http://www.indiamike.com/india Information about Udagamandalam (Ooty), Udagamandalam (Ooty) things to do, Udagamandalam (Ooty) hotels and Udagamandalam (Ooty) accommodations en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:10:51 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.indiamike.com/india/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.indiamike.com/india http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/ooty-in-november-end-please-help-t95735/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:08:40 GMT hey i will be visiting ooty on november 29th some people said me today that it will be too cold there and also its not suggested to visit ooty in this period of time is this true ? i am visiting with my mom and dad and elder brother... also is this not the peak season ? hey i will be visiting ooty on november 29th

some people said me today that it will be too cold there and also its not suggested to visit ooty in this period of time


is this true ? i am visiting with my mom and dad and elder brother...



also is this not the peak season ? ]]> Udagamandalam (Ooty) jn.rounak http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/ooty-in-november-end-please-help-t95735/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/ooty-hotels-help-please-t95027/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:21:38 GMT I planning for 3 nights stay @ ooty from 27th Nov. Looking for some decent package for hotel stay. My total budget is around 7K. Thanks. Harsh I planning for 3 nights stay @ ooty from 27th Nov. Looking for some decent package for hotel stay. My total budget is around 7K.

Thanks.

Harsh ]]> Udagamandalam (Ooty) harsh_dk http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/ooty-hotels-help-please-t95027/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/nilgiri-mountain-railway-out-of-steam-t94701/ Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:24:06 GMT I just read something in the paper which seems to suggest that they are going to be temporarily switching over to hauling the Nilgiri Mountain Railway by diesel traction all the way! They will use two diesel engines on the steeper sections between Mettupalayam and Coonoor. The main implications are that this will disapoint some steam-fans who are planning special journeys but on the plus side, this journey will get a bit quicker (currently the steam locos have a rated top speed of 13km/h!!) This is only a temporary measure until they get the new steam locos ready! Just thought I would post this as this may change the travel plans of some steam-buffs! http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/06/stories/2009110652530400.htm I just read something in the paper which seems to suggest that they are going to be temporarily switching over to hauling the Nilgiri Mountain Railway by diesel traction all the way! They will use two diesel engines on the steeper sections between Mettupalayam and Coonoor. The main implications are that this will disapoint some steam-fans who are planning special journeys but on the plus side, this journey will get a bit quicker (currently the steam locos have a rated top speed of 13km/h!!)

This is only a temporary measure until they get the new steam locos ready!

Just thought I would post this as this may change the travel plans of some steam-buffs!

http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/06/stor...0652530400.htm ]]> Udagamandalam (Ooty) Dacoit Chief http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/nilgiri-mountain-railway-out-of-steam-t94701/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/is-ooty-really-worth-a-visit-t94494/ Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:06:24 GMT I often get asked this question and so thought it might be interesting to start a thread on this here! Apologies in advance if similar things have already been said and discussed as answers in other threads. I was just hoping to build up a bit of a “no-nonsense” guide to Ooty on here, which will hopefully help people who are making up their minds on whether they should go up to Ooty and the Nilgiris district or not!

I must first admit I was born and lived in the Nilgiris for 18 years, but frankly I do actually think Ooty is completely overrated these days! It is certainly worth a visit, but this should be well planned, to help you get the most out of your visit! If you just turn up and do the classic tourist stuff on offer, most people I know will go back feeling a bit let down by their experience, and some even disappointed! I also admit this reaction might be more typical for Western tourists, who are likely to be in India looking for “cultural” India, and not necessarily “scenic” India. The mountain scenery in the Nilgiris is spectacular to say the least, but it can be argued that the mountain scenery in the Himalayas is even more spectacular (though very different), and besides for visitors from Europe, North America and Australasia, they are not exactly in short supply of stunning mountain scenery in their home countries either!!

Since independence and especially during the last 30 odd years, Ooty has turned from being a very sleepy hill town which was famous for its summer retreat status and posh boarding schools, into a commercialized tourist factory, mainly catering to package tourists! These arrive by the bus load and you usually spot them wandering around town with towels over their shoulders as they are all so very cold after coming up from the plains! The other classic group are the honeymooners who you usually see travelling around tightly glued to each other in one corner of the back seat of a taxi! Regardless of who turns up, invariably they all get processed in the factory and are set off on pretty much a set itinerary over a couple of days. Usually this entails seeing sites around Ooty on the first day which includes a trip up to Dodabetta peak (an OK view point, more famous for being the highest peak), a visit to the crowded Botanical garden and Rose garden, and some boating on the polluted lake or pony riding around the lake! The second day usually takes in some of the sites around Coonoor which includes Sim’s Park, and the two main viewpoints of the plains which are Lambs Rock and Dolphins Nose. Both of these are nice and offer much more impressive views than that from Dodabetta. Over the last few years, the tours have also been extended in the opposite direction with boating on Pykara lake as a new option as well as the seriously exciting “sites” en-route to there which include a Pine Forest (wow), a rounded hill top (double wow), and not a particularly impressive cascade of waterfalls. The first two are known for their movie appearances!

