Attractions Of Ooty: Ooty Lake

Ooty Lake In Tamilnadu

Ooty Lake Tamilnadu. by Flickr

Short Overview:

This artificial lake is situated in the heart of the city making it an ideal place for families to visit. Created artificially by John Sullivan in 1824 and spread over an area of around 65 acres. Boating is the major attraction of Ooty lake which is available at the Boat House adjoining the lake. The boat house is known for hosting boat races during the summer month of May.

Long Overview:

Ooty lake is one of the most popular attractions in Ooty , which is situated in the heart of the city. This artificial lake was created by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty, in 1824 by damming the mountain streams flowing down Ooty valley. The Lake is shaped in an irregular L shape & surrounded by eucalyptus trees and shrubs makes it a perfect place for recreation. There is a Boat House located adjoining the lake where one can hire boats of various types. Presence of a children’s park with a toy train in the vicinity attracts kids to this lake. The two day annual Boat Race in May is the most awaited event at the lake.

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Attractions Of Ooty: Doddabetta Peak

Doddabetta Peak In Ooty

Ooty Doddabetta Peak by flickr

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Flowers at Doddabetta Peak by flickr

Doddabetta Peak situated merely 10kms away from Ooty. Doddabetta Peak stands at an altitude of 2,623 meters , is said to be one of the highest peak in south India and one of famous tourist spot in India. One can trek up the peak. Enroute to the summit pass by stretches of rhododendrons and soak in the splendor of nature that's so blissfully splattered all around. Two telescopes are installed in the observatory situated atop the Doddabetta Peak by TTDC for tourists to appreciate the wonderful view of the vast verdant landscapes surrounding the entire Nilgiris District. 

Long Overview:

Dodebetta peak  By flicke

Flowers at Doddabetta Peak by flickr

Standing  tall along the Ooty – Kotagiri Road, the Doddabetta Peak is famous for being the highest peak  in the Nilgiris and South India.  Doddabetta Peak derived  its name from the Badaga Tribe word which means ‘Big Mountain’, tracing it roots way back to the Kannada language and Badaga aural based language. The area around the peak is a reserved forest and is home to many endangered species of flora and fauna. The hollow sections of Doddabetta slopes are masked by a collection of dense Sholas. The uniqueness of the Doddabetta Peak is its position, based exactly at the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats, thus offering spectacular vistas of the Nilgiris Mountain Ranges. There is an observatory at the top of Doddabetta with two telescopes available for the public to enjoy the panoramic view of the whole Nilgiri region. 

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Attractions Of Ooty: Wenlock Downs

Wenlock Downs In Ooty

Ooty view by flickr

Short Overview:

Wenlock Downs located on the Ooty - Pykara road. It is a vast stretch covering an area of 20,000 acres of unending lush green grassy meadows and dense forests. On the way to Wenlock Downs lies two popular movie filming destinations known as Sixth Mile and Ninth Mile named so because of they are located at 6 miles and 9 miles away receptively away from Ooty, adding to the scenic  beauty of Wenlock Downs.The Gymkhana Club, the factory of the Hindustan Photo Films Company, the Government Sheep Farm and the Golf Course are all in Wenlock Downs. One cannot leave Ooty without a trip to the Downs. Visitors are left mesmerized with the picture postcard landscape of the Downs.

Long Overview:

Wenlock Downs is a spectacular meadow land located at a distance of 9 km from Ooty which is named after Sir Arthur Lawley's sibling Beilby Lawley, third Baron Wenlock. Wenlock Downs covers an enthralling area of about 20,000 acres. The entire place is lined with majestically standing eucalyptus trees. One can also view beauty of the wild flowers like clustered summer Gentian, Dandelions, wild tea and balsam. It is a famous picnic spot near Ooty and the place is mainly popular for shooting films because of its beautiful location. The real pleasure of the place can be better enjoyed by strolling across the grasslands, where you might view a herd of cattle grazing on the slopes. The gently rolling hills, the green stretch of land, the wide open spaces and the endlessly sprawling greens are enough to fill your heart with joy. During pre-independence era, the place was very popular among the Europeans who would regularly visit the grounds for the purpose of hunting. Today the place harbors the Gymkhana Club including the club’s golf course as well as the Government Sheep Farm. Nestled within Wenlock Downs, Ooty are two popular movie filming destinations named as Sixth Mile and Ninth Mile respectively.

