Ooty in the Southern Indian State of Karnataka is fondly called the "Queen of hill stations". Named among the most beautiful places in India, Ooty is set picturesquely in the Nilgiris, called the "Blue Mountains" of India. Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, Ooty enjoys pleasant weather year-long. Formerly it used to be popular summer getaway during the British Raj and now too is one of the most preferred holiday destinations in the South. Drawing visitors from far ends of the globe, Ooty tours are perfect for families, honeymoon couples, nature lovers, etc.
The major lure of Ooty is its beauty. Mists descend and settle on the hill-tops; lush tea gardens and coffee plantations are spread on the slopes, lakes dot the landscape and there are many more delights. The star attraction of a holiday in Ooty is the mountain train ride, also called the toy train. The Nilgiri Mountain Railways is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rail route commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam travelling through the many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels. The train slowly chugs beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. The ride is life-changing as you enjoy not just breath-taking beauty but also the splendid engineering that made such a thrilling ride possible in the early 20 th century.
The most scenic places to visit in Ooty include Avalanche Lake, Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Deer Park, Doddabetta Peak, Kalhatty Waterfalls, Kamraj Sagar Dam, Ooty Rose Garden, etc. The Mudumalai National Park is a beautiful reserve which is home to wildlife in their natural habitats. Even more interesting is Ooty’s tribal legacy. The town was the land of the Toda tribal community. Here, the Toda huts present a glimpse of the tribal lifestyle. The taste of home- made chocolates is one of the best things to do in Ooty. Enjoy boating at the lakes. Watch the scenic sunsets from the viewpoints. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival is an impressive event to enjoy the bliss of the town.
Whatever you choose to do in Ooty, relax, sightsee, try out adventure or create cherished memories, everything is possible. In fact, it makes for fond memories for a holiday!
