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Ooty situated near the Nilgiris hill is a popular hill station of Tamil Nadu in South India. Also known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is decked with the Victorian era structure and alpine forest. Surrounded with dense alpine forest and meandering river streams Ooty was originally the home of Toda Tribe. But later during an expedition the surreal beauty of Ooty caught the attention of British official. He was so enthralled by the beauty and serene ambiance of Ooty that he made it the summer capital of Tamil Nadu. Till date this pictorial hill station showcases the remnant of British Era in the form of Toy Train and colonial era buildings.
Situated amidst the verdant forest of pine trees, Ooty Lake is a popular tourist destination of Ooty. It was built in 1825 by the British official. Here in Ooty lake visitors can relish the astounding beauty of Nilgiris while boating in this manmade lake. During the month of May Ooty Lake is flooded with horde of tourist who comes to watch the annual boat race of Ooty. Boating in the Ooty Lake has become one of the famous things to do in this scenic hill station.
Sprawled at the slopes of the Doddabetta peak is the Botanical Garden of Ooty. Founded in 1848, Botanical Garden of Ooty is famous for housing more than 650 species of exotic flora. It is a must visit destination for the botany enthusiast traveling in Ooty. One of the most highlighting features of this terraced garden is a fossil tree which is believed to be 20 million years old. Another attraction of Ooty’s Botanical Garden is the Toda Tribe Settlement which is located towards the top of the garden. Visitors can learn about the rich culture and tradition of Toda Tribe during their visit of Botanical Garden in Ooty.
Botanical Garden Timings: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Entry fee of Botanical Garden: Rs 20
Perched atop the Elk Hill is Elk Hill Murugan Temple of Ooty. It is a grandiose temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. Elk Hill Murugan Temple is built in a proto-Dravidian architecturing style. The various stucco figures and marvelous structure of Elk Hill Murugan Temple has ensnared the heart of many travelers. The idyllic ambiance of Elk Hill Murugan Temple has made it a perfect place to visit in Ooty to find inner peace.
Located in the heart of this scenic hill station of Ooty is the Government Rose Garden. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ooty for the nature lovers. Perched at an altitude of 2200mt Rose Garden of Ooty is known for housing the largest collection of roses in India. With more than 20000 species of rose, Rose Garden of Ooty has become the paradise for botany enthusiast. Visitors can find many variants of roses like miniature roses, hybrid tea roses, floribunda, black and green roses, and ramblers. The Government Rose Garden of Ooty with its vibrant colors and alluring and refreshing aroma has attracted travelers from far and wide.
Rose Garden Timings: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee of Rose Garden: Rs 20
Endowed with rich flora and fauna, Mudumalai National Park is a tiger reserve in Niligiri Hills. Mudumalai National Park is located at a distance of 40km from Ooty. It was founded in 1940. This nature bound land is divided into 5 ranges which are Mudumalai, Masinagudi, Nellakota, Thepakadu, and Kargudi. Mudumalai National Park is reckoned for being the home of many endangered species like Indian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Indian leopard, long-billed vulture and Indian white-rumped vulture. The tropical semi-evergreen forest of Mudumalai National Park has become the place to find solace for nature lovers and wilderness explorer.
Mudumalai National Park Timings: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm | 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Entry fee of Mudumalai National Park: Rs 15
How to reach Ooty: Being one of the most favored destinations of South India, Ooty is well connected with the major cities like Chennai and Bangalore. Visitors can reach Ooty by traveling in a state bus from any of these cities. If visitors want travel through air route they need to board a flight for Coimbatore. It is the closest airport of Ooty at a distance of 84km. And if the visitors want to travel to Ooty via railway route they need to board a train for Mettupalyam. At a distance of 40km Mettupalyam is the closest railway station of Ooty.
Best time to visit Ooty: Blessed with temperate weather, Ooty can be visited throughout the year. Yet the best time to visit Ooty is considered from March to June. During this time the soothing weather of Ooty is best to beat the scorching summer heat of plains.
