How Ooty, The Queen Of Hill Stations, Got Its Name

Nestled in the misty and mystical Nilgiri Hills of southern India lies the idyllic Ooty. Known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, Ooty greets visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, and verdant tea estates. But do you know what the ancient name of this famous destination was during the British period? Let’s take a look.

History:

The world-famous tourist destination Ooty is known as Uthagamandalam and abbreviated as Udhagai. It was known as Ottakal Mandu originally. Looking at its history, the Nilgiri region was under the rule of the Cholas in the 12th century. Later, Utagamandal, which was under the Mysore region under the rule of Tipu Sultan, came under the hands of the British in the 18th century.

John Sullivan, the Collector of Coimbatore district at that time, liked the cool climate of the region and bought land from Badagas, Todas, Kotas, Irulas and Kurumbas, the local tribes of that area.

Udhagai, the headquarters of the British during the summers, underwent various developments that included railway tracks, railway services and road facilities which were made available. The building, which served as the summer headquarters during the British period, is now functioning as a government arts college.

When India achieved independence from British control in 1947, Ooty became part of the newly established state of Tamil Nadu. Today, Ooty is said to be one of the most renowned tourist destinations, popularly known for its natural beauty, tea plantations, botanical gardens, and historical sites. Despite its colonial background, Ooty has managed to preserve its own culture and customs, demonstrating the Nilgiri Hills’ rich history.

Top tourist places in Ooty:

1. Ooty Lake:

One of the most important destinations of the Ooty tour is the famous Ooty Lake. It is an artificial lake used for fishing reasons. This lake is a popular boating destination. Tourists are seen enjoying a nice ride on the calm waves.

2. Ooty Botanical Gardens:

The Botanical Gardens of Ooty, which are maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticultural Department, are certainly one of the most popular attractions in Ooty. This garden spans 55 acres and is separated into five sections: Fern House, Lower Garden, Italian Garden, Conservatory and Nurseries.