Hill Stations of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is one of those states where you feel like coming again, every time you think of India. The geographical, cultural and environmental diversities of the land have made it a preferred tourist destination. Ever wondered why the name of Ooty crops up every time someone talks of Indian hill stations? Such is the appeal and charm of the hill stations of Tamil Nadu that you invariably get drawn to a few names while finalizing your vacations.

The state of Tamil Nadu is situated on the southeastern part of the Indian peninsula. Traveling across the length and breadth of Tamil Nadu, you can easily feel the topography of the state. The Coastal plains border the state on the eastern side while the Northern and the Western parts abound in hilly regions. If you ever thought to stroll through the clouds then the hill stations of Tamil Nadu are the places to do the same. The hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal, with their pleasant climate and rejuvenating atmosphere, offer all that you wanted to do for a long time.

The Nilgiri hills, located at the point where the Eastern and Western Ghats merge, is home to some of the most beautiful hill stations of Tamilnadu including Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Coonoor and Kotagiri. If you are also into adventure and fun sports then these hill stations are a must visit for you. You can enjoy trekking, fishing, hang gliding and Golf at these hill stations.

Another enchanting hill station in Tamil Nadu is Kodaikanal. Located on the Palni hills Kodaikanal is known for its natural beauty and the hues of Kurinji plant, which gives purple flowers once in twelve years. The man-made Kodai Lake adds to the captivating charm of the hill station. There is much more natural beauty to explore and appreciate in Tamil Nadu. The serene environment and the magical charm of the hill stations of Tamil Nadu beckon you to explore the same.

Coonoor Hill
Coonoor, a beautiful and serene hill station of Tamil Nadu, lies in the Nilgiri Hills. Coonoor derives its name from the Coon hill tribe of the region. Tea bushes, Grassy meadows, profusion of Sunflowers, Marigolds and Rhododendrons characterize Coonoor.

Kotagiri Hill
Kotagiri is one of the three popular hill stations, located in the Nilgiri Hills. It is just an hour's drive from Udhagamandalam, popularly known as Ooty. Kotagiri is a small hill resort located amid the lush tea estates.

Ooty
Ooty is nestled in the strikingly green abode of misty blue hills of the Nilgiris. As a queen of hill stations in South India, perched at an altitude of 2240 m, Ooty or Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of the Nilgiri's district where the two ghats converge.

Velliangiri Hills
Velliangiri Hills count amongst the lesser-known hill stations of Tamilnadu. Of all the mountain shrines in Kongunadu, the Siva temple of Velliangiri in the western boundary is considered to be the most famous.

Yercaud Hill
Though Yercaud is not as popular and famous as other hill stations of Tamil Nadu yet it is no less in natural beauty and charm. Yercaud is located on the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern Ghats.

Coonoor

Location:	Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu
Best Time:	October to March
Languages Spoken:	Tamil and English
STD Code:	0423
Clothing:	Light woolen in summer and heavy woolen in winter

Coonoor, a beautiful and serene hill station of Tamil Nadu, lies in the Nilgiri Hills. Coonoor derives its name from the Coon hill tribe of the region. Tea bushes, Grassy meadows, profusion of Sunflowers, Marigolds and Rhododendrons characterize Coonoor. Coonoor is basically a small tea estate town where the weather remains pleasant all through the year. Based on its relief, the town is divided into upper and lower Coonoor. Coonoor is one of the three popular hill stations in the Nilgiri Hills, the other two being Ooty and Kotagiri.

Perched at an altitude of 1800 ft, Coonoor is second largest hill station in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty being the largest one. It is extremely famous for the production of Nilgiri tea. Coonoor extends travelers with the panoramic view of the lush green Nilgiri hills, replete with deep ravines, beautiful valleys and imposing waterfalls. And if these were not enough, the hill station also extends travelers a number of sightseeing places, including Sim's Park, The Pasteur Institute, Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint, Lamb's Rock, Droog, Law's Falls and Ooty.

Coonoor forwards tourists a number of fun activities, which they can indulge in on their tour. Two such activities are nature walking and trekking. Travelers can take a walk through the tea gardens or go for a number of hiking trails around Coonoor. Apart from this, tourists can also enjoy the exhilarating and unique ride on the toy train that connects Coonoor with Mettupalayam and Ooty. The trip provides some breathtaking views of the Nilgiri hills in all its natural glory. Overall, Coonoor is an ideal place to spend a memorable and refreshing vacation in Tamil Nadu.

