine Forest
A journey of just 15 minutes from Ooty town centre will take you to the famed Pine Tree Forests of Ooty. These scenic woodlands, obscured in a fleeting veil of mist, offer a delightful experience to all travellers.
Deer Park
Spread over 22 acres in Udhagamandalam town is another tranquil spot near the Ooty Lake, that is home to a vast number of deer. About six acres of the lake have been used to develop the park. The park was inaugurated in 1986 and is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Although the name suggests that the park is exclusively for deer, the Deer Park is also home to a wide variety of birds and rabbits. This is one of the high-altitude animal parks in India and is easily accessible by road.
The Sambar and Chital species of deer can be found in the park. The Deer Park in Ooty is a haven for Nature lovers as it is wrapped in a chilly climate and surrounded by enticing flora and fauna.
Avalanche Lake
Hidden away from the commotions of urban jungles is the Avalanche Lake, a natural, crystal blue freshwater body. Nestled between the green slopes of the Nilgiris, the Avalanche Lake is a picture-perfect location set just over 20 km from Ooty town. The lake, with its refreshing blue waters and soothing greenery of the surrounding woods, is a treat for anyone in search of a getaway destination to escape the fatigue of mundane life. The lake has some of the best views of the Nilgiris, overlooking the undulating hills draped in perfectly aligned tea shrubs and the opulent greenery of the woods, all in the background of a picturesque lake always veiled in a white fog. The Avalanche Lake and its surroundings are a pristine tract of the Western Ghats, immaculately maintained with the help of local tribes. The Avalanche Lake will be an enthralling experience for anyone who wants a getaway spot to escape into the raw beauty of Nature and be lost and undisturbed in its serenity. Avalanche Lakeshore is one of the best camping spots in Ooty.