OOty and Hills
OOTY /
UDHAGAI / UDHAGAMANDALAM / OOTACAMUND
Udhagamandalam, which is
the Head Quarters of the
district, is the largest and most
important hill station in south India. This
principle station on the Nilgiris is
at an elevation of 2286 meters and
situated at the center of the district.
It is an extensive valley enclosed on
all sides but the west by a
lofty range of hills. The name of the ooty or
Ootacamand was first mentioned in about 1821 in the
Madras Gazette which was then spelt as
"Wotokymund" by an anonymous
correspondent who was one among
the Europeans to set an eye on
Ootacamand. It is also fondly called the Queen of Hill Stations.
Tourism -COONOOR
The Coonoor ghat road rapidly supplemented all
other routes to the Nilgiris, and Coonoor at the head of this ghat which
possessed essential advantages gained its importance. CoonoorStands on a
lower ridge of the plateau at an altitude of 1,858 mts. and has a
railway station on the Mettupalayam - Udhagamandalam route. Coonoor is an
important trade centre for tea and the Tea Board of India, has a branch office
here.
Around and near Coonoor, the travellers and
tourists could enjoy the beautiful places of interest like Sim's Park, the Lady
Canning's Seat. Lamb's rock. Dolphine's Nose, the Law's Falls, the Droog,
Tourism- Gudalur
Ooty,Coonoor and Kotagiri lies in the upper plateau
of Nilgiri and Gudalur lies in lower plateau. it is the headquarter of the
Taluk and lies about 51kms,West of Udhagamandalam below the Ghats at an
elevation of 1,180mts,above M.S.S on the way to Mysore.the name of the place
means junction village. Most of the Gudalur area is green carpeted.
NEEDLE ROCK POINT
It is 8kms, on Gudalur-Ooty road,this view point
gives you a 360 degree view. Thesunset from here on clear days is guaranteed to
take your breath away. A panoramic view of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and
Gudalur town far below, is a visual treat from this view point.
FROG HILL VIEW POINT
It is about 12kms on Gudalur-Ooty road.from here
and can see Frog shape of a Hill view.
SANTHANAMALAI MURUGAN TEMPLE
The temple where you can realise the wonders of
Nature,is 19kms,from Gudalur.It is Surrounded by Valleys,Streams and water
falls whichsound is very soothimg and mesmeric effect. One can enjoy by seeing
Cardamom,Clove,Pepper,Tea and Coffee plantations on the way to the Temple.
NELLIYALAM
It is 20kms from Gudalur. A few ruins of historical
Ummatur Dynasty can see here.
NUMBALAKOTTAH
8 kms from Gudalur.A shrine of Betterayasamy (lord
of the hunts) with sub-shrine built in Kerala style is present . Wynad scenes
are visible from here.
NELLAKOTTA
It is about 15kms from Gudalur. A dilapidated fort
is here.
CHERAMBADI
35 kms from Gudalur. It is extreme Western corner
which has plantations and MICA mines. Sulthan Bathery is very near.
Tourism -KOTAGIRI
Kotagiri which is about 30 km. east of
Udhagamandalam, 23 km. from Coonoor and 33 km. from Mettupalayam is one of the
oldest and the largest of the hill stations. It is situated at a height of
6511' above the mean sea level and it possesses an agreeable climate among the
hill stations of the district. It is protected by the Doddabetta range from the
violent southwest monsoon and is not affected by mists which are so common at
Coonoor. The lower elevation of the place makes it warmer than Udhagamandalam.
These advantages in the climate make the station a fine health resort. Kotagiri
stands at the head of a fine ravine running down towards Mettupalayam.
The place was known in the past as “Kota-Keri” or
(Kota-gherry) the street (or line of homes) of Kotas”. In fact, there was a
Kota settlement there and it was only in 1911 when the lands occupied were
acquired by government for sanitary improvement purposes and the Kota
settlement had to be shifted, to 'Aggal' hamlet, 2 km. away from Kotagiri. The
temple of the Kotas dedicated to the deity 'Kamataraya' still remains there and
has been renovated. The Kotas worship at this temple every month and the
annual festival which takes place on the “Arudra Dharshan” day at this temple
is of great importance to all the Kotas of the distrct.
John Sullivan, the first Englishman to set foot on
the Nilgiri hills pitched his tent near a village by name Dimbatti which is
very close to Kotagiri.
Tourism -NATIONAL PARK
Hills and Peaks
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Nilgiris has a number of grassy undulating hills.
They are divided by narrow valleys and swamps. W. Francis observes, the plateau
is a true table land, its average height being very uniform. But there is not a
square mile of level ground in the whole of it, its surface being broken by
endless undulations which in places swell into considerable and distinct
ranges".
Doddabetta: (11024' N, 76047' E - height: 2636 mts)
The eminent range
of heights which runs north-south in the middle of the plateau, reaches its
highest point at Doddabetta at about 4 km east south east from Udhagamandalam.
