Sunday, November 21, 2010

ooty


OOTY


Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam is the "Queen of hill stations" and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is a land of picturesque picnic spots. Used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. An added attraction for the tourists to Udagamandalam is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers. 


TRAVEL

By plane
The Coimbatore  airport is the closest to the hills at 3-1/2 hours by road. There are flights into coimbatore  from Singapore, Sharjah, Colombo and most parts of India including Mumbai (Air Deccan, Indian Airlines,Jet and Go Air), Chennai ( Air Deccan, Paramount, Indian Airlines and Jet) and Bangalore. The Mysore  airport is about 5 odd hours away from Ooty by road (but Mysore airport is currently closed and only expected to open for light aircraft), and lies to the North of Ooty. The road trip is quite scenic from either airport.

By bus 
There are buses and shared taxi vans that can be boarded from most parts of India to Ooty. If you don't want wake up early to take the train from Coimbatore, plenty of buses are also going to Ooty. From Kozhikode Calicut) there are two government buses daily, leaving 05.00 and 07.00, travel time is about 6 hours. Mysore is served few times a day, too. The Coimbatore "new bus station" has frequent bus service to Ooty via Mettupalayam, and it takes around 3-1/2 hours to get there. On the way back in morning, some busses make a 10-15 minute stop over at Mettupalayam for breakfast. From the "new bus station" it takes about 25minutes by (another) bus to reach the Coimbatore railway station.

By train
The hills are connected to by a nightly train. The Nilagiri Express (Train No. 2671) leaves from Chennai at night, and reaches Mettupalayam (which Indian Rail spells Metupalaiyam), a small town at the foothills of the Nilgiris early the next morning. The train The Nilgiri Mountain Railway leaves Mettupalayam at 7.10 pushed by a small steam powered historic locomotive that is a remnant of Swiss engineered trains imported in the late 1800s. The steam train is much smaller, and can only accommodate a portion of the passengers that disembark at Mettupalayam. A through ticket from Chennai to Ooty will ensure a place in the smaller train, although many prefer the faster route of taking a cab or a bus from Mettupalayam.
The steam train takes a very scenic route, and the pace of travel will let you take in the beautiful scenery at leisure with stops at stations for the engine to take on water(the journey takes about 5-1/2 hours compared to 2 hours by road). The train uses a rack and pinion system to haul itself up steep slopes, and also to prevent the train from sliding down when stopping. The train is pushed from behind. There are brakesmen at the rear of every carriage who will apply and release hand powered brakes individually for that carriage. The train often travels only at 5 - 10 Kmph, allowing some adventerous passengers to disembark from the train and walk along the train. This practice is not recommended and can be dangerous, besides there is a good chance that the train will speed up, and you will be unable to get back on board.
Mettupalayam can prove to be a bottle-neck during the peak season of April-June with cabs charging exorbitant rates. The train is often quite regular in this part of the country, and is by far the most comfortable way to get here.
There are other trains from Chennai to Coimbatore. The journey can be continued from Coimbatore by road, a 3-1/2 hour journey.

SIGHT SEEING


botanical gardens 

This garden was laid out in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweedale and is spread over 55 acres. Lush green well maintained lawns, rare tree species (like the cork tree which is probably the only such tree in India, the paper bark tree and the monkey puzzle tree - monkeys cannot climb this tree), a 20 million year old fossilized tree, an Italian-style garden bordering a clear pool, a vast variety of flowering bushes and plants in myriad hues (exotic and ornamental), fern house with a vast range of ferns and orchids, are some of the many highlights of this garden. A flower show along with an exhibition of rare plant species is held every year in the month of May at this garden. The Garden is maintained by the Horticulture Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu and has a very wide variety of plants that include different types of roses, imported shrubs, rare flowering plants etc.



ooty lake 

From just behind the Main Bus Stand (also near the Railway station) the famous Ooty Lake stretches, in an irregular 'L' shape, for about two kilometres in length and varrying distances in width. At the far end is the Boat House where all kinds of boats are available for hire from eight in the morning to six in the evening. During summer seasons, in May, boat races and boat pageantry are organised on two days at the lake which draw huge crowds.

In recent years the lake and the boat house have become the hub of entertainment for the visitors. At the boat house end there is children's park with a toytrain. In the adjacent site there is a deer park. A mini-garden is at the bus stand end and a well laid footpath circles the entire lake. Just outside the Boat house local ponies are available for jolly rides at a charge.

