Coimbatore who founded the first European settlement
here, stumbled across Ooty's idyllic scenery in 19th century during
one of his nomadic searches for rare flowers. The name Ooty or Ootacamund
derives its name from the local Toda word Udhamandalam meaning village
of huts. The Tamil 'Whotai' a species of dwarf bamboo that
grows in the forests, 'kai' meaning a fruit or green stuff in the middle
and the Toda 'mund' meaning a village clapped at the end. Ooty, however,
got its name during the British rule, by calling 'WOTYKAMUND' in the
Madras gazette.
Ooty nestles in an amphitheater created by four majestic
hills-Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk Hill and Club Hill. These hills are part
of the Nilgiri ranges that are really the meeting point for the Western
and the Eastern Ghats.
Ooty has become more of a 'honeymooner’s paradise'
and a de-facto filming location. Apart from coffee and tea plantations,
trees like conifers, pine and wattle dot the hillside of Oooty and its
environs. While visiting you will also come across many eucalyptus
trenches . The fresh smell of eucalyptus trees in a trendy and clement
breeze will make you psychedelic for sure. The funnel-shaped blossoms
covering the hills in floral profusion and the lavender-blue flowers
spread over the mountains will pack you with memories for a lifetime.
Ooty has many places to see. The idyllic valley views,
tranquil forest ranges, beautiful flora and fauna with bustling music
of the wildlife.
Botanical Garden
Built in 1847, by an English gardener Marquis of Tweeddale , this
quite, beautiful, well maintained garden covers an area of 22 acres.
It has 2000 different species of trees, fashioned beds laid beds laid
out in an Italian style, beautiful flowers including orchids, a fossil
tree trunk of 20 million years, a small artificial pond, alpines and
medicinal plants among beautiful lawns and glass houses. The bushes
are cut into the shapes of animals and birds.
Annual flower show is held here in third week May every year. This
show is one of the main attraction of Ooty. The rose garden 750m from
Charing Cross contains over 1,500 varieties of roses. It is open
from 0800 to 1800. The best time is September to October and from April
to May of the year . Timing - 8 A.M -6 A.M. Entrance fee: Rs.
5 per head for adults, Children- Rs.2
Hill Stations 
Ooty (Ootacamund)
the Queen of the Hill Stations, also known as Blue Mountains is one of
the most beautiful hill stations in India. This hill station has
splendid green downs and lofty hills of extraordinary scenic beauty and
is endowed with a salubrious climate similar to the English summer.
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