Ooty (Udamangalam) – Queen of Hill Stations
This is located in the Western Ghats zone at an altitude of 2240 mtrs. It is the headquarters of the Nilgiri District, where the two mountain ranges meet. Udhagamandalam , popularly called as OOTY by the tourist, is the Queen of Hill Stations. Centuries ago this was also called as Oththai-Kal [single stone] Mandu [ Mund is a name of Toda Village]. The British started calling it as Ootacamund.
Coffee and Tea Plantations and trees like Conifers, Eucalyptus, Pine and Wattle dot the hill side in Udhagamandalam and its environs. Summer temperature is maximum of 25 C and a minimum of 10 C . During the Winter it is minimum 5 C and a maximum of 21 C when it is slightly warmer. This area was inhibited by the tribals called TODA long before any body could venture into this region.
Curiously enough, this slice of paradise remained unknown even during the periods of the great Southern Dynasties. It was the Britons who ventured into the riches of the regions during early 1800’s. Development and modernization took after their arrival to Udhagamandalam. This was the Summer Capital of the Madras Presidency during the British Rule. Coonoor – 19Kms, Kothagiri – 31 Kms are the other smaller nearby hill stations.The Town population is 88,430(2011 census) and Nilgiri District population is 7,33,394(2011 census).
Kodaikanal – Princess of Hill Station
Legend starts with Lieutenant Ward, an Englishman, who climbed up from the Kunnavan village of Vellagavi to Kodaikanal in 1821 for a survey of Mountain Ranges of Palani. In 1834, J.C Wroughten, the then Sub-Collector of Madras and C. R. Cotton, Member – Board of Revenue – Madras Presidency went up the hills from Devadanapatti and built a small bungalow at the head of Adukkam pass near Shenbaganur. The visit of Dr.Wite in 1836 and his observation about the Hill Station attracted Botanists to Kodaikanal. First two houses named Sunnyside and Shelton, on the South Lake Road, were built between 1844-1845 by American Missionaries. Six more such American families migrated to Kodaikanal. Exotic location at 7000 feet above the Plains brought them up here.
Yelagiri
Yelagiri Hill is at an 1410 meters altitude, and one of the most popular hill stations of Tamil Nadu. Situated amidst four mountains well known for its salubrious climate prevailing throughout the year. Tribal people live in villages of these hills. Human settlement started around 200 years ago.
Travel by the winding Ghat road that has 14 hairpin bends, you can reach the Yelagiri hilltop. The ride offers panoramic breath taking views of the hills and its surroundings. The seventh bend is significant, since it offer the view of the slopes of the mountain and the green forests . The highest point in Yelgiri is the Swamimalai Hill, standing tall at 4,338 ft and a popular destination for trekkers.
Yercaud – A Jewel of the South
Yercaud is situated at an altitude of 4970 feet , on the Shevaroys Hills of the Eastern Ghats, located in Salem District of Northern Tamil Nadu. Because of the abundance of Trees and that happened to be near the Lake made the locals to call this area as Yeri – Kaadu meaning Lake Forest. Later on the name turned out to be YERCAUD and it is also called as Jewel of the South. Yercaud Taluk spreads in an about 382.67 Sq.km area which includes the Reserve Forest also. While rest of this region, including the predominantly short and rocky hills of the Eastern Ghats welcomes all with its cool climate. The temperature never rises above 290 and does not drop down below 130 degrees. Yercaud is less expensive than either Udhagamandalam or Kodaikanal. Yercaud population is 36,863 (2011 census) .
Trekking in Nilgiris
The Nilgiris are a trekker’s paradise. Landscaped by nature, the hills abound in trek for lovers of nature. There are treks and treks in whichever direction you turn and from whichever point you start. A trek can be full of thrill, excitement and adventure and a way of seeing and enjoying nature in all its beauty and splendour.
Udhagamandalam (Ooty) offers several trek routes, which vary in distance, altitudes and trkterrain. There is a base camp at Parsons valley, from where one can start trekking to various points within Western Ghats. The down hills of Western Ghats on the North ends up with meeting the extensions of Eastern Ghats, where the sprawling Mudumalai Sanctuary lies which opens vistas for adventure tourists.
Trekking pamphlets are available with the Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association (NWLEA). There are guides who have sound knowledge of certain areas. If necessary, their services may be hired. And for further details contact the Tourist Information Office at Charring Cross, Ooty.
Hang-Gliding courses are also organised during March to May every year, with the assistance of the Department of Tourism. Contact the Tourist Officer, Ooty for assistance.
Angling Goad Trout, Carp and mixed water fishing is possible in various streams and lakes of Ooty. The Assistance Director of Fisheries issues the fishing license.
