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| Udhagamandalam |
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At a height of 2.286m in the picturesque Nilgiri Hills, Udhagamandalam, or Ooty as it's affectionately called, is south India’s most popular hill station. Attractions at Ooty include the Botanical Gardens, Lake Doddabetta, Mukurthi Peak, the Pykara Dam and the sprawling tea plantations. A number of easy treks can also be undertaken in Ooty's environs. But perhaps, most breathtaking is the approach itself. Ooty, and nearby Coonoor, are connected to Mettupalayam in the plains by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. An engineering marvel and one of India's few hill railways, its numerous tunnels and loops make the ride an exciting one. Another popular hill-stop, Kotagiri, is only 29km away.
Getting there: Coimbatore (89km) is the nearest airport. Regular bus services are available. But we recommend you take the train from Mettupalayam. Contact: Tourist Office (0423-2443977). |
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| Kodaikanal |
Some say it's India's most beautiful hill station. No wonder, KodaikanaI, at an altitude of 2133m, is frequented by tourists in large numbers throughout the year. If you're lucky, the rare kurinji flower may be in bloom. Places of interest include Bryant Park, Pillar Rocks, Lake Solar Observatory, Perumal Peak, Silver Cascade, and the Kurinji Andavar temple. The Bear Shola Falls and Berijam Lake are worth visiting too. There's a Museum and Orchidarium at Sacred Heart College, Shenbaganur.
Getting there: Madurai (120km) is the nearest airport and Kodai Road (80km) the nearest railway station. Contact: Tourist Office (04542-241675). |
| Yercaud |
You can do with a bit of cool any time of year. This is why God made, at I.500m in the Shervaroyan Hills in Salem district, the hill station of Yercaud. Wander through the orange, pear, banana and coffee plantations in this lovely spot; or go boating on the lake. The Orchidarium has many beautiful orchids; Killiyur Falls is very pretty. Take in Salem's twinkling lights from Lady's Seat and Pagoda Point. Visit Bear's Cave and the Shervaroyan temple which holds a festival every May.
Getting there: Tiruchirapalli, 169km away, is the nearest airport. Salem (35km) the nearest railhead. Regular bus services from Salem are available. Contact: Tourist Office, Salem (0427-2416449).
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