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Attractions Of Ooty: Snowden Peak

Snowden Peak  

Short Overview:

The Snowden Peak situated on the Kotagiri  road and is at a height of 2677 metres above the sea level. Snowdon Peak is famous for the breathtaking view of Mysore. This is the only spot in the Nilgiris from where you get such a wonderful sight of the city of Mysore. 

Long Overview:

The Snowden Peak situated on the Kotagiri  road and is at a height of 2677 metres above the sea level. Snowdon Peak is famous for the breathtaking view of Mysore. This is the only spot in the Nilgiris from where you get such a wonderful sight of the city of Mysore. 

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Attractions Of Ooty: Government Museum

Government Museum

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Government Museum Located on the Ooty - Mysore Road. This museum has on display various artifacts of tribal people, among which are sculptures and artworks from Toda Tribe along with objects detailing the ecological features of the region. It was set up in 1989, with an aim to familiarize people about the Tribal lifestyle and culture of the native Toda Tribe. 

Long Overview:

Government Museum Located on the Ooty - Mysore Road. This museum was set up with an aim to give visitors an insight into the lives of the indigenous native Toda Tribes of South India who form an important section of the Ooty society and have dwelled in Ooty for centuries even before the word ‘civilization’ came into existence within this hill station. This museum displays various arts and crafts items including sculptures and items of use by the Toda Tribes.

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Attractions Of Ooty: Rose Garden

Rose Garden 

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The Rose Garden is located on the slopes of the Elk Hill in Ooty near Charring cross. This Rose Garden was established in 1995 to commemorate the centenary Flower Show in Government Botanical Gardens.  Spread over an area of 4 hectares it is the largest Rose Garden in India with around 2241 varieties of roses  This garden has been awarded as "Garden of Excellence" by the World Federation of Rose Societies.

Long Overview:

Rose Garden or Centenary Rose Park is situated in the heart of Ooty town near the Charring Cross. It is the largest Rose Garden in India laid out to commemorate the centenary Flower Show in Government Botanical Gardens. The landscaping of the garden is done on 4 hectares spread on Elk Hill using terrace farming techniques. There are totally five terraces. 

The garden is laid out with a path into the rose garden with pergolas and bowers covered with rose creepers. Today this garden has the largest collections of roses in the country, around 2241 varieties of roses like Hybrid Tea Roses, miniature rose, Floribunda, Ramblers, roses of unusual colors like black, green and many more varieties of roses that will captivate your senses. The Rose varieties planted in this park were assembled from different parts of the world. One who visits this garden is sure to be mesmerized by the beauty of these wonderful flowers. This garden is maintained by Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. It has also received the as "Garden of Excellence" by the World Federation of Rose Societies. This prestigious award is conferred only on 15 other rose gardens in different parts of the world. The Nila Maadam, an observation platform  is located in a spot from where tourists can have a view of the entire rose garden.

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Attractions Of Ooty: Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden 

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One of the famous attractions of Ooty is the Botanical Garden. This garden was laid out in 1897 by the Marquis of Tweedale. Presently this garden is under the maintenance of Horticulture Department of Tamil Nadu.The garden features thousands of species of plants, shrubs, ferns, trees, herbal plants etc. The additional significance of this garden is that it serves as the venue for the annual Summer Festival in the month of May wherein a flower show along with an exhibition is organized by the garden authority. 

Long Overview:

One of the  famous and the most visited  attraction of Ooty is the Botanical Garden. This garden was laid out in 1897 by the Marquis of Tweedale. It is currently under the maintenance of Horticulture Department of the state. This place has spanned an area of 55 acres along the slopes of Dodabetta Peak which makes it appear like a terraced garden. It is divided into various sections like Lower Garden, Italian Garden,  Conservatory, New Garden, Fountain Terrace, Nurseries . 

This place has a wonderful collection of rare flowering plants, ferns, beautiful imported shrubs, a host of other exotic and ornamental plants including thirty types of Eucalyptus trees which forms a part of the rich and unique collection. Garden has the facility of long stretches of green grass to sit and enjoy the beauty of the place.This place Serves as a wonderful source of information for the students and horticulturist. The garden hosts an annual Summer Festival in the month of May wherein a flower show along with an exhibition is organized by the garden authority. Hordes of people come to visit the garden during this festival. 

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Attractions Of Thanjavur: Art Gallery

Art Gallery

Short Overview:

Thanjavur Art Gallery, also known as Tanjore Art Gallery, is sited in Thanjavur or Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. The gallery was built in the beautiful Thanjavur Royal Palace of the Nayaks,A remarkable collection of South Indian sculptures and paintings is housed in the old palace buildings of Thanjavur (Tanjore).  Thanjavur, which has been an art centre of great importance throughout the entire history of Tamil Nadu, is today a well-known and well patronised centre for bronze sculpture, stonework and paintings.

