the blue mountains
Hello Friends,
The Nilgiris (Blue Mountains), are a range of mountains and forms a part of the Western Ghats that is situated in the western part of the Tamil Nadu state. The mountains are strategically placed at the junction of Karnataka and Kerala states in southern India. There are at least 24 peaks above 2,000 metres (6,600 feet) which make the southwestern edge of the Deccan Plateau. Doddabetta is the highest peak (2,637 metres or 8,650 feet) in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu state. The Nilgiris is in fact a complete region in itself with its own environment, culture and history.
Ootacamund is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills It is 80 km north of Coimbatore and is the capital of the Nilgiris district. Ootacamund or known dearly as Ooty, has a rich history associated with it and its natural beauty and cold climate makes it a much sought after destination which is why it is called the Queen of Hill Stations. It is a well-known destination for spices, tea and eucalyptus oil. Ooty, Coonoor, Gudalur and Kotagiri are the most prominent hill stations within Nilgiri.
With breathtaking views of the misty mountains, plunging ravines, gushing waterfalls and countless number of rare birds the Nilgiris is one of the most travel destinations in the world. Birds such as cormorants, pipits, thrushes, parakeets, skylarks and Nilgiri verditer are found in the mountains. Apart from acres and acres of coffee and tea plantations trees such as conifers, eucalyptus, pine and wattle are found here in abundance.
Reaching Coimbatore will be the first step in proceeding towards Ooty and it’s a three and a half hour drive uphill. Stopover at Coimbatore and visiting the Sree Annapoorana for a wholesome meal is recommended. It’s a fairly nice place serving wholesome food.
Roomy and airy interiors of Sree Annapoorna
Breakfast platter at Sree Annapoorna
Monkeys run amok in the uphill roads to Ooty
Quaint little bridges dot the roads to Ooty adding an old world charm to the place
Breathtaking view of the mountains as you drive past
Interestingly a Shiva temple as you drive into Ooty
Useful Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nilgiri_mountains
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ooty
Cheers
Bhuvana Rajaram
