|
|
|
The
nearest airport is in Coimbatore, 100 km away. You can catch
a direct flight to Coimbatore from Chennai, Kozhikode, Bangalore
and Mumbai. Indian Airlines flies Delhi-Kochi via Mumbai and
Coimbatore. |
|
Nearest
broad gauge railway junction is Mettupalayam (46 kms). Major
broadgauge railway junction is Coimbatore. It is connected
with all major cities. Mettupalayam to Ooty, is connected
by a Mountain Railway which is 4 hours journey
At a height of 2,600m stands Udhagamandalam (Ooty) the Queen of Hill Stations.
The 'Nilgiri toy train' connects Ooty to Mettupalayam, at the foot of the Nilgiris.
|
The
constructions of this line was a big challenge as the terrain
is rather tricky. It was in 1854 that the first plans were
drawn to built a mountain railway from Mettupalayam to the
Nilgiri Hills. But it was a good 45 years later in 1899 that
the first train chugged up this track. This railway is widely
regarded as a marvel of engineering. The train itself is a
charming blue and cream with wooden coaches and large windows.
It is hauled uphill by steam engines, desgined and built by
the Swiss Locomotive Works. Twelve of such locomotive engines
survive even today.
The train covers the 46 km to Udhagamandalam in four - and - half hours. There
are five stations between Mettupalayam and Coonoor - Kallar, Adderley, Hill Grove,
Runnymede and Kateri - and, at one time, there were five between Coonoor and
Ooty too. Though Wellington, Aruvakadu, Ketti, and Lovedale are still functional,
Fern Hill, the last one, was closed down a few years ago.
Extensive rice fields surround the 7 km stretch between Mettupalayam and Kallar.
Soon after is an impressive 21 km section through truly rocky terrain. The track
passes over 26 viaducts, and twists and bends through 13 tunnels. After a steep
climb, the train enters Coonoor, the little hill station known for its tea plantations.
From here, the track is uphill till you reach Fern Hill at a height of 2,218m,
the highest point on the railroad. Shortly before Ooty, the line dips downhill.
If you enjoy taking pictures, keep your camera ready for a few shots of the viaduct
between Kallar and Adderley.
This ride is sure to turn the most hardened rail critic into an avid fan. You'll
delight in the edge - of -the - seat twists and turns as the train runs cross
tall grider briodges, and over green hills before gently meandering through rolling
tea estates. The exhaust beat of the loco never falters, maintaining a defening
staccato which can be heard for miles around. Truly a journey to remember. |
|
Ooty
is well connected by good roads. It is 535 km from Chennai (via
Salem), 89 km from Coimbatore, 18 km from Coonoor (via Gudalur),
155 km from Mysore, 187 km from Calicut, 290 km from Bangalore,
281 km from Kochi (via Coimbatore and Palakkad), 236 km from
Kodaikanal (via Coimbatore and Palani).
There is a regular bus service from Bangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore, Calicut, Kanyakumari,
Tanjavur, Tirupati and Cochin. Buses ply regularly to Mudhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary,
Kotagiri, Coonoor and Doddabeta. |
City
Bus, Taxi, Call Taxis and Autos are available.
|
|
