Hill Stations

Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

Ootacamund, the queen of the hill stations of South India, is situated in the Nilgiri's at an altitude of 2240 metres. Ooty is known for its extraordinary scenic beauty and salubrious climate amidst the "Nilgiri's" or "Blue Mountains".green Udhagamandalam better known as Ooty is the most popular hill station in the South.

Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of the Nilgiri's district where the two ghats converge. Nature has been bounteous with this region which is indeed the most beautiful in the region. Apart from coffee and tea plantations, trees like conifers, eucalyptus, pine and wattle embrace the hillside in Udhagamandalam and its environs. Summer temperature is rarely higher than 25°c with a minimum of 10°c and winter is are distinctly cooler with a high of 21°c and a low 5°c.

Ooty, the Queen be seated in this heavenly abode remained undiscovered to the great southern dynasties and it took the British to explore it in the early 1800s. They were, however, not the first friends of this land as a tribe called Todas had been living there long before the British came, claiming that the Nilgiri's had been their home since time immemorial. The British constructed the first railway line in the area and made it the summer capital of the Chennai Presidency.



The attractions of the city !


» Botanical Garden :
A spectra of regionally exclusive and ornamental plants adorn this garden which is the venue for the Flower Show held in May every year. There is a fossil tree trunk 20 million years old in the midst of the garden.

» Lake :
This artificial lake was constructed in 1824 by Major John Sullivan, the then the Collector of Coimbatore. Boating is a enjoyable recreational activity. The lake garden and toy trains rides amuse the visitors.

» Udhagamandalam :
This Queen of hill stations, known as Ooty, is in Nilgiri mountain ranges in Tamil Nadu. At a height of 2268 metres, Ooty is known for its healthy and amazingly soothing climate and scenic splendor.

» Government Museum :
The Government Museum, Mysore road, has items of tribal artefacts, district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamilnadu.

» Upper Bhavani :
10 Km/6 Mile from Korakundah and about 20 Kms/12 Mile from Avalanchi. Some of the best sholas like the Thar Shola lies enroute. The area is a rich and undisturbed wildlife habitat. From Bangithappal via Sispara one can trek to Silent Valley.

» Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary :
Lying in the Nilgiri's District abutting Kerala & Karnataka State, this is situated at an elevation of 1000 meters and extends over an area of 321 sq. kms. The wildlife includes Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse, Wild Boar, Parcupine etc.

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu located 120 km from Madurai and 135 km from Coimbatore on the Southern tip of Palani in the Western Ghats.

A British Lieutenant, Ward, first spotted Kodaikanal in 1821. In 1845, the first two bungalows - Sunny Side and Shelton were built by American missionaries with the help of an Englishman, Mr. Fane. Later many American families and the Britishers started settling in this hill station.

The Kodaikanal town has an area of 21.5 sq. km and is at an altitude of 2132 mtrs above sea level. The maximum temperature at Kodaikkanal in summer is 24 deg. C. with a min. of 10 deg. C, during winter it ranges from 8 to 17 deg. C. It rains heavily during October and December. April - June and September - October are considered as the "Seasons" - the season when the tariff for accommodation and supporting services are high.

The Kodaikkanal town nestles around the man-made Kodi lake which spreads out in a star shape over 60 acres of lush greenery. The lake is skirted by 5km of black-topped road which is quite enjoyable either for a walk or for cycling (bicycles are available on hire). This lake was laid out in 1863 by Sir Vere Hendry Levinge who was then the Collector of Madurai. The lake was originally stocked with fish. In 1890 the first Boat Club was formed and today there are 3-4 different Boat Clubs catering various varieties of boats, which are available on hire to the tourists.