How to Reach Coonoor

Coonoor is a small town situated in the Nilgiris district in the state of Tamil Nadu. Located at an altitude of 6100 ft above sea level, it is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri hills. Coonoor is about 17 km southeast of Ooty and 314 km south of Bangalore. The best feature about Coonoor is that it is easily accessible by all the modes of transport – be it airways, railways or roadways, which make traveling to/ reaching Coonoor an easy task. In the following lines, we have provided detailed information on how to reach Coonoor.

Traveling To Coonoor

By Air
Coimbatore airport is the nearest aerodrome, situated at a distance of about 71 kms from Coonoor. The airport is well connected to all the major destinations of the country, such as Calicut, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad Hyderabad and Bhuj. The airport is also well connected to international destinations, such as Sharjah and Singapore. Some of the important airlines that ply to and from the airport are Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, JetLite, Kingfisher Airlines, Paramount Airways, SpiceJet, Air Arabia and Silkair

By Rail
Coonoor railway station connects the city to all the other parts of the state. Falling on the Mettupalayam-Ooty rail route, the station is connected by toy train line and is served by Nilgiri Mountain Railways. The station is situated in the heart of the city and is about 19 km from Ooty Railway Station. Mettupalayam Railway Station is the nearest broad gauge railhead.

By Road
A network of roads connects Coonoor with other major cities and towns of Tamil Nadu. There are regular bus service from Ooty, Coimbatore, and Kotagiri. Coonoor can be reached either from Bangalore via Ooty or from Coimbatore via Mettupalayam.

Coonoor Tourist Attractions

One of the most magnificent hill stations in South India, Coonoor is characterized by deep ravines, beautiful valleys and imposing waterfalls. Apart from this, it also boasts of exquisite range of birds, which adds a natural glory to this beautiful town. There are a number of sightseeing options within the city for tourists, on a visit to Coonoor. Apart from this, visitors can go on a tour to Ooty a famous hill station, located about 19 km northwest of Coonoor. To get detailed information on the tourist attraction places to see in Coonoor, browse through the following lines.

Places to See in Coonoor

Sim's Park
The Sim's Park is a famous landmark at Coonoor. The park is a botanical garden, spread over 12 hectares and has a collection of over 1,000 plant species that includes magnolia, tree ferns, pines and camellia. This park was developed partly in the Japanese style and is named after J. D. Sim, former secretary of the Madras Club. The annual fruit and vegetable show, held in May, is the main attraction of the botanical garden.

The Pasteur Institute
The Pasteur institute is another important attraction at Coonoor. It is situated near to the Sim's Park. The Pasteur institute specializes in the research for vaccines for rabies and polio. The institute is open for the visitors only on Saturdays. However, if you want to visit it on other days, you will have to seek prior permission of the Director of the Pasteur institute.

Pomological Station
The Pomological station is a research center of the State Agricultural Department for persimmon, pomegranates and apricot. It is one of the three experimental fruit gardens in the Nilgiri Hills. The other two research centers are Burliar and Kallar. A research center of repute, the Pomological Station carries research on different fruits, which are locally grown. Some of the prominent fruits of the area are apples, peaches, plums, persimmons, apricots, lemons and pomegranates.

Things to Do in Coonoor

Coonoor is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Nilgiris. Perched at an altitude of 1800 ft, it extends tourists just the right mix of picturesque beauty and affable weather. Apart from this, there are a number of tourist attraction places as well which you really make the trip a memorable one. Add to this the fun activities which Coonoor offers. Tourists can engage themselves in a lot of things when in Coonoor. To get detailed information about what to do and see in Coonoor, browse through the following lines.

Fun Activities to Do in Coonoor

Golfing
For those who have a knack for playing golf, Coonoor can be an ideal haven to retreat to during vacations. One of the most popular golf courses in India, the Wellington Golf Course Coonoor is spread over a large area and is surrounded in the midst of exotic landscape. The serenity of the place coupled with its picturesque beauty adds to the charm and charisma of the place. Due to this, the Wellington Golf Course has become hugely popular among film crews, who film in this area.

