Ooty

The region was earlier known as Ottakal Mandu, with Otta-kal meaning 'single stone' in Tamil, a reference to a sacred stone revered by the local Toda people and Mandu, a Toda word for 'village'.{{cite book|title=Tribal Communities and Social Change|last=Mathew Chacko|first=Pariyaram|publisher=SAGE|year=2005|isbn=978-0-7619-3330-4|pages=180, 188}} This later became Udagamandalam which was anglicised to Ootacamund by the British, with the first part of the name (Ootaca), a corruption of the local name for the region and the second part (Mand), a shortening of the local Toda word Mandu.{{cite book|title=Ootacamund, A History|publisher=Madras Government Press|last=Price|first=Frederick|year=1908|pages=14–15}}{{Cite book |last=Guides |first=Rough |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eV7bEAAAQBAJ&dq=Udagamandalam+(ooty)&pg=PT813 |title=The Rough Guide to South India & Kerala (Travel Guide eBook) |date=October 2023 |publisher=Apa Publications (UK) Limited |isbn=978-1-83905-950-6}}{{Cite book |last=Hariharan |first=Githa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t4y_CwAAQBAJ&dq=udagai+ooty&pg=PA79 |title=Almost Home: Finding a Place in the World from Kashmir to New York |date=22 March 2016 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-63206-061-7 |access-date=14 August 2024 |archive-date=14 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814113513/https://books.google.com/books?id=t4y_CwAAQBAJ&dq=udagai+ooty&pg=PA79 |url-status=live }} The first known written mention of the place is given as Wotokymund in a letter dated March 1821, written to the Madras Gazette by an unknown correspondent.{{cite web|url=https://www.tn.gov.in/district_details/582|title=Nilgiris district|access-date=15 February 2023|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|archive-date=27 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727153304/https://www.tn.gov.in/district_details/582|url-status=live}} Ootacamund was later shortened to Ooty. Ooty is in the Nilgiri hills, meaning the "blue mountains", so named due to the Kurunji flower, which used to give the slopes a bluish tinge.{{cite web|url=https://nilgiris.nic.in/about-district/history/|title=Nilgiris history|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=2 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202131703/https://nilgiris.nic.in/about-district/history/|url-status=live}}

The earliest reference to Nilgiri hills is found in the Tamil Sangam epic Silappathikaram from the 5th or 6th century CE. The region was a land occupied by various tribes such as Badagas, Todas, Kotas, Irulas and Kurumbas. The region was ruled by the three Tamil kingdoms of Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas during various times.{{cite book|title=Gazetteers of India: Nilgiris District|last2=Sahu|first2=N. K.|publisher=Government Press|year=1955|pages=3, 199–201, 866|quote=The location of the Nilgiris is unique that it was in the tri-junction of ancient Tamil kingdoms of Cholas, Cheras and the Pandyas. Hence, it was under Cheras, Cholas or local chieftains at various...|first1=Nilamani|last1=Senapati}}{{cite book|title=Maritime Heritage of India|quote=At their peak, the Cholas ruled over not just the whole of south India, but also conquered island nations..|author=Indian Navy|publisher=Notion Press|year=1989|pages=244|isbn=978-9-3520-6917-0}} The Todas are referenced in a record belonging to Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana and his general Punisa, dated 1117 CE.{{cite book|last1=Francis|first1=Walter|title=Madras District Gazetteers: The Nilgiris|volume=1|year=1908|publisher=Asian Educational Services|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-8-1206-0546-6|pages=90–94,102–105}} It was also ruled by various dynasties like Pallavas, Satavahanas, Gangas, Kadambas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara empire.{{cite book|title=South Asia and Multilateral Trade Regime: Disorders for Development|page=81|first1=C.S.|last1=Sundaresan|publisher=Regal Publications|date=1 January 2007|isbn=978-8189-915-31-5}}{{cite journal|url=http://www.ibef.org/download/decoding-the-nilgiris.pdf|title=Decoding the Nilgiris|first=Ravi|last=Sagar|page=53|journal=India Brand Equity Foundation|quote=Not even the dynastic rulers—the Cheras, the Cholas, the Pandiyas, the Rashtrakutas, the Gangas, the Pallavas, the Kadambas and the Hoysalas—can be credited with discovering this jewel (Nilgiris) in their crown.|access-date=26 March 2016|archive-date=22 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222082333/http://www.ibef.org/download/decoding-the-nilgiris.pdf|url-status=live}} Tipu Sultan captured Nilgiris in the eighteenth century and the region came into possession of British in 1799.{{cite book|last=Kohn|first=George Childs|year=2013|title=Dictionary of Wars|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qTDfAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA322|publisher=Routledge|pages=322–323|isbn=978-1-1359-5494-9|access-date=27 December 2023|archive-date=8 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108204211/https://books.google.com/books?id=qTDfAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA322#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}} It became part of Coimbatore district of the Madras Presidency.

