OOTY - The original name of the place was Udhagamandalam, The name Udhagamandalam is derived from the TODA word "othakal-mund" which means "house in mountains".The original inhabitants of this area were a tribe called Todas. Though Ooty was occupied way before, it came into awareness only after British advent in the year 1800.
Nestling in the "Blue Mountains" at an approximate height of 9,080 feet (2,268 m) above sea level, it provides the sought after natural beauty, solitude, salubrious weather and spectacular views to the visitors. Being a hill station with timeless landscape mostly enveloped in mist it is tagged as a place of enduring beauty.
It was laid out in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweedale and is spread over 55 acres. Lush green well maintained lawns, rare tree species (like the cork tree which is probably the only such tree in India, the paper bark tree and the monkey puzzle tree - monkeys cannot climb this tree), a 20 million year old fossilized tree, an Italian-style garden bordering a clear pool, are some of the many highlights of this garden. A flower show along with an exhibition of rare plant species is held every year in the month of May at this garden. The Garden has a very wide variety of plants that include different types of roses, imported shrubs, rare flowering plants etc.
The 'Nilgiris toy train' connects Ooty to mettupalayam, at the foot of the Nilgiris. The construction of this line was a big challenge as the terrain is rather tricky. It was in 1854 that the first plans were drawn but it was a good 45 years later in 1899 that the first train chugged up this track. This railway is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. Today we have the opportunity to enjoy train ride between Ooty and Conoor. It is a famous tourist attraction and has been included among the world heritage sites by the UNESCO. The tea gardens and the picturesque landscape make the toy train ride one of the most enjoyable ones in India.
The 'Nilgiris toy train' connects Ooty to mettupalayam, at the foot of the Nilgiris. The construction of this line was a big challenge as the terrain is rather tricky. It was in 1854 that the first plans were drawn but it was a good 45 years later in 1899 that the first train chugged up this track. This railway is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. Today we have the opportunity to enjoy train ride between Ooty and Mettupalayam. It is a famous tourist attraction and has been included among the world heritage sites by the UNESCO. The tea gardens and the picturesque landscape make the toy train ride one of the most enjoyable ones in India.
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