Ooty- The Queen of Hill Stations.

 Everything you would want in a top vacation spot is in abundance in Ooty, including ideal weather, inexhaustible natural beauty, top-notch resorts and accommodations, and, of course, a wide variety of attractions. This charming little town provides numerous unforgettable experiences, from Rose Garden to the well-known Nilgiri Mountain Railways. Every ardent tourist should visit this stunning hill station in Tamil Nadu at least once in their lifetime. What really intrigued me about this trip was the idea of travelling by road, taking in all the breathtaking views along the way, listening to the rustling of the pine trees, and taking in the sight of endless tea gardens.

 

• A word about Ooty: 

Ooty has gained the title of "Queen of the Hills" or " Blue Mountains" for its charming location amidst lush green countryside and year-round temperate temperatures. The Queen of Hill Station is quaint and serene and is located in the state of Tamil Nadu at a height of 2200 meters. It is one of the most sought-after mountains situated in South India. The hill station is officially called Udhagamandalam or Ootacumund. Native ethnic Bagada and Toda people lived in the town up until the 18th century. After annexation, it joined the Madras Presidency and served as the East India Company's summer capital. 

 

• Route Choice from Bangalore to Ooty

The Mysore-Masinagudi route, the Kanakapura-Kollegal route, and the Salem-Coonoor Route are the three routes one can drive from Bangalore to Ooty. Regarding distance and layovers, each of these routes has distinct advantages. We decided to take the Mysore-Masinagudi route. Not going to brag about all the details of our road trip from Bangalore to Ooty but what charmed me the most was Bandipur and Madhumalai Tiger Reserve National Park. Both national parks are continued but Bandipur is managed by the state of Karnataka and the Madhumalai is administered by the Tamil Nadu government. The Royal Bengal Tiger population in the forest is astounding. The park is also home to other species including four-horned antelopes, elephants, panthers, sloth bears, crocodiles, mouse deer, pythons, etc. If you are visiting Ooty by road then one must take this route to enclose the scenic beauty of the park or to spot animals. One can also stop over in the national park. After the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, the road leads you to the Queen of Hills in the Nilgiris through hazy, winding paths across the hills, and verdant coffee and tea plantations.

 

• Attractions in Ooty.

 

Doddabetta Peak: Doddabetta Mountain, which towers 8650 feet above sea level, is thought to be the tallest peak in the Nilgiri Hills. Doddabeta is a beautiful place that draws countless tourists every day. It is a well-liked tourist destination in Ooty. Between the Western and Eastern Ghats, the Doddabetta summit in Ooty offers a breathtaking view of the entire Nilgiris. Enjoy the stunning cloud patterns and the sun rays that occasionally penetrate the clouds to illuminate the valley. A full 360-degree panorama of peaks and valleys is available. There is an observation tower in Doddabetta Peak, however, it is very popular. One must have the patience to enter through the long line and concentrate on the valleys below. From 7 in the morning until 6 in the evening, it is accessible to tourists.

Pine Forest: A popular tourist destination in Ooty is the Pine Forest. It is actually a little valley where numerous films, songs, and television shows have been filmed. It is a highly famous location for shooting because of the towering pines, clean air, and breathtaking mountain views all around. Particularly during the winter months, when fog envelops the entire area and makes it appear like a scene from a thriller movie, visitors feel immersed in a sense of adventure and excitement. Anyone will feel at ease in the region due to the palpable serenity and tranquilly.

 

Wenlock Down Nature Trail: Wenlock Downs, a wide area of grassy meadow situated on the route to Pykara, is about 16 kilometres from Ooty. A magnificent meadow called Wenlock Downs is named for Sir Arthur Lawley's brother Beilby Lawley, third Baron Wenlock. Over 20,000 acres of rolling terrain that seems to go on forever, the downs gracefully spread out. The Shola forest covers the entire area. It is more popularly known as the Shooting Point. One of the most peaceful trips leaves Ooty on the trip to Wenlock Downs. In this exquisite setting, The Wenlock Downs are ideal for strolling and hiking. One of the best spots to observe Ooty's natural beauty is from the peak, which provides stunning views of the Nilgiris.

 

Government Botanical Garden: Ooty has a lot of attractions, but the Ooty Botanical Garden definitely enhances the charm of the hill town. The first botanical garden in Ooty is split into five areas, the lower garden, the new garden, the Italian garden, the conservatory, and the nurseries. The botanical garden is best explored and experienced by simply strolling through each of its sections. One will observe several florae as you go by and learn more about them. Additionally, you can make a stop close to the trees or other features that appeal to you.

Government Rose Garden: The garden is situated in Vijayanagaram on the slope of Elk Hill, about 2.5 kilometres from Ooty. It is situated on a 4.40-hectare plot that is divided up into five terraces. The garden houses India's greatest collection of roses. Roses are of 20,000 different types.

 

Boat House: The city is home to a captivating man-made lake that draws people from around the world. The Ooty Boat House offers a variety of options for exploring the man-made lake, including pedal boats, rowboats, motorboats, and much more.

 

Wax World Museum: The Wax World Museum in Ooty has one of the main positions among the tourist attractions in Ooty in addition to hosting a multitude of spectacular lakes, waterfalls, and habitats for flora and animals. Before it can achieve that rank, the Ooty Wax World Museum has a long way to go. It makes for a thoroughly fun and educational experience, especially for kids who have the bonus of seeing wax figures without having to go over seven seas. Beautiful wax statues of Indian freedom fighters and political figures, including the well-known Mahatma Gandhi Ji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, are on display at the Wax World Museum in Ooty. Beautiful wax reproductions of famous people from the world of society, like Mother Teresa and the late Indian President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, are also on show at the wax museum. A wax statue replica of a man who was seriously hurt while driving while intoxicated is one of the life-size statues, and the other is an Arab man smoking hookah or shisha, which stands out from the others but is still a sight to behold.