The Destination Queen of the Southern Hills

Botanical Garden Ooty

As the bus climbs higher into the clouds, twisting and turning through hairpin bends, the all-invading aroma of the Eucalyptus trees holds you absolutely captive. The cool air brushes past your cheeks and wafts through your hair. Lush green tea plantations fly past. And you wonder what awaits you at the Queen of hill-stations, Ooty. Also known as Udhagamangalam, Ooty was founded by the British in the early 19th century as the summer headquarters for Madras. The leftovers of the Raj can be seen in the sprawling stone mansions hidden in huge, green gardens with quaint names like Green Meadows. Other reminders of that period are the imposing stone churches and the boys public school which sits in its own landscaped gardens at the bottom end of the lake. Like any popular tourist spot, Ooty attracts numerous honeymooners and over- enthusiastic tourists. This makes the town itself overcrowded in season. But then, given its natural charms and pleasant climate, you can still make the most of this place. While here, definitely take a walk in the Botanical Gardens. A favorite spot for filming of song sequences, it has beautifully maintained gardens with a variety of ornamental tress and exotic plants. The Ooty lake is another favorite amongst the tourists. Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiri range. Climb atop to see Coonoor, Wellington, Coimbatore, Mettupalayam.

The sunset falls, slowly then suddenly, leaving you alone in the eucalyptus heavy, rain forests. As you near Ooty, you will cross the twinkling lights of Lovedale, a premier boys school, shining at the bottom of a dark valley. And then, the journey will end. Like your holiday here. And the eucalyptus, the tea plantations and the cools winds will just be another memory. Waiting to be refreshed by another trip to the queen of hill-stations.

Facts at a Glance

Area : 36 sq kms
State : Tamil Nadu
Population : 85,000
Temperature : 10 °C - 25 °C (Summers)
5 °C - 21 °C (Winters)
Rainfall : 121 cms
Altitude : 2245 mts
Dialing code : 0423
When to Go : One can visit Ooty anytime of the year. Try to avoid the rush of the holiday months of April to June and around October.

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History
Ooty was originally inhabited by the Todas, a tribal community that still lives in the area and whose shrines can still be seen at various places. In the 19th century, the British started to use it as a summer retreat and shortened the name Udhagamandalam to ‘Ooty’. British lifestyle developed with cottages and clubs - tennis, golf, riding and teas on the lawn. Some Indian Maharajas have also built grand houses here.

Palace on Wheels Tour Travel Package

Duration : 7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranthambore - Udaipur - Bharatpur - Agra

Day - 1 -- » Delhi Delhi is a heady amalgam of the quaint charisma of the bygone years and the exhilarating ride on the wings of technology. The city has always been the center of politics and hence has several edifices of great historical significance.

Day - 2 -- » Jaipur Jaipur- the 'Pink City' was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the late 17th century. The city offers an amicable blend of traditional lifestyles and modern ways.

• Arrive at Jaipur.
• Breakfast served.
• Depart for local sightseeing.
• Taste the delicacies in lunch at the Rambagh Palace Hotel.
• Depart for Jaisalmer
• Dinner served.

Day - 3 -- » Jaisalmer Fascinating, enchanting and amazing - that is the city of Jaisalmer! A visit to the Patwon ki Haveli is a must on any traveler's itinerary.

• Arrive at Jaisalmer.
• Breakfast served.
• Depart for local sightseeing.
• Have lunch and rest.
• Visit the sand dunes and go on a camel safari.
• Have dinner and relish the cultural programme.
• Depart for Jodhpur.

• Breakfast served.
• Arrive at Jodhpur.
• Depart for local sightseeing.
• Have lunch at the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
• Depart for Sawai Madhopur.
• Dinner served.

Day - 5 -- » Ranthambore Sawai Madhopur is the town at the entrance of Ranthambhore National Park, which is famous for its lush environs, clear lakes, meandering rivers and various wild species.

• Arrive at Sawai Madhopur.
• Breakfast served.
• Visit the Ranthambhore National Park.
• Depart for Chittaurgarh.
• Lunch served.
• Arrive at Chittaurgarh.
• Depart for local sightseeing.
• Depart for Udaipur & dinner served.

Day - 6 -- » Udaipur The "City of Lakes", Udaipur, was founded in the mid-16th century by Maharana Udai Singh. Lake Palace is the major attraction of the city.

• Arrive at Udaipur.
• Breakfast served.
• Depart for local sightseeing.
• Depart for Bharatpur.
• Dinner served.

• Arrive at Agra.
• Breakfast served.
• Local sightseeing in Agra, Depart from Agra.
• Arrive at Fatehpur Sikri. Go for local sightseeing.
• Local sightseeing at Bharatpur.
• Dinner served, Depart for Delhi.

Day - 8 -- » Delhi
The journey ends in Delhi.