Ooty
About Ooty
The Verdant hills, the lush green valleys and the
pristine natural beauty of the hill resort of Ooty offers the urban
tired souls a chance to resume their affair with Nature, to whom they
truly belong.
The heavenly hill resort like a blushing bride peeks from
behind lofty Nilgiri hills. The unassuming beauty of this heavenly
hill resort beckons you to come and and embrace the tranquility and
solace that Ooty has to offer.
The Hill resort of Ooty in Tamil Nadu, India,
is located in the midst of four high hills; Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk
hill and Club Hill. These hills belong to the Nilgiri range or the
'blue mountains.' A British Collector by the name of John Sullivan
discovered the hill station of Ooty and developed it as a summer
resort, realizing its potential. The original name of Ooty was
'Udhagamandalam, but it was shortened to 'Ooty' after the arrival of
British, which might have had something to do with the difficulty one
feels at pronouncing such a difficult name! Apparently the British
Collector was right about Ooty and now it is one of the most popular
hill stations in India, particularly of South India.
HISTORY IN BRIEF
The earliest that is known of the history of
Ooty, is that it was ruled by Vishnu Vardhana, the Hoysala King, from
1104 to 1141 AD. Later, after many years, it came under the rule of
the British East India Company, after the company signed a treaty with
the brave Tipu Sultan in 1799. This is when John Sullivan started the
development of the hill station and promoted it as an ideal summer
retreat. Lots of cottages, clubs and other buildings were built to
house and provide recreational facilities to the British officials.
Soon enough, the hill station was growing tea for its inhabitants, who
considered high tea to be an integral part of their day. Now, these
tea estates not only produce the favorite drink of millions of Indians
but also add to the charm and the beauty of the hill resort of Ooty
India.
CLIMATE AND THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
Ooty is a picturesque hill station that is
pleasant all through the year, so there is no 'wrong time' to visit
this place. Though many consider that the best time is from 'February
to May' or else from 'September to November'. If you prefer summers,
you can simply pack all your cotton clothing, along with a light
jacket, just in case there is a shower or drizzle. The winters are
somewhat cold, so it would be a good idea to carry your winter wear or
woolen clothing with you on tours to Ooty India.
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! with Ooty Tourism
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
About Wayanad
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Home to exotic legends, ancient
ruins, mysterious mountain caves, aborigine tribes, hidden treasures,
tree houses, jungle trails and exotic wild life, Kerala’s Wayanad
district is the perfect setting for a hundred great adventures!
The hills, rocks and valleys
which contribute to the very unique terrain of Wayanad provide for
exceptional adventure experiences. Mountains and forests intersperse
to create numerous outback trails, trekking routes and
opportunities for other adventure sports. With vast areas still
unexplored, Wayanad is truly an adventurescape waiting to be
discovered!
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Amongst the major tourist attractions in Wayanad are the two rock caves
of Edakkal Caves. Situated in the Ambukuthy Hills the caves are famous
for the ancient carvings and pictorial writings dating back to the
new Stone Age.
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a must visit for the nature as well as
the animal lovers. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an element of
the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Close by are the Nagarhole and Bandipur
National Parks. The fabulous flora and fauna of the sanctuary are a
major tourist attraction at Wayanad.
You may check out the coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber plantations that dot the hills of Wayanad
Pookat Lake is another spot to chill out in Wayanad. You may visit the
fresh water aquarium or the children's park, enjoying boating or even
shop for handicraft items and spices at the fresh water Pookat Lake
that is wrapped in high hills and gorgeous greens.
PLACES AROUND WAYANAD
The uninhabited Kuruvadweep Island is an excellent excursion option from
Wayanad. The birds, orchids and herbs at the island catch everyone's
interest.
On the banks of the Papanasini river is the Thirunelly Temple. The
Thirunelly Temple reveals the temple architecture and is worth more than
a visit.
For the adventure seekers there is the Chembra Peak situated at an
altitude of 2100 m. Trekking in the Chembra Peak of Wayanad is a popular
adventure sport activity.
Then there is Pakshipathalam situated in the Bramha Giri hills.
Pakshipathalam is a tourist spot that you may reach after trekking.
Pakshipathalam is renowned for the bird sanctuary that is home to
several rare species of birds.
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Valparai Hill Town bounded by mountains / meadows /
pastures / valleys / grass lands / waterfalls etc., to the
best of obtainable sources which in fact and anuthentic guide to
knowledge the obsolute joy of it.
The most prestigious, impressive, inspiring hill resort
of Tamilnadu.. Valparai keeps on flashing intermittent
brightness from the light house of the Manchester of India, rich in
tradition .. flora and fauna yet contemporary in out look,
it has a wealth of prestigious environment and the
majestic idea tobe identified is that Valparai, the enviable stature
inone's life is traced on Anamalai Hills of Western Ghats.
