THE STUNNING, OOTY

Welcome to Ooty

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Nestled in the brilliant green hills of the Nilgiris, Ooty or Udhagamandalam, is one of the favourite summer retreats of people in South India.Orchards of peaches and plums, terraced tea plantations, and eucalyptus, pine and wattle lining the landscape… a typical hill station in many ways.
Founded by the British in the early part of the 19th century, Ooty is home to many Britishers who have fallen in love with this hill station where they discovered a little bit of England. "…such beautiful English rain, such delicious English mud" is how Lord Lytton-Viceroy of India from 1876-1880 described Ooty to his wife! The British influence is visible in the handrolled cigars, chocolate and cheese one enjoys here. You also have the popular derby, and 'hunt' held annually. A hill station with a landscape perpetually enveloped in mist, Ooty's beauty has a timeless appeal.

History of Ooty

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'Queen of the Hill Stations' - Ootacamund, popularly known as Ooty is Situated at the state of Tamil Nadu near the borders of Kerala and Karnataka. Tea and coffee plantations covers the most part of this 36 sq KMs of town. Ooty lies in the hills of Nilgiris at an altitude of 2240 metres and this is the point where the western and eastern ghats meet. Nilgirs - which mean Blue mountains, are probably the oldest mountains in India.

Todas' hut

The first inhabitants of this place were a tribe called Todas. These inhabitants had been living here long before the Britishers came in the early nineteenth century. The British made OOty the summer capital of the Madras Presidency and played a big role in the development of this beautiful place. The world famous nilgiri toy train was built by the Britishers only. The plan to lay the track for the asia's steepest railway track was made in 1854 and it took close to 40 years before the actual work begin. A Swiss inventor, Riggenback, worked on it and built up the initial line up to Coonoor by the year 1899. The track was later extended up to Ooty and Fernhill in 1908.

There are a lot of beatiful place to see in and around Ooty - Botanical garden, Ooty Lake, Dodabetta Peak, Rose garden and many more place. One definitely need 2-3 days to enjoy all the places. There are a lot of hotels in Ooty and of wide range of budget. It is advisable to book a room well in advance especially during peak season - summer holidays. One can take home made chocolates, spices, Nilgiri tea, and a lot of good photographs and memories back home as soveniors from Ooty.

On the whole a very relaxing place and a must visit.

How to reach in Ooty

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By Train

Trains connect Udhagamandalam indirectly to the rest of the country. One can take a train up to Coimbatore and then the enchanting Nilgiri Mountain Railway, better known as the toy train. It is one of the few remaining diesel engine trains and although it spits up huge dark clouds of pollution, it is a major tourist attraction and a reminder of the Indian railways' glorious beginning. The nearest broad-gauge railway head from Udhagamandalam is in the minor Mettupalayam, which is 46 km away. Mettupalayam is connected to Udhagamandalam by a four-hour journey on the Mountain Railway.
The major broad-gauge railway junction is Coimbatore. Coimbatore is connected with all major cities.

From Mumbai
You can catch the Kurla-Coimbatore Express (1013), leaving daily from Kurla station on the Central Railway in Mumbai.

From Bangalore
The Bangalore Kanyakumari Express (6526) leaves daily. For early risers, the Bangalore-Coimbatore Inter-City Express, another daily train, is a good bet.

From Chennai
The Chennai-Coimbatore-Kovai Express (2675) leaves daily.
Chennai-Mangalore West Coast Express (6627) also has a daily service. Chennai-Coimbatore Shatabdi Express (2023) leaves daily except on Wednesdays. This one's a chair car. Another daily is the Chennai-Mettupalayam Nilgiri Express (6605).