As a result of all the rampant commercialization, Ooty town has become over-crowded, dirty and can at times be quite miserable…especially when it rains or drizzles which it seems to do quite often in true English fashion! A lot of the houses also tend to be damp and freezing cold! Many hotels and restaurants offer poor value for money, especially in the high season which peaks around the Flower Show (now known as Summer festival) which is around mid-may! Worse still, the town suffers from water-shortages, and its no secret that most of the towns sewage ends up in the same lake that the tourists go boating on! (Though admittedly this is supposed to be treated these days).

It’s been a while since I read a guide book on Ooty, but I’m sure that many describe Ooty in a similar fashion! I remember, even a while ago some considered the train journey there as the star attraction! The problem is that unlike many other places in India, Ooty has little by way of a religious or historical attraction (like a famous temple, palace etc.), neither does it seem to have a real cosmopolitan buzz! It basically relies on its past reputation; its cool weather, clean air and mountain scenery!

However, I’m only saying all of this as a word of caution for western tourists who turn up in Ooty for a couple of days with an intention to “do Ooty”! I’m certainly not implying give up on this place altogether! There really is a lot to see and do in the Nilgiris in general, and many of the smaller towns and villages have retained most of their original charm! Even the stops on the classic tourist circuit are still worth seeing, but my advice is don’t leave it just at that! There are some places which are further off the regular circuit. Some are almost unknown and others are still well known, but are a bit out of the way. One of the latter is Kodanad View point (beyond Kotagiri) and is well worth the detour! Even in town, both Ooty and Coonoor have fantastic markets (colourful and photogenic) and Ooty has some interesting traditional silver shops that sell you really amazing locally made silver jewellery (mostly made by silversmiths from one of the original tribes of the Nilgiris… famously by the Todas).

Also, for many visitors, Ooty (and the Nilgiris) is still simply what it has always been: A good reprise from the stifling summer heat in the plains, or a fix if you are in need of some greenery! Away from the main tourist traps, there are amazing walks and longer treks that can be done. Coonoor and Kotagiri (but not Ooty) also have extensive tea plantations, which really differentiate the mountain scenery here to other mountainous places. The quality of the tea is good (especially the Orange Pekoe varieties), and many agree that the tea-gardens themselves are better maintained and look nicer than those in other parts of the world. There are literally hundreds of miles of walking paths which go through these plantations, almost all of which are open for all to use! You will discover interesting villages with colourful temples and very friendly people! A visit to a tea factory is also highly interesting, as well as taking some of the better quality teas back as a souvenir or gift! However, I’d really stay clear of the flavoured teas (like chocolate or masala tea), or even the more popular CTC (crush-tear-curl process) or dust teas which are sold by most of the souvenir shops. You can pick that sort of stuff up all over the world! The highest grades are the ones that still have leaf characteristics and don’t look like pellets. Look for Orange Pekoe and B.O.P. (Broken Orange Pekoe). The latter is a lot cheaper and is almost as good. There is an estate called “Nonsuch” that do a nice green box of good quality BOP. Note that Ooty itself does not have any tea plantations or tea factories.

The district also has some interesting wildlife in its two large national parks. These also have some spectacular scenery and contain elephants, gaur, tigers, panthers, bears, Nilgiri thar (mountain ibex) and a lot of deer species as well as giant Malabar squirrels, flying foxes and Langurs and other monkeys! However, generally most activities relating to wildlife, trekking or even walking take some time to organize, and therefore I recommend it is worth planning in order to get the most out of your trip!

Like so much in India, a visit to Ooty can also be a lot better for people on higher budgets. Some of the nicest colonial era buildings are now expensive hotels! (e.g. Savoy Hotel, Fernhill Palace etc.). Even if your budget does not allow a stay, it’s still worth popping in for a meal or a cup of tea on the lawn though! Likewise, if you can afford it then getting around to some of the smaller quieter places can be a lot more fun and interesting if you have your own transport which is also a lot faster! Generally, public transport in this mountain district is extremely slow! Also, if you are lucky enough to have access to visit or stay at one of the older colonial era clubs (such as by affiliation or invitation) or at one of the private guest-houses, a completely different side of Ooty can emerge!