File:Ootacamund_map_1903.jpg

In 1818, J. C. Whish and N. W. Kindersley, assistants to John Sullivan, then collector of Coimbatore district, visited Kotagiri nearby and reported on the region's potential to serve as a summer retreat. Sullivan established his residence there and reported to the Board of Revenue on 31 July 1819. He also started work on a road from Sirumugai which was completed in May 1823 and extended up to Coonoor between 1830–32. By 1827, it was established as a sanatorium of the Madras Presidency and developed further at the behest of then Governor of Madras Stephen Lushington. The Government Botanical Garden, covering {{cvt|51|acre}}, was established in 1842 and a library was established in 1959.{{cite book|last1=Hunter|first1=William Wilson|title=The Imperial Gazetteer Of India - Volume 19|date=1908|publisher=Clarendon Press|location=Oxford|pages=238–240|edition=2|url=https://archive.org/details/TheImperialGazetteerOfIndia-Volume19/page/n247/mode/2up}}

Ooty was made a municipality in 1866, and civic improvements including roads, drainage, and water supply from the Marlimund and Tiger Hill reservoirs were added through Government loans. In August 1868, the Nilgiris was separated from the Coimbatore district, and James Wilkinson Breeks was appointed its first commissioner. On 1 February 1882, Nilgiris was made a district, and Richard Wellesley Barlow, the then commissioner, became its first collector. By the early 20th century, Ooty was a well-developed hill station, with an artificial lake, various parks, religious structures, and sporting facilities for polo, golf, and cricket. It served as the summer capital of the Madras Presidency and as a retreat for the British officials.{{cite book|title=The Illustrated Weekly of India|date=1975|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Company|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sWY6AQAAIAAJ&q=Ooty+capital+Madras+Presidency|page=39}}

Post-independence, the town developed into a popular recreational resort and the nearby Wellington became the home of the Defence Services Staff College of the Indian Army.{{cite web|url=https://www.dssc.gov.in/dssc-history.html|title=Defence Services Staff College|publisher=Indian Army|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/ooty|title=Ooty|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222143745/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/ooty|url-status=live}}

File:Ooty hills 2.jpg]]

Ooty is located in the Nilgiri hills, which are part of the Western Ghats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is separated from the neighboring state of Karnataka by the Moyar river in the north and from the Anaimalai and Palani hills in the south by the Palghat Gap.{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Nilgiri-Hills|title=Nilgiri Hills|publisher=Britannica|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008080254/https://www.britannica.com/place/Nilgiri-Hills|url-status=live}} It is situated at an altitude of {{convert|2240|m|ft|abbr=off}} above sea level. The total area of the town is {{convert|30.36|km2|abbr=on}}. Doddabetta is the highest peak ({{convert|2623|m|abbr=on|disp=or}}) in the Nilgiris, about {{convert|10|km|abbr=on}} from Ooty.{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Udagamandalam|title=Udagamandalam|publisher=Britannica|access-date=1 December 2023}}

Ooty Lake is an artificial lake covering {{convert|65|acre|abbr=on}} created in 1824.{{cite web|url=https://nilgiris.nic.in/tourist-place/ooty-lake/|title=Ooty Lake|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu}} The Pykara, a river located {{convert|19|km|abbr=on}} from Ooty, rises at Mukurthi peak and flows through a series of cascades with the last two falls of {{convert|55|m}} and {{convert|61|m}} known as Pykara falls.{{cite web|url=https://nilgiris.nic.in/tourist-place/pykara-ooty/|title=Pykara|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|archive-date=4 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004232243/https://nilgiris.nic.in/tourist-place/pykara-ooty/|url-status=live}} Kamaraj Sagar Dam is located {{convert|10|km|abbr=on}} from the Ooty.{{cite web|url=http://india-wris.nrsc.gov.in/wrpinfo/index.php?title=Kamraj_Sagar(Sandy_Nalla)_Dam_D06323|title=Kamraj Sagar Dam|publisher=WRIS, Government of India|access-date=23 August 2016}}{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Emerald Lake, Avalanche Lake and Porthimund Lake are other lakes in the region.{{cite web|url=https://nilgiris.nic.in/tourist-place/avalanche-ooty/|title=Avalanche|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|access-date=23 August 2016|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808150032/https://nilgiris.nic.in/tourist-place/avalanche-ooty/|url-status=live}}

Ooty features a subtropical highland climate (Cwb) under Köppen climate classification.{{cite web|title=Climate: Ooty – Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table|url=http://en.climate-data.org/location/24046/|publisher=Climate-Data|access-date=30 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227100008/http://en.climate-data.org/location/24046/|archive-date=27 February 2014}} Because of its high altitude, the temperatures are generally lower than the surrounding plains with the average between {{convert|10|-|25|C|F|0}} during summer and {{convert|0|-|21|C|F|0}} during winter. The highest temperature ever recorded was {{convert|28.5|C|F}} and the lowest temperature was {{convert|-5.1|C|F}}.

{{cite web

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

|archive-date=5 February 2020

|url=https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

|title=Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)

|publisher=India Meteorological Department

|date=December 2016

|page=M207

|access-date=1 March 2020}} The town gets heavy rainfall during both South-West and North-East monsoons and the average rainfall is about {{convert|1100|mm|in}} of precipitation annually.