Nature Walks
If you want to get a taste of the unexplored beauty of Coonoor, nature walk would be the best bet. Enveloped by lush greeneries on all sides, amidst wild flora and fauna, the place extends tourists just the right opportunity to have a walk in the blissful surrounding. All you need to do is fit in a comfortable pair of shoes and step outside to explore the beautiful and picturesque hill station of Coonoor.

Trekking
Trekking enthusiasts can quench their thirst for thrill and adventure with their visit to Coonoor. Beyond the Wellington Golf Course is the Hidden Valley, an ideal place to indulge in trekking. It is a great trek route and also one of the best ways to explore the bounty of nature. The picturesque beauty of the place would add to the glory of trekking. Some of the trekking options are:

One of the popular trekking trails leads to Lamb’s Rock, which is about 9 km from Coonoor. Overlooking the Coimbatore plains, it provides a spectacular view of the tea and coffee plantations.
Another option would be to trek from Lady Canning’s Seat to Dolphin’s Seat, which is located 12 km from Coonoor.
The Law’s Fall is another trekking option, which is located 5 km from Coonoor.
You can then trek from the falls to Droog that is located at a distance of 13 km from Coonoor.

Coonoor Climate

Min Temperature: 23⁰ C (Summer), 10⁰ C (Winter)
Max Temperature: 37⁰ C (Summer), 20⁰ C (Winter)
Best Time to Visit: October to March

Located at an altitude of 1800 m, Coonoor is one of the most well known hill station in the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu. The scenic beauty of the hill station is sure to appeal all kinds of tourist in Coonoor. To add to the picturesque beauty is that salubrious climate of the place. The weather in Coonoor is always pleasant and enjoyable. Coonoor experiences three distinct seasons - summer, winter and monsoon. The summer season starts from the month of March and lasts till May. Temperature during this period touches a high of 37⁰ C and a low of 22⁰ C. It is the most pleasant among all the other season and an ideal time to watch the picturesque grandeur of the place.

The coming of July marks the arrival of monsoon. Coonoor receives mild to medium rainfalls, which makes the climate humid. During this time, this picturesque hill station is replete with lush green sceneries. The monsoon gives way to the winters. December, January and February are the coldest months of the year. Temperature during this time lies somewhere between 10⁰ C to 20⁰ C. It is an ideal time for those who are fond of cooler temperatures. October to March is the best time to visit. It is also an ideal time for engaging in perfect for indoor and outdoor activities.

October to February is perfect for indoor and outdoor activities. To have complete relaxation of the mind and body, this season is ideal. This is best for honeymoon vacations.

Kotagiri Hill

Location of Kotagiri:	16 km away from Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Best Time:	All through the Year
Languages Spoken:	Major population speaks Badaga; Tamil & English secondary language
Kotagiri STD Code:	04236
Clothing:	Light woolen in summer and heavy woolen in winter

Kotagiri is one of the three popular hill stations, located in the Nilgiri Hills. It is just an hour's drive from Udhagamandalam, popularly known as Ooty. Kotagiri is a small hill resort located amid the lush tea estates. Kotagiri used to be the summer resort of the British. If you want to spend your vacations from the hustle and bustle of the crowded city life, Kotagiri is the perfect place for you. The climate of Kotagiri is a temperate one and attracts a large number of tourists every year.

Tourist Attractions at Kotagiri

Kodanad View Point
The Kodanad viewpoint is located 18 Km away from Kotagiri on the easternmost ridges of the Nilgiri Hills. On both sides of the road you can have a great view of the distant plains, tea estates, dams and the River Moyar.

Elk Falls
The Elk fall is another popular attraction at Kodagiri. Besides the waterfall, it is also known for the European house that was built here during the colonial period. Though the house is in ruins but that still makes a great sight. You can also have a close look into the lives of the tribal people by exploring the Badaga settlement, on the road to the falls.

Rangaswamy Pillar and Rock
The Rangaswamy peak lies 20 km from Kotagiri. This peak is sacred for Irulas (a tribe) that adds mysticism to the natural beauty. Just nearby is the Rangaswamy rock, a challenge for the rock-climbers. The Rangaswamy Rock rises abruptly on all sides to about 400 meters, which makes it impossible to climb.

Longwood Shola
The Longwood shola is the source of pure water for the people of Kotagiri area. Shola forests are a type of stunted evergreen vegetation that is found in the Southern states of India. The Longwood Shola forms an essential part of the delicate eco-system of the area. The micro climatic conditions make Kotagiri one of the ideal climatic locations. You can trek along on the picturesque trekking path, which goes through this calm shola forest.

