Century-old English architecture, a rich yet equally confusing Anglican tradition, gabled cottages set amidst mystifying blue hills, Ooty is perhaps the only hill station that has refused to keep fair-weather friends. So much so, at some point, it was called Snooty Ooty' even by the early Madras government, for its notorious snobbishness tells it from the rest of Tamil Nadu. Guarding its warbled British, Anglo-Indian, and native heritage while slowly giving in to commercialisation, Ooty or Ootacamund still manages to lure those in need of low-key rest and relaxation.
Walk the length of Commercial Road, spend a day strolling by the misty Ooty Lake, or gorge on some hot Bondas and a cup of Cardamom Tea from a tea stall. It is hard not to fall in love with its temperament. Calm, cool and collected are not just keywords here, but a way of life.

Soak in the beauty of the hills from the toy train (the Nilgiri Mountain Railway) as it chugs along the hillside just as it did hundreds of years ago, ever so often stopping for no rhyme or reason. Get a snapshot of the 20 million year old fossil tree stump at the Botanical Gardens where it is overshadowed by a thousand other rare plants. Sink into the crumbling, torn seat at the Assembly Rooms theatre and watch a movie that probably released years ago. Lick on a puffy pink swirl of cotton candy as you skim through second hand book stalls that still sell obsolete prints. Taste Anglo-Indian delights at the stately British Fern Hills Palace, the former summer retreat of the Mysore Maharaja and let the sounds of the piano gently lull you to sleep soon after.

Run across the untouched wilderness of Avalanche Reservoir, and try your hand at Trout fishing in the ramshackle Wilson Fish Farm nearby. Squint and swipe with your lucky hand at the 100 year old Ootacamund Golf Course or mumble a prayer at the century-old St. Stephen's Church as the last rays of sun illuminate the altar through beautifully glass-painted windows. Enjoy a late evening walk as the last strains of the choir waft in the breeze onto town. There is simply no denying that Ooty remains regal, ravishing and royal no matter when you visit. See for yourself...

Places to See

Ooty has fiercely protected its old countryside charm from modernisation and a lot of covert historical gems can be found here. The century-old St Stephen's Church, a gothic architectural specimen made out of woods carried up the hill by Tipu Sultan's elephants.

Stonehouse (Kal Bangla), the first house in the hills built by John Sullivan, is neatly surrounded by gardens in the premises of the Government Arts College with a 150 year old Sullivan's Oak tree towering over the window. The famous Ooty Lake, artificially created by John Sullivan, continues to lure tourists despite its deterioration. Horse riding, cycling and golf are popular among visitors here.

The Botanical Gardens on the slopes of the Dodabetta Peak,have over 1000 species of plants here. Take special notice of the fossil tree trunk set in the middle, it is over 20 million years old. Stunning purple coloured jacaranda trees set the townside ablaze with colour with their pretty flowers. Another sight to see is the Othakkaimanthu village, above Botanical Gardens, that is one of the few Toda communes that are scattered along the hillside. With huts like igloos, and thatched temples, they recount an untold history of the hills.

In Commercial Road, the hub of life in Ooty, life is a different story; children in prim school blazers surf at internet centres and tourists chatter busily over coffee. The newly opened Café Coffee Day at Church Hill road is somewhat out of place. Next, drive down to Avalanche Reservoir, for a trek in complete wilderness.

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, take a trip to Mudumalai Sanctuary (around 67 km from Ooty). The terrain is ridden with deep ravines, hidden waterholes and interesting wildlife. You can arrange accommodation at a forest guesthouse here and enjoy an elephant safari on warmer days. And if you don't want to wander far away from city, the Deer Park, a short distance from Ooty Lake, is home to animals like Chital, Sambar and the Wild Hare.

Things to Do

Ooty Lake is a popular tourist hangout where you can enjoy long walks, horse-riding and boating. Wildlife and adventure enthusiasts will love a visit to a tea plantation, Dodabetta's Peak, Deer Park, Glenmorgan, Ketti Valley or Avalanche Reservoir.

The Gymkhana Golf Course is great on a warm summer afternoon. Take a day off to explore St Stephen's Church, the Stone house, St Thomas Church and the main shopping street, Commercial Road.

Places to Eat

Business continues as usual since long in yesteryear roadside eateries like the Kurinji Hotel in Charing Cross, which serves piping hot, crispy dosas in the morning. Hotel Nahar close to the bus stand is a hands-down vegetarian favourite with its fresh north and south Indian delights. Shinkow's (also known as Zodiac Room) on Commissioner's Road is run by a Chinese couple and serves great Momos and Chopsuey. If you feel like having a drink, Bacchus Bar has drinks over the counter and Zyr, with its ultra blue ambience is a nice place to relax with your favourite potion.

What more? Delight in some hillside Anglo-Indian food at the Curry and Rice Restaurant at the Fern Hills Palace. If your love for the Raj is great, there is nothing better than enjoying the sprawling view from this former summer palace and letting the aroma of Farm-style Chicken, classic Shrimp Bisque, and rich Curry seduce your senses. Sink into the plush Queen Anne sofas and let yourself drown in the era with the ambience of the Fox Hunt Bar, which once seated the Maharaja's favourite huntsmen. The stuffed animal head trophies and other memorabilia that adorn the walls make for late evening conversation as the sun sets.

If you are in the mood to indulge, Khyber, an outdoor restaurant in the Fortune Resort Sullivan Court is a great place to enjoy the view of the valley as you sip on evening tea. The Valley Bar in Hotel Gem Park is the perfect spot for light drinks and snacks.

Shopping

With fresh tea, aromatic eucalyptus oil, homemade chocolates, and tribal jewellery, shopping in Ooty's Commercial Road is a delight. Old time favourites continue to lure tourists over the years, unchanged and timeless. Higginbotham's is a great place to pick up a book or two to read at your hotel. The Big Shop has interesting traditional silver jewellery pieces, albeit for a stiff price. Homemade chocolates are exceptional at the tiny hole-in-the-wall King Star Bakery in Charing Cross right near Shivani Supermarket. You can choose from an assortment of almond, fruit-n-nut, milk and dark chocolates here.
Shivani Supermarket and Chellarams departmental store rule the roost as the largest and longest running necessity stops for the locals. From organic produce to farm honey and other quick buys, there are plenty of keepsakes to take home; traditionally hand knitted woollies, tribal embroidered bags, and wooden key chains are popular buys.