{{Weather box

| location = Ooty (Udagamandalam) 1991-2020

| metric first = Yes

| single line = Yes

| Jan record high C = 27.5

| Feb record high C = 27.3

| Mar record high C = 27.5

| Apr record high C = 28.5

| May record high C = 28.0

| Jun record high C = 26.1

| Jul record high C = 24.4

| Aug record high C = 23.0

| Sep record high C = 23.3

| Oct record high C = 26.8

| Nov record high C = 25.2

| Dec record high C = 27.4

| year record high C =

| Jan high C = 21.4

| Feb high C = 21.9

| Mar high C = 23.3

| Apr high C = 22.7

| May high C = 22.8

| Jun high C = 18.8

| Jul high C = 17.2

| Aug high C = 17.5

| Sep high C = 19.1

| Oct high C = 19.0

| Nov high C = 19.1

| Dec high C = 20.9

| year high C = 20.4

| Jan low C = 6.5

| Feb low C = 7.3

| Mar low C = 9.5

| Apr low C = 11.1

| May low C = 11.8

| Jun low C = 11.7

| Jul low C = 11.2

| Aug low C = 11.0

| Sep low C = 10.8

| Oct low C = 10.6

| Nov low C = 9.6

| Dec low C = 6.9

| Jan record low C = -2.1

| Feb record low C = 0.0

| Mar record low C = 1.1

| Apr record low C = 4.0

| May record low C = 4.4

| Jun record low C = 2.2

| Jul record low C = 2.5

| Aug record low C = 4.6

| Sep record low C = 4.4

| Oct record low C = 0.0

| Nov record low C = -1.1

| Dec record low C = -1.1

| year record low C =

| rain colour = green

| Jan rain mm = 4.9

| Feb rain mm = 5.1

| Mar rain mm = 22.4

| Apr rain mm = 84.0

| May rain mm = 123.9

| Jun rain mm = 147.6

| Jul rain mm = 152.3

| Aug rain mm = 116.5

| Sep rain mm = 117.1

| Oct rain mm = 189.2

| Nov rain mm = 144.5

| Dec rain mm = 49.9

| Jan rain days = 0.7

| Feb rain days = 0.5

| Mar rain days = 1.3

| Apr rain days = 5.6

| May rain days = 8.6

| Jun rain days = 11.1

| Jul rain days = 12.4

| Aug rain days = 9.4

| Sep rain days = 8.9

| Oct rain days = 11.4

| Nov rain days = 7.8

| Dec rain days = 3.2

|time day = 17:30 IST

| Jan humidity = 69

| Feb humidity = 67

| Mar humidity = 61

| Apr humidity = 70

| May humidity = 75

| Jun humidity = 85

| Jul humidity = 88

| Aug humidity = 88

| Sep humidity = 86

| Oct humidity = 86

| Nov humidity = 85

| Dec humidity = 73

|year humidity = 77

| Jand sun = 8

| Febd sun = 8

| Mard sun = 8

| Aprd sun = 8

| Mayd sun = 7

| Jund sun = 4

| Juld sun = 4

| Augd sun = 4

| Sepd sun = 5

| Octd sun = 5

| Novd sun = 6

| Decd sun = 7

| source 1 =Indian Meteorological Department{{cite web

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf

| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| access-date = April 8, 2024

}}{{cite web|url=http://www.imd.gov.in/doc/climateimp.pdf |title=Monthly mean maximum & minimum temperature and total rainfall based upon 1901-2000 data |publisher=imd.gov.in |access-date=30 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413020426/http://www.imd.gov.in/doc/climateimp.pdf |archivedate=13 April 2015 }}

| source 2 = Weather2Travel for sunshine {{cite web|title=Ooty Climate and Weather Averages, India.htm|url=http://www.weather2travel.com/climate-guides/india/ooty.php|publisher=Weather2Travel|access-date=30 September 2015|archive-date=1 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001015038/http://www.weather2travel.com/climate-guides/india/ooty.php|url-status=live}}

| source =

}}

File:Tiger Drinking Pond Mudumalai Mar21 DSC01310.jpg in Mudumalai National Park]]

Ooty forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected forest area in India.{{cite news|date=27 January 2021|title=Conservationist joins SC panel on elephant corridor case|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/conservationist-joins-sc-panel-on-elephant-corridor-case/article33678554.ece|access-date=28 January 2021|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128055024/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/conservationist-joins-sc-panel-on-elephant-corridor-case/article33678554.ece|url-status=live}} It was declared as a protected reserve in 1986 and is part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme.{{cite report|author1=Ranjit Daniels, R.J.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Vijayan, V.S.|year=1996|title=The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: A Review of Conservation Status with Recommendations for a Wholistic Approach to Management|series=Working Paper No. 16|publisher=UNESCO South-South Co-operation Programme for Environmentally Sound Socio-Economic Development in the Humid Tropics|place=Paris|url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0011/001137/113753eo.pdf|access-date=27 December 2023|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226111643/https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000113753_eng|url-status=live}} Mudumalai National Park and tiger reserve lies on the north-western side, about {{convert|31|km|abbr=on}} from Ooty and was established in 1940 as the first wildlife sanctuary in India.{{cite journal|author1=Hegde, R.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Enters, T.|title=Forest products and household economy: a case study from Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern India|date=2000|journal=Environmental Conservation|volume=27|issue=3|pages=250–259|doi=10.1017/S037689290000028X|bibcode=2000EnvCo..27..250H |s2cid=86160884|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/231857621}}

File:Nilgiri_langur_(1)_by_N._A._Naseer.jpg is an endangered primate, found only in the region]]

