Nilgiri 'the blue mountains' are situated in the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Located on the western ghats of India, Nilgiri are amongst the oldest mountain range in India. The steep hills, pristine valleys, and glittering waterfalls is what adds charm to its scenic beauty.
Nilgiri comprises of many popular hillstations such as Ooty, Kotagiri, and Coonoor. People from all around the year make a visit to these hill stations to escape from the hectic city life. Nilgiri hills provides you the opportunity to witness the beautiful tea garden spread in acres of land.
Tourists
Activities : Wildlife Adventure :
For all the tourists this region is a wildlife paradise. You can make a excursion trip to the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, which are the part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that boosts of rich flora and fauna. The dense mixed and moist deciduous forests make it the most attractive and fascinating wildlife reserves. Bamboos (Bambusa Arundinacea), teak (Tetcona Grandis), add to the floral system of the park. The rich fauna here includes Elephants, Gaur, Banner, Macaque, Common Langur, Tigers, Leopards, Chital, Panther, Sloth bear, Python, Barking Deer, Four horned Antelope, Otter, Giant flying squirrel, Sambar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Spotted deer and many more. Tourists can avail the facility of lion or tiger safari inside the park.
Trekking :
Trekking at the Nilgiri hills is the great way to venture through the forests of teak and rhododendron, make a visit to the remote area, explore the wildlife sanctuaries and experience the exotic rural culture and geographical diversities. Trekking in this part is really difficult so really need to be medically fit. Apart from trekking you can also try out fishing and angling.
Shopping :
Shopping in Nilgiri district is really exciting. While in Nilgiri do not forget to take back the 'Nilgiri Tea', popular in this area. Otherwise you can also shop for the fruits, embroidery items and natural oils.
Fairs and Festivals :
The region around the Nilgiri Hills is renowned for its culture and traditions. If you make a visit to the area in the month of January to February you can be a part of the 'Tea and Tourism Festival', held in this region every year. The festival gives you the opportunity to taste wide varieties of tea that are available here.
Tourists Attractions :
Ooty Lake :
The most famous hangout destination in the area is the Ooty lake, quite popular among the tourists. At the lake you can enjoy boating in boats of various types available at the Boat house from 8 am to 6 pm. If you visit the place during the summer season you the be a part of the attractive boat races, organized for two days at the lake. There is also a children's park with the toy train at the end of the Boat house.
Doddabetta Peak :
Doddabetta is the highest point in Nillgiri Hills at an altitude of 2,623 meters. It offers the exotic view of the Nilgiri peaks. Slowly and gradually Doddabetta is becoming the hot spot in Ooty.
Botanical Gardens :
Botanical gardens are the most popular tourists attraction of the region visited by thousand of tourists all around the globe. They were established by Marquis of Tweeddale in the year 1848. These gardens are maintained by the Government of Tamil Nadu, Department of Horticulture. The garden comprises of are species of trees like Lily Pond and the Italian Garden that bears beautiful flowers. One of the major attraction here is the monkey- puzzle tree. Than it also houses a cork tree, which is one of its kind in India.
