BUDGET BASED HOTELS

Ooty is a hospitable town with innumerable hotels of star status, budget hotels and time-share resorts to suit every tourist's pocket.
Hotels having Star Status
SNo.
Name of the Hotel
Phone Numbers
Fax
Email
1
Welcom Group Sullivan Court
2441416,2441420
2441417
-
2
Holiday Inn Gem Park, Sheddon Road
2442955,2443561
-
higp@vsnl.com
3
Hotel Taj Savoy, Sylks Road
2444142 to 47
2443318
savoygm.oty@tajhotels.com
4
Hotel Sinclairs, Gorishola Rd
2444308-9, 2441376-80
2444229
sinooty@md4.vsnl.net.in
5
Monarch Hotel , Havelock Rd
2444408,2444450,2444418 2444475
2442455
themonarch@vsnl.com
6
The Willow Hill, Havelock Rd
2442686, 2444037
2442686
-
Other Hotels in and around Ooty
7
Merit Inn Southern Star, Havelock Rd
2443601 to 6, 2440240
2440202
dean@md3.vsnl.net.in
8
Hotel Khems, Ettines Road
2444188,2441264-66
2442461
khems@md3.vsnl.net.in
9
Hotel Lakeview
2443904,2443580,2443581-2
2443579
lakeview@md3.vsnl.net.in
10
Sterling Resorts, Elk Hill
2442093
-
-
11
Sterling Resorts, Fern Hill
2443387,2441671
-
sterling@md4.vsnl.net.in
12
Regency Villa
2442555,2443098
2443097
-
13
The Nilgiri Woodlands
2442551,2442951
2442530
-
14
Ooty-Gate Hotel, Coonoor Rd
2442059
-
-
15
Madhuvana Holiday Inn, Garden
2444394 to 96
-
-
16
Hotel Nahar, Charring Cross
2443685,2442173,2445797
-
-
17
Hotel Tamil Nadu (TTDC)
2444370 to 78,2444010
-
-
18
Hotel Tamil Nadu Youth Hostel
2443665
-
-
19
Hotel Glanton Manor, Coonoor Rd
2441931
-
-
20
otel Charring Cross,Garden Rd
2442487
-
-
21
Hotel Siddharth, Indu Nagar, Mysore Road
2440700
-
-
22
Hotel Preethi Palace, Ettines Rd
2442789,2446249, 2446250
-
-
23
Hotel Blue Hill International,State Bank

-
-
24
Y.W.C.A. Anandagiri Ettines Road
2442218
-
-
25
Hotel Dasprakash, Ettines Road:
2443307,2444182
-
26
Hotel Mount View, Ettines Road:
2443307,2444182
-
-
27
Hotel Durga, Ettines Road
2443837,2443598
-
-
28
Hotel Blue Bird, Coonoor Road:
2442034,2444465
-
-
29
Pleasure Inn, Coonoor Road
2443599
-
-
30
Hotel Jai Shanthi, Mysore Road
2445882,2442185,2445880
-
-
31
Hotel Gangothiri, Mysore Road
443226,441294
-
-
32
Mist View Resorts, Ettines Road
2443556,2443557
-
-
33
Hotel Sanjay Lodge, Charring Cross,
2443160,2442090
-
-
34
Hotel Sapphire Paradise, Ettines Road
2443412,2443866
-
-
35
Hotel Alagapuri, Ettines Road:
2440628
-
-
Accommodation at Mudumalai
SNo.
Name of the Hotel
Phone Numbers
1
TTDC Youth Hostel, Theppakadu
256249
2
Forest Guest House of Theppakadu
2444098,56235
3
Bamboo Banks farm, Masinagudi
256222,256211
4
Belmont Retreat, Bokkapuram
256253
5
Blue Valley Holiday's P Ltd, Bokkapuram
256253
6
Gem Holiday Resorts Ltd, Bokkapuram
256296
7
Monarch Safari Park, Bokkapuram
256250,256343,256326
8
Jungle Hut, Bokkapuram
256240,256340
9
Mountain Rest House, Masinagudi
256240,256267
10
Jain Resorts, Vazhai Thottam
256318
11
Oasis Mavanallah, Masinagudi PO
256263
Hotels in Coonoor
1
Taj Garden Retreat, Church Hill Rd
232776,232778,230131
2
Hotel Velan Ritz, Orange Grove Rd
230637, 230484
3
Hotel Wellington Riga, Apple by Rd
230523,232523
4
Vivek Tourist Home, Fig of 8 Rd
230658,231292,232568
5
Hotel Blue Hills, Mount Road
231348,230103
6
Sri Lakshmi Tourist Home, Kamarajapuram
231022
7
Sri Venkateswara Lodge, Cash Bazaar
234309,230740
8
Labarrier Inn, Club Road
232561
Accommodation at Gudalur
1
Nilgiris Holiday Resort
261102,261886
2
Hotel Maharani, Ooty Road
261315,263772
3
Blue Hills Lodge, Ooty Road
261360
4
Hill View Lodge, Elumalayan Street
261370
5
Murali Lodge, Mysore Road
261234
6
Rainbow Lodge, Elumalayan Street
261221
7
Venus Lodge, Chungam
261338

