Hill Station of the South – Ooty

Originally called Ootacamund, Ooty stands serenely in the blue mist of its blue mountain range – the Nilgiris, at a height of 7,347 ft above sea level.This ‘house in the mountains’ or Uthakalmund – named such by its Toda tribals – is quite cold during the winters, but pleasant throughout the year, the average temperature being about 15o-20oC throughout. The average rainfall is above 120 cm. It’s a delight to visit at any time of the year, provided you carry enough warm clothing along.

Known for its tea and coffee plantations, Ooty charms visitors with its beautiful lake, splendid gardens rich with colourful flowers, thick forests of rosewood and sandalwood trees amongst hundreds of others and the Summer Festival held every May, where the rose takes the pride of place.

Lamb’s Rock [called so because of its shape] with its enchanting view, Doddabetta Peak which is the highest point in Ooty overlooking the plains of Coimbatore and Mysore, Coonoor – another pretty hill station close to Ooty, the Mudumalai National Park, boat rides in the Ooty lake, enthrall the visitors.

Walk through the green hills, go horse-riding, travel in the steam train which fill the nature lover’s heart with delight, buy Ooty’s famous chocolates, cheese, eucalyptus oil, tea and coffee, and revel in the pretty hill station of Ooty.