My childhood days its rare to see Camera's in our Nallur Village, We seen those things only in Marriage & other functions. That time we liked to take some snaps so that, we will be in their album. Even, I like to take photos of Coulds, Rain, Climate, Nature etc... From 6th Std - 12th Std most of the days I never concentrated on class, just used to see outside of the class room (not to see the girls :) ) to enjoy watching the clouds, in rainy days.......... can continue it more. While that time money is the only problem to us. 1 rupee/day was also a rare thing we spent in our school days, so no chance to buy camera. :(
Then I continued my higher studies (UG) in Chennai. After completed my higher studies nearly 2years I had used a mobile without camera. Then I bought one Sony Ericsson W810i with 2 Mega Pixel camera, still using the same. Its useful to capute our memorable things to show it to our next generation. [ My kind advice - If you thought to buy camera mobiles, don't buy camera mobiles with less than 3 Mega Pixel. Because, the money you are spending is the valuable one so, buy best one ]
Ours is 16 members team all of them friends. For last 3 years we are used to go for long trip like Ooty, Kodaikanal. We are planning planning still planning for Goa trip, most of us like to go through Flight that's the problem we are still planning it. In 3years 2 times we went to Ooty, recently Kodaikanal. We had lots of experience from those trips. As of now we like Ooty compare with Kodaikanal.
- Ooty having more places than Kodaikanal.
- Kodaikanal having less amount of facilities than Ooty
- Tourist place must have nice shopping facility - Kodaikanal is 90% less in shopping facilities than Ooty
- Can't use ATM Debit and Credit cards anywhere in Kodaikanal. Its available anywhere in Ooty even if its small shop.
- Ofcource girls ;) - While seeing them our eyes will get cool more than seeing the Ooty's advanture.
Kodaikanal - Princess of Hill stations
Situated on the southern ridge of Palani Hills in the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is around 120 km from Madurai. It is sitting on an altitude of 6,854 feet above sea level and is among the most visited tourist destinations of South. The 'Princess of Hill Stations' is how sometimes Kodaikanal is referred. It also has the distinction of being the only hill station in India to be established by Americans. The town is surrounded by thick dark forests and it seems as if the this gem of a hill station is actually being enviously guarded by this dark forest. In fact the name Kodaikanal itself means 'The Gift Of forest'. The hill station is full of natural marvels like Fairy Falls, Coaker's walk, Green Valley view, Pillar Rocks and Dolphin's Nose. For peace lovers, it offers serene and calm atmosphere that is intoxicating and refreshing whereas for adventure lovers, it proves to be a heaven with ample of trekking opportunities available through out the town. The town is not densely populated with only around 30,000 residents. Tamil is the main spoken language but English is also widely understood.
The Charms of the City
The beauty of the sights to see in this picturesque town is simply boundless. Here You will see the splendors of mother nature as closely as anyone can. If time permits, unfold the mesmerizing beauty of Kodaikanal with a leisurely walk to places like star shaped lake and Fairy Falls that add something special to the already ravishing beauty of this heavenly destination.
Star Shaped Lake
The star-shaped lake or the Kodaikanal Lake is located in the central point of the Kodaikanal and is one of the major tourist attraction of town. It is the brainchild of former Collector, Sir Vere Levinge, who transformed a marshy land into a breathtaking star shaped water body. The entire lake spread over an area of about 60 acres. The lake is surrounded by a variety of trees like Pine and Eucalyptus. Apart from enjoying the relaxing view of the lake, you have an option for boating courtesy the Boat Club or you can savor a small horse ride along the sidelines.
Solar Observatory
From the Kodaikanal Lake, it is just 3 km away. It is one of the three solar observatories in the world that were built more than 75 years ago. It is situated at an elevation of 2343 meters which is the highest point of the town. You have to book a ticket for the scheduled shows to get an experience of the solar system, which surely will be worth the money and time you spend on it.
View Points
Kodaikanal is famous among travelers for the most scintillating viewpoints from where you get the most panoramic glances of the entire Kodaikanal hill station. The best viewpoints here are Green Valley view point, Pillar Rocks, and the Dolphin's Nose. A visit to these viewpoints and a glimpse of the nature's marvel from them can be the best memory that you take from here.
