Ooty and Coonoor are two picturesque hill stations in the
hills of the Nilgiris district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. These
two cities are popularly known as the queen and princess of the hill stations
of South India respectively. With their tranquil tea plantations, mist-shrouded
green hills, waterfalls, stunning natural beauty and colonial charm, these twin
cities take us away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Ooty, Queen of Hill Stations:
Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a famous coastal town. Endowed with a healthy climate and scenic beauty, Ooty is famous for its spiraling hill tracks, green landscapes and gardens that fascinate visitors. Spread over an area of 55 acres, the Ooty Government Botanical Garden has a vast collection of exotic plants, colorful flowers and rare orchids. A visit to the Rose Garden, home to more than 20,000 species of roses, is a beautiful experience, along with a boat trip on Ooty Lake.
Nilgiri Mountain
Railway:
A unique experience to ride the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri
Mountain Railway, the train travels along a scenic route, passing through
spectacular views of tunnels, bridges, tea plantations, valleys and
mist-shrouded mountains. Due to the slowness of the train, you can feel the
beauty of the surroundings and experience the train journey of the olden days.
Ooty Tea Gardens:
Emerald-green tea plantations are synonymous with the Nilgiri region. A trip to Ooty and Kunnur is incomplete without seeing these green landscapes. Take a walk through the tea plantations, inhale the aroma of the tea leaves, and see the tea production process. Many tea gardens or estates offer guided tours where you can learn about the art of tea making and drink tea.
Coonoor, A Quiet
Town:
Located 20 km from Ooty, this quiet town of Coonoor is famous for its natural beauty, including the famous Sim's Park. This botanical garden is a unique attraction for nature lovers due to its variety of plants, collection of colorful flowers and leaves and the presence of different species of birds.
Waterfalls and
Trekking Trails:
The natural wonders of Ooty and Coonoor are a unique
attraction for adventure-loving travelers. Located amid tea gardens, Catherine
Falls, cascading down from a height of 250 feet, is a majestic waterfall. The
most popular attraction here is the Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the
Nilgiris, from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding hills
and valleys. Trekking enthusiasts can start trekking towards scenic spots like
Lamb's Rock and Dolphin's Nose, which are awe-inspiring sights and memorable
experiences.
Colonial Architecture and Cultural Diversity:
The influence of the British Raj is evident in the
colonial architecture of Ooty and Coonoor. Walking through the streets lined
with colonial-era bungalows and mansions evokes a bygone era. St. Stephen's
Church in Ooty and All Saints' Church in Coonoor are notable monuments that
display architectural elegance. Visit the tribal Toda settlements and get a
touch of local culture through their unique lifestyle and handicrafts.
Communication and Accommodation:
The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore, which is about 100 km away. From there you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ooty. Alternatively, one can take the toy train that runs between Mettupalayam and Ooty. A train ride takes you to Ooty through the beautiful forests and tea plantations of the Nilgiris. Ooty and Coonoor - Both have plenty of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts.
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