Ooty also known as Udagmandalam, is one of the favourite tourist spots founded by the Britishers in the early part of the 19th century. It is also called as " Blue Mountains" and " Queen Of Hill Stations". From tea gardens to varied vegetation, from mountains to sprawling grasslands everything is under the possession of this heaven like place. Ooty is the capital of Nilgiri district is situated at a distance of 105 km away from Coimbatore. The place lies at an altitude of 2240 m above the sea level. During the colonial days Ooty used to be a popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers, today it has turned out to be a major part of the Indian tourism. The land of Ooty is also a home of the Tribals , especially to mention the Todas.
Ooty is spread on a number of hills. Dodabetta, literally 'Big Mountain', is the highest peak in Tamil Nadu, and a motor road takes you to the top, from where you can see as far as Coonoor and Wellington. About three kilometres away, is the Kandal Cross, which has a full size crucifix secured on a huge boulder, and a fragment of the true cross. Kalhatti Falls, which drop some 131 feet down, are about 12 km from Ooty. About 26 km from Ooty is Avalanche, known after an avalanche in the area in 1823. This is one of the best spots for trout fishing, and rods can be hired here from the trout hatchery. A 7 km walk from Avalanche is the MacIvor's Bund. Ahead of this is Mukerti Peak, at an altitude of 8031 feet, which is also a part of Nilgiri Tahr Sanctuary, created in the most remote part of the mountains. Other areas of attraction around Ooty, are Mukerti Lake, Pykara Lake, Tiger Hill and Marlimun Lake. The famous Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is just 67 kms from Ooty.
The place experiences various seasons ranging from pleasant summers to chilly winters. The rainfall is also quite heavy enhancing the greenery of the surrounding. However the best time to enjoy the scenic beauty of Ooty is somewhere February to May and September to November.
Ooty is the trekker's paradise. The place offers several trek routes . For the comfortability of the travellers there are guides who have sound knowledge of certain areas and they help the tourists in trekking. Apart from trekking there are other sources of entertainment offered by Ooty like- hand gliding and angling.
The awesome Nilgiri products including Nilgiri tea, fruits, natural oils are 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.
The summer festival is organised every year in the month of May in the Botanical Gardens, which is an added attraction for the tourist. The flower show is the main attraction of the festival. Cultural programmes are organised for those interested in traditional classical arts. Adventure spots like trekking also form part of the festival.