HOSPITALS
The Nilgiris District from its very inception, has been a favoured health resort of the Europeans and the officials of the Government as well. At present, the District has 194 Govt.Health Sub Centres, 28 Govt.Primary Health Centres, 6 Government Hospitals, 2 Government dispensaries and one District Tuberculosis Centre
Udhagamandalam
Coonoor
Name of the Hospital
Phone No
Name of the Hospital
Phone
Govt. H.Q.Hospital
2442212,2442712
Govt. Lawly Hospital
2231050,2230500
Govt.Sait Hospital
2442240
Sagayamatha Hospital
2231919
Vijaya Hospital
2442500,2442248
Nankem Hospital
2231550
Saraswathi Mani Hospital
2442258
Emanuel Eye Hospital
2230244
Parvathi Nursing Home
2442145
Family Plan. Asso.India
2230053
Sanhita Hospital
2443671
Wellington
Nirmala Nursing Home
2442215
Miltary Hospital
2233111
Blisy Eye Hospital
2441011
Cantonment Hospital
2231450
District TB.Centre
2446951


ESI Dispensary
2447113
Gudalur
Kotagiri
Govt. Hospital
261222,261832
Govt. Hospital
271309
Devarshola
KMF Hospital
271737
Garden Hospital
268226
Holy Family Hospital
271407

SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
Education is another important activity in the Nilgiris. Best Schools are available in the Nilgiris and it is noteworthy to point that the Breeks Institutions, Udhagamandalam is the place where Lord McCauley coined the syllabi of the education system for India under the crown rule, which still remains as the backbone of Modern Indian Education System.
Residential Schools
Other Schools
Name of the School
Phone
Name of the School
Phone
Lawrence School, Lovedale
2442549
Breeks All India Hr.Sec.School, Ooty
2442091
Goodshepherd International School, Ooty
2444151
Breeks Memorial School, Ooty
2442535
Rex Higher Secondary School, Ooty
2442064
St.Joseph's Hr. Sec. School, Ooty
2442632
Nazareth Convent for girls, Ooty
2442391
Bethlehem Girls Hr.Sec.School,Ooty
2444118
Woodside School, Ooty
2441703
Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Ooty
Hilda's School, Ooty
2442540
Shanthi Vijay Girls Hr.Sec.School,Ooty
2444330
JSS Public School, Ooty
2445041
Nilgiris Matriculation School, Ooty
Hebron School, Ooty
2442587
CSI Gell Memorial School, Ooty
2443682
Cliff School, Ooty
2442286
Sacred Heart Hr.Sec.School, Ooty
2445152
Laidlaw Memorial School, Ketty
2442760
Kendiriya Vidyalaya, Ooty
2442903
St.Joseph's Boys Hr.Sec.School, Coonoor
2230493
Kendiriya Vidyalaya, Aruvankadu

St.Joseph's Convent for Girls, Coonoor
2230287
Mountain Home School, Coonoor
2233171
Stanes Hr.Sec. School, Coonoor
2231186
Arignar Anna Hr.Sec.School,Coonoor
2232644
Brindavan Public School, Wellington
2230229
St.Antony's Hr. Sec.School, Coonoor
2234433
Holy Innocents School, Coonoor
2230858
Reach Matriculation School, Coonoor
2232126
St.Jude's Public School, Kotagiri
271839


