Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Ooty
Ooty, short for Ootacamund (an anglicized name for Udhagamandalam), is a popular hill resort in the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India.
The name Udhagamandalam is derived from the TODA word "othakal-mund" which means "house in mountains". Ooty stands at 7,347 feet above sea level in the Nilgiri mountain range. It was founded in the 19th century by the British, and served as the summer headquarters of the Madras Presidency.
See!!
If you are on a sightseeing tour to Ooty, you might want to visit the Government Botanical gardens, which were laid out in 1847.The picturesque gardens that are maintained by the Horticulture department of the state, cover an area of about 22 hectares. The Gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. The garden is very popular with nature lovers and those who long to walk among greenery and see rare ferns and shrubs up close. If you are in Ooty in the month of May, then you can also be a part of the summer festival, which is held here annually. The festival holds flower shows and various cultural programs showcasing the talent of the locals and the renowned artists.
The Dodabetta Peak stands at an altitude of 2,623 meters. It is the highest point in the district, making it possibly the best vantage point around Ooty. It is merely 10km from Ooty so you can simply grab your camera and head straight to the peak, and click amazing pictures of he valley below. Many say that on a clear day, which is honestly not that often, one can see far off areas, even the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore.
its an amazing and very large area garden. you can enjoy varieties of roses there. The roses bloom only for 2-3 months a year (not sure when), so going there off-season is not very interesting. If interested can buy the seeds and plants also.
Its a private investment not supported by Govt. Don't expect much like other foreign wax museum which are helped by tourism authorities for advertisements and promotions. But for sight seeing its good. more attraction is the very old house, where the museum is set up. Candles are available. But it is suffering from funds for expansion so they request tourists to visit so that they can get help from them, which is the only form of support.
similar to ooty botanical garden. Very rare plants and trees are there.
several tree gardens and factories are there. On the way you will get lots of them. They will approach you with free tea taste and offer some tea packets to buy. But be cautious if you don't have much knowledge about tea, better not to buy from them as the packet tea has not the same taste as they gave you to taste.The spices quality is not so good.
it's an awesome experience. Though the rate of boating is little bit high but still it is worthy. Fresh air, good feeling and good view
some called it as 'Lambs rock" naturally took the shape of a lamb. Go through a very small forest and then you can see the rock.
one very nice place is that. Don't miss it. The view is very pleasant.
Its a natural beauty. After the end of the forest a lake is there. Be careful while walking as the path has slope.
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The name Udhagamandalam is derived from the TODA word "othakal-mund" which means "house in mountains". Ooty stands at 7,347 feet above sea level in the Nilgiri mountain range. It was founded in the 19th century by the British, and served as the summer headquarters of the Madras Presidency.
See!!
- Ooty Botanical Gardens
If you are on a sightseeing tour to Ooty, you might want to visit the Government Botanical gardens, which were laid out in 1847.The picturesque gardens that are maintained by the Horticulture department of the state, cover an area of about 22 hectares. The Gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. The garden is very popular with nature lovers and those who long to walk among greenery and see rare ferns and shrubs up close. If you are in Ooty in the month of May, then you can also be a part of the summer festival, which is held here annually. The festival holds flower shows and various cultural programs showcasing the talent of the locals and the renowned artists.
- Doddabetta peak
The Dodabetta Peak stands at an altitude of 2,623 meters. It is the highest point in the district, making it possibly the best vantage point around Ooty. It is merely 10km from Ooty so you can simply grab your camera and head straight to the peak, and click amazing pictures of he valley below. Many say that on a clear day, which is honestly not that often, one can see far off areas, even the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore.
- Ooty Rose gardens
its an amazing and very large area garden. you can enjoy varieties of roses there. The roses bloom only for 2-3 months a year (not sure when), so going there off-season is not very interesting. If interested can buy the seeds and plants also.
- Wax World - (Wax Museum)
Its a private investment not supported by Govt. Don't expect much like other foreign wax museum which are helped by tourism authorities for advertisements and promotions. But for sight seeing its good. more attraction is the very old house, where the museum is set up. Candles are available. But it is suffering from funds for expansion so they request tourists to visit so that they can get help from them, which is the only form of support.
- Sims Park (Coonoor)
similar to ooty botanical garden. Very rare plants and trees are there.
- The Tea Factory
several tree gardens and factories are there. On the way you will get lots of them. They will approach you with free tea taste and offer some tea packets to buy. But be cautious if you don't have much knowledge about tea, better not to buy from them as the packet tea has not the same taste as they gave you to taste.The spices quality is not so good.
- Boating at Pykara
it's an awesome experience. Though the rate of boating is little bit high but still it is worthy. Fresh air, good feeling and good view
- Falls at Pykara
- Historical Dam with Power station at Pykara
- Hidden Valley
- Echo Rock
some called it as 'Lambs rock" naturally took the shape of a lamb. Go through a very small forest and then you can see the rock.
- shooting point
one very nice place is that. Don't miss it. The view is very pleasant.
- Pine forest
Its a natural beauty. After the end of the forest a lake is there. Be careful while walking as the path has slope.
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Friday, January 14, 2011
Ramakal medu @ Thekkady
RAMAKALMEDDU ( Rama-kal-medu )(Rama's foot on the rock) is a hill station in Idukki District in the Indian State of Kerala. It is located about 15 km from Nedumkandom on the Munnar-Thekaddy route. It provides a breath-taking view of Tamil-Nadu villages and towns. Abundant in wind, Ramakkalmedu is the second place in Kerala where a wind farm is installed.
According to the Hindu Scriptures, it is believed that Lord Ram called out for Sita,his beloved,from this rock after she was captured by Ravana,the demon ruler.
Statue of Kuruvan & Kuruthi located at the top of one of the Ramakkalmedu hills is one of the major tourist site in Ramakkalmedu. C.B. Jinan shadod of Balaramapuram is the architecture of this famous statue. It was launched in 1st August of 2005. Hundreds of tourists visits here daily. From this hill we can see certain portion of Tamil Nadu state. Also you can see here two huge statues of 'Kuruvan' and 'Kurathi', the two historical characters of the local community who's name where given to the rocks between which the Idukki Dam was built. It believes that Kuruvan and Kuruthi found the place for the famous Idukki Dam. Tourists are not allowed to climb up the statue at anytime. It's strictly prohibited by rules. From the statue we can see the family of Kuruvan along with a cook. Behind the statue, the authority made up a Mandapam, which serves as a rest house for tourists.
Getting there: Nearest railway station: Changanacherry, about 93 km. Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 190 km
Studies have shown that Ramakkalmedu is the most suitable place for setting up the farm, as the area is blessed with uninterrupted and high velocity wind during the season. Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan inaugurated the first wind farm in Idukki, set up at Ramakkalmedu with private participation, at a function to be held in Thookkupalam on 27th April 2008. Seven wind farm units have started supply of power to the KSEB’s Kallar sub-station.
Pandikuzhi Hills - Idukki, Kerala
Place :Pandikuzhi
Location : 5 km from Thekkady
This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.
Getting there:
Nearest airport: Madurai in Tamil Nadu, about 140 kms Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 190 kms.
Nearest railway station: Theni in Tamil Nadu, about 60 kms Changanacherry, about 93 kms.
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