One could really make a splash and countless ways to
redistribute oneself if got to be in Valparai like
streams and waterfalls where one could cool off with a long leisurely
swim. The children could paddle to their heart's content
in the brook unlike the gushing waters and even for the
sunbathers, they could bas on the elevated platforms nearby it and for
those who would rather watch than wer their feer,
there's several other manner of amusement which could turn
anyone into much fitter, happier person.
The links provided on this page would further take you
and magnify the passion for this flamboyant land crowned
on the Western Ghats on one hand and "The Grass Hills" the solirary
.... lone ... only one of its kinds, rolling grass on the
other hand throw away every visiting individual in
ecstas
Manompally forest:
This reserve forest truly provides the icing on the cake
for Valparai. located at about 20 km from the town, this place is
sure to get your jaws dropping in fascination. Graced by the
manompally river(with a few crocodiles, of course), this reserve
forest provides adventurous treks, a high probability to sight some of
endangered species. There is a trekking shed( rest house) on the
banks of manompally river which doubles up as a base camp for those
bent on adventure.Prior permission from the Forest Department
required.
Grass Hills :
If manompally is the icing on the cake for Valparai
Grass Hills is the cherry on the top. There are no words to describe
this bejeweled beauty which adorns the crown of Valparai. Talk about
the most secluded, most beautiful, most enchanting and the most
peaceful place on earth, talk about grass hills.This is a paradise on
earth.Forming a part of Indira Gandhi National Park, Grass hills is a
remnant of the unique shola grasslands found only in the higher
reaches of the Western Ghats. The shola grasslands are a unique
ecosystem. A host of species found here, like the Nilgiri tahr and
Nilgiri Pipit, are not found anywhere in the world.The lush green
meadows present there are those ones see in their romantic dreams.
Patterns emerge in the unending carpet of grass a copse of shola trees
resembles a mango and another, the outline of India. The fire lines
drawn around them emphasise their shape. These are by far the only
things man-made in Grass Hills. Nature lovers and geologists in search
of 'Ox-bow' lakes are sure to find one too many. The door to this
place is strictly opened to nature lovers only.Prior permission from
the Forest Department required.
Athirapally falls:
A 80 km drive from valparai through one of the thickest
evergreen forests in india simulates the canopied rainforests of
Amazon and Central Africa. The conopy is so thick that any tough
effort taken by sunlight to enter the forest seems clumsy. Such is the
road that leads to the falls. Popularly known as 'Punnagai Mannan
falls' or 'the Indian Niagara', Athirapally falls has been the
backdrop for many south Indian movies. You can look at it from the top
and from the bottom as well. You can take bath in the Chalakudy river
too.On the way there are two other falls Charpa and Vazachal. In
charpa falls the water plunges on to the road in the monsoon, so get
ready to get drenched if you are visiting it in the rainy season.
Vazhachal waterfalls is set in the backdrop of a lush green forest
near gorges.
Nallamudi- Pooncholai(valley view):
Location: 15kms from valparai.
Nallamudi valley view can be reached thorough a gateway
in the tea garden. From here you can spot an excellent view anaimudi
peak, the highest peak in south india. There are few falls on the
valley one of which appear as streaks. This is truly a sight to
behold. The nearby tribal settlements provide ample opportunity to
satisfy the explorer in you.
Monkey falls:
Location:4kms from the Azhiyar park,near the Valparai- Navamalai diversion.
One of nature's finest and purest sources of minerals
and ayurvedic formulations, these falls truly rejuvenate your body and
mind.
Loams view point:
Location: 9th hairpin bend.
This gives a panoramic view of the Azhiyar dam. Consider
yourself lucky if you spot endangered Nilgiri Tahr, the State animal
of Tamil Nadu.
Tiger valley:
Location: Approximately 35 kms enroute Valparai.
Provides a spectacular view of Kadamparai and the upper
Azhiyar projects. Wind mills situated on the plains can be a feast to
the eyes, try zooming in your binocuars for a couple......
Carver marsh view point:
Location: In Kavarkal estate enroute valparai.
A statue of Sir Carver Marsh, the father of Anamalais
graces this place, which is covered in mist most of the year, but when
the skies are clear one can witness a breathtaking view of the
Sholayar Reservoir.
Balaji temple:
Location: Approximately 10 kms from Valparai.
Fables will tell you that the presiding deity here is not
any less powerful than Thirupathi Balaji himself. A private estate
makes sure that the abode of the lord is maintained in pristine
condition.Located amidst serene tea gardens, the silence and the climate
prevailing here makes it an ideal place to reinforce one's conviction
in the almighty. There is also a play area and a lawn for the tiny
tots.