From Kochi
The Cochin-Guwahati Express (5623), which leaves on Tuesdays. A more frequent option is the Cochin Barauni Rapti Sagar Express (5011) which leaves every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

By Road

Ooty is well connected by good roads. It is 535 km from Chennai (via Salem), 89 km from Coimbatore, 18 km from Coonoor (via Gudalur), 155 km from Mysore, 187 km from Calicut, 290 km from Bangalore, 281 km from Kochi (via Coimbatore and Palakkad), 236 km from Kodaikanal (via Coimbatore and Palani).
There is a regular bus service from Bangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore, Calicut, Kanyakumari, Tanjavur, Tirupati and Cochin. Buses ply regularly to Mudhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Kotagiri, Coonoor and Doddabeta.

By Air

The nearest airport is in Coimbatore, 100 km away. You can catch a direct flight to Coimbatore from Chennai, Kozhikode, Bangalore and Mumbai. Indian Airlines flies Delhi-Kochi via Mumbai and Coimbatore.

Ooty Lake

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This artificial lake was constructed by John Sullivan, the first collector of Ooty. Originally intended to be an irrigation tank it was dredged out during the years, 1823-1825.

It is a very popular tourist spot in Ooty. You can go boating between 8 AM and 6 PM on all days in this lake. A wide range of boats are available at the Boat House to suit varied tastes and budgets. A Mini Garden with an amusement park for children and a toy train are added attractions here.

Mini Garden

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At about one kilometer distance Tourist can visit this mini garden (Children's Lake Garden) which is on the way to Boat House. Children's amusement park is housed here. A snack bar is also available. It is maintained by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited .

Botanical Garden

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This garden 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, a vast variety of flowering bushes and plants in myriad hues (exotic and ornamental), fern house with a vast range of ferns and orchids, 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 is maintained by the Horticulture Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu and has a very wide variety of plants that include different types of roses, imported shrubs, rare flowering plants etc.

The "Summer Festivals" is held each year during the month of May in the Botanical Garden and is an added attraction for tourists. The Flower Show is the pride of the festival .

To the east of the garden is the Toda mund (hill). The Todas are the native tribe. At the mund is a display highlighting the different aspects of their traditional culture.

St. Stephen’s Church

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St. Stephen’s Church is a small Gothic style structure. It was founded in the 1820"s and is one of Ooty’s first colonial structures.

The church was built on the site of a Toda temple. The wood used in the church was procured from Tipu Sultans palace at Srirangapatnam. It was hauled the entire distance of 120 km. by a team of elephants.

The cemetery attached to the church contains the grave of John Sullivan and other pioneers of Ooty.

Charing Cross

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Charing Cross is the focal point on the busy commercial street of Ooty. Here you can take in the smells and sounds of Ooty. The main shopping street and vegetable market are here. The Charing Cross is very much like the main square of an old English town.

Fernhill Palace

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Fernhill Palace is the erstwhile summer residence of the Maharaja of Mysore. The palace resembles a Swiss Chalet. Its carved wooden bargeboards and ornamental cast iron give it that characteristic appearance. The palace grounds accentuate the alpine look of the place with its manicured gardens, firs and cedars. There is an interesting church like indoor badminton court on the grounds.

The Fernhill Palace has now been converted into a luxury heritage hotel by the same name.

Rose Garden

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Situated in the heart of Ooty town, this garden has been beautifully laid out in terraces with rose tunnels, pergolas and bowers with rose creepers. It was set up in the year 1995 to commemorate the 100th flower show of the Botanical garden. Today, this garden has the largest collection of roses in the country. Hybrid Tea Roses, miniature roses, Floribunda, Ramblers, roses of unusual colors like black and green are some of the more than 2,000 varieties of roses that will captivate your senses.

Kandal Cross

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This is a Roman Catholics 'Holy Shrine' of the Roman Catholics considered by the Nilgiri Catholics as the "CALVARY OF TAMILNADU" situated to the west of Udhagamandalam Railway Station. The distance is 3 kms. A relic of the true cross is here and it cures the sick, bestow heavenly blessings, peace and joy to the visiting pilgrims and tourists. Special Novena Prayers and Holy Masses are offered every Friday. The annual feast is on 3rd May every year.