Pandiaraj Memorial School, Kotagiri
271447


Kotagiri Public School, Kotagiri
271765



COLLEGES AROUND NILGIRIS

Arts and Science Colleges
S.No
Name of the College
Phone No
1.
Government Arts College, Ooty
2443981
2.
Emerald Height College for Women, Ooty
2442822
3.
Providence College for Women, Coonoor
2220604
Pharmacy and Naturopathy Colleges
1.
J.S.S. College of Pharmacy, Ooty
2 443393
2.
J.S.S. Institute of Naturopathy and Yogic Science
2444128
Engineering Colleges
1.
CSI College of Engineering, Ketty
257474
2.
Merit Inn International Institute of Information Technology, Ooty
Hotel Management Colleges
1.
Merit Swiss Asian School of Hotel Management
2443601-06
2.
Monarch International College of Hotel Management
2442694
3.
Riga College of Hotel Management, Coonoor
231512
Other Institutions in Nilgiris
1.
Govt. Polytechnic, Ooty
2443407
2.
District Institute of Education and Training, Kotagiri
2271860
3.
Bethlehem Teacher Training Institute, Ooty
2446050
4.
Govt. Industrial Training Institute, Coonoor
2231759
5.
St.Joseph's Industrial School, Ooty
2442306

BANKS IN OOTY
Tamil Nadu is one of the leading States in the Country with a good Banking Infrastructure and this has contributed to the Economic development of the state. In the Nilgiris District also, branches have been opened in all the identified un-banked centres
Udhagamandalam
Coonoor
Name of Bank
Phone
Name of Bank
Phone
State Bank of India
2443818
State Bank of India
2231133
Canara Bank
2444087
Canara Bank
2231116
Indian Bank
2444080
Indian Bank
2230330
Indian Overseas Bank
2444101
Bank of Baroda
2231721
Central Bank of India
2444077
Central Bank of India
2230282
Vijaya Bank
2443979
Vijaya Bank
2230548
Syndicate Bank
2444095
Syndicate Bank
2230873
State Bank of Travancore
2442266
State Bank of Travancore
2230934
Uco Bank
2442671
Uco Bank
2231689
Oriental Bank of Commerce
2440744
Corporation Bank
2230580
Nedungadi Bank
2444008
Union Bank India
2230391
NDCC Bank
2443978
Bank of India
2233448
SARD Bank Ltd
2443630
United Bank of India
2231673
Gudalur
Kothagiri
State Bank of India
261253
State Bank of India
271390
Canara Bank
261279
Indian Overseas Bank
271051
Indian Bank
263255
Syndicate Bank
271727

The Assembly Rooms ,Udhagamandalam
Date
Time
Title
Starring
01.02.2007
&
02.02.2007
2.30pm
6.00pm
Pink Panther
Kevin Kline
Steve Martin
03.02.2007
2.30pm
6.00pm
8.30pm
Kabul Express
-Hindi
John Abraham
04.02.2007
to
06.02.2007
2.30pm
6.00pm
Kabul Express
-Hindi
John Abraham
BIRD WATCHING
The Mudumalai wild life sanctuary is a paradise for Bird watchers. Their chorus at Dawn is a delight to the visitors. One can see a variety birds such us gray jungle fowl, peafowl, spur fowl, graypatridge and quail, crossing the forest roads. Shama, common iora, golden oriole and scarlet minavet entertain the visitor with their sweet melodies. Racket tailed drongos, Malabar gray hornbill, malabar trogon, paradise fly catcher, night jar, hill mynah, wood pecker, pigeon, etc. are also seen. The majestic peacock can be very commonly seen here
GOLF
The Royal and ancient game of Golf started in the Nilgiris more then 100 years ago. A few holes started in the grounds of ABC( Archery, Badminton, Croquet) club and partly on the adjacent land belonging to Hobart Park. The present Race course later grew into and 18 hole golf course of international fame. In 1892, the ABC club was amalgamated with the Gymkhana club representing racing and polo interests and all the amusements, thus came under the control of one unit. the Gymkhana club is located about 5 Km from Udhagamandalam on the road to Mysore.
Gymkhana club commands, an enchanting view of the Kundha range of hills, a land swarp of sholas and the rolling Wenlock downs. The present golf links are laid out over 193 acres. For the past 15 years, teams from West Germany have been participating in the Autumn Golf Meet, thus creating a healthy atmosphere of goodwill and understanding among such friendly countries. The club has Constructed cottages to cater to the needs of golfers holiday, and a sojourn in an excellent climate in the sylvan surroundings of the District
FISHING IN NILGIRIS
Fish culture is the intensive cultivation which is potential and profitable industry. In the Nilgiris District, Inland fishing ie., fresh water culture is practiced. Indigenous varieties of fish including many species of carp such as Mirror carp, Scale carp, Leather carp, Trout grass carp, Silver carp, Tilapia, Catla, Mirgal and rohu are available in the District.
One of the main attractions in respect of fish in the Nilgiris is the Trout. It is essentially a sport fish much sought after by tourist anglers. There are many Trout streams in the District and Trouts are also found in Avalanche Emerald and Upper Bhavani reservoirs
Horse Race
Every year in the Months of April, May and Middle of June, Horse Races are conducted in Race Course of Ooty. Horses from various places participate in the races.
TREKKING
Trekking is yet another enterprising sport available in the Nilgiris. There are many trekking routes available in the Nilgiris and the trekking gadgets could be had on daily rent basis from the Forest Authorities. For trekking in Ooty and around Ooty, one must get prior permission from the following authorities.
1. Wild Life Warden Mudumalai Wild Life Sanctuary, Ooty. Phone : 24440982. District Forest Officer, Nilgiris North Division, Ooty Phone:24439683. District Forest Officer, Nilgiris South Division, Ooty Phone:2444083