To maintain the ecological balance of this scenic hill resort, the Kodaikanal municipality has banned plastic bags in the town and has also prohibited plying of motorboats in the lake. Without the permission of the forest department no tree can be felled here and also no structure beyond 4 floors can come up in Kodai. While these efforts of the authorities are laudable, it would go a long way if they ban the sounding of horns by vehicles which go around the lake. This apart from causing noise pollution, spoils the serenity of the place. The lake is fast getting polluted with the tourists dropping their litter in the lake and also it needs to be deweeded. The government has drawn up a project to clean the lake shortly.

The lake is the focal point of the town and all the prominent sightseeing places in Kodaikanal are in the range of 2-6 kms from this lake. Kodai is also famous for its home made chocolates & cheese.

While taking a boat ride or walking around the road which skirts around the lake, it's a treat to watch all the magnificent bungalows/cottages owned by many corporate big wigs amidst lush greenery.The hill station also boasts of a variety of flowers, including the 'Kurinji' (which blossoms only once in 12 years).

COONOOR

For those preferring a milder version of Ooty's climate, Coonoor, at an altitude of 1,712 metres, is the alternative. The main attraction is Sim's Park, established in 1874, with its beautiful flowerbeds that are a botanist's delight. Among the rare trees and herbs grown here are Pine, Magnolia, Phoenix, Turpentine, Camellia, Quercus and Araucaria.

Lamb's rock, so called because of one Captain Lamb who was responsible for creating a path to this previously inaccessible ravine. The ravine of Burliar is a truly a visual treat. The blue skies and mist hanging over the ghats over the Mettupalayam area is most certainly a grand sight.

Dolphin nose is a natural rock formation in the form of an uprising dolphin. The place is a perfect 'picture post card' memory, with the St. Catherine's Falls flowing slowly across the canyon and the Badaga (Local tribe) huts dotting the edge of the serrated cliffs; creating a dramatic effect.

Law's Falls, is situated 5 km from Coonoor and is so called because of Colonel G.V Law who completed the Ghat road to Mettupalayam. The Falls have water from the Coonoor river falling into the deep gorge, to meet River Katteri along the Ghat road.

Katteri Falls is 10 km away from Coonoor. It is the third highest falls in the Nilgris. It has the distinction of having run the first coordinate factory with the hydel electric power plant in 1902.

The Droog is the most captivating place in and around Coonoor. One has to first go to Nonsuch estate, which is 17 km from Coonoor, and then trek 4 km to reach the ruins of the old fort. The panaromic view of the green mountains is simply the best. This was once a strategic military post.

YERCAUD

At an altitude of 1,515 mts, Yercaud's pleasant climate makes it one of the few year-round hill stations in the country. Situated on the Shevaroyan hills in Salem district, this hill station offers several breathtaking views.

At Yercaud, what should be part of the tourist's itinerary is Yercaud Lake (that is lined with gardens and woods), Anna Park, Lady's Seat, Killiyur Falls, Pagoda Point and Bear's Cave. Also part of the attraction is the Shevaroyan temple and the castle-styled building called the Grange.

YELAGIRI HILLS

Yelagiri hills, is an idyllic place for a short holiday. Green hills and picture post-card scenery greets you here. It is called the queen of hill stations and is the most pristine and unpolluted among the hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Yelagiri Hills is a backward area with few glaring developments like cottages and farm houses, yet a place that has maitained its 'remote' label.

The government is trying to promote Yelagiri as a tourist place. But now, apart from the lake, there is not much for the regular tourist. But the view in and around the hills is captivating enough to last a lifetime. Jalagamparai water falls is a 5 km trek from Yelagiri downhill. Its a tough trek, but the view from the sides of the mountain, of the valley, is truly rewarding. The Javad range of hills run parallel to Yelagiri; the land is sandwiched between these two.

The towns in Yelagiri hills are Athnavur and Nilavur. Athnavur is the best place to stay and plan your trip. Some good quality cottages and hotels are available here. Also, this is the last stop with traces of modernisation. The next town (a settlement rather) is Nilavur. Here the place is full of agricultural land and vegetable and rose farms. It will be an interesting detour to visit these farms. The people here are friendly.