Hill Stations of Tamil Nadu

Famous for the most beautiful hill stations of India, Udhagamandalam or Ooty can be said to be the Hill Capital of Tamil Nadu. Howevern the two smaller yet quieter hill resorts Coonoor and Kotagiri nearby are more preferable to some as people love to witness the tribal life of the Badagas and the Todas in the tiny village of Ketti on the way to Coonoor. Kodaikanal enchants its visitors with the verdant Pali hills while Yercaud is known as the 'Ooty of the Poor'. However, the aromatic coffee plantations and orange groves, the serene quiet surroundings at a much cheaper rate make it a better option than the more reputed hill resorts such as Ooty and Kodaikanal. Ketti is famous for having the highest railway station in the country at an altitude of 7,000 ft above the sea level in the lap of the Nilgiri Mountains of South India. The world-famous tea farms of Ooty make it the most desirable picnic spot. Coonoor at an altitude of 1,858 m above sea level, is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris. Kotagiri, however, is the oldest hill station of the Nilgiris and was once a British hill resort. It is quieter than Ooty and features Elk Falls, Kodanad Viewpoint, Catherine Falls, salubrious climate and a wonderful golf course along with thick, deep impenetrable forests called 'Sholas'.


Kodaikanal:

Situated at an altitude of more than 6854 ft above sea level, Kodaikana is located on the southern tip of the upper Palani Hills 120 km northwest of Madurai. A typical hill station, Kodaikanal offers you boat rides, nature walks, hiking, trekking and rock-climbing. The delectable taste of homemade chocolate and cheese is a specialty of Kodaikanal, also referred to as Kodai. Surrounded by thick Shola Forests and scenic greenery, Kodi leads to some of the South India's best trekking terrain. A favorite among the honeymooners, the highlight of the city is a centrally located star-shaped lake.

Nilgiri Hills:

'Nilgiris' or 'Blue Mountains' rise to an altitude of 2,280 m to 2,290 m above sea level. Situated at the confluence of the Western and the Eastern Ghats known as the Sahayadri Hills, Nilgiris offers some of the most panoramic views of Deccan India. Some of the most well-known highlights of Nilgiris are Udhagamandalam or Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Doddabetta peak, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, 180-ft high Laws Falls, Dolphin's Nose, a unique rock of tremendous proportions jutting out of the face of the hillside, Catherine falls, Kodanad Viewpoint, which offers panoramic view of the plains and the eastern slopes of the Nilgiris, Mukkurthi Peak and National Park and Pykara known for well-protected fenced sholas, Toda settlements, undisturbed grassy meadows and a good wildlife habitat along with Pykara Dam, Pykara falls and the reservoir.

Ooty:

The haven for adventure tourists, Ooty offers a number of facilities for adventure sports such as trekking, hiking, rock-climbing and hand gliding. Often referred to as 'the Queen of Hill Stations', Udhagamandalam or Ooty is situated in the lap of the Nilgiri ranges. At an altitude of 2290 m above sea level, it is just 105 km away from Coimbatore and has a salubrious climate. A blue misty haze envelops the range, giving it a divine look. Wildlife enthusiasts would certainly enjoy the trip to the sprawling Mudumalai Sanctuary nearby. Amateurs may choose to join hang-gliding courses at Ooty that are organized every year from March to May along with fishing camps. One needs license for fishing and angling in the various streams and lakes of Ooty and the main catch are usually Goad Trouts, Carps and mixed water fishes.

Yercaud:
Situated at an altitude of 4,920 ft above sea level, Yercaud is not as popular as Ooty and Kodaikanal. Nestled amongst the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern Ghats, the extraordinarily beautiful hill resort is blessed with natural beauty and a salubrious climate. Also known as the 'Ooty of the Poor', it is much quieter and cheaper than its more popular hill mate. The aromatic coffee plantations and orange groves make it even more desirable to those who are looking for the places where they can get rid of the din of the daily lives and want a break from the strenuous city lifestyle. The highest point in Yercaud is Shevaroy temple, situated at a height of 5,326 ft above sea level.

Yercaud

Situated at an altitude of 4,920 ft above sea level, Yercaud is not as popular as Ooty and Kodaikanal. Nestled amongst the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern Ghats, the extraordinarily beautiful hill resort is blessed with natural beauty and a salubrious climate. Also known as the 'Ooty of the Poor', it is much quieter and cheaper than its more popular hill mate. The aromatic coffee plantations and orange groves make it even more desirable to those who are looking for the places where they can get rid of the din of the daily lives and want a break from the strenuous city lifestyle. The highest point in Yercaud is Shevaroy temple, situated at a height of 5,326 ft above sea level. Yercaud is an amalgamation of two Tamil words 'yeri' and 'kaadu' meaning lake and forest respectively. Yercaud was discovered by the British in the early 19th century. It is famous for its educational institutions such as the Sacred Heart Convent for girls, Montfort School for boys and the Holy Cross Novitiate House.

Yercaud Lake is one of the prime attractions of the hill station, surrounded by well-groomed lush green gardens and well-wooded trees. The Summer festival held in May is not to be missed. One can opt for paddling or rowing boats for a trip around the lake. There are a number of beautiful parks surrounding the lake such as Anna Park, Lake Park, Gandhi Park and Children's Park. Lady's seat offers breath-taking views of the Ghats, especially at night. Towards the extreme right, one can see Mettur Dam from here. More than 100 years old, Holy Trinity Church is well maintained. The other popular churches include the Sacred Heart Church, Lutheran Church, St Joseph's Church and The Retreat Church. National Orchidarium with India's third largest orchid house, 300 ft high Killiyur waterfalls, the Servaroyan temple atop the Servaroyan hill and the Small Lake famous for being fed by seven wells are some other highlights of the city.

