Ooty
South India has fine hill stations located in the cool heights of the Western Ghats. The forested
ranges that seem tinted
with a delicate shade of blue are also known as the Nilgiris or the Blue
Mountains. Udhagamandalam or Ooty as it is commonly known, is located on these southern
ranges and has fine lakes, wooded trails, waterfalls, rock outcrops and splendid scenery
that make them delightful retreats from the heat of the plains.
 Ooty is the most popular hill station in Tamil
Nadu. Located
2,600 m. above sea level, it is known as the "Queen of Indian Hill Stations". A
little mountain train puffs up the hills to Ooty from Mettupalayam at
a maximum speed of 33 kms/hr. Coonoor is on the railway line from
Mettupalayam
to Ooty. This quaint little train takes you from Mettupalayam through 16
tunnels and girder bridges. The breathtaking view makes this journey
truly unforgettable. The nearest airport is situated at Coimbatore in the
plains and is connected by road to all the major towns in South India.
There are various sight seeing locations in and around Ooty like the Lake, the
Botanical Gardens, the Doddabetta Peak, the Mukurti Peak, Wenlock Downs, the Kalhatti
Falls, Elk Hill, Cairn Hill, Fern Hill, the Glen Morgan Lake, etc.
The big towns close to Ooty are Kotagiri (65 kms), Kundah (30 kms), Pykara (21 kms),
Wellington (17 kms), Mudumalai Sanctuary (60 kms) and Coimbatore (90 kms).
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