Kamaraj Sagar

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The Kamaraj Sagar dam is a good picnic spot and can be reached via. Kandal amidst very old trees and green shrubs of various terrains and also via. Hindustan Photo films in Gudalur road. It is a very good picnic spot on the slopes of the Wenlock Sagar Downs. Apart from studying nature and the environment, fishing provides excellent game in Kamaraj as well as in Upper Bhavani and Avalanche, whose waters are especially rich in trout fish.

Wenlock Downs

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Also for the nature lover are the sprawling 20,000 acres of Wenlock Downs which was once the scene of the famous Udhagamandalam Hunt. Wenlock Downs is a region of extensive grasslands with shoals or gallery forests of eucalyptus. The Gymkhana Club, the factory of the Hindustan Photo Films Company, the Government Sheep Farm and the Golf Course are all in Wenlock Downs. It is about 8km.from Ooty on the Gudalur Road.

Dodabetta

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Among the viewpoints around Ooty are Elk Hill, Green Valley View and Snowden Peak but the most prominent is the Dodabetta Peak which is the highest point in the district at a height of 2623m. It is also the second highest mountain in the Western Ghats. Provided the day is clear, one can see as far as the plains of Coimbatore and the Mysore plateau. It is around 10 km from Ooty, off the Kotagiri road.

Pykara

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Situated about 21kms on the Ooty-Mysore Road, Pykara boasts of well protected fenced Sholas, Toda settlements, undistributed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam, Pykara falls and the reservoir attracts many tourists. A boat house with Restaurant is available.There is a power plant too. A visit to the dam is a must for the breathtaking scenery that it has to offer. It is about 19km. from Ooty.

Avalanche

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Located at a distance of 28 kms from Ooty. A beautiful lake surrounded by a thick shola where even sunlight cannot penetrate and abundant with a wide variety of avifauna is a Nature Lover's Paradise. An avalanche which occurred in 1823 gives the valley its name.
The Avalanche valley is a nice place for splendid walks and fishing. It is around 24km. from Ooty town.

Upper Bhavani

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It is about 10 kms. from Korakundah and about 20 kms. from Avalanche. This is Naturalist's Paradise. Some of the best sholas like sholas lies enroute. The area is a rich and undisturbed wildlife habitat. From Bangithapal via. Sispara one can trek to silent valley. Forest Department's permission is necessary.

Glenmorgan

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It is about 17 kms. from Udhagamandalam an ecologically rich forestry spot. There from is an Electricity Board (E.B). Winch carries staff from Glenmorgan view point to power house at Singara. All the 4 kms. of the Winch track passes through undisturbed sholas and wildlife habitat. Prior permission of E. B. authorities should be obtained to enter the view point zone.

Ketti Valley View

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Located on the road to Coonoor, this idyllic spot is a cluster of tiny villages that extend to the plains of Coimbatore and Mysore plateau.

Kotagiri

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It is 31 kms. from Udhagamandalam. The climate is very salubrious which is 6503 feet above sea level. Kotagiri is shielded by the Doddabetta ranges which receives much of its rain from north west monsoon. One can enjoy a pleasure ride on road flanked by green tea beds on either side.

Summer Season

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Held in the month of May, the festival is organized by the Government of Tamilnadu to capitalize on the peak tourist season. The prestigious annual flower show held in the Botanical gardens are a part of the celebrations.

There are also a number of cultural programs organized during the festival.

Horse Racing

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A very popular sport during the summer season. You can see thoroughbreds in action here. The race course, located in the heart of Ooty, is about 2.4 kms long and is one of the best courses in India. Ooty figures in the Indian horse racing circuit. The racing season which begins from April 15th. ends in June.

Boating

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Boating on the lake is a favorite pass time for visitors. There are paddleboats, rowboats and even motorboats to choose from.