For the curious, this lake was artificially formed by Johm Sullivan, the founder of Ooty, in 1823-25 by damming the mountain streams flowing down Ooty valley. The lake which breached thrice, completely emptying itself, originally extended upto the present day market and ferries were used to get across one side to the other. The lake gradually shrunks in size giving place to the present racecourse, the bus stand, mini garden and some part from the mini garden end.



DODABETTA

The beautiful hill station of Ooty, draws quite a good number of tourists from all over the world. The natural beauty of this region is outstanding and memorable. Apart from the natural splendors, Ooty has many more attractions that are worth a visit. Some of the important ones are the Botanical Gardens sprawled over an area of 50-acre. It was established by Marquis of Tweeddale in the year 1848. These gardens lie on the lower slopes of the Doddabetta peak, the highest point in Ooty. Another exotic garden found here is the Rose Gardens, situated about 3 to 4-km away from Charring Cross. They are spread over an area of 10 acres of land with 2000 variety of roses.
There is also a Mini Garden over here along with a children amusement park. Definitely, a worth visiting site. Another famous attraction here is the Ooty Lake, a charming artificial lake. Constructed in 1824 by Mr. John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore. A noteworthy attraction of Ooty is the St Stephens Church situated in the hilly area on Club Road. It is said to be the oldest church in the Nilgiris. This church was built in the year 1829 and consecrated in 1830. The cemetery close by houses the grave of John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty. Another outstanding attraction here is the Doddabetta peak. It is the highest peak (2623 meters) in the Nilgiris and is situated about 10-km from Ooty, offering a beautiful view of the Nilgiri hill ranges.

Mini Garden
Tourists can visit this mini garden which is on the way to Boathouse. There is also a Children's amusement park. A snack bar is also available. Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited maintains it.


Rose Garden
Located less than a km from Charring Cross, the rose garden is laid on 10 acres of land. The garden has a collection of more than 1000 varieties of roses.


Pykara falls 
19 km from Ooty. The river has a dam and power plant. There is a breathtaking scenery. The falls, about 6 km from the bridge on the main road, are best in July, but they are also worth visiting from August to December. There is a forest rest House at Pykara. A boat house by the Pykara falls and Dam is added attractions to the tourists.Pykara boasts of well protected fenced Sholas, Toda settlements, undistributed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam, Pykara falls and the reservoir attracts many tourists. A boat house with Restaurant is available. It is maintained by T.T.D.C.


cosmic ray labratory 

Cosmic rays are charged particles coming from outisde the earth's atmosphere and its energy varies from around 10^6 degree e V to around 1021e V. Cosmic Rays were discovered by victor by gictor hess, an Austrian Scientist in 1912 and he was awarded the noble prize in physics for this discovery, twenty four years later. Cosmic rays from a very important constituent not only of our own galaxy but of the entire universe. Cosmic rays are charged particles coming from outisde the earth's atmosphere and its energy varies from around 10^6 degree e V to around 10^21 e V. Cosmic Rays were discovered by victor by gictor hess, an Austrian Scientist in 1912 and he was awarded the noble prize in physics for this discovery, twenty four years later. Cosmic rays from a very important constituent not only of our own galaxy but of the entire universe.
They play vital role in the dynamics and evolution of the galaxy. So it is important to study different aspects (like source,energy,composition at different energy range etc) of cosmic rays. Low eneryg cosmic rays are studied by sending a detector in space in balloon rockets or satellities since they get absorbed in their earth's atmosphere. High energy cosmic ray interact with the oxygen and nitrogen nuclei in the atmosphere and produce a large number of secondary particles. When the energy of the cosmic rays incident on the top of the atmosphere is more than 10^13 e V, the secondary particles reach the earth's surface as a shower of particles and is known as Extensive Air Shower (EAS). Detecting these secondary particles does studies of high energy cosmic rays are done by detecting these secondary practicles. In the early fifties, not much was known about the EAS. So mountains altitudes were most suitable for experiments in cosmic rays, because of their larger intensity at higher levels. Operation time will be small at balloon altitudes and the intensity will be low at sea level.


Hindustan photo film

The HPF, one of the major industrial units ot the district, is a public sector enterprise. This unit is located (about 5 Km away from Ooty railway station) over a sprawling area of over 300 acres, near the Ooty golf-links on the Ooty- Mysore road. The HPF was inaugurated by Mrs. Indra Gandhi, Prime Minister, in January, 1967.