The region is part of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests ecoregion.{{Cite book|last=Wikramanayake|first=Eric D.|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/48435361|title=Terrestrial ecoregions of the Indo-Pacific: a Conservation Assessment|date=2002|publisher=Island Press|isbn=978-1-5596-3923-1|location=Washington, D.C.|pages=284–285|oclc=48435361}} Nilgiris harbours thousands of plant species including medicinal plants and endemic flowering plants. Stunted evergreen trees grow in shola forest patches above {{cvt|1800|m}} and are festooned with epiphytes.{{cite journal|author1=Chandrashekara, U.M.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Muraleedharan, P.K.|author3=Sibichan, V.|year=2006|title=Anthropogenic pressure on structure and composition of a shola forest in Kerala, India|journal=Journal of Mountain Science|volume=3|issue=1|pages=58–70|doi=10.1007/s11629-006-0058-0|bibcode=2006JMouS...3...58C |s2cid=55780505|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226385585}} The native vegetation consisted of Meadows and grasslands on the hillsides with shola forests in the valleys. When the British populated the town, invasive species of pine, wattle and eucalyptus were planted along with tea plantations and they became the dominant species replacing the native vegetation.{{cite news|url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/invasive-species-may-soon-wipe-out-shola-vegetation-from-nilgiris-report-66813|title=Invasive species may soon wipe out Shola vegetation from Nilgiris: Report|date=19 September 2019|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Down to Earth|archive-date=27 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227190805/https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/invasive-species-may-soon-wipe-out-shola-vegetation-from-nilgiris-report-66813|url-status=live}}

The region has one of the largest bengal tiger populations.{{cite journal|author1=Kalle, R.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Ramesh, T.|author3=Qureshi, Q.|author4=Sankar, K.|year=2011|title=Density of tiger and leopard in a tropical deciduous forest of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, southern India, as estimated using photographic capture–recapture sampling|journal=Acta Theriologica|volume=56|issue=4|pages=335–342|doi=10.1007/s13364-011-0038-9|s2cid=196598615|url=}} The Indian elephant is the largest mammal in the region.{{cite journal|author1=Baskaran, N.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Udhayan, A.|author3=Desai, A.A.|year=2010|title=Status of the Asian Elephant population in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India|journal=Gajah|issue=32|pages=6–13|citeseerx=10.1.1.1070.6845}} The gaur is the largest ungulate in the region that frequent grasslands in the vicinity of water sources.{{cite journal|author1=Ramesh, T.|author2=Sankar, K.|author3=Qureshi, Q.|name-list-style=amp|author4=Kalle, R.|year=2012|title=Group size and population structure of megaherbivores (gaur Bos gaurus and Asian elephant Elephas maximus) in a deciduous habitat of Western Ghats, India|journal=Mammal Study|volume=37|issue=1|pages=47–54|doi=10.3106/041.037.0106|s2cid=86098742|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235703350}} Other mega-fauna include Indian leopard and sloth bear.{{cite journal|author1=Ramesh, T.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Sankar, K.|author3=Qureshi, Q.|year=2009|title=Additional notes on the diet of Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve as shown by scat analysis|journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society|volume=106|issue=2|pages=204–206|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235704076}} Smaller fauna include Jungle cat, rusty-spotted cat, leopard cat, dhole, Golden jackal, Nilgiri marten, Small Indian civet, Asian palm civet, brown palm civet, ruddy mongoose, wild boar, Indian pangolin, Indian crested porcupine and Indian giant squirrel.{{cite journal|author1=Baskaran, N.|author2=Venkatesan, S.|author3=Mani, J.|author4=Srivastava, S.K.|author5=Desai, A.A.|year=2011|title=Some aspects of the ecology of the Indian Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica (Erxleben, 1777) in the tropical forests of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India and their conservation implications|name-list-style=amp|journal=Journal of Threatened Taxa|volume=3|issue=7|pages=1899–1908|doi=10.11609/JoTT.o2593.1899-908|doi-access=free}} Indian giant flying squirrel,{{cite journal|author1=Babu, S.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Kumara, H.N.|author3=Jayson, E.A.|year=2015|title=Distribution, abundance, and habitat signature of the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista philippensis (Elliot 1839) in the Western Ghats, India|journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society|volume=112|issue=2|pages=65–71|doi=10.17087/jbnhs/2015/v112i2/104925|doi-access=free}}{{cite journal|author1=Kalle, R.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Ramesh, T.|author3=Qureshi, Q.|author4=Sankar, K.|year=2013|title=The occurrence of small felids in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India|journal=Cat News|issue=58|pages=32–35|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257823313}}{{cite journal|author1=Venkataraman, A.B.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Arumugam, R.|author3=Sukumar, R.|year=1995|title=The foraging ecology of dhole (Cuon alpinus) in Mudumalai Sanctuary, southern India|journal=Journal of Zoology|volume=237|issue=4|pages=543–561|doi=10.1111/j.1469-7998.1995.tb05014.x}}{{cite journal|author1=Kalle, R.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Ramesh, T.|author4=Qureshi, Q.|author3=Sankar, K.|year=2013|title=Observations of sympatric small carnivores in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, India|journal=Small Carnivore Conservation|volume=49|issue=4|pages=53–59|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261028357}}{{cite journal|author1=Kalle, R.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Ramesh, T.|author3=Sankar, K.|author4=Qureshi, Q.|year=2012|title=Diet of mongoose in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, southern India|journal=Journal of Scientific Transactions in Environment and Technovation|volume=6|issue=1|pages=44–51|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235997878}} Smooth-coated otter groups are observed along the Moyar River.{{cite journal|author1=Narasimmarajan, K.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Hayward, M.W.|author3=Mathai, M.T.|year=2021|title=Assessing the occurrence and resource use pattern of Smooth-coated Otters Lutrogale perspicillata Geoffroy (Carnivora, Mustelidae) in the Moyar River of the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot|journal=IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin|volume=38|issue=1|pages=45–58|url=https://iucnosgbull.org/Volume38/Narasimmarajan_et_al_2021.pdf|access-date=24 April 2023|archive-date=30 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030214728/https://iucnosgbull.org/Volume38/Narasimmarajan_et_al_2021.pdf|url-status=live }} Deer include sambar deer, chital, Indian spotted chevrotain, Indian muntjac, four-horned antelope and blackbuck.{{cite journal|author1=Ramesh, T.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Sankar, K.|author3=Qureshi, Q.|author4=Kalle, R.|year=2012|title=Group size, sex and age composition of chital (Axis axis) and sambar (Rusa unicolor) in a deciduous habitat of Western Ghats|journal=Mammalian Biology|volume=77|issue=1|pages=53–59|doi=10.1016/j.mambio.2011.09.003|url=}} Monkeys, including the endangered Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque and gray langur are also found in the region.{{cite journal|author1=Ramakrishnan, U.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Coss, R.G.|year=2000|title=Recognition of heterospecific alarm vocalization by Bonnet Macaques (Macaca radiata)|journal=Journal of Comparative Psychology|volume=114|issue=1|pages=3–12|doi=10.1037/0735-7036.114.1.3|pmid=10739307|citeseerx=10.1.1.558.6257}} Nilgiri tahr is an endangered ungulate that is endemic to the Nilgiris and is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.{{cite book|author=Prater, S. H.|origyear=1948|year=1971|title=The book of Indian Animals|publisher=Bombay Natural History Society|place=Bombay}} Bats are found in darker caves in the hills.{{cite journal|author1=Nachiketha, S.R.|name-list-style=amp|author2=Sreepada K.S.|year=2013|title=Occurrence of Indian Painted Bat (Kerivuola picta) in dry deciduous forests of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Southern India|journal=Small Mammal Mail|volume=5|issue=1|pages=16–17|url=https://www.zoosprint.zooreach.org/ZoosPrintNewsLetter/SMM_June2013.pdf#page=16|access-date=24 April 2023|archive-date=11 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811212108/https://www.zoosprint.zooreach.org/ZoosPrintNewsLetter/SMM_June2013.pdf#page=16|url-status=live }} More than 200 species of birds are found in the region.{{cite journal|author1=Gokula, V.|author2=Vijayan, L.|name-list-style=amp|year=1996|title=Birds of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, India|journal=Forktail|volume=12|pages=143–152|url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c1a9e03f407b482a158da87/t/5c1fb9b4562fa7219b07167c/1545583030708/Gokula-Mudumalai.pdf|access-date=24 April 2023|archive-date=12 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412100613/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c1a9e03f407b482a158da87/t/5c1fb9b4562fa7219b07167c/1545583030708/Gokula-Mudumalai.pdf|url-status=live }}