Fishing

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Trout fishing is available in Avalanche and Sandinalla lakes with prior permission from the Fisheries Department, located near the Ooty bus stand.

Billiards & Snooker

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Snooker was invented in the Nilgiris at the Ooty Club. Today, apart from the Ooty Club, Coonoor Club, Gymkhana Club, the Lawley Institute and the bigger hotels, there are quite a few snooker parlours in town offering good entertainment

Golfing

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The Ooty Golf Course is unique and playing on it is an exceptional experience. It is an 18 hole natural golf course located at a height of 7,400 ft above MSL and is spread over an area of 193 acres. It is said that if you can play to a single digit handicap on this course, you can play under par anywhere in the world.
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Hang Gliding

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In the summer months, the adventurers can do hang gliding at Kalhatty Ghats. The take-off point is exhilarating. You can fly over dense sholas and beautiful waterfalls and streams. For more information contact the local tourism office.
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Treks and Walks

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The beauty of the Nilgiri Hills and the local reserve forests offer many opportunities to enjoy nature in solitude. You can either opt for an overnight trek or settle for a short walk on the outskirts of the main town.

The region towards the west has largely uninhabited country with magnificent views. Springs, rivers and rivulets, grasslands, natural forests (shola)- with a wide variety of rhododendrons and orchids, man-made eucalyptus and pine forests all add to the experience.
Wildlife that can be spotted include nilgiri, tahr and sambar deer, wild dog, elephant , panthers and the occasional tiger. The bird population is small; grey jungle fowl, hawks and harriers.

At higher altitudes, nights can be very cold. Hence warm clothes are advised.

Lower areas of the north and east are completely different. It is a dry, rough rocky terrain with patches of dense thorny scrub. The terrain is populated by diverse wildlife, including sambar, sloth bear and the Indian bison.

Though it is possible to trek throughout the year, the intense heat between March and May works against long walks. You could hire a guide to accompany you.
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Horse Riding

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Horses can be hired near the lake. You could hire a horse for short periods, or even for treks.

Holiday Inn

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A Place of serenity. Away from the hustle and bustle of the daily routine; where you can wake up to nature's charming grandeur and glory; twittering of the birds, whispering melodies of eucalyptus trees, the rippling of the streams, the caressing of the breeze. A bewitching welcome! The Holiday Inn Gem Park Hotel beckons you for the holiday of a lifetime at Ooty!

Accommodation

1At Holiday Inn Gem Park, efficient service, warmth and a homely ambience ensure that you will simply "be yourself" for your comfort. There are a range of 95 luxurious centrally heated rooms and suites facing the Doddabetta valley at 7 levels giving you a breathtaking view of the landscape that awaits you to make your stay a paradise on earth.
Dining
Toda Café Round the clock multi-cuisine Restaurant, offers a panoramic view of the valley. Serves South Indian, Mughlai, Continental cuisines, incorporating the warm and friendly hospitality, which the Todas- the Tribals of Nilgiris are renowned for. Live band in the evening along with candlelight dinner is an ideal setting for a relaxed and memorable experience.

Jade Garden

The Chinese speciality Restaurant, overlooks the Hotel's Garden, the valley and offers a panoramic view of the Dodabetta Peak. The Master chefs at Jade Garden offer authentic delicacies from the Szechwan, Canton and Hunan Regions of China. The Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
Valley Bar The bar with a view, offers an International range of beverages to your choice along with an exciting range of snacks and short-eats. Our professional Pianist plays melodious tunes in the evening.
Aliens

The Night Club, most modern and well-equipped discotheque with state of the art acoustic systems and lights. An ambience that carries you to an Alien Planet and a professional DJ will take you through your paces. An independent counter ensures your favorite drink and snacks at your table while you enjoy the music.
Conference and Banquet facilities
A choice of 2 halls, to accommodate 50-500 guests, fully- equipped with audiovisual aids and supporting facilities - A pride of place for an Indoor Poolside-Banquet -Cocktail party with Bon-Fire! It is an ideal venue for Conferences, Weddings and Reception.
Recreation & Health
Thermally controlled atrium indoor swimming pool, children play area, Billiards, table tennis, Chess, Carrom, darts & checkers are available within the hotel. However, golfing and trekking can be arranged upon request.

