Jun 13, 2006 10:07 PM
4881 Views
Our trip to Ooty (for about a week) has a deep momentous magnitude because it was our Honeymoon Trip!
OOTY – An Overview
Udagamandalam, being the original name of Ooty, is situated at an altitude of about 2,240 meters above the sea level. The magnificent, breathtaking and expeditious journey to this Capital of Nilgris District indisputably proves Ooty to be the “Queen of Hill Stations”.
TOY TRAIN
The most exciting & attractive feature involved in the journey to Ooty is by the TOY TRAIN, which runs from the Mettupalayam railway station to Ooty. The Toy Train wends its way through many spine-tingling curves and bends & through totally dead dark tunnels. Though it is a very slow journey, the first time it would be quite interesting as you get to see exquisite tea plantations, luxuriant vegetations, the brooks, and also, now and then a few moving clouds trying to slightly embrace you and a lot more!! So, definitely please don’t miss the Toy Train journey during your Ooty trip !
Botanical Garden
Every vacationer would be first and spontaneously reminded of the Botanical Garden on hearing the name ‘Ooty’. This is one of the ancient Gardens in Ooty spread over about 70 acres of land, but very well-maintained and made colorful according to changing trends. Every summer, Flower Shows would be arranged & the Garden would be swamped with lakhs of tourists during this season. This certainly is a must-see place in Ooty which surely gives a peaceful & enthusiastic mood.
Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is very near the Botanical Garden, and contains about thousands of different varieties of roses. Off-season, the rose garden might appear a bit dry & weird, but during summer, the roses are very fresh and multihued !
Lake
I don’t know what’s the name of this Lake in the city central area. But we were informed that initially it was smaller lake by nature which was then extended to a very vast area and has subsequently become the key-spot for the sightseers. There are 2-Seater, 4-Seater & motor boats and you could choose something as per your strength. The prices start from Rs.20/- per head for ½ an hour. Around the lake area, there are a lot of horses to take you around the lake area and you could take a horse-ride for which the charges range from Rs.50/- per person for ½ an hour. It was a lovely & memorable experience for us !
Dottabetta
Situated about 10 – 12 Kms from Ooty city central, this (approx.) 3000 m peak is really worth a visit. Dottabetta is the 2nd highest peak in South India, which gives you a great & exhilarating view of the adjoining mountains. We enjoyed watching the scenery first completely covered by fog, then slowly as the murkiness moves away we get a lovely vision of the mountains, tea estates and the Connoor town. After you climb up the hill, shivering, it is a heavenly experience to drink the hot masala tea in the Stalls there. Also up the hill, there are shops busily selling snacks & biscuits. Don’t miss it !!
Pykara
We visited the enormous Pykara Lake but unfortunately it was closed due to heavy rains. Despite waiting for an hour, we didn’t have the luck to enjoy a boating there ! But then we paid a visit to the Pykara falls which resembles more of the Niagara & stumbling all the way to get to the Pykara Falls as the pathway is always kind of slimy due to constant rains is really an exciting & thrilling experience. At Pykara, TTDC (Tamilnadu Tourism) has a restaurant serving really excellent South-Indian food, so do visit the TTDC hotel also without fail. Since the Pykara is about 20 – 24 Kms from Ooty, the number of tourists is lesser when compared with the Botanical / Rose Gardens and hence it is enjoyable!!
The Mudumalai-Bandipur Wild Life Sanctuary(35 Kms from Ooty). Now there are very less animals & Government might try to concentrate more immediately for the betterment of this place.
Avalanch– about 25 Kms from Ooty, the Dam & the lakehere are admirable & outstanding !!
There are many shopping places near the Botanical Garden & you get right from fancy items to woolen clothing at very bargainable prices.
ENSOY A TOUR WHICH IS MORE THAN JUST A GETAWAY.......