How to Reach Kotagiri

By Air
The nearest airport is Coimbatore (105 km). It is connected to Chennai, Bangalore and Cochin.

By Road
Kotagiri is well connected to other major places in Tamil Nadu by road. Regular bus services connect the hill resort to Ooty, Mettupalayam and Coonoor.

By Rail
The nearest railhead is Coonoor (21 km).

Ooty

Area:	36 sq. km
Population:	About 80,000
Altitude:	2286 m
Annual Rainfall:	991 mm
Temperature:	Max - 24.3°C, Min - 4.8°C
Clothing:	Summer-Light Woolen; Winter-Heavy Woolen
Language:	Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and English
STD Code:	0423
Best Time:	Between November & March

Ooty is nestled in the strikingly green abode of misty blue hills of the Nilgiris. As a queen of hill stations in South India, perched at an altitude of 2240 m, Ooty or Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of the Nilgiri's district where the two ghats converge.

With nature's splurge, Ooty is rich with coffee and tea plantations, trees like conifers, eucalyptus, pine and wattle. Summer temperature is rarely higher than 25°c with a minimum of 10°c and winter is distinctly cooler with a high of 21°C and a low 5°C.

This heavenly abode remained hidden till the British discovered it in the early 1800s. The British influence is still extant in the region with hand rolled cigars, chocolate and cheese that one can enjoy here. However, before the British there were Todas, an aboriginal tribe who inhabited the region since ancient times. The British constructed the first railway line in the area and made it the summer capital of the Chennai Presidency.

As a favorite summers retreat, Ooty is the place to be at all seasons. Merely being there refreshes you. Ooty tourism offers a gamut of scenic sites and adventure-laden trips both in the township and nearby areas. You can visit a host of sites within Ooty such as Botanical garden, which has some rich flora of the region, St. Stephen's church that reflects the city's long association with the British. You can also explore Government Museum to witness tribal artifacts of the region and other historical relics. Or simply sit back and reflect by the side of Ooty Lake.

If you are a shopaholic, then Ooty is not going to suppress you innate desire to shop around. Eucalyptus oil, Honey, Cinchona products, coffee and Tea are some of the good buys. Most of the shops are open from 9 am to 12 noon and from 3 pm to 8pm. Todas Showroom sells silver and tribal shawls. Municipal Market and Coop. Super Market and Upper and Lower Bazaar Roads are the main shopping areas of Ooty. Poompuhar and Kairali Emporia can also be visited.

Excursions Around Ooty

Location:	Nilgiri Dist, Tamilnadu
Altitude:	Varies between 2,280 and 2,290 m
Climate:	Temperate and most equable
STD code:	0423
Best Time:	February to May & September to November
Attraction:	The Mukurthi Peak & Mukurthi National Park, Pykara and Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Ooty is tourists's delight, a hotspot for all those looking for complete fun and adventure. The place is studded with some of the breathtaking sites where you would love to spend your time. Book your excursions around Ooty and be a part of the excitement that is sure to sweep you off your feet. Some of the hot excursion sites are as below

The Mukurthi Peak & Mukurthi National Park
You can plan your excursion to Mukurthi Peak, which is 40 km from Ooty. The place has Mukurthi National Park on the Southeastern corner of the Nilgiri Plateau. This is home to a sizeable chunk of the endangered species of Nilgiri Tahr (Hamitragus hilocrius). The silent Valley is located on the Western side of these ranges. Fascinating feature of the Mukurthi Sanctuary is its close similarity to Himalayan Flora and Fauna.

Pykara
About 19 km from Ooty, Pykra is a dam and power plant. Exhibiting breathtaking natural scenery, with stunning waterfalls is the best visit during August to December. You could also book a forest house in the region and be a part of the nature. There is also a boathouse in the river that makes a hot tourist stopover. The region also boasts of well-protected fenced Sholas, Todas settlement, undisturbed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat.

Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at a distance of 67 km from Ooty, Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is based at an elevation of 1000 meters and extends over an area of 321 sq. km. You must add Madumalai to your weekend getaway when in Ooty, since the place is home to stunning flora and fauna. The wildlife includes Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse, Wild Boar, Parcupine etc. You can visit Theppakadu, and see the majestic elephants all around you.