The fitness centre is equipped with the latest equipment and a multi-gym for those who want to sweat it out. With separate section for ladies and gents, the fitness centre is also equipped with Steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi and facilities for Massage.

Taj Savoy Hotel

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Ensconced high on a rising hill, the Savoy Hotel sprawls over six acres of landscaped gardens, offering colonial style cottages that were built between 1829-1865. Colorful flowerbeds merge to form a multi-coloured quilt around the cottages, adding to their gentle refinement and old English Charm. A quiet retreat, the Savoy Hotel offers a little pocket of paradise.

Accomodation
40 rooms in the cottage blocks including six suites with modern amenities and décor that evokes old English charm. All guestrooms at Savoy Hotel offer modern amenities and spacious comfort.
Standard Rooms

Elegant, comfortable, and rich in color, each room offers guest amenities like a fireplace, international direct dial facility, channel music and colour television with satellite programmes.
Superior Garden-facing Rooms
Spacious rooms including all of the above guest amenities with views overlooking lush green lawns.
Suites
Include all of the above guest amenities, as well as spacious rooms, large comfortable sofas, old-fashioned writing desks, and intricately decorated fireplaces that add warmth to the interiors.

Restaurant
From casual, all-day eateries to formal, fine dining, guests can look forward to a wide selection of delectable dishes and refreshing drinks. At Taj, we offer a distinctive dining experience, one that explores the nuances of the finest Indian and international cuisines, serving traditional and contemporary favourites.
Canterbury Bar

Pleasant, English ambience sets the mood in this inviting bar.

Dining Room Guests can enjoy delectable dishes amidst romantic décor that evokes a bygone era.

Multicuisine Restaurant Guests can enjoy delectable dishes amidst romantic décor that evokes a bygone era.

Facilities & Features
24-hour room service and laundry service, Currency Exchange, Doctor-on-call, Free Safe Deposit Locker, Internet Connectivity/Fax, International Direct Dial/ISD & STD, Mobile Chargers available, Kids essential items (crib, pram, sterilizer), Baby sitter on request.

Hotel Sinclairs

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The Hotel is situated just outside the town of Ooty . It offers a breath taking view of the beautiful mountains and the charm of Ooty.

Accommodation

Hotel Sinclairs Ooty has 88 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, wall-to-wall carpeting, satellite TV, direct-dial telephones, attached bath with hot and cold running water and room service. It also enjoys the distinction of being Ooty's only centrally heated hotel. Heating arrangement, CCTV with satellite channel TV Programmes, Attached bath with hot and cold water etc.

Restaurant

'Pine n ' Petals Pine n' Petals , a multicuisine restaurant serving hearty breakfasts, and excellent lunch and dinner menus. A memorable dining experience popular with locals and visitors alike.

'High Point' Bar

The High Point Bar is the perfect rendezvous for before or after-dinner drinks. Enjoy cocktails, light snacks, a varied selection of liquor, and a dramatic view of the Ooty valley.

Facilities & Features

Conference & Banquet, Lifts connect Lobby to all floors, Sightseeing can be arranged, Golf, Angling trips can be organised, Heating arrangement, CCTV with Satellite Channel TV programmes, Attached bath with hot and cold water, Money Changing Licence, Viewing gallery,

Conference and convention facility for 10 to 250 persons,

Garden, Bar Health Club, Indoor Games Complex - Badminton, French Cricket, Table Tennis etc.,Car Rental Doctor by appointment , Laundry and Dry cleaning, Safe Deposit Vault.