Fairy Falls
Situated just 5 km away from the town center, Fairy Falls have become a famous destination for picnics among localities. Another fall named Glen falls is just around the corner and is equally famous. These falls are nothing short of a destination blessed by nature itself. A swim on the foot of these falls is very refreshing and is not to be missed.
Where to Put Up
Kodaikanal is full of top-end hotels and budget lodges. There is also a TTDC (Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation) run hotel on Fern Hill, that proves to be a good option for a pleasant stay. Carlton Hotel is another luxury hotel that you can look upon for a pleasing stay. Hotel Clifton and Hotel Garden Manor are other hotels that stand out.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is in Madurai and is around 120 km away. Flights operate to all major cities of India.
By Rail
Kodai Road Railway station is the nearest rail head which is 80 km away from Kodaikanal. All major passenger trains passing through this network have a halt at this station.
By Road
Kodaikanal is well connected to all major cities of Tamil Nadu. Transport buses from nearby cities and towns ply to Kodaikanal with appreciable frequency. Luxury coaches are also an option.
Local Transport
You won't find any rickshaws or auto rickshaws operating in the town. Taxis and Buses are the only transport that you will find in Kodaikanal though they are available in good numbers.
Soruce: Kodaikanal Tourism
OOTY - Hill Station
Hotels in Ooty
Aptly called the queen of southern hill stations, Ooty (also Ootacamund or Udhagamandalam) is located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The British Collector John Sullivan discovered this place and had developed it to a summer resort for the people of South India. This picturesque place nestles in an amphitheatre created by four majestic hills namely the Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk Hill, and Club Hill. These hills are part of the Nilgiri ranges, which are actually the meeting points for the Western and the Eastern Ghats. The name Nilgiri or the Blue Mountains may have been derived from the fact that when the funnel-shaped lavender-blue flowers blossom this picturesque mountain range becomes covered with the colour of the blue lavender making the entire mountain look blue. The original name of the hill station was Udhagamandalam, but with the advent of the British, the name was shortened to Ooty. Every year, it draws thousands of tourists who come to this place to escape from the humid and dusty summer days of the plains.
Aptly called the queen of southern hill stations, Ooty (also Ootacamund or Udhagamandalam) is located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The British Collector John Sullivan discovered this place and had developed it to a summer resort for the people of South India. This picturesque place nestles in an amphitheatre created by four majestic hills namely the Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk Hill, and Club Hill. These hills are part of the Nilgiri ranges, which are actually the meeting points for the Western and the Eastern Ghats. The name Nilgiri or the Blue Mountains may have been derived from the fact that when the funnel-shaped lavender-blue flowers blossom this picturesque mountain range becomes covered with the colour of the blue lavender making the entire mountain look blue. The original name of the hill station was Udhagamandalam, but with the advent of the British, the name was shortened to Ooty. Every year, it draws thousands of tourists who come to this place to escape from the humid and dusty summer days of the plains.Tourist Attractions in Ooty
The Hill resort of Ooty is dotted with places worth visiting like the Botanical Garden, the Ooty lake, the zoo amidst the gorgeous greens and the beauty of nature at its zenith. The St. Stephen church is another major landmark in Ooty. You may even visit the Raj Bhavan, Stone House, and Kandal Cross. There are also several places worth visiting nearby, including Doddabetta, Mukurthi, Pykara, Avalanche, Naduvattam, Madhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. Ooty celebrates the Tea and Tourism Festival in January along with the festival of Makar Pongal. The list of must buys from Ooty comprises of the aromatic, medicinal oils and essences extracted from forest herbs and the fresh tea, fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices.
The Hill resort of Ooty is dotted with places worth visiting like the Botanical Garden, the Ooty lake, the zoo amidst the gorgeous greens and the beauty of nature at its zenith. The St. Stephen church is another major landmark in Ooty. You may even visit the Raj Bhavan, Stone House, and Kandal Cross. There are also several places worth visiting nearby, including Doddabetta, Mukurthi, Pykara, Avalanche, Naduvattam, Madhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. Ooty celebrates the Tea and Tourism Festival in January along with the festival of Makar Pongal. The list of must buys from Ooty comprises of the aromatic, medicinal oils and essences extracted from forest herbs and the fresh tea, fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Ooty was established in 1848. The beautiful gardens maintained by the Horticulture Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu have wide variety of plants and include Italian and Japanese sections. Out here one can have a look at different types of roses, imported shrubs, rare flowering plants, eucalyptus trees and several old trees. One of the main attractions here is the fossilized tree trunk, which is about 20 million years old. During the month of May every year, a Summer Festival is held here. The major attractions of the festival are flower shows, cultural programmes relating to classical arts, and adventure sports like trekking.