Coonoor
A great picnic spot, Coonoor is 19 km away from Ooty and a must visit hill station at a lower altitude. Encircled with breathtaking beauty of tea and coffee plantations, Coonoor is famous for its Sims Park and several scenic spots, as also fruit orchards.

Kotagiri
Another hot tourist spot, Kotagiri is 29 km from Ooty. It is a beautiful hill resort with mesmerizing expanse of tea plantation. Quieter than Ooty and Coonoor, Kotagiri is for all such tourists who wish to spend their time in solitude and peace.

How To Reach Ooty

The hill station of Ooty has been one of the most popular tourist joints in India. Tourists from across the country and beyond come over here to get intimate with nature and make the most of adventure offered by the hill station and scenic beauty the place bejeweled with. Reaching to Ooty is not a problem as it is very well connected. You could reach the place by air, rail and road, whichever mode suits you. Below mentioned are the modes of travel to reach one of the most spectacular hill stations of India, Ooty based in Tami Nadu.

Traveling to Ooty

By Air
The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore (100 Km). This airport is well-connected to Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore. Once you get down here, there are many private and public transports to take you to Ooty.

By Rail
The Ooty railway station is only 2 km from the heart of the city and the nearest broad gauge ailway station is about 46 km away at Mettupalayam. The locale is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai.

By Road
With Tamilnadu having a good road network, Ooty is well connected by good motorable road. There are regular bus services connecting Ooty to Coimbatore, Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Kanniya Kumari, Mysore, Palghat, Calicut and Tirupati. The road route to follow is SH 17 to Bandipur. From Bandipur which segues to the Mudumalai Reserve which is very close to Ooty.

Distance from Main towns/Cities

Chennai - 539 km
Bangalore - 290 km
Cochin - 281 km
Coonoor - 13 km
Coimbatore - 98 km
Koidaikanal - 236 km
Yercaud - 237 km

Tourist Attractions of Ooty

Location:	Nilgiri Dist, Tamilnadu
Altitude:	Varies between 2,280 and 2,290 m.
Climate:	Temperate and most equable, Summer: 25°C - 10°C, Winter: 21°C - 5°C
Climate:
STD code:	0423
Best Time:	February to May & September to November
Languages Spoken:	Tamil, English, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi
Nearest Airport:	Coimbatore, which is 98 km away
Attractions:	Botanical Garden, Government Museum and St. Stephen's Church

Udhagamandalam or Ooty is the headquarters of the Nilgiri district and is popularly known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations'. This hot tourist spot is laden with beautiful sites to savor. Some of the chief attractions are as below:

Botanical Garden
A gamut of regionally exclusive and ornamental plants find place in this garden. The Botanical garden is also the venue for the Flower Show held in May every year. It also houses a fossil tree trunk 20 million years old.

St. Stephen's Church
The St. Stephen's Church, located on the Mysore road, near the Collectorate, is one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris. Built in 1829, the church has a fine pew with a raised chancel. There are stained-glass paintings on the Eastern side as well as behind the chancel. The glass paintings portray Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms and the crucifixion of Christ among others. On the Western wall, above the paneled doorways, is a large life-like painting of the Last Supper.

Government Museum
Plan your tour to the Government Museum on Mysore road. Be a witness to a host of tribal artifacts, district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamilnadu.

Ooty Lake
You can opt for a joy boat ride on this artificial lake. The lake garden has toy trains for complete recreation. Constructed in 1824 by Major John Sullivan, the then the Collector of Coimbatore, the lake is a hot picnic spot among the tourists.

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.

Glenmorgan
About 25 km from Ooty is the picturesque Glenmorgan, which is famous for its tea estate. A captivating lake at the foot of this estate constitutes the fore bay for the Pykra powerhouse that is above 3 km down the hills at Singara. Glenmorgan and Singara are a tourist delight. There are about ten Todas (tribal) settlement in the vicinity.

Upper Bhavani
10 Km from Korakundah and about 20 Km from Avalanchi, Upper Bhavani has some of the best sholas like the Thar Shola enroute. The area is a rich and undisturbed wildlife habitat. You can enjoy trekking from Bangithappal via Sispara to Silent Valley.

Doddabetta
Lying at the junction of Western & Eastern Ghats, Doddabetta is the highest peak (2623 meters) in the Nilgiri's, about 10 km from Ooty. You can view the cosmos and surrounding through a telescope house run by TTDC.