Howard Johnson The Monarch

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One can see the best profiles of nature, each embedded with a distinctive grandeur – its majestic waterfalls, never – ending forests, beautiful tea gardens, lush green meadows, placid lakes, and manicured golf courses. It id here where ensconced in the beauty and tranquility of Ooty is “Howard Johnson The Monarch” a hotel beyond compare.

The grand lobby of “Howard Johnson The Monarch” Ooty is evocative elegance and opens out to a view of marvelous grandeur. Guest are accorded a very warm welcome by a personalized check – in service.

Deluxe Suites&Rooms

Howard Johnson The Monarch offers graciously appointed rooms including four deluxe suits. Each room and suite with its own balcony affords magnificent view.

Hello – A multi – cuisine restaurant

Hello – A multi – cuisine restaurant to tickle your palette. Rejuvenate yourselves with our chef’s gourmet cuisine chanced by attentive service. The restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the beautiful landscape.

Conference Hall

“The Caesar and the Budget” – The two meeting rooms done in muted shades are ideal for exclusive business meeting, intimate occasion and private entertainments.

Swimming Pool

The features the make the hotel unique are the indoor swimming pool and health club.

Health Centre

Guest with health in mind will find an exercise room, steam, sauna, massage room as well as complete range of aerobic and weight equipment.

Bar

Poolside Bar – The best way to spend the evening is by relaxing in our poolside bar..

Discotheque

"The Midnight Cowboy” A discotheque that captures the timeless essence of a typical western atmosphere and ideal gathering place for friends. The Midnight Cowboy offers snacks and finest spirit and wines with the latest music.

Fernhill Palace

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Fernhill Palace
Fernhill Rd
Phone : 0423 2443910
Fax 0423 2443318

Hotel Dasaprakash

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Hotel Dasaprakash
Ettines Rd
Phone : 0423 2442434

Hotel Khems

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Hotel Khems
Shoreham Palace Rd
Phone : 0423 2444188

Nilgiri Woodlands Hotel

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Nilgiri Woodlands Hotel

Phone : 0423 2442551
Fax 0423 2442530

TTDC Hotel

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TTDC Hotel Tamil Nadu
Charing Cross
Phone : 0423 2444370
Fax 0423 2444369

Lake View

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Lake View
W Lake Rd
Phone : 0423 2443904
Fax 0423 2443579

Hotel Nahar

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Hotel Nahar
Charing Cross
Phone : 0423 2445173

YWCA

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YWCA
Ettines Rd
Phone : 0423 2442218

Tourist Lodge

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Tourist Lodge
Walsham Rd
Phone : 0423 2444357

Surya Holiday Inn

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Surya Holiday Inn
Upper Bazaar
Phone : 0423 2442567

TTDC Youth Hostel

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TTDC Youth Hostel
Charing Cross
Phone : 0423 2443665

Sabari Lodge

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Sabari Lodge
Upper Bazaar area
Phone : 0423 2442735

Hotel Mount View

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Hotel Mount View
Etiennes Rd
Phone : 0423 2444182

Reflections

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Reflections
North Lake Rd
Phone : 0423 2443834

Brindavan Public School

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Brindavan Public School, Coonoor, established in 1968 was the first of the Brindavan Public schools. It is set in the picturesque mountains of the Nilgiris, the school imparts education prescribed by the ICSE Board and is also affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Higher Secondary Board at the Plus two level. The school is well laid out, offering within its walls an environment totally secure and conducive to the pursuits of overall development. The school also has excellent playgrounds.