Hecuba (2375 metres) Kattadadu (2418 metres) and Kulkudi (2439 metres) are the
three closely linked heights in west of Doddabetta range and nearby
Udhagamandalam. In the Nilgiris plateau Doddabetta is highest peak of the
Nilgiris district remarkable for the flattened curve of its summit. Thick woods
decorate the hollows of its slopes. Slightly stunted, rhododendron trees, in
the midst of thick coarse grass, flowering sub-elphine shrubs and herbs are
common sight even very near to the peak.
Snowdon: (11026' N, 76046' E - Height: 2530 Mts).
This is the
northern eminence of the range, which has Doddabetta in south. The Club Hill
(2448 metres) and the Elk Hill (2466 metres) are other two significant
elevations in this range. Snowdon, Club Hill and Elk Hill along with the
Doddabetta, form among themselves the impressive UDHAGAMANDALAM VALLEY.
Devashola: (Height 2261 Mts)
Notable for its
blue gum trees, the Devashola stands majestically in south of Doddabetta range
Kulakombai: (Height 1707 Mts)
To the east of the
Devashola, the Kulakombai hill attracts one's attention. The height of the
Bhavani Valley and the Lambton's peak range of the Coimbatore district
stretches before us from here.
Hullikal Durg: (11019'N, 76053'E)
Huli means
"Tiger" in Canarese. So, Hulikal Durg means Tiger Rock Fort. The
Sanskrit name of his place is Bakasura Parvata situated at 3 km. south east of
Coonoor. Pitch tropical forest flourishes at the base of this hill, while the
valleys support only green foliage.
Coonoor Betta: (Height 2101 Mts)
This is also
called Teneriffe. Standing on the northern side of the gorge, accommodating the
railway track to Coonoor.
Rallia Hill: (11025' N, 76053'E - Height : 2248
Mts.)
In the midst of
reserved forest, almost equidistant from Udhagamandalam and Kotagiri.
Dimhatti Hill: (11026'N, 77001'E - height: 1788
Mts)
This peak is above
the Gajalahatti pass, which provided a short cut from Mysore to the caranatic
plains and was, therefore, of much strategic importance in eighteenth century.
This peak, dedicated to the Deity Rangaswamy is considered holy by the people
of the surrounding villages.
Peaks at Mukurthi NP
In the Nilgiri
Plateau the Kundah range of hills serves like a ridge on the south-western
side. With the elevation greater than the general level of the plateau, the
range also possesses a few peaks, closely approximating the height of
Doddabetta.
The Avalanche hill
of this range has twin-peaks of the Kudikkadu (2590 metres) and the Kolari
(2625 Metres)
Derbetta or Bear Hill (Height: 2531 meters)
Kolibetta (2494 metres)
Another height,
deserving notice here is the Derbetta or Bear Hill (2531 meters) and Kolibetta
(2494 metres). The peaks south of the Ouchterlony valley, are just the
continuation of the Kundah range.
The
Pichalbetta (2544 Meters) The Nilgiri Peak (2474 metres) and The Mukurthi Peak (2554 Meters) are the important heights of this area. The hills of the
Wynaad are generally poor in relation to other height of the district; yet they
do impress the traveler because of the generally uniform level of this area.
The highest peak in the part of the district, is the Maruppanmudi hill (11031'
N, 76027' E) which is 10 km. West north from Gudalur. Its height is 1528
meters. The The other height deserving notices are the Needle Rock, the
Hadiabetta Hill (1155 meters) and the Glulur hill (1148 metres)
Chinna Doddabetta (11028' N, 760 45' E - Height:
2392Mts.)
This is about five
km. south of Udhagamandalam.
Konabetta: (11030' N, 76046' E - Height:2066 Mts)
This is about 5
km, north-norheast of Udhagamandalam. This is also called Sigur Peak.
Koodal Betta: (11028'N, 76050'E - Height: 2183
Mts.)
The name of this
hill means 'Echoing rock' This is about 13 km from North-east of
Udhagamandalam.
Kundah Betta: (11017'N, 76043'E - Height: 1998
Mts.)
This is About 10
km of South-southwest of Udhagamandalam.
Kundah Mugi: (11024' N, 76051'E - Height: 2344)
This is about 11
km of east of Udhagamandalam,
Dolphin's Nose: (11022'N, 76054' E )
This is
promonotory over the Kotagiri valley about 6 km.east-northeast of Coonoor. The
place provides a hilarious view of the Catherine falls and to vast expanse of
verdant plains.
Ibex Hill: (11027' N, 76035' E)
This is about 17
km., west-southwest of Udhagamandalam; this is a straight cliff in the
proximity of Sigur Pass.
Muttunadu Betta: (11027' N, 76043' E - Height:2323
Mts)
This is about 5
Km, north northwest of Udhagamandalam.
Tamrabetta: (Coppery Hill) (11022' N, 76048' E -
Height: 2120 Mts.)
This is about 8
km., south east of Udhagamandalam
Vellangiri (Silvery Hill) (Height 2120 Mts)
16 km
west-northwest of Udhagamandalam and measures 2120 metres.