{{bar box|title=Religious census|titlebar=#ddd|left1=Religion|right1=Percent(%)|float=right|bars={{bar percent|Hindu|Orange|64.36}}{{bar percent|Christian|Purple|21.25}}{{bar percent|Muslim|Green|13.37}}{{bar percent|Other|Grey|1.03}}}}

According to the 2011 census, Udagamandalam had a population of 88,430 with a sex-ratio of 1,053 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.{{cite report|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/803564-udagamandalam-tamil-nadu.html|title=Udagamandalam City Population Census 2011 – Tamil Nadu|publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Government of India|access-date=14 August 2024|archive-date=14 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814113553/https://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/803564-udagamandalam-tamil-nadu.html|url-status=live}}{{cite report|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-date=13 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113144743/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|url-status=live}} A total of 7,781 were under the age of six, constituting 3,915 males and 3,866 females.Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted for 28.98% and 0.30% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the city in 2011 was 90.2%,{{cite report|title=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|access-date=27 February 2016|publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Government of India|archive-date=10 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310224309/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|url-status=live}} compared to the national average of 72.99%. The city had a total of 23,235 households. There were a total of 35,981 workers, comprising 636 cultivators, 5,194 agricultural labourers, 292 in household industries, 26,411 other workers, 3,448 marginal workers, 65 marginal cultivators, 828 marginal agricultural labourers, 56 marginal workers in household industries and 2,499 other marginal workers.{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals – Uthagamandalam|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=688772|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924144929/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=688772|url-status=live}} As per the religious census of 2011, Udagamandalam had 64.36% Hindus, 21.25% Christians, 13.37% Muslims, 0.03% Sikhs, 0.3% Buddhists, 0.4% Jains, 0.28% following other religions and 0.02% following no religion or did not indicate any religious preference.{{cite report|title=Population By Religious Community – Tamil Nadu|year=2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|format=XLS|publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Government of India|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|url-status=live}}