LOCATION

Coonoor is situtated on the slopes of the western ghats in the Nilgiris. The climate, at an altitude of 6,000 ft. above sea level, is cool and invigorating all year round. The environs are scenic and lush green and provide a perfect ambience for students to pursue their academic work and develop their extra-curricular talents.

our Motto "Stepping Stone to a Brighter Future"

Good Shepherd International School

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Good Shepherd International School (GSIS) is run along the lines of the best in the world’s educational practices. It provides a cutting edge academic programme with state of the art infrastructure and facilities for not just the gifted but any upwardly mobile Indian students, from all over the world – 40 countries; here, students acquire an excellent education in a rich Indian context, grow up rooted in our core values and graduate to take on the changing world’s challenging demands as they pursue higher studies in top universities in India or worldwide. This is what sets the school apart in the growing milieu of international schools in the country today.

Although a rigorous academic programme is at the core of everything we do at GSIS, an equally outstanding co-curricular and extra-curricular agenda for students endows them with a much needed holistic education to give them a competitive edge over their counterparts elsewhere.

The School’s Mission Statement states, “Good Shepherd International School endeavours to prepare each student for academic social and personal success by creating a community of empowered and diverse learners striving to be globally minded citizens in an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding and trust.”
The administration, staff and students are committed to this mission and work together to obtain exceptional results in the academic, co-curricular, extra-curricular arenas and be happily productive in our very lives together at this completely residential School.

Good Shepherd International School was founded in February 1977 by Dr.P.C.Thomas. An educator at his core, his School is no doubt reflective of his far-sighted vision for Indian education. Dr. Thomas says, “I believe in inclusive education as the key to human enrichment and India’s giant strides to further progress”. State of the art facilities and infrastructure support his vision and ardent endeavour to make education at GSIS a wholesome and enjoyable experience.

Hebron School

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Contact Information
Lushington Hall, Ootacamund,
Nilgiris,Tamil Nadu - 643 001
Phone 0423-2442372 / 2442587
Fax 0423-2441295
Email admin@hebronooty.org
Website http://www.hebronooty.org

St. Joseph's Boy's Higher Sec.

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Contact Information
Lovedale,
The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu - 643 003
Phone 0423-2442552 / 2443927
Fax 0423 2442549

The Lawrence School

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The Lawrence School is tucked away in the Nilgiris, at about 7,200 feet above sea level in the small village of Lovedale, about six kilometres from the popular tourist town of Ooty. Sprawled across 750 acres in sylvan surroundings, it was founded on September 6, 1858 by Major General Sir Henry Lawrence, who wanted to provide a sound education, in the healthy climate of the Nilgiris, for the children of the British members of the Indian Army.

Contrary to public perception, the school is not a private school, but very much a government school. In May 1949, the school was taken over by the Indian Government and run as a public school, open to all, with 40 per cent of the seats reserved for the children of Defence personnel and Central Government services.

The school comes under the HRD Ministry headed by Mr Arjun Singh with a board of governors comprising serving and retired bureaucrats, Army officers and old students. The school's alumni list reads like a who's who of people in the higher echelons of journalism, bureaucracy, the armed forces and the corporate world. Chennai's first woman police commissioner, Letika Saran, an IPS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, is also an alumnus of Lawrence School.

Coonoor

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Coonoor is the first of the three hill stations of the Nilgiris. Situated at an altitude of 2000 ft and only 17kms from Udhagamandalam is the first of these hill stations. Coonor is not very commercialized and retains a certain amount of untouched charm. It is a small town with an equable climate that has made it popular as a hill resort in its own right. The main attraction is the Sim's Park, a small well maintained botanical garden that has several varieties of plants not to be found in other hill stations. Viewpoints and picnic spots around Coonoor include Lambs Rock, Lady Canning's Seat, Dolphin's Nose, St Catherine Falls, Law's Falls, Ralliah Dam and Droog.

It is about 19km. to the south of Ooty and is accessible by both train and road.

Sim’s Park

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Sim’s Park is a 12-hectare park in Coonoor, which exhibits over 1000 species of plants. On the road opposite the Sim’s Park is the Pasteur Institute. It is renowned for its research in the study of rabies.

Dolphin’s Nose

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Dolphin’s Nose around 10 km. away from Coonoor is an excellent viewpoint. It encompasses the Catherine Falls. Lambs nose is another point on the way to Dolphins Nose that too exposes a vast panorama.