According to 1991 census, the total population of the Nilgiris District is 7,10,214. Out of this, the tribal population accounts for 25,048. The main tribal communities found in the District are Todas, Kothas, Kurumbas, Irulas, Paniyas, Mullukurumbas and Kattunaikkans. These tribal communities are not evenly distributed in the six taluks of this district. There is as heavy concentration of about 50 percent of the tribes in Gudalur Taluk followed by Kotagiri Taluk with 25 percent of the Tribal population. Udhagamandalam and Coonoor taluks have with 16 percent and 9 percent of the tribal population. It is interesting to note that "Paniyas" Mullukurumbas and Kattunaicks live on the lower western slop of the district up to an altitude of 1200 m. In Gudalur Taluk, whereas Kurumbas and Irulas mainly live in tracts between an elevation of 1200 m and 1500m. On the Kotagiri Taluk the Kothas are living in places at an elevation of about 1800m. MSL in Udhagamandalam and Kotagiri taluks while the Todas occupy the top of the plateau mainly in Udhagamandalam Taluk. This geographical distribution has invested the different tribes with district characteristics and mode of living. These groups together with the peasant community of the Badagas, who migrated to these hills from Karnataka probably in the 16th Century have livid in ritual, economic and social symbiosis The Badaga which is the major people group in the District worship mainly the Lord Shiva.



DODHAS
The Dodhas are the original inhabitants of The Nilgiris Hills and they are one of the most picturesque tribes in India. Eventhough , there are six major primitive tribes in the district, the Dodhas have attracted for greater attention both here and abroad, than any other single tribal Community. The believe even today that their ancestors inhabited The Nilgiris Hills from the beginning of mankind.Dodhas are pastoral people and to a certain extent, nomadic. Most of the Dodhas, possess large herd of buffaloes; and milk products are their main source of living. Large extents of land are set apart as Toda patta lands over which the Dodhashave partial right to live., graze their cattle and to take cultivation. The Toda women have a great skill in embroidery work. The Toda embroidery garments are in great demand with visitors from other parts of India and abroad.
KOTAS The Kothas, live in Seven settlements, generally known as Kotagiri or Kokkal. They are village artisans, who are good in carpentry, blacksmithy and pottery. But only a few families are engaged in these skills as a means of living. Most others are engaged in cultivation. Happily, most of the Kota families in all the settlement have their own patta land. Unlike Todas, they do not shy away from personal cultivation and are generally hard working people. In the field of education also they have stolen a march over other tribal communities. Today, many of them are working in the Government and non Governmental departments.

KURUMBAS AND IRULAS

The Kurumba houses known as "GUDLU" are temporary constructions in the forests. The traditional occupation of the Kurumbas is food gathering, like collection of honey and forests produce. They are also cultivating millets like ragi and samai on a small scale of mainly on hill slopes and mountain ridges. Honey fetches considerable remuneration for the Kurumbas. It is released much by public. Honey is collected mostly in the summer months from the cliffs, rocky crevices and the branches of giant trees. The supplement their usual diet with ample quantity of honey. Kurumbas are known to possess keen eyesight, gained possibly from constant watching of the honey bee to the hives. Now, they are mainly engaged in agriculture and those who do not own lands work as casual agricultural labourers. The Kurumbas are had working people, but the economic condition of the Kurumbas is very poor.Irulas with a few subsects among them are living in Masinagudi area, and in parts of Kotagiri and Coonoor Taluks. They are generally engaged in Collection of minor forest products. This is a seasonal operation and they work as casual agricultural laborers on local estates. Some of them are also engaged in looking after the herds of cattle belonging to others. Some are engaged in agriculture in the patta lands, conditionally assigned to them, where they have raised tea, coffee, jack trees, guava etc. However, due to their poor maintenance of their land due to lack of finance, the return from these lands is meager. The general economic condition of these tribes is poor.