The Botanical Garden of Ooty was established in 1848. The beautiful gardens maintained by the Horticulture Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu have wide variety of plants and include Italian and Japanese sections. Out here one can have a look at different types of roses, imported shrubs, rare flowering plants, eucalyptus trees and several old trees. One of the main attractions here is the fossilized tree trunk, which is about 20 million years old. During the month of May every year, a Summer Festival is held here. The major attractions of the festival are flower shows, cultural programmes relating to classical arts, and adventure sports like trekking.
Ooty Lake
Built in 1825, the 2.5-km-long Ooty Lake is a place worth visiting. You can go for boating and fishing in this lake. However, for fishing you need a prior permission. A racecourse is also located near the lake. A mini-train takes the visitors around the lake.
Dodabetta Peak
At a height of 2,623 metres, Dodabetta Peak is the highest point in the district. Situated at about 10 km from the Ooty town, it is one of the most prominent view points around Ooty. The top of the peak remains covered by mist most of the time but on a clear day, you can have a look at the landscape as far as the plains of Coimbatore and the Mysore plateau.
Lamb's Rock
About nine kilometres from Coonoor lies Lamb's Rock, a viewpoint on a high precipice. The point offers stunning views of the Coimbatore plains and the coffee and tea estates on the slopes.
Built in 1825, the 2.5-km-long Ooty Lake is a place worth visiting. You can go for boating and fishing in this lake. However, for fishing you need a prior permission. A racecourse is also located near the lake. A mini-train takes the visitors around the lake.Dodabetta Peak
At a height of 2,623 metres, Dodabetta Peak is the highest point in the district. Situated at about 10 km from the Ooty town, it is one of the most prominent view points around Ooty. The top of the peak remains covered by mist most of the time but on a clear day, you can have a look at the landscape as far as the plains of Coimbatore and the Mysore plateau.
Lamb's Rock
About nine kilometres from Coonoor lies Lamb's Rock, a viewpoint on a high precipice. The point offers stunning views of the Coimbatore plains and the coffee and tea estates on the slopes.
Kodanadu View Point
On the eastern edges of the Nilgiris, at about 16 km from Kotagiri, lies the Kodanadu View Point. You can get a panoramic view of the tea estates and the Moyar River from either side of the road. There is a watchtower from where you can view the Rangasamy peak and pillar.
In order to make the travel tour to Ooty even more joyful we at Tourism of India.com offer just the right kind of accommodation for you and your family or friends in Ooty. We at Tourism of India.com can customize the tour package and offer the hotel accommodation. The reservations of the room can be made well in advance as per the requirements of the tour.
The various hotels packages offer the best of facilities. The well-furnished rooms place most of the comforts at your feet. Enjoy the luxuries of life on your stay at the hotel. Take your pick from a range of luxury and budget hotels in Ooty besides the star categorized accommodation hotels though most of the hotels offer excellent view of the peaks and the nature at its best through their suites. We at Tourism of India.com will provide all the travel services like air ticketing, hotel booking, car rental et al to make your holiday at Ooty unforgettable. Get ready for the romantic experience at Ooty.
On the eastern edges of the Nilgiris, at about 16 km from Kotagiri, lies the Kodanadu View Point. You can get a panoramic view of the tea estates and the Moyar River from either side of the road. There is a watchtower from where you can view the Rangasamy peak and pillar.
In order to make the travel tour to Ooty even more joyful we at Tourism of India.com offer just the right kind of accommodation for you and your family or friends in Ooty. We at Tourism of India.com can customize the tour package and offer the hotel accommodation. The reservations of the room can be made well in advance as per the requirements of the tour.
The various hotels packages offer the best of facilities. The well-furnished rooms place most of the comforts at your feet. Enjoy the luxuries of life on your stay at the hotel. Take your pick from a range of luxury and budget hotels in Ooty besides the star categorized accommodation hotels though most of the hotels offer excellent view of the peaks and the nature at its best through their suites. We at Tourism of India.com will provide all the travel services like air ticketing, hotel booking, car rental et al to make your holiday at Ooty unforgettable. Get ready for the romantic experience at Ooty.Source: Tourism of India