This industrial unit is currently producing Indu roll films which are used for taking photographs; Indu X-ray films, the quality of which is acknowledged to be among the best in the world; Indu bromide paper on which photographs are printed; and Induaerographic for geological and defence mapping, industrial X - ray film, laser recording film, CAT film, special film for space photography, oscilloscope direct print paper, photo typesetting paper and range of chemicals for the film processing.

STAY

eflections Guest House. A short walk along the main road - turn right coming out of the train station, or left coming out of the bus stop (which is opposite the train station). It is tidy and with good views of the lake and hills. Stayed there in September 2010 at cost of Rs550/night for upstairs room. Location is very good - short walk to train station and bus stop, short walk to boat house, Thread Gardens and other tourist attractions. The food in the restaurant is good value for its price and nicely cooked. The owners are helpful and professional, and the common spaces make it a very friendly place to stay - I made several friends in my 3 nights there.

Sherlock Hotel:. A newly renovated colonial villa several kilometers away from the town with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and warm and friendly service. Rooms have cozy fireplaces and cost between Rs. 1875 and Rs. 3000 depending on size and view. The restaurant alone is worth a visit serving outstanding murgh boti masala and mint paranthas. Several short walking trails start nearby. A trip to Ooty is worth it just for a stay at this hotel.

Hotel Savoy from the Taj Group is one good option.Sitting firm on a rising hill, the Hotel sprawls over six acres of landscaped gardens, offering colonial style cottages that were built between 1834-1865. Colorful flowerbeds merge to form a multi-coloured quilt around the cottages, adding to their gentle refinement and old English Charm. A quiet retreat, the Savoy Hotel offers a little pocket of paradise.

Hotel SinclairGorishola Road,ph +91-0423-2444309 (, fax: +91-0423-2444229). Great view of Ooty and surrounding hills. 5 minutes drive to go to the town market and restaurants. The hotel has its own restaurant and a bar. from Rs. 2000 to 10000.

Hotel Maneck, Main Bazaar, ph 2443494. Very central hotel near horse race track with good economical restaurant on basement. Both hotel and restaurant are under Jain management. The rooms start from INR 1200 

Sullivan court, Near Rose Garder. Expensive yet comfortable. Food is also good.  
Hotel Tamilnadu Its a very reasonable rate govt. hotel with a value for money. Good south indian food is available , but if you want other variety of food better go for other restaurants. Standards rooms cost 1000/- per night. Online booking facilities are available also. Go to ttdc page for online bookin

Saturday, November 20, 2010

KODAIKANAL

Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. It is a charming hill station, stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. With its rocks, woods, lovely lake and bracing air, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists.
The unique flowering plant 'Kurunji'(Strobilanthus Kunthanus) that last bloomed in 2004, is nature's gift to Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor and is frequented all through the year.
Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste. Berijam lake, one among the beautiful lakes of South India, spreads over an area of 24 hectares.



LAKES
One of the main attractions for the tourists of Kodaikanal is the Kodai lake which is at a distance of 3kms from the bus stand. In 1863, Vera Levinge, a former District Collector of Madurai settled in Kodaikanal after his retirement. He was the man of resource and creative ideas for this lake. By spending his own money he converted the marshy land with several streams of lake by constructing a strong bund and brought boats from Tuticorin. It is reported that the foreign resident's even used to swim in the lake.
The lake is situated at 10 deg 14' n latitude and 77 deg 28' longitude at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and it looks magnificent with star shaped glittering water, in the midst of evergreen lush slopes. The hills receive the rainfall during North-East Monsoon months of October, November and December. The lake is spread over 60 acres and surrounded by fine tarred road of 5 kms length, the maximum depth in 1962 was 11.5m but it is now about 9m due to siltation. The average depth is 3.0m. The boat club provides boats for hire. There are luxury boats also. The famous Carlton hotel is facing the lake and the hotel is having their our boats for their customers.
Today lakhs of tourists walk around, sail on, ride on horses & cycles and admire the lake. Fishing can also be done obtaining permission from Inspector of Fisheries. Ponyrides by children and adults walking around the lake are part of Kodai Holiday.
The lake at Kodai is beautifully landscaped and it appears to be de rigueur for Indian families to get out on a boat. Both the Kodaikanal Boat and Rowing Club and Tamil Nadu Tourist Development Corporation hire similar boats for similar prices: Rs. 20 to 40 for a two-seater pedal boat to Rs. 125 (including boatman) for a kasmiri shikara (covered gondola - like boat) for 30 minutes.