You can also enjoy a myriad of tourists' hunts, which include, Kalhatty Water Falls, Wenlock Downs, Elk Hills and Snowden Peak and relish your visit to this enticingly beautiful region of Ooty.

Things To Do in Ooty

A memorable trip to the mesmerizing locales of Ooty is just the perfect vacation you may be looking for. The natural environs of the hill station are nothing less than spectacular and its stunning natural beauty is a tempting call to all the nature lovers to haunt the place. Ooty's enticing appeal and fame can be traced back to the times when India was under colonial rule. In fact, this pristine beauty was explored and discovered by the British. Below mentioned are some of the exciting activities one can do in Ooty to maximize the fun and adventure.

Fun Activities To Do In Ooty

Trekking
Trekking is, undoubtedly, the best way to explore the exotic mountain ranges of Ooty and the picturesque landscape that makes it a thriving natural wonder and one of the most popular hill stations in India. The rugged mountainous terrain of Nilgiris hills can be trekked to view the real beauty that Ooty is celebrated for. Professional guidance should be sought by the amateur trekkers. One of the most adventurous sports, trekking the highest peaks of Nilgiris will be a thrilling experience for the trekkers.

Nature Walk
Ooty is an ideal destination for those who are seeking the companionship of nature. Rich in Natural splendor and adorned with phenomenally beautiful environs, Ooty has some spectacular gardens like the Rose garden for nature lovers. It is a perfect choice for those who want to absorb the sublime freshness of nature and soothe their nerves in a calm environment to beat the city stress on a vacation.

Boating
One of the leading tourist attractions in the city, the Ooty Lake is immensely popular with tourists for boating. The lake and boat houses have emerged as key tourist hangouts in the hill station. The boat house is at the far end of the Lake. Boat pageantry and boat races are held in summers in the lake when it is crowded with visitors. Fishing is also allowed in the Ooty Lake but prior permission should be sought from the authorities. The entire lake is delimited with a footpath and you can also walk alongside it.

Hand-Gliding & Angling
Ooty offers a range of adventure sports to tourists for a thrilling experience. Hand-gliding will give tourists the joy of flying high like a bird in the vast expanse of the open sky. Trained and professional hand-gliders should be guiding you when you try hand-gliding. Angling is another prominent adventure sport to experience in Ooty. There is an ample scope for fishing in the clean streams and swift flowing rivers of the Ooty hills.

Visiting the Church
Ooty has a lot of ancient religious places to see and the tourists are going to really enjoy this light walk into the religious history of Ooty. One of the first colonial structures of the hill station discovered by the British, St. Stevens Church is one of the heritage attractions of Ooty. The cemetery of the church has the graves of some of the famous names of Ooty. Tourist can visit two the Union and Holy Trinity churches in Ooty to see the stained glass windows.

Ooty Weather

Min Temperature: 10⁰ C (Summer), 5⁰ C (Winter)
Max Temperature: 25⁰ C (Summer), 21⁰ C (Winter)
Best Time To Visit: February to May, September to November

The verdant locale of Ooty is an all time delight for tourists in every season. The place is placid yet echoes with the abundance of nature's beauty. Summers set the region afire with greenery enmeshed in soft warmth of the subdued sun. The autumn covers the forest with thriving cloak of russet and gold. Winters wrap the place in the cool cover of chill and nip in the fresh and natural environs. Ice formation is likely in winters. Ooty attracts tourists in all the seasons but monsoon season could be avoided as it restricts tourist activities.

You can plan your visit to Ooty between February and May or September and November. If summers are the choice, you can expect a normal temperature reaching 25 Degree C at the maximum. During this season you can carry along cotton clothes and a light jacket. You may also expect unannounced drizzles during the season. During winters, the temperature takes a downslide, reaching 50 degree C, and hence, you better be ready with woolens and warm clothes. In monsoons, Ooty experiences good rainfall between June to September.

Velliangiri Hills

Location:	40 Km from Coimbatore
Famous for:	Siva Temple
Altitude:	6000 ft.