Iraichal parai falls:
Location: 8 kms from Valparai near the Balaji temple.
The water originates from the springs in the Grass Hills
and it forms the perennial Nadumalai River which flows through
Valparai. Bathing in the falls is strictly prohibited as it provides
drinking water to the surrounding region. There is also a check dam on
the river.
Chinna Kallar:
Considered to be one of the wettest places in India at
par with Mawsymram, Cherrapunji and Agumbe. The waterfalls in this area
can be reached by an adventurous trek upon a hanging bridge, a legacy
of the British.
Dams in Valparai:
There are about 8 Dams in and around Valparai namely
Sholayar(one in TN and another in Kerala), Azhiyar, Parambikulam, Upper
Nirar, Lower Nirar, Kadamparai and Upper Azhiyar. Each dam has a
significance in its own way.
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Thiruvananthapuram which was previously called Trivandrum
is an ancient city with tradition dating back to 1000 BC.
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful
seaside city built on seven hills. It is located on the west coast of
India near the extreme south of the mainland spreading over a total of
2,192sq.km.
Tourist Attractions in Trivandrum
There are a number of tourist
attractions in Trivandrum, India. A must on every tourist itinerary
for Trivandrum, the Padmanabhaswami temple with its gopuram (tower)
soaring majestically upwards, is believed to be one of the 108 shrines
sacred to the Vaishnavites in India.
Besides this magnificent temple,
Trivandrum offers a great deal more. There is the Observatory to start
with, established over a hundred years ago in Trivandrum in India.
Several kings have also built their palaces in and around the
Trivandrum, India, each more impressive than the other. Despite a few
attempts at modernity, Trivandrum retains its discreet, old-world charm.
In Trivandrum one can visit the Museum with its profusion of gables and
turrets. A repository of fine works of art, the chief attraction here
is the 250-year-old temple car made for Lord Vishnu, artistically
designed and ornamented. Besides this, objects carved out of wood,
models of temple, antique jewelry, etc., make the museum worth a
visit.
Lying within the museum compound of Trivandrum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery
proves to be an ideal place for art lovers. The piece de resistance is
the large section devoted to the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, an
Indian painter of distinction in the history of the country's modern
art. Besides him, the Indian section also contains works of
Rabindranath Tagore, Jamimi Roy, K. K. Hebar, miniatures from the
Rajput and Mughal schools of painting and the famous Tanjore paintings
encrusted with semi-precious stones. The gallery's collection also
includes paintings from Indonesia, China, and Japan.
Then, of course, a trip to Trivandrum
in India is incomplete without a boat-ride on its enchanting
backwaters. These waterways of Trivandrum in India teem with life. One
can be seduced by the panorama of beautiful landscapes, beaches and
waterways, coconut palms and, of course, beautiful, friendly people of
Trivandrum in India.
Festivals of Trivandrum (India)
Onam is the main
festival of Trivandrum, which is celebrated in the month of August or
September. This is the harvest festival of Trivandrum and signifies
association of the people with agriculture. Christmas is the other
festival of this part of the country and Trivandrum wears a colourful
look during this time of the year. Classical Music Festival is
celebrated from January 27 to February 3 every year and is a great time
to enjoy for the lovers of pure classical music forms such as Carnatic
and Hindustani music in Trivandrum, India.
Aruvippuram
Aruvippuram is a pilgrim centre
located in a picturesque location, 24 kms from Trivandrum. It
is also a small but lovely picnic spot. The place derives its
name from a stream.
Beema Palli Mahotsavam
Beema Palli is a mosque situated on the
coast, nearly 5 kms south of Trivandrum city. The shrine is
dedicated to Beema Beevi, a pious muslim lady believed to have
divine powers.
Flavour Food Festival
Flavour, the exotic food festival provides
a rare opportunity to the gourmets to taste the traditional,
authentic Cuisine of Kerala and India. The national food
festival is held in Trivandrum from 5th to the 11th of April,
every year.
Kaudiar Palace
This palace, home of the late Maharaja
Sree Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family is off
limits to the public.
Koyikkal Palace
Koyikkal Palace, the ancient palace,
located 18 km from Trivandrum on the way to Ponmudi hillstation
and the Kuttalam waterfalls, dates back to the 15th century.
Kulathupuzha Temple
Renowned for the Sastha temple,
Kulathupuzha is situated on a forest range on the
Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road. .
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, a classic
specimen of Kerala Architecture is situated in 'Kuthiramalika'.
Napier Museum
The museum contains a fine collection of
Kerala's bronzes, ornaments and contumes, and a model of
"Tharawad' the traditional Nair family home.