BRYANT PARKS

The practical utility of this park is, in every May a horticultural show is conducted by the department of Horticulture. On that occasion enormous vegetables and flowers from neighbouring villages compete for the prizes, which draws big crowd. They exhibit flowers, vegetables, fruits and other products. It serves as a practical centre for education on Ornamental Horticulture and as a demonstration centre. The various methods of training, pruning, budding, grafting, potting seed collection etc, are taught to the students of Horticulture as well as to the visitors.




KURINIJI ANDAVAR TEMPLE
This temple situated 3 kms from the lake, is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. In Tamil literature Kurinji means 'hill region' and Andavar means 'God'. Hence Lord Muruga is referred as 'God of hill'. This temple is associated with the Kurinji flowers, which carpets at hill sides and bloomes once in 12 years. From this temple one can have a view of Palani and Vaigai dam.
Kurinji Poo (Flower)
It is flowering once in 12 years. It last flowered in the year 1992. During that flowering period the honey from this place will be good for health.




COAKERS WALK
It is a narrow pedestrian path, constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872, a one kilometer mountain road which runs along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai road which is 1/2km away from Kodai. The walk winding around mt. Nebo starts near van Allen hospital and joins the main road above St. Peter's Church provides a wide-angle spectacular view of the plains. On a cloudless, clear day one can have interesting sights, such as.... Dolphin's nose in south, valley of the pambar river in South East, birds eye view of Periyakulam and even city of Madurai.
One must be aware of a fascinating phenomenon called 'Brachem Spectre' . A very lucky person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo, when sun is behind and cloud and mist is in his front.
The valley views along paved Coaker's Walk (admission Rs 2, Camera Rs. 5, Time: 7 am to 7pm) are superb when the mist clears. There's an observatory (admission Rs. 3) with telescope about halfway along. You can start from either end, near Greenlands Youth Hostel or Villa Retreat, and the stroll takes all of five minutes.
The views from Pillar Rocks, a 7km hike (one way beginning near Bryant Park), are also excellent. Greenlands Youth Hostel and Villa Retreat can organise guided walks, and guides can also be arranged through the tourist office (Rs. 50 to 70 per hour).




KUKAL CAVES

o reach Kukkal Caves which is at a distance of 40 kms, travel by bus upto Poombarai and then give a walk. It is preferable to take a local guide. After walking through geranium plantations, pine and wattle forest, the Kukkal forest rest house can be reached. The early morning hike from the rest house will lead to beautiful shola with wild large orchids. One should be beware of leeches. The caves here are actually overhanging slabs of rocks. This rock shelter is at an altitude of 1500 m.
The cave reveals traces of earliest settled tribals, Paliyans who used to wear leaf clothing. Overviewing the caves are Manjampath valley where bisons can be seen.


PILLAR ROCKS
Three granite boulders each vertically measuring a height of 400 feet stand shoulder to shoulder. It is located 8 Kms from the lake tower over the panoramic view. In the shadows of the pillars are shady woods that invite picnickers. The chamber between the two pillars is called Devil's kitchen.