Velliangiri Hills count amongst the lesser-known hill stations of Tamilnadu. Of all the mountain shrines in Kongunadu, the Siva temple of Velliangiri in the western boundary is considered to be the most famous. Known as Rajathagiri, Velliangiri, Dakshin Kailash or Bhoolok Kailash, this sacred spot, according to legend, is where Siva performed his cosmic dance on the request of his consort Umadevi. The five faces of Lord Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Maheshwara and Sadasiva, are seen as Panchagiri and as Panchalingas pertaining to the panchabhutas, in Velliangiri. The hill ranges have abundant natural resources, which include rare herbs. Lord Panchalingesa and his Consort Manonmani Amman alias Parvathi, bestow their grace on the devotees who throng here annually between February and May.

Festivals
A unique feature of Dakshina Kailash is the annadhanam organised by the Arya Vaisya jewellers for the past two centuries, for four days during Mahasivaratri. It is now carried out with all earnestness and enthusiasm, by the jeweller community and the Lala group.

Getting There
At present special buses ply between Coimbatore and Poondi only on festive occasions. Coimbatore is on the international circuit with flights connecting it to Sharjah. On the domestic front it is connected to Kozhikode, Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi. The place is also well connected by both rail and rail.

Staying
Tourists can unpack at the economical standard hotels available in Coimbatore.

Yercaud Hill Station

Location:	33 Km From Salem, Tamil Nadu
Famous For:	Plantations And Orange Groves
Best Time:	February - June and September-November
Languages Spoken:	Tamil, Hindi and English
STD Code:	04281

Though Yercaud is not as popular and famous as other hill stations of Tamil Nadu yet it is no less in natural beauty and charm. Yercaud is located on the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern Ghats. Yercaud abounds in extraordinary scenic beauty and a salubrious climate. As you drive across the hills, you come across the coffee plantations and orange groves, which make the environment more fragrant. If you want to spend your vacations in a peaceful and serene environment, away from the bustling crowds of much popular hill stations, then Yercaud is surely the place for you.

It is interesting to note that Yercaud got its name from the Yeri and Kaadu (Tamil words) meaning lake and forest respectively. Like many other hill stations in India, the British discovered Yercaud in the early 19th century. The British officers also introduced the coffee plantations here in Yercaud.

Prime Attractions at Yercaud

Yercaud Lake
The Yercaud Lake, a picturesque pool surrounded by gardens and trees, is one of the main attractions of Yercaud. You can enjoy boating at the Yercaud Lake. If you like to paddle the boat yourself then the paddling boats are a good option otherwise you also have the option of the boatman rowing it for you as you relax in the calm waters of the Lake.

Lady's Seat
Lady's seat is name given to a cluster of rocks on the south west side of Yercaud. There is a steep drop of about 200 feet below from this point. One gets a panoramic view of distant Salem and the winding road up.

Killiyur Falls
The Killiyur waterfall is located at a distance of about 3 km from the Yercaud Lake. The ideal time to visit the waterfall is immediately after the monsoons. You can see the surplus water from the Yercaud Lake and other points of the Shevaroy Hills fall deep into the Killiyur Valley below, making a 300 feet waterfall.

The Grange
The Grange is one of the oldest buildings in Yercaud, built in 1820's by the then District Collector of Salem, M D Cockburn.

Bear's Cave
The Bear's cave is situated near the Norton Bungalow on the way to Servarayan temple. It is an important tourist spot as it is considered one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.

The Servarayan Temple
The Servarayan temple is situated atop the Servarayan hill. The temple is a narrow and dark cave having the God Servarayan and the Goddess Kaveri inside, which the Shevaroy Hills and the Cauvery River. The local tribes celebrate their annual festival in the Servarayan temple during the month of May.

Climate of Yercaud
Yercaud has a moderate climate. Winters in Yercaud are fairly mild, which start in the month of September and ends in December. During winter, the nearby hills are covered by mist and look so beautiful. At Yercaud, the coffee bushes blossom in April and present a spectacular view to the visitors.

How to Reach Yercaud

By Air
The nearest airport from Yercaud is Trichy, 163 Km away. Other airports are Coimbatore or Bangalore. Coimbatore is 190 Km away from Yercaud. All of them are connected to Chennai/Madras, which has an international airport.

By Rail
The nearest Railway station is Salem Junction, 36 Km away from Yercaud. All southbound trains passing via Salem stop at Salem. Salem is very well linked to Cochin, Trivandrum, Erode and Mangalore by rail network.

By Road
Yercaud is about 30 Km away and an hour's drive from Salem. You can take a bus or taxi from Salem. Regular bus services both private and government run ply from Chennai and other important cities and towns.