Tamil is the official language of Udagamandalam. Languages native to the Nilgiris including Badaga, Paniya, Irula and Kurumba.{{cite book|title=The encyclopaedia of Dravidian tribes|volume=2|year=1996|publisher=International School of Dravidian Linguistics|author=International School of Dravidian Linguistics|page=170}} Due to its proximity to the neighboring states of Kerala and Karnataka and being a tourist destination, Malayalam, Kannada and English are also spoken and understood to an extent.{{cite web|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/ooty/languages.html|title=Languages in Ooty|access-date=16 February 2008|publisher=mapsofindia|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302205044/http://www.mapsofindia.com/ooty/languages.html|archive-date= 2 March 2008}} According to the 2011 census, the most widely spoken languages in Udagamandalam taluk were Tamil, spoken by 88,896, followed by Badaga with 41,213 and Kannada with 27,070 speakers.{{cite web|title=Census of India – Language|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16.html|publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Government of India|access-date=17 April 2020|archive-date=1 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101020704/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16.html|url-status=live}}

Ooty is the headquarters of the Nilgiris district. The town is part of the Udagamandalam Assembly constituency which forms part of the Nilgiris Lok Sabha constituency.{{cite report|url=http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf|title=List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies|access-date=10 October 2008|publisher=Election Commission of India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206012938/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf|archive-date=6 February 2009}} The town is administered by Udagamanadalam municipality which was established in 1866 and the town is divided into 36 wards.{{cite report|url=https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/uthagamandalam/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2019/12/WARD-MAP-.pdf|title=Ward map, Udagamanadalam|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823051630/https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/uthagamandalam/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2019/12/WARD-MAP-.pdf|url-status=live}} The municipality is responsible for water services, sewage disposal and maintenance of public infrastructure.{{cite web|url=https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/uthagamandalam/water-supply|title=Water supply, Udagamanadalam|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525121305/https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/uthagamandalam/water-supply/|url-status=live}}

File:Tea Rows Monarch Ooty Nilgiris Mar21 A7C 00291.jpg

Ooty is a market town for the surrounding area, which is still largely dependent on agriculture. Vegetables cultivated include potato, carrot, cabbage and cauliflower and fruits include peach, plum, pear and strawberry.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/watch-organic-farming-is-catching-on-in-the-nilgiris/article67554204.ece|title=Organic farming is catching on in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris|date=20 November 2023|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823051809/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/watch-organic-farming-is-catching-on-in-the-nilgiris/article67554204.ece|url-status=live}} There is a daily wholesale auction of these products at the Ooty Municipal Market.{{cite news|title=Stone throwing leads to tension in Uthagamandalam|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article12666.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=31 August 2009|access-date=1 October 2011}} Dairy farming has long been present in the area, and there is a cooperative dairy manufacturing cheese and skimmed milk powder.{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2008/nov/02/oldest-dairy-farm-in-ooty-faces-closure-3816.html|title=Oldest dairy farm in Ooty faces closure|newspaper=New Indian Express|date=2 November 2008|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=27 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227190806/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2008/nov/02/oldest-dairy-farm-in-ooty-faces-closure-3816.html|url-status=live}} Floriculture and sericulture are also practised, as is the cultivation of mushrooms. The local area is known for tea cultivation. Nilgiri tea is a black tea variety unique to the region.{{cite book|title=The Tale of Tea A Comprehensive History of Tea from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day|first=George|last=van Driem|year=2019|publisher=Brill|isbn=978-9-0043-8625-9}}

The Human Biologicals Institute, established in 1999, is involved in vaccine manufacturing.{{cite news|url=https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/pharma/drug-approvals-launches/indian-immunologicals-ltd-commemorates-25-yrs-of-human-biologicals-institute-announces-new-vaccines/105508549|title=commemorates 25 yrs of Human Biologicals Institute, announces new vaccines|date=26 November 2023|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=27 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227190805/https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/pharma/drug-approvals-launches/indian-immunologicals-ltd-commemorates-25-yrs-of-human-biologicals-institute-announces-new-vaccines/105508549|url-status=live}} Other manufacturing industries located on the outskirts include Ketti (manufacture of needles) and Aruvankadu (manufacture of cordite).

{{Main|Ooty bus stand}}

Ooty is connected by roads known as the Nilgiri Ghat Roads. It is situated on NH 181. The municipality maintains roads in the town.{{cite web|url=https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/uthagamandalam/roads-2/|title=Roads in Uthagamandalam|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Government of Tamil Nadu|archive-date=3 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203195229/https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/uthagamandalam/roads-2/|url-status=live}} Public bus services are operated by the Coimbatore division of TNSTC.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/new-buses-to-replace-tnstcs-aging-fleet-in-the-nilgiris/article66419763.ece|date=22 June 2023|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=1 December 2023|title=New buses to replace TNSTC's aging fleet in the Nilgiris|archive-date=27 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227190805/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/new-buses-to-replace-tnstcs-aging-fleet-in-the-nilgiris/article66419763.ece|url-status=live}} SETC, KSRTC (Karnataka) and KSRTC (Kerala) connect to distant towns in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.