Tourist Information
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OOTY
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Distance from Ooty bus stand
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Places
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in km
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Places
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in km
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Botanical Gardens
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2
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Dever Betta View Point
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40
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Lake
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1
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Parsons valley
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18
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Dodabetta Peak
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11
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Wenlock Downs
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8
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Pykara Dam & Boat house
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21
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Western Catchment
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40
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Pykara Water falls
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23
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Kamaraj Sagar Dam
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10
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Kalhatty water falls
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14
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Mukurthi Peak & Mukurthi National park
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40
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GOVT. Musuem
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2
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Cairn Hill
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6
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Valley View
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4
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Mini Garden
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0
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Glenmorgan
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17
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Rose Garden
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3
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Upper Bhavani
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60
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Deer Park
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2
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Avalanche
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20
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Mudumali Wildlife Sanctuary
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67
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CONOOR
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GUDALUR
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KOTAGIRI
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Places
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In Kms
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Places
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In Kms
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Places
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In Kms
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Sim'sPark
Law falls
Lamb's
Rock
Dolpin's
Nose
Droog
Kattary
Dam & Water falls
Kundah dam
Ralliah
Dam
Kodamalai
view point
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3
7
8
12
17
14
30
10
8
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Numbala
kotta
Thorapalli
hanging Bridge
Needle
Point View
Frog Hill
View Point
Nella
Kotta
Theppakkadu
Nelliyalam
Cherambadi
Segur
Water Falls
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8
10
12
14
15
17
20
35
30
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Kodanad
View Point
St.Catherine
Water Falls
Rangaswami
Peak
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16
6
16
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Travel Info - How to get here
Nearest Airport is Coimbatore (100 Kms)
Nearest broad gauge railway head is in
Mettupalayam(46 Kms). Major broadgauge and metre gauge railway juinction is
Coimbatore (89 kms). Coimbatore is connected with all major cities.
Mettupalayam to Ooty, is connected Mountain Railway. To reach Ooty by Mountain
Railway is 4 hours journey.
Ooty is connected by good motorable road.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
City Bus, Taxi and Auto available.
Road Distance from Ooty in Kms
Place
Kms
Coimbatore 89
Coonoor 18
Kotagiri 31
Calicut Via – Gudalur) 187
Mysore 160
Bangalore 290
Cochin (Via – Coimbatore, Palakkad) 281
Trichy(Via – Coimbatore, Palani) 302
Places of Worship
Coimbatore 89
Coonoor 18
Kotagiri 31
Calicut Via – Gudalur) 187
Mysore 160
Bangalore 290
Cochin (Via – Coimbatore, Palakkad) 281
Trichy(Via – Coimbatore, Palani) 302
Places of Worship
TEMPLES: Murugan Temple, Elk Hill, Venkateshwara Perumal Yemple, Sri Mariamman
Temple,Subramania Swamy Temple, Vittoba Temple, Balamurugan Temple, Iyappa
Temple, Muniswarar Temple, Jain Temple, Mooyulaka Arasiaamman Temple,Kandal and
Kaasi Viswanatha Swamy Temple,Kandal.
CHURCH: St. Stephen's Church, Union Church, Holy Trinity Church, St.Thomas Church, Sacred Heart Church, St.Mary's Church, St Theresa's Church and Kandal Shrine.
MOSQUE: Big Mosque, Lower Bazaar.
MUTT: Ramakrishna mutt, Ramakrishna puram, Ooty. Narayana Gurukulam, Manjanakorai, Ooty. Abu Babajee Trusttt, Wood Cock Road, Ooty. Diyanamyam (PBKS) Ettins road, Ooty. Raghavendra Mutt, Bombay Castle, Ooty, Dakshinamurthy Madalayam, Kandal, Ooty, Sampoorna Ashram, Naduhatty, Kattabettu Post, Nilgiris, Bahai Prayer Hall, Snow down road for prayer, Yoga, Meditation etc.
CHURCH: St. Stephen's Church, Union Church, Holy Trinity Church, St.Thomas Church, Sacred Heart Church, St.Mary's Church, St Theresa's Church and Kandal Shrine.
MOSQUE: Big Mosque, Lower Bazaar.
MUTT: Ramakrishna mutt, Ramakrishna puram, Ooty. Narayana Gurukulam, Manjanakorai, Ooty. Abu Babajee Trusttt, Wood Cock Road, Ooty. Diyanamyam (PBKS) Ettins road, Ooty. Raghavendra Mutt, Bombay Castle, Ooty, Dakshinamurthy Madalayam, Kandal, Ooty, Sampoorna Ashram, Naduhatty, Kattabettu Post, Nilgiris, Bahai Prayer Hall, Snow down road for prayer, Yoga, Meditation etc.
Tourism Information can be had from The
Tourist Officer, Ooty
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Office/Officer
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Phone Number(0423)
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Tourist Officer
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2443977
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TTDC Old Boat House
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2446801
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Manager, Youth Hostel , Ooty
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2443665
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