Ooty is a hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It is also known by its official name, Udhagamandalam or Ootacamund. Here’s a brief history of Ooty:
- Ooty was originally inhabited by the Toda tribe, who were known for their unique culture and tradition. They lived in the Nilgiri Hills for centuries before the arrival of the British.
- In the early 19th century, the British began to take an interest in the Nilgiri Hills as a potential summer retreat. They established a military base in Ooty and started building bungalows and other infrastructure.
- In 1827, John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore, discovered the potential of Ooty as a hill station and started developing it as a tourist destination. He also introduced tea cultivation in the region, which became a major source of income for the locals.
- Ooty quickly became a popular summer retreat for the British and Indian elite. The hill station was known for its cool climate, picturesque surroundings, and colonial architecture.
- After India gained independence in 1947, Ooty became a popular tourist destination for people from all over India. The hill station has since grown into a bustling town with a thriving tourism industry.
Today, Ooty is known for its natural beauty, tea plantations, and heritage architecture. Visitors can explore the many attractions in the region, including the Ooty Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, among others.
Here are some top tourist destinations in Ooty along with their history:
- Ooty Lake:
- History: Ooty Lake is an artificial lake created in the early 19th century by John Sullivan, the British collector of Coimbatore district. The lake was created to provide an additional source of water to the town of Ooty and its surrounding areas.
- Profile: Ooty Lake is a popular tourist attraction in Ooty, known for its serene surroundings and the recreational activities it offers. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is an ideal spot for boating and picnicking.
- Doddabetta Peak:
- History: Doddabetta Peak is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills, with an elevation of 2,637 meters above sea level. The peak was named by the British, and the name means “big mountain” in Kannada.
- Profile: Doddabetta Peak is a popular tourist attraction in Ooty, known for its stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors can take a trek up the mountain and enjoy panoramic views from the top.
- Government Botanical Garden:
- History: The Government Botanical Garden in Ooty was established in 1847 by the British, with the aim of introducing and promoting exotic plant species in the region.
- Profile: The Government Botanical Garden is a popular tourist attraction in Ooty, known for its extensive collection of rare and exotic plants. The garden has a variety of themed sections, including a fern house, an orchid house, a conservatory, and a bonsai garden.
- St. Stephen’s Church:
- History: St. Stephen’s Church is a historic church in Ooty, built in the 19th century by the British. The church was named after the first martyr of Christianity, Saint Stephen.
- Profile: St. Stephen’s Church is a popular tourist attraction in Ooty, known for its stunning stained glass windows and its gothic architecture. The church is also home to a historic pipe organ, which is one of the oldest in the country.
- Pykara Waterfall:
- History: Pykara Waterfall is a scenic waterfall located about 19 kilometers from Ooty. The waterfall is fed by the Pykara River, which originates in the Mukurthi Peak.
- Profile: Pykara Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction in Ooty, known for its picturesque surroundings and the recreational activities it offers. Visitors can take a dip in the cool waters or enjoy a boat ride on the Pykara Lake, which is located nearby.
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway:
- History: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a historic railway line that connects Ooty with the town of Mettupalayam in Tamil Nadu. The railway line was built in the early 20th century by the British and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Profile: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a popular tourist attraction in Ooty, known for its scenic route and the historic steam locomotives that run on the line. Visitors can take a ride on the railway and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Rose Garden:
- History: The Rose Garden in Ooty is a government-owned garden that was established in the 20th century. The garden was created to promote the cultivation of roses in the region and to showcase different varieties of roses.
- Profile: The Rose Garden is a popular tourist attraction in Ooty, known for its beautiful display of roses and other flowers. The garden has over 20,000 varieties of roses and is a must-visit destination for flower enthusiasts.
- Ooty Botanical Gardens:
- History: The Ooty Botanical Gardens were established in the mid-19th century by the British, with the aim of promoting the cultivation of exotic plant species in the region.
- Profile: The Ooty Botanical Gardens is a popular tourist attraction in Ooty, known for its stunning collection of exotic plants and trees. The garden has several themed sections, including a fern house, a bonsai garden, and a conservatory.
- Avalanche Lake:
- History: Avalanche Lake is a scenic lake located about 28 kilometers from Ooty. The lake was formed as a result of a landslide that occurred in the region in the 1800s.
- Profile: Avalanche Lake is a popular tourist attraction in Ooty, known for its serene surroundings and the recreational activities it offers. Visitors can enjoy fishing, camping, and trekking in the region around the lake.