File:NMR Train on viaduct 05-02-26 33.jpeg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site]]

Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a {{Track gauge|1000mm|allk=on}} railway in Nilgiris district, connecting Udagamandalam and Mettupalayam. The Nilgiri Railway Company was formed in 1885, and the Mettupalayam-Coonoor section of the track was opened for traffic on 15 June 1899. The railway was operated by the Madras Railway until 31 December 1907, when it was handed over to the South Indian Railway. The line from Coonoor to Ooty was completed in 1908.{{cite web|title=Nilgiri Mountain railway|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,304,374,492,552|work=Indian Railways|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-date=6 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206122930/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,304,374,492,552|url-status=live}} Operated currently by the Southern Railway zone of Indian Railways, it is the only rack railway in India and operates on its own fleet of steam locomotives between Coonoor and Udagamandalam.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/in-pictures-nilgiri-mountain-railway-as-old-as-the-hills/article28732489.ece|title=he Nilgiri Mountain Railway as old as the hills|date=27 July 2019|access-date=1 March 2023|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-date=30 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330055908/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/in-pictures-nilgiri-mountain-railway-as-old-as-the-hills/article28732489.ece|url-status=live}} In July 2005, UNESCO added the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as an extension to the World Heritage Site of Mountain Railways of India.{{cite web|work=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944|title=Mountain Railways of India|access-date=30 April 2006|archive-date=3 May 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060503143242/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944/|url-status=live}}

The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, located {{cvt|96|km}} from the town. The airport has regular flights from and to major domestic destinations and international destinations like Sharjah, Colombo and Singapore.{{cite web|url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/coimbatore|title=Coimbatore Airport|access-date=26 July 2015|work=Airports Authority of India|archive-date=23 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823051632/https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/coimbatore|url-status=live}} Ooty has three helipads, one at Theettukal and two at Kodanad with the Theettukal helipad, approved by the Airports Authority of India for defence and VIP services. Pawan Hans planned to start commercial services with Bell 407, but the plan has been shelved.{{cite news|last=Anubhuti|first=Vishnoi|title=Ooty, Uttarakhand chopper plans hit roadblock|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/ooty-uttarakhandchopperplanshitroadblock/286247/1|access-date=24 January 2014|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=19 March 2008|archive-date=4 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904075440/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/ooty-uttarakhandchopperplanshitroadblock/286247/1|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Jayalalithaa leaves Kodanad|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/jayalalithaa-leaves-kodanad/article5017698.ece|access-date=24 January 2014|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 August 2013|archive-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202232744/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/jayalalithaa-leaves-kodanad/article5017698.ece|url-status=live}}

Government Arts College, established in 1955, is one of the oldest institutions in Ooty and is affiliated with Bharathiar University.{{cite web|url=https://nilgiris.nic.in/public-utility/government-arts-college/|title=Government Arts College|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=17 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517014513/https://nilgiris.nic.in/public-utility/government-arts-college/|url-status=live}} There are a few other colleges in the town. Boarding schools have been a feature of Ooty since the British Raj and continue to operate currently, including some of the most expensive schools in India.{{cite news|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/ampstories/education/these-are-top-10-expensive-schools-in-india|title=Top 10 expensive schools in India|work=Free press journal|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823051629/https://www.freepressjournal.in/ampstories/education/these-are-top-10-expensive-schools-in-india|url-status=live}}

File:Botanical garden ooty.JPG

A boat house located alongside the Ooty Lake offers boating facilities to tourists and is a major tourist attraction in Ooty. Similar boating facilities are also available at the Pykara falls and dam. The Government Botanical Garden, laid out in 1842, has several species of indigenous and exotic plants, and hosts an annual flower show in May.{{cite web|url=https://nilgiris.nic.in/tourist-place/botanical-garden/|title=Botanical Garden|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|archive-date=1 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201153904/https://nilgiris.nic.in/tourist-place/botanical-garden/|url-status=live}} The garden also hosts a 20-million-year-old fossilized tree.{{cite news|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030510/windows/main1.htm|title=Hills beckon again|work=Tribune India|access-date=1 December 2023|date=22 January 2011|archive-date=13 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813090947/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030510/windows/main1.htm|url-status=live}} The Government Rose Garden, situated on the slopes of Elk Hill at an altitude of {{cvt|2200|m}}, has more than 20,000 varieties of roses from 2,800 cultivars and is the largest rose garden in India.{{cite web|url=https://nilgiris.nic.in/tourist-place/rose-garden-ooty/|title=Rose Garden|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Government of Tamil Nadu|archive-date=21 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421165854/https://nilgiris.nic.in/tourist-place/rose-garden-ooty/|url-status=live}} A deer park was established along the edges of the lake in 1986 and is the second-highest altitude zoo in India.{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/deer-park-ooty|title=Deer Park|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Government of Tamil Nadu|archive-date=23 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823051820/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/deer-park-ooty|url-status=live}}

File:Toda Hut.JPG

File:The Fernhills Palace, Ooty.jpg]]

