Nilgiris- The Blue Mountains, Hill Stations in Tamilnadu, Nilgiris Hills,Nilgiris Hill Stations

Nilgiris- The Blue Mountains
Nilgiri means "Blue Mountains". The entire area of the Blue Mountains constitutes the present district of Nilgiri. The height of the hills in the Blue Mountain range varies between 2,280 and 2,290 metres, the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2,623 metres.

It's Location And Boundaries
High above the sea level, situated at the junction of the two ghat ranges of the Sahayadri Hills, Nilgiri district provides a fascinating view. Kerala on the west, the Mysore State on the north, and Coimbatore district on the east and south bound it. Headquarters of Nilgiris district is Udhagamandalam (also called as Ooty).

The Beauty Of Nilgiris
Nilgiris derives its charm from its natural setting. The steep hills and fantastically narrow valleys with numerous rivers and rivulets running in all directions with a few fine waterfalls here and there provide beautiful scenery. The temperate and most equable climate further heightens the attractiveness of the place. The major tea growing areas in the South are the Nilgiris and these tea gardens are beautiful to watch.

Adventure And Trekking In The Nilgiris
The Nilgiris are a trekker's paradise. Landscaped by nature, the hills abound in trek for lovers of nature. There are treks and treks in whichever direction you turn and from whichever point you start. A trek can be full of thrill, excitement and adventure and a way of seeing and enjoying nature in all its beauty and splendour.

Trekking pamphlets are available with the Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association (NWLEA). There are guides who have sound knowledge of certain areas. If necessary, their services may be hired. And for further details contact the Tourist Information Office at Charing Cross, Ooty.

Fairs & Festivals

The Flower and Fruit Show

The annual Flower Show at Ooty and the Fruit Show at Coonoor are the important cultural events, deserving special mention.

Leisure

Shopping

Just about anything available in the cities can be had at Ooty with the added attraction of leisurely shopping. Exclusive Nilgiri products including Nilgiri tea, fruits, natural oils like Eucalyptas, Toda embroideries, plant nurseries are easily available in the town. Co-operative Super Market and Municipal Market are some of the best places for shopping fruits and general groceries. Kairali of Kerala Handicrafts and Poompuhar of Tamil Nadu Handicrafts have their showrooms near to Super Market Buildings on Charring Cross.

Eating Out

Blue hills
Chandan Vihar
Tandoor Mahal
Ooty Coffee House
Chinkos Chinese Restaurant
Hills Palace.

How To Get There

By Air

Coimbatore, 105-km from Ooty, is the nearest airport. It has daily flights to and from Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum.

By Rail

Ooty is on the narrow gauge railway connected to Mettupalayam (47-km), which is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai. The famous toy train connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and Coonoor.

By Road

A good network of roads and national highways connect Ooty with all major towns and cities. There are regular bus services to and from Coimbatore, Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Mysore, Palghat, Calicut, Tirupati and other important destinations in South India. Ooty is also well connected with major cities of Kerala and Karnataka.

Local Transport

Coonoor and Kotagiri are also well connected by road with the major cities and towns of the state. For local transportation, auto rickshaws and taxis are available.

Places To Stay

Accommodation is available at the hotels, guesthouses and lodges in the hill stations in the Nilgiris (Ooty and Coonoor). Coonoor has its share of luxury and budget hotels to guesthouses and picturesque resorts. Upper Coonoor is highly recommended.

In Ooty, varied accommodation options varying from luxurious and economy class hotels to lodges and resorts are available. Both Indian and Western style accommodation and food are available. Prior booking is advisable, especially during the summer months. It is also possible to get paying guest accommodations through brokers haunting the bus stand/railway station.

Climate

Temperate and Most Equable.

Summer

Max 25ºC, Min 10ºC.

Winter

Max 21ºC, Min 5ºC.

Rainfall

1,960 mm.

General Information

STD Code: 0423

Area

2,459-sq-kms.

Population

7,10,210 (1991 Census).

Altitude

2,280 and 2,290 metres.

Clothing

Heavy woollen in winter and light woollen in summer.

Languages

Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and English.

Location

Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu.

Useful Information

Tourist Information Centres

Tourist Office, Government of Tamil Nadu
Supermarket Complex
Charring Cross
Udhagamandalam-1

Hospitals

Ooty:
Government Hospital
H.F.M. Sait Memorial Hospital (Govt.)
Vijaya Nursing Home, Ettins Road
S.M. Nursing Home, Coonoor Road

Coonoor:
Government Lawley Hospital, Mount Road
Sagayamatha Hospital
Jaya Nursing Home, Supply Depot Road
Nunkum Hospital

Kotagiri:
Government Hospital

Banks / Money Changers

Ooty:
State Bank Of India, Commissioner's Road
State Bank Of Travancore, 102, Commercial Road
Syndicate Bank, Charring Cross
Canara Bank, 24, Commercial Road
Central Bank Of India, Charring Cross

Coonoor:
State Bank Of India, K.N.M. Compound
State Bank Of Travancore, Church Road
Syndicate Bank, Glen View
Canara Bank, Salam Road
Central Bank Of India, Mount Road

Kotagiri:
State Bank Of India, Kotagiri-down
Syndicate Bank
Canara Bank, Konavakarai
Central Bank

Source : hill-stations-india.com