Udagamandalam Hill Station

Udagamandalam hill station in Tamil Nadu is better known as Ooty, the common name for Ootacamund. The most popular hill station in South India, Udagamandalam is famous for its mesmerizing landscape and salubrious climate. Renowned as the Queen of Hill Stations, Udagamandalam is perched 7,349 feet above the emerald green hills of the Nilgiris.

Udagamandalam, sprawling over 36 square miles, is the headquarters of the Nilgiri district. Your tour to Tamil Nadu will be a memorable one sighting the terraced tea and coffee plantations, peach and plum orchards, and different species of trees such as pine, conifers, eucalyptus and wattle in Udagamandalam hill station.

Udagamandalam is one of the favorite summer retreats of people in South India. In early 19th century, Udagamandalam was developed as a hill resort by the British. It is still home to several British who were captivated by this hill station where they discovered a little bit of England here. The enchanting bungalows, scenic cottages, the Ootacamund Club, the Nilgiri Library, St Stephens Church and a cemetery retains the charm of the colonial times in Udagamandalam. A major attraction of Udagamandalam hill station in Tamil Nadu is the Ootacamund Derby, which draws in the best racing talent in the country.

Following are some places of interest in and around Udagamandalam –

• Government Museum: An amazing collection of tribal artifacts, flora and fauna of the Nilgiris and handicrafts of Tamil Nadu can be seen at this museum.
  
  
• Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary: Sprawling over 321 sq km with an elevation of 1,140 m, this sanctuary has several panthers, sambars, wild boars, porcupines, jungle fowls, etc.
  
  
• Government Botanical Garden: Established in 1847 AD, this 20-acre garden is 2 km away from Udagamandalam. It is home to diverse species of plants like roses, imported shrubs, exotic flowering plants, etc, and a 20 million year old fossil tree trunk. Enjoy an unforgettable Tamil Nadu tour by being at this Botanical Garden in Udagamandalam during the Summer Festival held annually in the month of May.
  
  
• Doddabetta: With an elevation of 2,623m, this is the highest peak of the Nilgiris, placed 10 km from the main town.
  
  
• Mukkurthi Peak and National Park: Well-known for its Nilgiri Thars, this peak and the park on the Nilgiri Plateau are situated 40 km from Udagamandalam.