Places of Interest in Udhagamandalam
BOTANICAL GARDEN
A variety of exotic and ornamental plants adorn this garden which is the venue
for the Flower show held in May every year. There is a fossil tree trunk 20
million years old in the midst of the garden.
LAKE
Boating is possible from 08.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs on all days. The lake garden
and toy train rides are other attractions.
GOVERNMENT MUSEUM
The Government Museum, Mysore Road, Udhagamandalam has items of tribal objects,
district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts
of Tamilnadu.
MUDUMALAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Lying in the Nilgiris District abutting Kerala and Karnataka State, this is
situated at an elevation of 1000 metres and extends over an area of 321 sq.kms.
A variety of habitats ranging from tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous
forest, moist teak forest, dry teak forest, secondary grass lands and swamps
are found. The wildlife includes Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Spotted
Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse, Wil Boar, Porcupine etc.
MUKURTHI PEAK AND NATIONAL PARK
Mukurthi peak is about 40 km from Ooty. The Mukurthi National Park is located
on the South Eastern corner of the Nilgiris plateau. The area contains a viable
population of Nilgiri Thar (Hamitragus hilocrius). The Silent Valley is located
on the western side of these ranges. Fascinating feature of the Mukurthi Sanctuary
is its endemism and relationship with the Himayalayan Flora and Fauna.
KETTY VALLEY VIEW
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.
PYKARA
Situated about 21 Kms on the Ooty- Mysore Road, boasts of well protected fenced
Sholas, Toda settlement, undisturbed grassymeadows and also a healthy wildlife
habitat. The Pykara Dam and the reservoir attract many tourists.
UPPER BHAVANI
10 Kms from Korakundah and about 20 kms from Avalanche, some of the best sholas
like the Thar Shola lies enroute. The area is a rich and undisturbed wildlife
habitat. From bangithappal via Sispara one can trek to Silent Valley.
AVALANCHE
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.
The avifauna is varied with minivets, Hornbills, Fairy Blue Birds, Jungle Fowls
etc. The Reptilians are represented by Python, Monitor Lizard, Flying Lizard,
etc. Other picturesque scenic spots in the sanctuary include the Moyar Waterfalls,
The Chief Minister's watch tower. Ombetta Swamp, Theppakad elephant camp, etc.
Elephant ride, vehicle ride along visitor's routes on payment are enjoyable.
DODDABETTA
It is the highest peak (2623 metres) in the Nilgiri's and is 10 kms from Ooty.
It lies at the junction of western and Eastern Ghats and offer beautiful vista
of the Nilgiri Hills ranges. There is a telescope house run by TTDC.
KALHATTY WATER FALLS
It is located on the Kalhall slopes and about 13 Kms from Udhagamandalam.
WENLOCK DOWNS
A vast expanse of undulating landscape offering Gymkana Club, the Government
Sheep Farm and Hindustan Photo Films Company besides pleasure of long stroll
on quiet roads.
COONOOR
It is located in an area of 13.2 sq. on the way from Coimbatore to Udhagamandalam,
only 19 km from Udhagamandalam. It is the second largest hill station in the
Nilgiris. It stands on a lower ridge of the plateau at an altitude of 1858 mts.
(6100 ft). Population is 48003
DOLPHIN'S NOSE
12 kms from Coonoor, enjoy the micro climate; you can also take a glimpse of
the Catherine falls from here.
LAMB'S ROCK (8KMS)
The lambs rock is a sheer precepice of several hundred metres and commands a
good view of the Coimbatore plains.
SIM'S PARK
This park-cum-botanical garden contains many species of trees not found in Ooty
as it is shielded by the Doddabetta ranges from the onslaught of the monsoons.
KOTAGIRI
It is 19083mts. (6503 ft) above the sea level and has a climate advantage over
Ooty as it is protected by the Doddabetta ranges from the onslaught of the monsoons.
It has a Population of 38,121.
KODANAD VIEW POINT
20 kms from Kothagiri on the eastern edges of the Nilgiris. On either side of
the road one an be delighted to see the panorama of the tea estates and River
Moyar