PANIYAS
Paniyas(which literally means "workers" in local usage) are found Gudalur taluk and many more in Kerala. Paniyas were found to be coming under a subtle from of bonded labour. They were released from bondage and a few have been since rehabilitated in various schemes. They are scattered throughout Gudalur Taluk and are one of the most backward tribal communities. Under an age old system, most of the Paniyas were working under local land owners for low wages with little and no liberty to work for others for competitive wages. After Independence, however, the majority of the Paniyas broke away from their masters and started working as casual agricultural labourers, bamboo cutters and estate labourers. The Paniyas, by and large, live in poverty irrespective of whether they are bonded or not. During 1976, 481 Paniyas in 252 families were freed from bonded labour and they have been rehabilitated in the Paniya Welfare Land colonisation Co- operative society and other schemes. MULLUKURUMBASThe Mullukurumbas of Gudalur are a District group and are believed to belong to a pre agricultural tribe, since they still use bow and arrow for occasional hunting.They live in nine settlements in Erumad area and Cherangodu village. They are mainly agricultural labourers. They are hard working people but their economic condition is poor.KATTUNAIKANS:-This tribal community is also found only in Gudalur Taluk. they are like Paniyas, farm labourers and their condition is no better than, of Paniyas.
Tribes Census in The Nilgiris District
S.No.
Name of the Tribes
Name of the Block
Population
1
Kurumbas.
Udhagamandalam
Coonoor
Kothagiri
Gudalur
295
860
740
3180
2
Irulas
Udhagamandalam
Coonoor
Kothagiri
Gudalur
1809
1180
6120
610
3
Paniyas
Udhagamandalam
Coonoor
Kothagiri
Gudalur
Nil
Nil
Nil
7460
4
Dodhas.
Udhagamandalam
Coonoor
Kothagiri
Gudalur
850
46
105
Nil
5
Kothar
Udhagamandalam
Coonoor
Kothagiri
Gudalur
1158
300
580
34
6
Kattunaikkar.
Udhagamandalam
Coonoor
Kothagiri
Gudalur
Nil
Nil
Nil
410

PLACES OF INTEREST
GOVERNMENT BOTANICAL GARDEN
Mr.Mc.Ivor completed the layout of Govt. Botanic Garden during the year 1857-1867. He adopted Lindley's natural system in laying out this Garden, particularly on the upper portions. The Garden lie in a beautiful ravine adjacent to Raj Bhavan in a nook but not far off from the town and is easily accessible to the visitors. It covers an area of 22 hectares, ascending the slopes on the hill at an elevation of 2400-2500 meters above MSL. It is a treasure house of temperate flora, consisting of flowering trees, beautiful shrubs, colourful lilies, bulbous planets, enchanting orchids, curious cacti and succulents, pleasing pteridophytes, breath taking glass house plans and charming annuals with bright colours.
CENTENARY ROSE GARDEN ( ROSE GARDEN )
To commemorate the Centenary Flower festival during May 1995, the Rose park was established at Vijayanagaram, in Ooty covering an area of 4 hectares in five terraces. The centenary is situated in the lower slopes of the Elk Hill and on the North-Western side, facing the Ooty town. It is about a Kilometer from Ooty Railway station and Bus Stand and has easy access with motorable roads from two sides. There are about 2150 varieties of Roses in the Rose garden which is the largest collection of roses in India.
The collection includes Flori Bundas, Polyanthas, Miniatures, Hybrid teas, Climbers and Ramblers.
OOTY LAKE - BOAT HOUSE
Udhagamandalam is an extensive valley enclosed on all sides but the West by a lofty range of hills. In its west, an artificial but very picturesque Lake had been farmed by throwing a Dam across the narrow outlet of the valley. This lake known famously as "Ooty Lake". This history of the lake coincides with the history of Ooty. The lake was made in 1823 - 1825 due to the initiative taken by the then Collector of Coimbatore Mr. John Sullivan.
At the Ooty lake, a Boat house is being maintained by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation to assist the tourist and others to hire row boats, paddle boats or motor boats. A big boat jetty, pony rides near the lake for Children is the major attraction. Another attraction for the Children is the Mini Train. The length of the lake is about 2.75kms and the breadth varies from 100 to 140 meters with an area of over 65 acres.