Neyyar Dam
Neyyar dam, lying against the southern low
hills of the western ghats, 32 kms away from the Trivandrum
city is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam
site.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Neyyar sanctuary is spread over the
Southeast corner of the Western Ghats, and covers a total area of
128 sq kms. The Neyyar reservoir is easily navigable and
extends 9.06 sq. km.
Nishagandhi Festival
Every year, from February 21st to 27th
renowned classical dancers perform at the Nisangandhi, an open
air theatre in Trivandrum city.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
A place of elaborate woodwork, it was the
ancient seat of the Travancore rulers. It contains relics of
historical and artistic value.
Paripally Gajamela
Paripally, 48 kms north of Trivandrum is
noted for its Gajamela or Elephant pageant. Over 50 elephants
are taken out on a ritual procession on the tenth day of the
festival (February- March)
Priyadarshini Planetarium
Priyadarshini Planetorium is one of the
most sophisticated and versatile planetaria in India
Sankhumugham Beach
Located 8 kms from (Trivandrum)
Thiruvananthapuram city, the Shankhumugham Beach is a favourite
haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the
Trivandrum Airport and Veli Tourist Village. The long stretch
of clean sand is located near the airport. The water here,
however, is not suitable for bathing.
Science & Technology Museum
The Science and Technology Museum,
situated in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) was established with the
prime objective of setting up of galleries with working or
animated and participatory type of exhibits, on all disciplines
of Science and Technology.
Sree Chitra Art Gallery
Located in the Napier Museum grounds, Sree
Chitra Art Gallery displays select Paintings of Raja Ravi
Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from
the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. The
collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and
Bali.
Swathi Festival
Swathi festival is a gala event of music
organised by the Government of Kerala every year in the last
week of January. The venue is the famous Kuthiramalika Palace.
Vettukadu Perunal
The Madre De Teus Church, popularly known
as Vettukadu church, is situated around 7 kms from Trivandrum
(Thiruvananthapuram). The annual festival of the church is
celebrated over the ten days culminating in the last Sunday of
the laturgical year. .
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Caves
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave basically
constitutes the rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the
cave temple at Vizhinjam.
Aattukal Pongala
The Aattukal Bhagavathi Temple
dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathi is situated in Trivandrum
city. Pongala, an exclusive festival for women, falling in
February/ March, is the speciality of this temple.
Peppara wildlife sanctuary
Peppara wildlife sanctuary is a
'gene pool' sanctuary, with a rich variety of flora and fauna
over a rugged terrain with running rivulets, rolling hillocks and
green meadows. A boat ride on the site is a fulfilling experience.
Public Park
Truly a representative of the
clean and verdant aspect of the city, the Public Park houses many
important institutions, like the Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The
observatory on the Observatory hill is also located in the
Public Park.
Veli Tourist Village
A large recreational centre
located near the airport along a sheltered lagoon offers
landscaped gardens and water-sports facilities. It is a popular picnic
spot. Accommodation facilities are available in the youth
hostel.
Vizhinjam
Near Kovalam, it's a fishing
port, which is also important for an ongoing pioneer project to generate
electricity from wave energy.
Excursions from Trivandrum
Anchunthengu Fort
(36Km.)
The historic remains of the Anchunthengu
Fort in Trivandrum built by the English East India Company in
the 17th century, and an adjoining cemetery are noteworthy
relics of this first major British trading station on the
Malabar coast.
Aruvikkara
(16Km.)
It is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic
spot, with a waterfall nearby. On the banks of the Karamana
River, the spot houses a temple, where a rock cut shrine is
dedicated to Goddess Bhagvathy, the divine embodiment of female
power. A stream with fishes, which come up to be fed by
visitors, is another attraction.
Kovalam Beach
(16Km.)
Kovalam is one of the most popular beach
hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and
truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing
look.
Ponmudi
(61Km.)
The salubrious hill station of Ponmudi is
at a distance of 61 kms from Trivandrum. The enchanting bounty
of nature can be witnessed here in the quiet surroundings. more..
Varca Beach
(41Km.)
If one staying in Benaulim, one is bound
at some point to visit Varca: the row of beached wooden fishing
boats 2-km south of Benaulim
Beema Palli
(5Km.)
An important Muslim pilgrim centre, it is
dedicated to Beema Beevi, a pious Muslim lady believed to have
possessed divine powers. Devotees of all faiths visit the
mosque.
Vettukad Church
(7Km.)
The 'Madre De Deus' Church popularly known
as the Vettukad Church attracts thousands of devotees from all
religions. The annual celebration here is called the 'Feast Of
Christ, The King'.
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