Udagamandalam (OOTY)

Udagamandalam, better known as OOTY, is a hill station in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and serves as a popular tourist and honeymooning destination for Indians. Me and my husband Ranabir also visited Ooty as our honeymoon trip. Tucked away in the Nilgiris, this hill station is connected by the century-old Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which is among the oldest running trains in India and gives some stunning views of the valley as you head over from Coonoor to Ooty in this mini-locomotive.Nestled in the ‘Blue Mountains’ of the Nilgiris, Ootacumund or Ooty stands at over 2,200 metres and has all the staples of a charming hill station. With cool temperatures all through the year, its inviting setting amidst verdant green hills has rightfully earned Ooty the moniker, ‘Queen of the Hills’. Quaint bungalows and heritage buildings reflect Ooty’s colonial past and make it an ever-growing and popular holiday destination in southern India.

Places to visit in OOTY:

Doddabetta peak: is a short drive from town, about 7 kms.The highest mountain at over 2.600 metres in the Nilgiris Hills, Doddabetta Peak is ensconced by dense forests of eucalyptus and rhododendron trees. The observatory atop the peak offer 360-degree panoramic views of the pristine surroundings.

Tea garden: which is 2 kms from Doddabetta peak is a perfect destination for photographers. The picturesque lush green tea garden is a treat to eye.The visit to Ooty Lake was fun. Golf course: The Ootacamund Gymkhana Club, situated on the rolling Wenlock Downs at a height of 7000 ft above sea level, is one of the finest natural golf courses in the world. With the Avalanchi range in the surrounding and heavily wooded treeline that consists of eucalyptus, oak, rhododendron and fir, Ooty Golf is a very challenging course to play in the midst of thick woods.9th mile: The name itself suggests that 9th mile is located 9 miles away from ooty city. It is one of the best scenic view in Ooty. Pykara is near to the 9th mile. This is also one of the most attractive tourist spot. It is fully sorrounded by lush green, mountains and dense forest .

Pykara lake: The view and the lake itself is excellent. There is some sort of calm and it is slightly away from all the madness of ooty. The boat ride is nice.

Kamraj sagar dam: The kamraj sagar dam is a serene place with a spectacular view of the dam.Botanical garden: It has a terraced layout and covering an overall area of 55 acres. It was filled with lush green trees, ferns and grass. It was such a pleasure walking around the green garden. 

The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary also a declared tiger reserve lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri hills(Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District.
Must Eat: Handmade Chocolates: Handmade chocolates are a sweet and popular indulgence in Ooty. Sold by weight, choose from a wide selection of locally made chocolates from King Star Confectioners or Modern Stores in town.Tea: While in Ooty, your choice beverage will most likely be a hot cup of tea. Made using locally grown tea, varieties of tea available include green, spice and black. A tea sampler from Nilgiri Tea makes for great gifts!Varkey: An Ooty special, varkey is a type of snack made of wheat, butter and sugar. Usually served with tea, you can find freshly made varkey at any bakery in Ooty.

By Air: The nearest airport to Ooty is in Coimbatore, which under a 100 kilometres away. The drive from Coimbatore Airport to Ooty’s city centre approximately takes up to four hours.

By Road: Ooty is accessible by road and makes for a great drive from Bengaluru (295 kilometres), Kozikhode (185 kilometres) and other nearby towns like Coonoor and Kotagiri. Public state buses and private taxis ply from nearby towns and cities in Karnataka and Kerala.

By Train: The charming Nilgiris Mountain Railway runs between Mettupayalam and Ooty. The ascend takes about four hours with picture postcard views accompanying you throughout.