Wellington Staff College

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On the way to Coonoor from Ooty is Wellington, the military town with rows and rows of barracks. The headquarters of the Madras Regimental Centre, the Indian Army and the Defence Staff College are located here.

St. Catherine Water Falls

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From Dolphin's Nose of Coonoor one can have a magnificent view of St. Catherine Water falls which is about 250 feet height. But it can be reached from Kotagiri at a distance of 8 kms. To reach the top of the hills tourist should take a diversion at Aravenu on Kotagiri - Mettupalayam road.

Kodanad View Point

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It is about 16 kms. from Kotagiri on the eastern edges of the Nilgiris.

On either side of the road one can see the panoramic view of the tea estates and the river Moyar is breath taking. A watch tower is there to view the panoramic view of Rangasamy peak and pillar. From Kotagiri bus services are available.

Mudhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

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The most prominent of the wildlife sanctuaries in the state, as well as one of the most important in the southern region, thickly forested Mudumalai borders the Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and the Wyanad Sanctuary in Kerala. Apart from the wide range of animal and bird life, the rich fauna of this sanctuary has made Mudumalai very popular with wildlife enthusiasts.
There are tigers at Mudumalai, though it takes a lot of luck and perseverance to spot one of these big cats that are such masters of stealth. But there are several other creatures of the jungle that can be sighted more easily.

Among these are spotted deer, elephant, gaur, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, civet, flying squirrel, four horned antelope, mouse deer, common langur, bonnet macaque and pangolin the scaly ant eater. More rarely spotted are the panther, leopard, hyena, sloth bear and jackal.
The birds include peacock, woodpeckers, several species of owls, vultures and buzzards and the grey jungle fowl to name a few. On balmy April nights, when the whole sanctuary is lit up by million of glow worms, one will be in a different world altogether, a world of illuminated quiet.

Within the sanctuary is an elephant camp called Theppakkadu where there is a rest house. Accommodation is also available at TTDC's Youth Hostel and rest houses in Masinagudi, Abhayaranayam and Kargudi and the Bamboo Banks Farm that is 18kms away. The best season to visit is between Jan-March and Sep-Oct.

It is about 64km. from Ooty

Kalhatty Falls

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It is located on the Kalhatty slopes at about 13 kms. from Udhagamandalam on the Udhagamandalam - Mysore Kalhatty ghat road. The height of the water falls is about 100 ft. Kalhatty - Masinagudi slopes is rich in wildlife such as Panthers, Bisons, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Dogs, Spotted Deers, Sambers and different types of hill birds. It is around 13km. from Ooty.

Mukurti Peak

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Mukurthi Peak is about 40km from Ooty. The Mukurthi National Park is located on the South Eastern corner of the Nilgiris . The area contains a viable population of Nilgiri Thar. The silent valley is located on the western side of these ranges. Fascinating feature of the Mukurthi Sanctuary is its variety and similarities to Himalayan Flora and Fauna.
The 6km. wide Mukurti Lake lies here surrounded by high hills. It is 25km. from Ooty on the Gudalur Road .

Gudalur

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It is the Gateway to Nilgiris from Kerala and Karnataka. Udhagamandalam, Coonoor and Kotagiri lies in the upper plateau of Nilgiris and Gudalur lies in the lower plateau. Udhagamandalam to Calicut road and Udhagamandalam Mysore road meet at Gudalur town.

Population of Gudalur is 32,605 (1991 census). Most of the Gudalur area is green carpeted. It is 51 kms. from Udhagamandalam.

Ooty Train

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This narrow gauge mountain train winds through 46 km. of forests, tea plantations, sixteen tunnels, and more than 250 bridges, starting from Mettupalayam on the plains.
Moving at a pace little faster than walking the journey takes four-and-a half to five hours, but is more than compensated by stunning views.