I hope some of this information helps someone planning a trip! For people who have been to Ooty I hope this summary is this about right. Does anyone else have comments or experiences about Ooty that they can add? ]]> Udagamandalam (Ooty) Dacoit Chief http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/is-ooty-really-worth-a-visit-t94494/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/ooty-to-vythiri-travel-t94219/ Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:15:19 GMT Hi again, What are the options for travelling from ooty to vythiri. Is there any bus available or should we hire a private car? And how much time would it take? I am planning to stay in the vythiri resort. Hi again,

What are the options for travelling from ooty to vythiri. Is there any bus available or should we hire a private car? And how much time would it take? I am planning to stay in the vythiri resort. ]]> Udagamandalam (Ooty) bhushan2005 http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/ooty-to-vythiri-travel-t94219/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/coonoor-to-ooty-travel-t94218/ Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:11:14 GMT Hi, Should i take the train from coonoor to ooty or take a cab?..ppl here in the forum have mentioned that wellingdon and lovedale is good for the army camps and the school. If i go by train will i miss these spots. So should i take a cab? Hi,

Should i take the train from coonoor to ooty or take a cab?..ppl here in the forum have mentioned that wellingdon and lovedale is good for the army camps and the school. If i go by train will i miss these spots. So should i take a cab? ]]> Udagamandalam (Ooty) bhushan2005 http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/coonoor-to-ooty-travel-t94218/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/coimbatore-to-coonoor-travel-t94217/ Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:08:07 GMT Hi, I am going to Coonoor-Ooty-Vythiri for my honeymoon during november end. How should i go to coonoor from coimbatore airport? Are there any government run buses from coimbatore to coonoor? Or should i take the train? or cab? which would be more scenic? Also, what are good hotels to stay in coonoor. Hi,

I am going to Coonoor-Ooty-Vythiri for my honeymoon during november end. How should i go to coonoor from coimbatore airport?

Are there any government run buses from coimbatore to coonoor? Or should i take the train? or cab? which would be more scenic?

Also, what are good hotels to stay in coonoor. ]]> Udagamandalam (Ooty) bhushan2005 http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/coimbatore-to-coonoor-travel-t94217/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/ywca-ooty-or-ywca-coonoor-t93855/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:21:19 GMT Hi all,

I'm planning a 2 day trip to Ooty/Coonoor around next week. I was wondering whether it's better to base myself in Ooty or Coonoor, and whether the YWCA guesthouses there are good. The Ooty guest-house seems to be a good one, as most of the reviews are positive - don't know much about the YWCA Coonoor.

The general consensus seems to be that Coonoor is better to base oneself for a visit. The two most-frequently brought up options are the YWCA Coonoor and Vivek Tourist Home - which is more advisable? We're a group of around 5-6 people.

Also, what places should I definitely see on this trip? We plan to use a lot of time for just relaxing :D .

Thanks! ]]> Udagamandalam (Ooty) aloke_m http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/ywca-ooty-or-ywca-coonoor-t93855/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/help-in-finalizing-travel-schedule-around-ooty-t93780/ Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:54:22 GMT Hi Everyone, We are two couples planning to travel around Bengaluru after 25th Dec 2009 for 10 days. Until now we have planned on visit Mysore, Ooty and Coorg. I am seeking advice regarding : - How to plan these holidays? as in which place to go first. - Best way to travel around for the whole trip? (we are thinking of hiring a personal cab for the whole trip after we land in Bengaluru) - Are their any good places around these places or while going from one place to the other, not to be missed? - Any advice regarding accomodations in these places. (We are happy to spend upto 3k/day per room for stay). - We are all young so any fun adventure opportunity around these places not to be missed? - Which place is the best to be on 31st eve? Thanks, Rohit Hi Everyone,

We are two couples planning to travel around Bengaluru after 25th Dec 2009 for 10 days. Until now we have planned on visit Mysore, Ooty and Coorg. I am seeking advice regarding :

- How to plan these holidays? as in which place to go first.
- Best way to travel around for the whole trip? (we are thinking of hiring a personal cab for the whole trip after we land in Bengaluru)
- Are their any good places around these places or while going from one place to the other, not to be missed?
- Any advice regarding accomodations in these places. (We are happy to spend upto 3k/day per room for stay).
- We are all young so any fun adventure opportunity around these places not to be missed?
- Which place is the best to be on 31st eve?

Thanks,

Rohit ]]> Udagamandalam (Ooty) rouheet http://www.indiamike.com/india/udagamandalam-ooty-f147/help-in-finalizing-travel-schedule-around-ooty-t93780/