Couched amidst those gorgeous Nilgiri mountains of southern India, there is something unique about the erstwhile British township of Ooty. Year after year, it draws tourists, adventure enthusiasts, honeymooners and the film industry like bees to nectar.

Meet Mother Nature's pampered child!

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 Nilgiris 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 South Indian Tea!

South Indian Tea has gained recognition far and wide. India is the fifth largest tea producing belt in the world after China. In 1991, South India exported 50 million kg to over 30 countries. Tea and Tourism Festival is celebrated in the Nilgiri's Jointly by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in every January/February. Cultural programmes, visits to Tea Estates and factories, fun and frolic etc., mark this celebrations. Come to Nilgiri's, during this festival, when tea lovers from all over the world converge. An occasion not to be missed.

Look out for These Here!

» Mini Garden : At about one kilometre distance Tourist can visit this mini garden (Children's Lake Garden) which is on the way to Boat House. Children's amusement park is housed here. A snack bar is also available. It is maintained by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited .
Timings 8 a.m to 6 p.m

» Art Gallery : Lalit kala Academy : It is situated about 2 kms., from Udhagamandalam in the main Mysore road. It has various collections of contemporary paintings and sculptures all over from India.

» Rose Garden : It is located just 3/4 kms. away from Charring Cross. It lies with 10 acres of land with 1919 variety of roses.
Timings 8 a.m to 6 p.m

» Kotagiri : It is 31 kms. from Udhagamandalam. The climate is very salubrious which is 6503 feet above sea level. Kotagiri is shielded by the Doddabetta ranges which receives much of its rain from north west monsoon. One can enjoy a pleasure ride on road flanked by green tea beds on either side.

Shopping in Ooty

Shopping in Ooty would be a nice experience for the passionate shopper. Although the region does not have any specialty handicraft of its own, there are many other things for shopping in Ooty.
On the slopes of the great Nilgiri range, the region grows some of the best qualities of coffee and tea in India. The sprawling plantations and the heady smell are feast to senses. You may choose to buy some coffee or tea while shopping in Ooty.
Handmade chocolates are also popular items for shopping in Ooty. Also pick up aromatic oils and spices while shopping in Ooty.
Besides, there is the wide variety of handicrafts of Tamil Nadu. The ace craftsmen of Tamil Nadu are skilled in making fantastic Jewelry, painting, pottery, and stone crafts. Look for such artifacts as you go on shopping in Ooty. You may also come across some tribal crafts in the shops. The local bazaars are replete with private shops and Government run emporia, where you can shop till you drop. Many hotels have shopping arcades where of course the price would be a bit on higher side.

Connectivity

How to Reach Ooty by Air: The nearest airport from Ooty is Coimbatore (100kms). The domestic airport is connected to major airports in India, like: Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore.
How to Reach Ooty by Road: Good road network connects Ooty to many important cities in Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore.
How to Reach Ooty by Rail: Ooty has a railway station of its own which is connected by meter gauge tracks to Mettupalayam, which is turn connected to Coimbatore and Chennai.