Ooty

The haven for adventure tourists, Ooty offers a number of facilities for adventure sports such as trekking, hiking, rock-climbing and hand gliding. Often referred to as 'the Queen of Hill Stations', Udhagamandalam or Ooty is situated in the lap of the Nilgiri ranges. At an altitude of 2290 m above sea level, it is just 105 km away from Coimbatore and has a salubrious climate. A blue misty haze envelops the range, giving it a divine look. Ooty passed hands from Tippu Sultan to the East India Company from Tipu Sultan by the treaty of Srirangapatnam in 1799. Though it was in 1603 that the first European visited the Nilgiri hills by the name of Rev. Jacome Forico who was a priest, it was not until 1822, that Ooty was finally founded. John Sullivan, the Collector of Coimbatore, is credited as its founder who encouraged settlement here by building a Stone House, today known as 'Kal Bangla'.

Today, Kal Bangla is used as the Chamber of the Principal of the Government Arts College while the base camp at Parsons valley offers several trekking points within Western Ghats. Wildlife enthusiasts would certainly enjoy the trip to the sprawling Mudumalai Sanctuary nearby. Amateurs may choose to join hang-gliding courses at Ooty that are organized every year from March to May along with fishing camps. One needs license for fishing and angling in the various streams and lakes of Ooty and the main catch are usually Goad Trouts, Carps and mixed water fishes. However, it is the sprawling tea estates that have earned the real fame for Ooty and the annual Tea and Tourism Festival held in January here has gained international repute. The tea lovers from all over the world come here to witness the occasion. Ooty also offers beautiful and interesting treks with natural surroundings that can be chosen according to the desired distance, altitudes and terrain.

Kodaikanal

Situated at an altitude of more than 6854 ft above sea level, Kodaikana is located on the southern tip of the upper Palani Hills 120 km northwest of Madurai. A typical hill station, Kodaikanal offers you boat rides, nature walks, hiking, trekking and rock-climbing. The delectable taste of homemade chocolate and cheese is a specialty of Kodaikanal, also referred to as Kodai. Surrounded by thick Shola Forests and scenic greenery, Kodi leads to some of the South India's best trekking terrain. A favorite among the honeymooners, the highlight of the city is a centrally located star-shaped lake. There are interesting slopes covered with thick forests, pleasantly cool climate, cascading waterfalls and steep rocky outcrops that make it a perfect tourist destination.

The spectacular Kurinji Andavar temple dedicated to Lord Murugan is one of the most beautiful vantage points that provide panoramic views of Kodaikanal and its suttoundings. The Flora and Fauna Museum of the Sacred Heart College in Shembaganur has a good collection of stuffed animals and about 300 species of orchids at its Orchidarium. The venue of annual horticultural shows held in May, Byrant Park features tiered flowerbeds, rare collection of flowers, grafting and hybrids. One can opt to cruise in the star-shaped Kodai Lake or choose to stroll or bike around this gorgeous lake. Then there are Pillar Rocks, a series of granite cliffs more than 100 m in height rising abruptly and towering above the hillside. While at Kodaikanal don't miss out on the Bear Shola Falls, which is so called because once the bears could be easily spotted drinking water upstream from here. The other highlights are Orchid House and Silver Cascade Waterfalls.

NILGIRI HILLS

Niligiri Hills

'Nilgiris' or 'Blue Mountains' rise to an altitude of 2,280 m to 2,290 m above sea level. Situated at the confluence of the Western and the Eastern Ghats known as the Sahayadri Hills, Nilgiris offers some of the most panoramic views of Deccan India. Some of the most well-known highlights of Nilgiris are Udhagamandalam or Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Doddabetta peak, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, 180-ft high Laws Falls, Dolphin's Nose, a unique rock of tremendous proportions jutting out of the face of the hillside, Catherine falls, Kodanad Viewpoint, which offers panoramic view of the plains and the eastern slopes of the Nilgiris, Mukkurthi Peak and National Park and Pykara known for well-protected fenced sholas, Toda settlements, undisturbed grassy meadows and a good wildlife habitat along with Pykara Dam, Pykara falls and the reservoir. To its west lies Kerala while there is Mysore to the north of the hills and Coimbatore covers its east and south. It has been carved as a district known as Nilgiris district with its district headquarters at Udhagamandalam or Ooty.

The highest peak of Nilgiris is Doddabetta, which reaches up to an altitude of 2,623 m above sea level. The beautiful scenery of Nilgiris with steep hills, narrow valleys, rivers and rivulets rushing downhills, fine waterfalls, lush green forests and the pleasant temperate climate make it one of the most desirable hill-tour destination. Along with a number of popular hill resorts and major tea estates in South India, Nilgiris got its name from the misty blue haze that envelops the distant hills and blue-violet 'Kurinji' flowers that bloom to cover the hills like a carpet once every 12 years. A trekker's paradise, Nilgiris have been so planned and landscaped by Nature itself that there are number of treks in all directions that are thrilling, exciting and adventurous all at once. Trekking through Nilgiris is perhaps the best way to come closer to Nature and its blessings. One may opt for the guided tour while trekking too.