Bordering the Karanataka and Kerala
states, the Nilgiris or blue mountains, is a veritable fairyland. It has hill stations at
various altitudes. There are cloud-kissed peaks, dense (not so dense now, thanks to man
and industries) forests, rushing streams, undulating emerald green plains, breath-taking
views of heights and hills and of sudden drops, valleys and glades.
In extent it is unique for its elevation, natural beauty and tourist spots. Niligiris
tableland comprises of several types of scenery and the long range of green hills (locally
called 'downs').
Ooty is the only hill station in india which attracts visitors during all seasons. It has
built up a fame as the `all-seasons -hill resort' and the `queen of hill stations'. Over
2,300 metres above sea-level, her moods change with every season, but each of her moods is
hospitable to the visitor. The summer temperature varies between 10� c and 25� c, and
the winter temperature between 0�c and 21�c. The average annual rainfall is 121 cms. If
you find unable to bear the cold of Ooty, you can switch off to milder climates within
half an hour by driving to Coonoor in the south east or to Kotagiri in the north east.
Nestling among the hills at a point where the Eastern Ghats meets the Western Ghats, the
district headquarter town of Uthagamandalam sprawls along a beautiful plateau. The Eastern
Ghats are mighty and attractive while the Western ghats have wooded loveliness. Nature
unfolds itself in and around Ooty in a myriad of profiles, each one with a distinctive
grandeur and individuality.
To this natural charm, several attractions compel the tourist to stay on for extended
periods with comfort. The first British came to Ooty in 1812. He was followed by a few
hundred European missionaries, educationist and civil servants. Finally, the hill stations
attracted many Europeans so much so that it became the summer capital of the then vast
Madras presidency, or the present Tamil nadu State, which consisted of 75% of what we call
South India today. Soon, Indian princes or Maharajas (who were the ruler of various areas
and territories throughout India and industrialists built their palaces and mansions. Some
of these stately buildings have now been converted into hotels (e.g. Tamilagam Palace,
Savoy).
Ooty's main industry is oil extraction particularly from the eucalyptus trees introduced
during the 19th century, and also from lemon grass, geranium, clove and camphor. |
