Ooty - Queen of Hill stations

South of India is known for it’s cultural heritage, monuments, forests, wildlife etc. So does it is known for it’s beautiful tea and coffee estates. Out of India’s total produce 20% tea is from the southern India. For those tea enthusiasts who wish to visit where it is grown and north east of India is far off; Tamilnadu or Kerala is close by. And the bonus point is you can even see the ocean if goes down hill to the west around 100 kms. So in your tour itinerary you can see forests, tea estates, pristine beaches and heritage monuments. How? Let’s make a plan!

Everybody must have heard of Ooty. The queen of hill stations where tea estates are plenty and stretches miles across.

Also the distinct taste of Nilgiri and Munnar tea. These two place are based high on the mountain top of the Sahyadri ranges. Also there are a few places close to these two points where you can see less crowd and scenic landscapes.

Ooty is in Tamilnadu State strategically located on the border of Tamilnadu , Karnataka and Kerala border.

If you goes up from Mysore side the deep forest of Bandipur and Mudumalai offers breathtaking encounters of wildlife and superb roads upto the Ooty.

Even you can stay in those wildlife reserves for a safari. Which is indeed a bonus.

Once you started going up the hills forest turns more green and tall. As you enter Nilgiri Biosphere you will be greeted by pines. Which is indeed surprise to find them here in the southern India. It’s a British colonizer idea to plant them just like tea. From Ooty till Coonoor and Kotagiri region you will go through tea estates, pine trees and forests. It is foggy in the morning and winter round the year. Especially winters are more beautiful.

To see the beauty of Nilgiri’s and experience the charm of village nestled in the valleys one must take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

Those who loves to know more about tea; ample tea estates, museum, and gardens are all around. Don’t be surprised if you find any Indian gaur in the tea estates. They are commonly sighted due to the proximity of the forest. But also be cautious. Malabar Giant Squirrel is also a native of these forests. For forest lovers longwood shola is a nice walk into the preserved forest area.

In Ooty you can get all sorts of accommodation right from luxury to budget. Also shopping of tea , spices, home made chocolates and herbal products are plenty. Don’t miss a chance to shop here.

Ooty is 300 kms from Bangalore & 100 kms from Coimbatore. One wish to explored closeby places to it’s western side are waynad , Silent Valley National Park , Palakkad , Coimbatore  . To southern side is Tirppur , Kodaikanal & Mysore to it’s north.

As per our personal experience goes take the longer route from Gudalur if you are with family and having a car. If you are on a bike with friends shorter route is a best bet for adventure. Forest gates close around 08.00 from both sides. So getting there on time is must for safety. As a journey it is really rewarding to see how forest cover changes mile after mile.