TRECKING ROUTES
Motorable roads have the terminus in bold face, merely jeep ones have them in italics, approximate distances are indicated in brackets when known; when no roads exist, the time required for footing the distance is indicated.
In general some 9 hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) were spent to cover the distance but this includs the time for plants collecting. Freelance trekking should need only 2/3 of the time.
Kodaikanal-Batlagundu (55 Km): Law's Ghat Road.
Perumalmalai-Palamalai(8km) - Thalayar (90 mins.) - Manjalar (150 mins.)-Devadanappatty(6km). 
Shembaganur-Korappur-Adukkam(180 mins.) - Selumbathope (120 mins.) - Kumbakkarai - Periakulam (10km). 
Shembaganur-Vengayapparai (Coolie or telegraph path); A.G.Bourne's "Kodaikanal Ghat" (4 hours)-Kumbakkarai - Periakulam (10Km) 
Kodai-Dolphin's Nose-Vellagevi-Vengayapparai (left of Vellagevi) (300 mins.)-Kumbakkarai-Periakulam(10Km.) 
Kodai-Dolphin's Nose-Vellagevi-Kumbakkarai (right of Vellagevi) (300 mins.)-Kumbakkarai-Periakulam (10 Km). 
Kodai-Green Hut (12Km) (along the ridge for 30 mts) - down to Chinnur-Periakulam (300 mins.) 
Kodai-Thoppithookkipparai (near Berijam) (16Km) - Periyur (3 hours) - Sothupparai - Periakulam (10 Km). 
Kodai-Karthirikkai Odei (40Km) - Sinna Sothupparai - Athirikkarappankoil - Oral muthu - Valasal aaru - 
Bodinayakanur (6 hours). 
Kodai-Berijam (23 Km) - Konalar (5 Km) - Sebastian Odei (3 Km) - Marion Shola (2Km) - Kathirikkai Odei
(1 Km) - Kambippalam (3 Km) - Pulavachiar (5 Km) - Vandaravu (10 Km) - Top Station (10 Km) - Central Station (2 hours) 
Kurangani (Bottom Station) 3 hours - Bodinayakanur (17 Km). 
Kodai - Mannavanur (35 Km) - Keelanavayal (90 mins.) - Manjampatty (3 hours) - Thalinji (2 hours) - 
Champaked ( 90 mins.)-Chinnar (5 Km) - Udamalpet (32 Km) - Palani (37 Km). 
Kodai - Paricombai (27 Km) - Kukkal (8 Km) - Kuthirayar-Pappanpatty-Kavalapatty (7 hours) - Palani (23 Km.) 
Kodai - Puthur (43 Km) - Bonthampally (24 mins.) - Kavalppatty (9Km) - A-Kalaiamputhur (9Km) - Palani (5 Km.) 
Kodai - Pallanghi (10 Km) - Thalamalai - Porandalar-Palani. 
Kodai - Vilpatty (8 Km) - Ganesapuram-Puliamarathope (240 mins.) - Palani (13 Km) 
Kodai-Perumalmalai (13 Km) - Pethupparai (6 Km) Ganesapuram-Puliamarathope (240 mins.) - Palani (13 Km). 
Kodai-Perumalmalai-Palani Ghat road (60 Km). 
Kodai-Tandigudi (40 Km) - K.C.Patty (20 Km) - Asarippatty - Bethelpuram-Parappalar-Thalayoothu - Viruppachi. 
Kodai- Tandigudi (40 Km) - K.C.Patty (20 Km) ........... Pachalur (10 Km) - Oddanchatram (31 Km). 
Kodai - Tandigudi (40 Km) - Adalur (15 Km) - Panrimalai (4Km)-Alagumalai (5 Km) - Puducombai (14 Km) - 
Karisalpatty (7 Km) - Vattapparai (4Km) - Melpatty (2 Km) - Anandarayamkottai-Pithalapatty (2Km) - Dindigul (7Km.) 
Kodai - Tandigudi (40 Km) - Thadiankudisai (10 Km) - Btlagundu (33 Km.)

FALLS
Silver cascade
This water fall is located on the main ghat road, 8 kms away as one approaches Kodai from Kodai Road. Overflow of Kodai lake takes 180 ft leap over a steepcliff, to crash into a pool beside the ghat Road.
Bear Shola Falls
An ideal picnic spot 1.6 km from bus stand and within 2 Kms off the lake, where once bears came to drink water. Hence the name of the falls became Bear Shola falls. Cross the lake bund, pass the Telephone exchange on your right, and at the junction take the lower road there comes Clifton Hotel. The approach is rugged hill path. The falls are at the best in rainy season.
Pambar FallsPambar Falls
"Grand cascade" is another name for this magnificent falls. It can be reached by a steep, precipitous path behind Pambar house. Racing down Pambar Raivine is Zig-zagging leving stream that cascades over a series of rock formations. It is 4kms away from Kodaikana
Thalaiyar Falls
This is also called as Rat tail falls.The widest falls, ranging from 13th kilometer on the ghat road to kodai.It is one of the highest falls in India, with their 975ft sheer drop.



HOTELS 





Amherst Cottage
( Home Stay )
Lake Road
Kodaikanal
pin- 624101
Phone : 9442911504
Dalethorpe Home Stay
1/ 72 A,
ConventRoad,
 Kodaikanal,
Tamil Nadu,
India.
Phone: 04542-240656 
Mobile: 094433 22710


Wydra Holiday Bungalows
( Home Stay )
3 B 
Wydra Compound,
Observatory Road,
Kodaikanal.
Mobile :+ 91-9750168916, 
9659961330,968812204,
 Phone : 0454-2243642


Surya Holidays Inn
Building Society, 
Kodaikanal
Phone:04542-241189
Mobile : 9486301067 ,
9159765867


Green Acres Resorts
#11/213, 
Lake Road,
Kodaikanal 
pin-624 101
Phone : 04542-242384
Mobile : 9841565481, 
9941911531