Long Overview:

This art gallery has a remarkable collection of bronze icons, stone sculptures, paintings and other artifacts belonging to the Chola and the Nayaka periods,This art gallery gives information about the entire history of  Tamil Nadu from the 9th century to 18th century AD. 

The stones as well as the bronze sculptures are housed inside the Nayak palace building in three sections, namely the Pooja Mahal for stone sculptures, Indira Mandir for arsenals and the Rama Chowdam Hall displaying bronze sculptures, The collections of stone sculptures and bronze pieces are displayed mainly in three sections, against the backdrop of the Nayak Palace buildings. 

The hall with the high dome at the entrance - Pooja Mahal and the hall forming the base of the 'Indira Mandir' (now known as Arsenal tower) have on display, the stone sculptures of Gods in different forms.  The 'Rama Chowdam' hall, which was the private audience hall of the Nayaks has on display the bronze images, The collection in the art gallery is unique and exceptional mainly because of its vast variety and collection of art and sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

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Attractions Of Thanjavur: Thanjavur Royal Palace

Thanjavur Royal Palace

Short Overview:

Thanjavur Royal Palace is one of the most popular attractions of Thanjavur. Thanjavur Royal Palace, situated within the Vijaynagara Fort complex, was the residence of the Nayak Kings of Thanjavur. The royal palace, built in 16th century, later became the seat of the Maratha rulers of Thanjavur in the 17th century, Sangeetha Mahal or the Hall of Music was built in the early 1600's during the reign of the Nayak King Sevappa Nayak. It was known by the name 'Navaratnamanamaina Nataka Sala' (the Theatre adorned with gems),

Long Overview:

Thanjavur Royal Palace is one of the famous historical destinations of Thanjavur which is located within the Vijayanagara Fort complex. This palace was the house of the Nayak Kings of Thanjavur and was constructed in 16th century. Serfoji’s Saraswati Mahal Library, Durbar Hall, Nayak Hall, and the arsenal tower are the main attractions of this Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, situated within the Thanjavur Palace, is one the main attractions of Thanjavur. Sangeetha Mahal or the Hall of Music was built in the early 1600's during the reign of the Nayak King Sevappa Nayak. 

It was known by the name 'Navaratnamanamaina Nataka Sala' (the Theatre adorned with gems), Sangeetha Mahal is noted for its architectural and acoustic properties. It is a rectangular hall with a vaulted roof with four pankahs and several decorations such as chandeliers. The hall was constructed in such a way that there is a balanced absorption and deflection of sound waves. The hall is also devoid of excess amplification.  The water-pool in front of the stage as well as the decorations and perforations also helped in the deflection of sound waves.

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Attractions Of Thanjavur: Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple

Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple 

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It is dedicated to Lord Shiva,the Brihadishwara Temple (or Brihadeeswara temple) built by Rajaraja Chola during the 11th century The Brihadishwara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple is enclosed in two courts, surmounted by a lofty tower and including the exquisitely decorated shrine of Subrahmanya. Among the other historic buildings is the Vijayanagar fort, which contains a palace that was expanded by the Maratha king Serfoji II with an armoury, a Bell Tower and the Saraswathi Mahal Library, which contains over 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts written on palm leaf and paper.

Long Overview:

Brihadeeswarar Temple is a magnificent temple, situated in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. It dates back to the 11th century and was founded by the Chola King Rajaraja Chola I, The temple is considered to be an architectural wonder and is the perfect example of the expertise of the erstwhile Chola rulers, who once ruled over the peninsular India. One of the tallest temples of the world, Brihadeeswarar Temple is designed in such a way that the vimana never ever casts a shadow on the ground at noon, here is a tall sanctum tower (srivimana) inside its complex, along with splendid gopurams (elaborate gateways). A fully carved structure, Brihadeeshwarar Temple was designed by the chief architect of the Chola court, Sama Varma. 

It stands on a 29 m square base and rises to a height of somewhere around 65 m, Surrounding the Brihadeeswarar Temple is a huge compound, with walls that are over 15 m high, This construction took a period of twelve years, the king got it adorned with a 12.5 feet tall finial, which is made of 9.25 kg of copper and is plated with 800 gm of gold., The inner walls of the garbha griha illustrate 108 dance poses enacted by Lord Shiva. 

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