Nilgiri Hills
Nilgiris- The Blue Mountains
Nilgiri means "Blue Mountains". The entire area of the Blue Mountains
constitutes the present district of Nilgiri. The height of the hills in
the Blue Mountain range varies between 2,280 and 2,290 metres, the highest
peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2,623 metres.
The Beauty Of Nilgiris
Nilgiris derives its charm from its natural setting. The steep hills and
fantastically narrow valleys with numerous rivers and rivulets running
in all directions with a few fine waterfalls here and there provide beautiful
scenery. The temperate and most equable climate further heightens the
attractiveness of the place. The major tea growing areas in the South
are the Nilgiris and these tea gardens are beautiful to watch.
Adventure And Trekking In The Nilgiris
The Nilgiris are a trekker's paradise. Landscaped by nature, the hills
abound in trek for lovers of nature. There are treks and treks in whichever
direction you turn and from whichever point you start. A trek can be full
of thrill, excitement and adventure and a way of seeing and enjoying nature
in all its beauty and splendour.
Trekking pamphlets are available with the Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment
Association (NWLEA). There are guides who have sound knowledge of certain
areas. If necessary, their services may be hired. And for further details
contact the Tourist Information Office at Charing Cross, Ooty.
It's Location And Boundaries
High above the sea level, situated at the junction of the two ghat ranges
of the Sahayadri Hills, Nilgiri district provides a fascinating view.
Kerala on the west, the Mysore State on the north, and Coimbatore district
on the east and south bound it. Headquarters of Nilgiris district is Udhagamandalam
(also called as Ooty).
How to Get There
Air
Coimbatore, 105-km from Ooty, is the nearest airport. It has daily flights
to and from Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum.
Rail
Ooty is on the narrow gauge railway connected to Mettupalayam (47-km), which
is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai. The famous toy train connects
Ooty with Mettupalayam and Coonoor.
Road
A good network of roads and national highways connect Ooty with all major
towns and cities. There are regular bus services to and from Coimbatore,
Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Mysore, Palghat, Calicut, Tirupati
and other important destinations in South India. Ooty is also well connected
with major cities of Kerala and Karnataka.
Coonoor and Kotagiri are also well connected by road with the major cities
and towns of the state. For local transportation, auto rickshaws and taxis
are available.
Hill Stations In The Nilgiri Hills
Ooty ( Udhagamandalam )
Udhagamandalam (Ooty), the headquarters of Nilgiri district, is popularly
known as the "Queen of hill stations' among the tourist circuits. It
is situated at a distance of 105 kilometres away from Coimbatore. The Botanical
Gardens and the Doddabetta peak (the highest peak in the Nilgiris, located
10-km from Ooty) are the major attractions.
Kotagiri
Kotagiri is located 16-km away from Ooty and it is the oldest hill station
of the Nilgiris. Kotagiri is situated at an altitude of 1,950m, which was
once a British hill resort, that dates back to 1819 and is quieter than
Ooty. Elk falls, Kodanad viewpoint and Catherine falls are a few places
to visit.
Coonoor
Coonoor is situated on the eastern side of the southern extremity of the
Doddabetta range, at an altitude of 1,858 metres above the sea level.
It is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris. Coonoor is located
19-km away from Ooty and is essentially a small tea garden town where
the weather remains pleasantly cool throughout the year.
Nilgiri Hills Reservation Form