CHILDREN'S PARK
A lovely Children's park is in the Eastern end of the lake. The lawn and the budding flowers over looking the lake water and grass filled ground will tempt every child to enjoy the atmosphere and make children play joyfully. The view of St. Thomas Church, the moving mountain railway from the railway station, the seen of boating and rowing, the rare horse race etc. are the unique scene this garden
KETTI VALLY VIEW
Located on the road to Coonoor, which is considered to be the second largest Valley in the World. This idyllic spot is a cluster of tiny villages that extension to the plains of Coimbatore and Mysore plateau.
DODDA BETTA
The eminent range of heights which runs North-South in the middle of the plateau, reaches its highest point at Doddabetta at about 8kms East-Southeast from Ooty. Its height is 2636 meters. Doddabetta is the highest peak of the Nilgiris District. The Snow down hill (2530m), the Club hill (2448m) and the Elk hill (2466m) along with the Doddabetta, form among themselves the impressive Udhagamandalam Valley.
* The highest point (2,623 MSL) of South India.* Telescope House* Opened on 18.06.1983* Total Telescopes two Nos* Average viewers (2001-2002) Off Season - 700 per day Season - 3500 per day
PYKARA
The Pykara is the largest river in the District. It is considered very sacred by the Todas. The Pykara river rises at Mukurthi peak. It passes through hilly tract, generally keeping to North and turns to West after reaching the Plateau's edge. It gets down majestically in a series of cascades; and the last two falls of 55 meters and 61 meters are known as Pykara falls. They are about 20 kms from Ooty. A wonderful boat house is being maintained at Pykara Dam by the TTDC.
Dolphin Nose


* An Panoramic View Point situated around 10 Kms from Coonoor.* Toilet Facilities * Hand Rails* Drinking Water * Foot path* Building Renovation
Lamb's Rock
* An exquisite View Point near Coonoor. * Toilet Facilities * Hand Rails * Drinking Water * Foot path * Building RenovationDroog Pakkasuran Malai * A Panoramic View Pointed Situated around 10-12 Kms from Kattery Junction.
Kodanad View Point * An Aerial View Point near the edge of Kotagiri Taluk of about 20 Kms from Kotagiri Town. * Toilet Facilities * Hand Rails * Drinking Water * Foot path * Building Renovation

GLENMORGAN
At 25 km North west of Ooty is situated Glenmorgan which was then very famous for the Tea estate. The Glenmorgan tea estate is one of the oldest estate of the place and it was there even before the Pykara Hydro Electricity scheme was taken up for execution. The beautiful lake at the foot of this estate constitutes the fore bay for the Pykara power house which is above 3 km down the hill at Singara. The Pykara power plant is the highest plant so far installed in the hole of Asia and is situated at a height of 938.78 meters. There is a haulage way (Mechanical Rope Way) leading to the power house and it takes nearly one hour to go by the trolley from the Glenmorgan head works to the power house at Singara. The Incline near the German point is so perpendicular that this stretch of the track, have, to a length of 300 meters, makes difficult ascent and descent. The Inclination is 41 at this point and the total length of the haulage is 3000 meters. A trip to Singara by the Haulage is certainly a thrilling experience. Rest houses are available both at Glenmorgan and Singara for the use of the Officers of the Electricity Board and also for other visitor.
Glenmorgan and Singara are of great importance to the tourist as delightful picnic spots. The view from the point above the rest house at Glenmorgan is panaromic. A picturesque view of the Pykara power house at Singara, the Moyar valley, The Mudumalai Wild life Sanctuary and the distant places of Mysore can be had from here.
AVALANCHE
A break in the words at Cairn Hill presents an Avalanche of views, Strangely enough of a Country about 25 km from Ooty known as the Avalanche. It is on the way to Upper-Bhavani from Ooty via Emerald Camp. The gorgeous scenery at every turn is an experience of wonder and delight. The rivers from the top of the hill at Avalanche give a magnificent sight of the Avalanche Valley and reservoir
MUSEUM
A museum was opened at Udhagamandalam is September 1989. In this museum, objects which are unique to the District are kept, which include timber, insects, butterflies, rocks, wood carving. Kurinji flower, stone sculptures, bronze works, model of Toda hut and coins. The museum under the control of a Curator of Museums.
Sir. John Sullivan’s Bungalow
- Founder , the first building in Nilgiris.
Situated at Kannerimukku, 3 –5 Kms away from Kotagiri.
European fruits, flowers, trees were introduced in Nilgiris by him