There are a few traditional Toda dogles (huts) on the hills above the Botanical Garden.{{cite journal|last=Chhabra|first=Tarun|title=How Traditional Ecological Knowledge addresses Global Climate change: the perspective of the Todas – the indigenous people of the Nilgiri hills of South India|journal=Proceedings of the Earth in Transition: First World Conference|year=2005|url=http://www.ser.org/iprn/pdf/Tarun_Chhabra.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904232848/http://www.ser.org/iprn/pdf/Tarun_Chhabra.pdf|archive-date=4 September 2012}} A Tribal Museum was opened in 1995 as a part of the Tribal Research Center, located about ({{cvt|10|km}} from the town and hosts rare artifacts and photographs of tribal groups of Tamil Nadu and Andaman and Nicobar, and other anthropological and archaeological finds on early human culture and heritage.{{cite web|url=https://nilgiris.nic.in/tourist-place/tribal-museum/|title=Tribal Museum|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Government of Tamil Nadu|archive-date=21 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421164721/https://nilgiris.nic.in/tourist-place/tribal-museum/|url-status=live}} The Stone House was the first bungalow constructed in the town.{{cite book|title=Tourist Guide to South India|year=2006|page=96|publisher=South India|isbn=978-8-1747-8175-8}} St Stephen's Church, built in 1829, is one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris district.{{cite web|url=http://www.tamilnadu-tourism.com/tamil-nadu-temples/st-stephens-church.html|title=St. Stephen's Church|access-date=2 February 2011|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|archive-date=16 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716191851/http://www.tamilnadu-tourism.com/tamil-nadu-temples/st-stephens-church.html|url-status=usurped}} St. Thomas Church, opened in 1871, hosts many famous graves in the churchyard including those of Josiah John Goodwin, William Patrick Adam, whose grave is topped by a pillar monument dedicated to St. Thomas, the tallest structure in Ooty.{{cite news|title=Goodwin – Unsung Stenographer of Swami Vivekananda|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/goodwin-unsung-stenographer-of-swami-vivekananda/article5247201.ece|access-date=16 March 2019|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 October 2013|archive-date=29 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729113103/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/goodwin-unsung-stenographer-of-swami-vivekananda/article5247201.ece|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Thiagarajan|first1=Shantha|title=St.Thomas Church Celebrates 150th Anniversary|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/st-thomas-church-celebrates-150th-anniv/articleshow/60998258.cms|access-date=16 March 2019|newspaper=The Times of India|date=9 October 2017|archive-date=5 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105185248/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/st-thomas-church-celebrates-150th-anniv/articleshow/60998258.cms|url-status=live}} Spread over an area of nearly {{cvt|1|acre}}, a tea factory and museum displays the process of tea processing and the machines used.{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/tea-museum--tea-factory-ooty|title=Tea museum|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|archive-date=5 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205194843/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/tea-museum--tea-factory-ooty|url-status=live}}

The Ooty Radio Telescope was completed in 1970 and is part of the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), funded by the Government of India through the Department of Atomic Energy.{{cite web|url=http://indianspacestation.com/space-institutes/120-national-centre-for-radio-astrophysics.html|title=National Centre for Radio Astrophysics|work=Indian Space Statio|access-date=4 February 2011|archive-date=13 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713025014/http://indianspacestation.com/space-institutes/120-national-centre-for-radio-astrophysics.html|url-status=usurped}}

Snooker originated on the billiard tables of the Ootacamund Club, invented by Neville Chamberlain.{{cite news|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19990426/ai_n14219294|title=Sporting Vernacular 11. Snooker|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070225163312/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19990426/ai_n14219294|archive-date=25 February 2007|work=The Independent|date=26 April 1999|access-date=25 February 2007}} There was also a cricket ground with regular matches played between teams from the Army and Indian Civil Service. There were riding stables and kennels at Ooty and the hounds hunted across the surrounding countryside and the open grasslands of the Wenlock downs. Horse racing is held at the Ooty Racecourse.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article1989919.ece?css=print|title=Lucky draw to mark Ooty racing milestone|author=D. Radhakrishnan|date=4 May 2011|access-date=1 May 2021|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-date=3 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103024856/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article1989919.ece?css=print|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/tamil-nadu/ooty-udagamandalam/activities/racing/racecourse|title=Ooty (Udagamandalam): Racecourse|publisher=Lonely Planet|access-date=1 May 2011}} Ooty Golf Course is at an altitude of {{convert|7600|ft}} and extends over {{convert|193.56|acre|abbr=on}}.{{cite news|last=Duttagupta|first=Ishani|title=Young & wealthy executives transforming the face of golfing|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=19 September 2010|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/sunday-et/life--style/Young--wealthy-executives-transforming-the-face-of-golfing/articleshow/6582117.cms?curpg=2|access-date=19 August 2011|archive-date=15 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015132453/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/sunday-et/life--style/Young--wealthy-executives-transforming-the-face-of-golfing/articleshow/6582117.cms?curpg=2|url-status=live}}

Ooty varkey is a crispy and crusty cookie snack popular in Ooty.{{cite news|last=Nainar|first=Nahla|date=17 August 2018|title=The journey of the famous Ooty 'varkey'|newspaper=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/food/the-journey-of-the-famous-ooty-varkey/article24717476.ece|access-date=15 December 2023|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=26 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226161709/https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/food/the-journey-of-the-famous-ooty-varkey/article24717476.ece|url-status=live}} A number of films have been shot in Ooty. The town was used as a setting in David Lean's 1984 movie, A Passage to India, which was based on E. M. Forster's novel of the same name.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230313-the-slowest-train-journey-in-india|title=The slowest train journey in India|date=13 March 2023|work=BBC|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=14 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214135945/https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230313-the-slowest-train-journey-in-india|url-status=live}}

{{Commons category|Udhagamandalam}}

• List of hill stations in India

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• {{cite book|title=Decaying splendours: two palaces: reflections in an Indian mirror|last=Weeks|first=Stephen|year=1979|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|location=University of California|isbn=978-0-563-17516-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gTo2AAAAIAAJ&q=Decaying+Splendours;+two+palaces:+reflections+in+an+Indian+mirror|access-date=19 August 2011}}

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{{Nilgiris district}}

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Category:Ooty

Category:Tourism in Tamil Nadu

Category:Hill stations in Tamil Nadu

Category:Mountains of Tamil Nadu

Category:Cities and towns in Nilgiris district

Category:South Western Ghats montane rain forests