Awesome Ooty

 Ooty

Ooty officially Udhagamandalam, anglicized: Ootacamund abbreviated as Udhagai is a town and municipality in the Nilgiris district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located 86 km (53 mi) northwest of Coimbatore, and is the headquarters of Nilgiris district. Situated in the Nilgiris hills, it is known by the epithet "Queen of Hill Stations", and is a popular tourist destination.

Originally occupied by the Toda people, the area came under the rule of the East India Company in the 18th century. It later served as the summer capital of Madras Presidency. The economy is based on the hospitality serving tourism and agriculture. The town is connected to the plains by the Nilgiris ghat roads and Nilgiris mountain railways.

The earliest reference to Nilgiri hills is found in the Tamil Sangam epic Silappathikaram from the 5th or 6th century CE. The region was a land occupied by various tribes such as Badagas, Todas, Kotas, Irulas and Kurumbas.The region was ruled by the three Tamil kingdoms of Cheras, Cholas and the Pandyas during various times. The Todas are referenced in a record belonging to Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana and his general Punisa, dated 1117 CE. Ooty is located in the Nilgiri hills, which are part of the Western ghats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is separated from the neighboring state of Karnataka by the Moyar river in the north and from the Anaimalai and Palani hills in the south by the Palghat Gap. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 metres (7,350 feet) above sea level. The total area of the town is 30.36 km² (11.72 sq mi). Doddabetta is the highest peak (2,623 m or 8,606 ft) in the Nilgiris, about 10 km (6.2 mi) from Ooty.

Places to visit in Ooty: 

1. Doddabetta is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Mountains at 2,637 metres (8,652 ft). There is a reserved forest area around the peak. It is 9 km from Ooty, on the Ooty-Kotagiri Road in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a popular tourist attraction with road access to the summit. It is the third highest peak in South India next to Anamudi and Meesapulimala. The peaks Hecuba (2375 m), Kattadadu (2418 m) and Kulkudi (2439 m) are the three closely linked summits in the west of the Doddabetta range near to Udagamandalam. The word Doddabetta is derived from Kannada,meaning 'big hill'.

2. Ooty lake is an artificial lake near Ooty in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. It covers an area of 26 hectares (64 acres). The boathouse 

3. The Pykara is a river 19 kilometres (12 mi) from Ooty in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu with a village by the same name nearby. The Pykara River is considered very sacred by the Todas. It rises at Mukurthi peak, flows northwards, and then turns to the west after reaching the edge of the plateau. The river flows through Mukurthi, Pykara and Glenmorgan dams, and forms part of an important hydro-electric power project.

The river flows over a series of waterfalls, the last two of 55 metres (180 ft) and 61 metres (200 ft) being known as Pykara Falls.The falls are approximately 6 kilometres (4 mi) from the bridge on the main road. There is a forest rest house at Pykara. A boat house on the Pykara reservoir is an added attraction for tourists. Pykara boasts well-protected, fenced sholas, Toda settlements, large grassy meadows and good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam, falls and reservoir attract many tourists.

4. The Government Rose Garden (formerly known as the Jayalalithaa Rose Garden, Centenary Rose Park and Nootrandu Roja Poonga) is situated on the slopes of the Elk Hill in Vijayanagaram of Ooty town in Tamil Nadu, India at an altitude of 2200 meters. The Rose Park was established at Vijayanagaram in Ooty town to commemorate the Centenary Flower Show in the Government Botanical Gardens, Udagamandalam in May 1995. The flowers are arranged in five curving terraces covering four hectares. The garden is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department.

 

One of the many places which I personally liked is the chocolate factory (main branch) located near Gandhi Nagar, Ooty, Tamil Nadu.

Foods famous in Ooty: 

1. Avial

Generally, only crisp vegetables are used in avial. Vegetables commonly used in avial are elephant foot yam, plantain, ash melon (wax gourd), carrots, beans, brinjal (aubergine), cucumber, drumstick pods, snake gourd and broad bean, etc.Bhima was in a quandary, all he had was a good amount of different vegetables, and some coconuts. So, as the story goes, Bhima cut and boiled all the veggies together and mixed them with grated coconuts and curd, thus inventing Avial.

2. Neer Dose ( Neer meaning water)

Ooty serves to be the ultimate food heaven for dosa-lovers. A famous variant of this dish is the Neer Dosa. It is available as a thin, airy, and immensely light breakfast dish that will keep you satiated anOd full for long. It is prepared out of a thin rice batter along with a delicious stuffing of potatoes and coconut.

3. Kozhi Varutharachathu curry (Chicken curry)

A typical curry from the Indian subcontinent consists of chicken stewed in an onion- and tomato-based sauce, flavoured with ginger, garlic, tomato puree, chilli peppers and a variety of spices, often including turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom.

In conclusion, Ooty is a paradise for nature lovers and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The best way to explore the scenic beauty of Ooty is to take a leisurely stroll through the winding lanes and explore the various attractions. You can also take a boat ride on the Ooty Lake, take a jeep safari or take a leisurely stroll through the winding lanes and explore the various attractions. Whatever you choose, Ooty is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.