Banks
Educational
Hospital
Nilgiris Dist in TN
Taluks
Blocks
Tourist Map
Transport Map
Land Use Map
Guinness Record
Disaster Management
Latest News
Email Directory
Tele Index
Places of Interest
Photo Gallery
Flowers of Nilgiris
Entertainment
District Profile
Collector's Office
Plantations & Industries
National Parks
Summer Festivities
Rare Species
IT Initiatives
Ooty

The Nilgiris acclaimed to be the "Queen of the Hill Stations" and affectionately known as "OOTY". Its also called Ootacamund or Udhagamandalam. It is the most picturesque and habitable mountains, which forms the nucleus of the Eastern and Western Ghats. Ooty, which is the capital of the District, is the largest and the most important hill station in South India. It is an extensive valley enclosed on all sides but the west by a lofty range of hills.
Various explanations and meanings are offered for the name Ootacamund which is derived from the Toda village above the Government Botanical Garden "Othakamanthu", meaning 'One Stone Village'. Somewhere in 1821, the then Collector of Coimbatore District Mr. John Sullivan who had visited this place on a horse found it more pleasant and salubrious and made the first stone constructed house which is still called the Stone house which is the nucleus of the Government offices and presently occupied by the Government Arts College. The visitor was greeted and welcomed by a native Toda.
Summer and Winter festivals are celebrated and exhibitions are conducted every year to attractive more number of tourists.

IT intiatives in The Nilgiris
NIC-The Nilgiris District Unit has been responsible for the development and Implementation of systems at the District level. With the active support of the District administration, It has played a key role in ushering e-Governance in various departments of the District Administration since its inception in 1988.Some of the Important projects supported by NIC-The Nilgiris are
Taluk Level Computerisation
Computers have been installed in all the six taluks of The NIlgiris District namely Udhagai, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Gudalur, Kundah and Pandalur. The Land records System has been the Important system in all the taluks . The Model Taluk Ooty has become online and remaining taluks are on the verge of becoming online. Certificate Management System is also installed in all the Taluks and is being actively used to print certificates such as the birth and death certificate through the Computers. The Payroll system is also actively used in all the taluks to process the payrolls of the Taluk Office employees.
Public Grievances Redressal System
Every Monday the public Grievance day is conducted by the Collectrate and the entire process of the GDP is Computerised , The General public gets a receipt from the Operator who enters the greivance in the system, and the petition is sent to the concerned officer trrough proper channel for processing. The collector is presented with various reports from the System.

IT intiatives in The Nilgiris
NIC-The Nilgiris District Unit has been responsible for the development and Implementation of systems at the District level. With the active support of the District administration, It has played a key role in ushering e-Governance in various departments of the District Administration since its inception in 1988.Some of the Important projects supported by NIC-The Nilgiris are
Taluk Level Computerisation
Computers have been installed in all the six taluks of The NIlgiris District namely Udhagai, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Gudalur, Kundah and Pandalur. The Land records System has been the Important system in all the taluks . The Model Taluk Ooty has become online and remaining taluks are on the verge of becoming online. Certificate Management System is also installed in all the Taluks and is being actively used to print certificates such as the birth and death certificate through the Computers. The Payroll system is also actively used in all the taluks to process the payrolls of the Taluk Office employees.
Public Grievances Redressal System
Every Monday the public Grievance day is conducted by the Collectrate and the entire process of the GDP is Computerised , The General public gets a receipt from the Operator who enters the greivance in the system, and the petition is sent to the concerned officer trrough proper channel for processing. The collector is presented with various reports from the System.

The Nilgiris, the smallest district of Tamil Nadu enjoys an equitable temperate climate and an annual rainfall ranges from 125 to 406 cm and hence harbouring interesting flora with potential medicinal value.
At an altitude of 6500 to 8500 ft above MSL, one can find common English plants, whereas at an altitude below 6500 ft one can find Australian and American introduced plants because at above this level, the vegetation changes from rich tropical and sub-tropical arboraceous flora of the Steep slopes to one or more temperate and also more herbaceous character. Owing to this, the nature has exploited the climate as well as the soil and thus harbours vide variety of indigenous exotic trees, flowers, and fruits. Over 2700 species of flowering plants, 160 species of fern and fern allies, countless types of flowerless plants, mosses, fungi, algae, land lichens are found in the sholas which are the ever green forest of this District. No other Hill station is said to have fostered so many of the exotic species as are found in the Nilgiris.
It is not strange to see quite often a foreign botanist recognising the precious merits of Indian plants, herbs, shrubs, trees, flowers etc., and visit the Nilgiris in search of new ones, especially the rare varieties of trees, flowers and fruits.
TREES
There are hundreds of species of trees adorning this beautiful District. It is famous for its towering and gigantic conifers, ever facinating pre-historic tree species like the living fossil - Ginkgo biloba, wide range of flowering trees like Prunus puddum, notable trees like Beech, Birch Maple, an array of Oaks, very rare - the true cork tree - Quercus suber and indigenous evergreen trees such as Micheria nilagirica, Rhododendrum Nilagaricum, Eucalyptus ficifolia etc
FLOWERS
The Nilgiris is endowed with temperate and equitable climatic conditions akin to that of England and other European countries. Hence, introduction of fascinating flower plants from all over the world to this hill station was commenced from the year 1846 onwards. Flowering annuals, biennials, perennials, climbers shrubs, trees etc., were introduced in the Government Botanic Garden, Udhagamandalam and Sim's Park, Coonoor and maintained as germ plasm collection.
Shrubs with colourful foliage and flowers of gorgeous colours add glamour to the garden, round the year. Many species of Fushsias (Dancing dolls), fascinating budleia, beautiful brugmansia (Angel's trumpet), enchanting camellia, breathtaking Streptosolon (Burning bush), attractive azalea, violet veronica, flambouyant Callistemon, delightful Dombeya, lovely Abutilon and Hydrangea are real attraction to the visitors. A wide range of lilies and bulbous plants of delightful colours and forms are seen here.
The upper Nilgiri plateau has a unique ecosystem comprising of rolling grass hills interspersed with dense montane evergreen forests (called Sholas) in the hollows between the folds. These have been termed as climax ecosystems that date back to many millions of years. These are home to several faunal forms like the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, the Nilgiri Marten and primates like the Nilgiri Langur. Birds like the Nilgiri laughing thrush are endemic to these areas. Plant endemism too, is remarkably high. For a small area, around one hundred plant species are not seen elsewhere on earth- not even in adjacent hills. Just one example, the upper Nilgiris is home to forty species of wild balsams - Europe has one species, found in Great Britain-of which one dozen are not seen anywhere else on earth. Many of these are highly endangered and perhaps on the brink of extinction.
The natural vegetation of the valley is typically a dense and rather low forest with much undergrowth and many epiphytes, mossess and ferns. Both tropical and temperate flora occur, vegetation being mostly tropical in character at lower elevations and temperate at higher elevations. Botanically as well as zoologically and ethonologically, the Nilgiris forms a distinct ecological realm of its own, the typical forests of Nilgiris is called "Sholas".
The different types of vegetation are,
1) The Shola grassland vegetation of the Nilgiris plateau. 2) The open sandal bearing scrub of the Sigur plateau. 3) The moist deciduous and the dry deciduous teak forest of the Nilgiris - Wynad and 4) The forests of south eastern outer slopes
Animals :
Nilgiri Tahr
Tahr are closely allied to goats. Its short crisp coat, the rounded outer surface of its horns and the presence of single pair of teats are distinguishing characteristics. Preferred habitat in Nilgiris is scarps and crags above forest level. They associate in flocks of half a dozen or more animals. Thye are extremely watchful against any danger from below but less conscious if coming from above.The population of Tahr is around 145.



Nilgiri Langur
In Nilgiris, the sholas or stretches of dense evergren forest are the favorite haunts with early morning whooping sound. They live at levels ranging from 3000 to 7000 ft and average at 8 to 9 animals per troop. In areas planted with wattle, the flowers and buds are the major source of food. The beauty of their fur and supposed medicinal value of their flesh, blood and organs have caused it to be an endangered species.
Giant Squirrel
Giant squirrel of the genus Ratufa are the largest known tree squirrels and exhibit a striking polymorphism in coat colour and pattern. They inhabit the deciduous mixed and evergreen forests and make loud alarm calls. Normally they keep themselves to the summits of the higher trees and seldom descend to the ground. They build large globular nests for breeding and roosting. Movement is terms of amazing leaps.

Travel to Paradise

Traveling is one of life's greatest pleasures. Capturing those precious and exciting moments is even more pleasurable, especially if it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip.