Monday, December 30, 2013

Ooty - Places of Interest - V

Interesting Places in & Around Ooty
Gudalur 
It is the gateway to Nilgiris from Kerala and Karnataka. Udhagamandalam, Coonoor and Kotagiri lie in the upper plateau of Nilgiris and Gudalur lies on the lower plateau. Udhagamandalam to Calicut road and Udhagamandalam Mysore road meet at Gudalur town. Population of Gudalur is 32,605 (1991 census). Most of the Gudalur area is carpeted green. It is 51 kms from Udhagamandalam.
Gudalur is a picturesque green valley on the way from Mysore to Ooty with a population of 32,605 (1991 census). It is a gateway to three states, Tamil NaduKerala and Karnataka lying equidistant from both Kerala and Karnataka. Though the history of the name has been lost, it is the place where all of the three states' boundaries meet. Some even say the name originated as 'Koodal'(Joining) in Tamil and 'Ooru'(Village), and Goodal+uru as a mysterious place. As the town is located 50 km from any other nearby bigger towns, Ooty, Sulthan Bathery an Gundalpet & Nilambur it can very well be called as the Joining-Place or Point.

Tea plantations dot the whole region, and the regional economy is heavily dependent on the tea industry. However, this is a place rich in flora and fauna with a variety of hill crops, though lower altitude crops such as paddy and coconut also flourish here. This area was an offspring to the exploration done by the British during the pre-independence period to cultivate tea. Various large companies own tea estates in the region. From the 1960s onwards, the region saw pioneering settlers moving in from neighbouring Kerala. Later, towards the end of the 1970s, the Tamil Nadu Government also granted refuge to a large number of Sri Lankan repatriates. This considerably changed the demography of the region. Gudalur is a place where one can see people from the two states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala live together cordially.

Once upon a time, it was a paradise for newly wedded couples who married without the consent of their parents and had eloped from their homes, to find a living. In olden times it was said, Criminals also found this place a hideout from the law of the land; the history of Gudalur says that it is a land of hard workers. People from different part of India migrated to Gudalur and fought with the wild animals and with malaria and thereby reaped gold from the land. This 'pioneering' spirit however, had a considerable cost — the original inhabitants of the region (indigenous people) have been reduced to a state of abject poverty and subjugation on account of the outsiders.

Gudalur is the only Taluk to have an Act enacted by the Tamil Nadu State Government and is placed in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India (entry 80) which is exclusively made for the Gudalur region. That Act is Gudalur Janmam Estates (Abolition and Conversion into Ryotwari) Act, 1969 (Act 24/69).
Later Gudalur Taluk was divided into two talukas: Gudalur and Pandalur. Pandalur Taluka consists of the major portion of Nelliyalam Villages and Cherangode village. It was the seat of the erstwhile Nelliyalam Ratti. Nelliyalam is a small village where you can find the remains of the fort of Nelliyalam Ratti.

Today Gudalur is a selection grade III municipality. Present Mudumalai Tiger Reserve lies adjacent to the Gudalur. However, since Gudalur is a very old meeting place, with the majority population of the region being settlers from Kerala and from Sri Lanka apart from other parts, there is a very 'local pride' in the region. The people are farmers and very hard workers.


Devala, a place which is just 20 km away from Gudalur, receives the highest rainfall in Tamil Nadu. It is next to Chirapunji, where the highest rainfall receives in India.








Nearby Tourist attractions
Needle Rock View Point: (Ooshi Malai/Soochi Malai): It is 7 km on the way to Ooty. From here one can see almost every part of Gudalur and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Gudalur town, Bandipur and parts of Mysore. On the other side, you can see parts of Kerala. You can also see a mountain popularly known as Sleeping Beauty (also called Aanakkallu) which is exactly in the shape of a sleeping woman.
Frog Hill View Point: The hill is in the shape of a huge frog. Frog hill view point is 9 km. from Gudalur on the way to Ooty. This hill can be seen as a gigantic frog sitting when seen from a distance. At the same time a good place to get the full view of Gudalur. The Sleeping Beauty range of mountain (from Devershola to Devala) can also be viewed from this view point.
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary: It starts 5 km from Gudalur town a Tiger Reserve when you can find Tigers, Cheetahs, Deers, Elephants, Bison, the Lion Tailed Macaque, and different types of snakes ranging from King Cobra, Python etc.,
Numbalakottai Vimalagiri: 4 km. from Gudalur. A shrine of Vettakarappan (Lord of the hunts) with sub-shrine built in Kerala style is here. Wynad scenery is visible from here. The temple was a property of Nilambur Kovilagam and the festival is conducted once in a year by the Kovilagam trust under the guidance of the Kovilagam. The way to Nambalakottai is via Kalampuzha.
Kalampuzha: This is a small place located near Gudalur Bus Stand. Kalampuzha is sweet place where people live in peace and harmony. There are two NGO's NAVA (Adivasi Trust) and PALM2 located in this place. NAVA concentrates only in the welfare of the first peoples of Gudalur (Adivasis). PALM2 NGO is headed by Ms.Natascha Sennema from The Netherlands who dedicated herself for the PALM 2. This NGO trains people to indulge in several agricultural and Income generation activities. This NGO is different from other NGOs in its participatory and holistic approach. The NGO has 2 umbrella organisation (PLF), 20 people's community-based organisations (CBO) and 350 self-help groups. Several group members were trained in cottage industries, tailoring, banana chips making, bakery and Indian savories. Ciji Varghese working in PALM2 has a great idea in aquaculture, ornamental fishery and edible water fish.
Manvayal/Bospara: This is a small satellite town 8 km from Gudalur, and is adjacent to the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. The people here are mainly small tea growers and are mainly engaged in agricultural activities. The ancestors of this village migrated from Thiruvithamkur and other parts of Kerala some 50 years ago. Ironically, the original name Manvayal was that of a small Kattunayakan Tribal village. "Seva Bharathi" (NGO) is indulged more than 'two hundred' Seva works in this area.
Nelliyalam: 20 km from Gudalur. A few ruins of historical Ummatur dynasty can be seen here. There are ruins of a fort which was the seat of the erstwhile Nelliyalam Rani.
Ponneni: There is a Vishnu Temple where Utsavam takes place only once in 12 years. It was under the control of the Nilambur Kovilakam but it is not maintained properly after the 'Gudalur Janmam Estates Abolition and Conversion into Ryotwari Act, 1969' was passed by the Tamil Nadu State government.
Pandalur: Capital of Pandalur Taluka. There are many tea plantations.
Vimalagiri: The capital of Mothavayal panchayat. It is a fully literate village.
Singara and Moyar: Underground Power houses under the control of Tamil Nadu State Electricity Board.
Cherangode: There is a shrine dedicated to Velankanni Matha. This is a pilgrims' centre.
Cherambady: 35 km. from Gudalur. It is extreme western corner which has plantations and mica mines. Sultan battery is very near.
Kunnalady: Kunnalady is a pilgrim centre of Malayalees as well as Tamils. It is a centre of Tea Leaves business. Bekky is nearby. The people here are mainly tea planters and life depends on the rise and fall of tea leaf value. There is a church in Kunnalady and another in Bekky. Bekky Matha Church is ancient and very famous for its feast called 'perunnal' and the land for this church is provided by Jacob Padinjaremuriyil primarily to the Tellicherry Diocese and thereafter transferred to Mananthavadi Diocese. Bekky church was first under Mysore Diocese in the year 1950, thereafter became part of Ooty diocese from 3rd July 1955, and thereafter under Thalassery Diocese in late 1950-s and finally became part of Mananthavady Diocese in 1973. The Bekky Matha Church was found in the leadership of late Rev. Fr. Thaddaeus O.C.D. There is a temple Anchmbalam in Kunnalady and its 'Utsavam' is very famous. Ammankavu is nearby. Ancient "Ammankavu temple" is of Wayanadan Chetty Community which is more than 200 years old. Amman Kavu Utsavam is a time for the tribals to meet in a year. Pepper, Coffee, ginger and all types of spices and fruits grows here.
Nellakotta: It is 15 km from Gudalur. A dilapidated fort is there. This fort was the godown for rice and paddy storage for centuries under various dynasties.
Hanging Bridges: Located on the way to Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary. It is 7 km from Gudalur.
Genepool Garden: It is located at 10 km from Gudalur in a place called Nadugani. It has a variety of species from all over the world.
Kariyasholai: A village encircled with forest where one half cultivated tea plantation, vanilla, coffee, cardamom etc., The queen of hills has her daughter NEEDLE ROCK placed to the east top of the village which really makes the village a heavenly jorn.
Devala: A small town on the way to Pandalur from Gudalur at 18th km has the second highest rainfall in India. Dilapidated gold mine tunnels can be seen here.
Valat Mahavishnu Temple: It’s at Ambalamoola, known from the ancient and traditional palm leaf testimonials and taught astrologists who conducted "Ashtta Mangalya Deva Prasnam" in the temple that the Valat Mahavishnu Temple (Narasimhavatar) was established during the reign of Chera Kings about 1500 years ago. The Chera Administrators known as Nayakans entrusted an ancient family named Valat Tharavad to execute and carry out daily Pooja and related rites without any hindrance and for which total expenditure were also met by the Nayakas. Accordingly the Valat family maintained the temple till 1975 and expressed their inconvenience to continue their execution thereafter for want of means and ways.
Cherangode Swami Malai: A tourist hill, lake, located in Pandalur-Kolappally-Ayyankolly road.
Velleri River: Located in Silver Jubilee road near, Ambalamoola.
Kusumagiri Murugan Temple: An old temple which has been reconstructed devoted to Lord Murugan
Sandanamalai Murugan Temple: Located at 21 kms away from Gudalur town towards O'Valley.

Padanthorai: It is a small beautiful village mostly agriculture. But in Gudalur the most and powerful foot ball team is Padanthorai, mainly known as PASC (Padanthorai arts and sports club).
Needle Rock View Point
It is a tourist spot in GudalurTamil Nadu. Where the Gudalur is located 51 km on the west of Ooty and the Needle Rock viewpoint is about 8 km from Gudalur on the way of Gudalur-Ooty National Highway-67. The view point gives you a 360 degree view. The view point is also known as Soochimalai and gets its name from its conical shape.

One of the most amazing places to get a 360 degree view of the Nilgiris, Needle Rock is much more than just a viewpoint. Leagues apart from a usual sunrise and sunset point, it's a gorgeous place, with the drive from Ooty being a major draw to come all the way up till here. 
This marvelous tourist attraction derives its name from a cone-shaped rock which is one of the main features of this area. It is a good place to visit in Ooty for tourists, offering them breathtaking views of grasslands and valley of the Nilgiris. The beautiful landscapes that tourists travelling to Ooty view from this spot make them forget all the worries of a hectic life. Another memorable view that visitors can truly enjoy is the sunset which is clearly visible from this spot.

But, October to June may be the ideal period to embark on a trip to this region as this Ooty view point would give them some exciting moments of their lives. Though there are many other Ooty attractions in the region that are worth visiting, many travelers of Ooty view this place as something which is truly enchanting. Nature enthusiasts would love to be in such surroundings that transport them to an entirely different world.

A panoramic view of the Mudumalai Wild life Sanctuary and Gudalur town far below is a visual treat from this view point.
Frog Hill View Point
It is about 12 km. on the Gudalur - Ooty road. From here one can see frog shape of a hill view. Frog Hill View Point is the most popular spot near Gudalur. It can be conveniently visited while coming down from Gudalur to Ooty which is at a distance of just twelve km.



Nilgiri mountain ranges envelop many tourist places of the state of Tamilnadu. The mountains and hillocks of these ranges are scenic and offer panoramic views. Frog hill is one of the marvelous hillocks near Ooty. When viewed from a distance it appears like a frog, hence it is popularly known as frog hill. The summit of frog hill offers some incredible views of surrounding region and the tea estates as well as tiny villages spread in its vicinity. Other nearby attractions is Sandanamalai Murugan Temple, which is beautifully surrounded by huge mountains displaying splendid waterfalls and streams dripping through the dense forests. The temple is located in such a serene place, that you will feel like standing in a paradise offering beautiful views of the marvelous spice plantations. They are spread across the valleys providing mixed aroma of the spices. Further you can proceed to Numbalakottai, an awesome place where you can visit an ancient shrine of Betterayasamy built in a Kerala style of architecture.
Aruvankadu

Aruvankadu
Country
The Nilgiris
Elevation
1,890 m (6,200 ft)
Languages
 • Official
643202
Telephone code
0423
TN 43
Nearest town
Coonoor
Lok Sabha constituency
Nilgiris
Vidhan Sabha constituency
Coonoor
Aruvankadu is a small town located in The Nilgiris DistrictTamil Nadu. It is located between Coonoor and Ooty on the NH 67, at distances 6 km from Coonoor town and 12 km from Ooty respectively. It houses the Cordite Factory, one of the 40 Indian Ordnance Factories. It is one of the oldest Defense Factories coming under the rein of the Ministry of Defense and the Indian Ordnance Factories. The Cordite Factory was established in 1903 by the then British Government on a huge campus and it still caters to the Defense Services by manufacturing Cordite (gunpowder, as it is generally known) which is used in manufacturing arms and ammunitions and also as a propellant in various armed tanks.

It is surrounded by small villages Namely, Balaji Nagar, Kara Korai, Jagathala, Ossaty.
There are Four Schools (Kendra Vidyalaya, Society School, Government School and ST. Anns Convent. There is an Apprentice college Affiliated to the Cordite Factory.
Their Main Income is through the Ordinance factory, Cultivation of Tea and Vegetables.
Ketti

Ketti
Country
Languages
 • Official
643 215
Telephone code
0423
TN 43
Ketti is a small town nestled in a large valley of the same name. It is located in the The Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu State, South India and is a Revenue Village of Coonoor Taluk. Upper Ketti is another village called Yellanahalli, which is located on the main Coonoor to Ooty road.

This is the location of Needle Industries Pvt. India Ltd the manufacturers of the internationally branded Pony Needles. Most of the populations are manual labourers. Agriculture, rearing livestock, masonry constitute the majority of the work done by the individuals in this place. In addition to this, they also take up jobs in the surrounding industrial establishments, such as the Needle Industries, the mushroom factory, Ambica tea factory, Mini flower garden near Palada bus stop and the various educational institutions (these include the CSI College of Engineering, the Laidlaw Memorial School and the CSI Middle School).
Ketty Valley & its View Point
This view point is located 7 kms from Ooty on Ooty – Coonoor Road. Undulating hills from the backdrop for fourteen villages. The valley is one of the largest valleys in the world and extends from the plains of Coimbatore to the Mysore plateau. Tourists stop here to get an excellent view of the valley which is one of the best in Ooty.

It is placed on the road to Coonoor, which is considered to the second largest valley in the world. 
This view point is located 7 Km from the Ooty to Coonoor road. There we can see panoramic view of 14 villages belonging to the Badaga's from here.
Ketty Valley or Ketti valley Ooty is a valley situated along the Ooty - Coonoor highway. It can be spelt in two different ways either as ‘Ketty’ or ‘Ketti’. 

The significance of Ketty valley in Ooty is that it stands second in the list of large inhabited valleys next to Switzerland which occupies the first place. Ketty valley view is highly promoted in Ooty tourism and it is sure to be present in the must-visit list of places titled India hill stations, Ketti valley has attracted many tourists by its breath taking and scintillating beauty. There are many Ooty resorts that are present in the valley to accommodate the tourist and to give them a peaceful stay during their vacation. 
The nature in the valley is pure and pristine and is not yet spoiled by the pollution of the cities. The serene picturesque ambience is sure to elevate anybody’s peace of mind. This could very well be a dream location for people who want to retreat themselves from the outer world and find solace in nature and relax. The surrounding tea gardens and the fauna of the valley looks green from anywhere and it incurs only positivity and positive energy in the minds of the tourists.
However, due to the extensive development of the valley in the recent years, the fauna present here has dwindled to a select few.
Culture
The people present here are mostly Badaga and Tamils with certain immigrants from other parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Sri Lankan Tamils. The chief language spoken here is Badaga and Tamil, although many people understand English, Malayalam and Kannada. Religion practiced here is mostly Hinduism. However, strong influences remain of the Christian missionaries who lived here during the early 1900s.
Accessibility
Ketti is accessible by rail or road. The mountain train NMR(recently declared as a national heritage site by UNESCO and which provides a connection to the Chennai - Coimbatore - Mettupalayam Nilgiri Express), can be boarded from the Mettupalayam station (at the foothills of the Nilgiris) to the Ketti railway station.
Recent developments
However, in the past decade, it has seen a noticeable spurt of development. Most of these developments are due to the establishment of the CSI College of Engineering, an engineering institution falling under the auspices of the Anna University, Chennai.
Facilities
It services all the towns, villages and hattis in the entire valley. The nearby town of Santhoor (located at the lowest point in the valley) has a post office. The State Bank of India operates a Ketti valley branch, which is situated near the CSI College of Engineering.
Yellanahalli
Yellanahalli
Country
Civic agency
Udagamandalam Municipality Corporation
 Elevation

 2,400 metres (7,900 ft)
 Precipitation
Temperature
 1,237 mm (48.7 in)
 20 °C (68 °F)
Yellanahalli is a small town located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu StateSouthern India and is a Revenue Village of Coonoor Taluk. It is 10 km beyond Coonoor and 8 km before Ooty on the Coonoor-Ooty NH 67. It houses the Needle Industries India the manufacturers of the internationally branded ‘Pony Needles’. Near Yellanahalli are another two villages called Ketti and Aruvankadu. The Ketti Valley is located to the south-west of Yellanahalli and is also sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of Southern due to the year-round climatic conditions which do not fall into any extremes, during summer and winter.
Kil-Kotagiri
A small town situated 13 km north east of Kotagiri. Kil Kotagiri is a small Village/hamlet in Kotagiri Taluk in The Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu State, India. It comes under Denad Panchayath. It is located 32 KM towards East from District head quarters Udhagamandalam.
Surrounded by tea estates and beautiful green landscapes, Kil-Kotagiri offers plenty of opportunities for trekking and rock climbing. Besides trekking, there is nothing much to do in Kotagiri except take leisurely strolls through the plantations, watch the workers pluck tea leaves and soak in the cool climate of the region.
A visit to one of the tea factories is a must. The factories are well equipped, produce tea of different qualities and flavours and cater to the international market. One should surely try the taste of the tea to have that essence of freshness.
Thengumarahada
Thengumarahada also known as "The paddy bowl of the Nilgiris", is situated in Kotagiri Taluk, on the plains and could be reached via the Bhavani Sagar reservoir.
Thengumarahada is a village in Kotagiri Taluk, Nilgris District, Tamilnadu. It is the largest among the seven tribal villages found in the Moyar valley belonging to Nilgris District. The village is surrounded on three sides by mountains and one side by the Moyar River.

It is situated at the foothills of Nilgris Mountains and Dhimbam Ghats in the Eastern Ghats and this particular section connects the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats in Nilgris. Thengumarahada is referred to as the 'the paddy bowl of Nilgris', the extensive cultivation of paddy in the plains justifying the name. River Moyar is the lifeline of the jungle, the flora and fauna and the Irula tribe.

Villages that are nearby are Denad (7 km), Kengarai (4 km), Nedugula (7 Km), Kodanad (8.9 km), Jackanarai (9.9 km) and towns near Thengumarahada Kotagari (9.4 km), Coonoor (19.4 km), Ooty (27.2 km) and Gudalur (53.2 Km).
Reaching Thengumarahada
Easily accessible by road, Thengumarahada is 35 kms from Bhavani Sagar Reservoir, 40 kms from Bannari in Erode district and 401 kms from Chennai. The ideal way would be to drive down in a SUV, jeep, land rover or an all-terrain vehicle from Bhavani Sagar. After Bhavani Sagar, you never sight any roads. Lot of streams will be flowing on the way to Thengumarahada during Monsoon. After passing 5 Kms you will spot a village called Kaarachikarai. Thengumarahada is 30 kms from here.
Best time to go
November and December are the best months of the year to visit.
Accommodation
Contact District Forest Officer, Nilgiris North Division, Udhagamandalam and seek accommodation at the Forest Department trekking camp in the village. Contact Details for the same I have given in the Ooty – General Information.
Holidaying
Top attractions are camping, trekking and bird-watching. The green paddy fields offer a visual treat to the visitors and attract birds of different species. Babblers, Larks, Robins are native to the region. The village surrounded by blue-grey mountains is undoubtedly a trekker's paradise. Jungle trekking is the best thing to do, if you love wildlife, or are fascinated by sighting animals in their natural surroundings. The area is blessed with abundance of wildlife. A pug mark of a tiger, black bucks, deer, sightings of guar and Sambar can be equally rewarding.

The most common trekking trails include up to Kodanad, a three and a half hours trekking or the Sirur-Aanaikatti- Masinagudi route. From Kodanadu viewpoint, the descent starts from an altitude of 2000 meters to 350 meters stretching across 16-17 kms. Prior permission from forest officials is required for a night safari in the jungle. Walking down the dusty road to Halimoyar village, home to Irula tribe adds a different interesting dimension to the trekking experience. Take a bath in the fascinating Moyar & be careful it is a forest river. Never try to venture this river during Monsoon.
Weekend gateway to Thengumarahada can be casual and relaxing or adventurous and exciting.
Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar
Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar is a tourist spot in KotagiriTamil Nadu. It is located at a distance of 20 km from Kotagiri. The Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar is situated at the height of 5885 feet in Kotagiri hill station and is considered as one of the most sacred hills on the plateau. The Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar is conical in shape and is clearly visible from Kodanad View Point

Rangaswamy Peak
Located at 11°27’39’N 76°59’13’E, the height of Rangaswamy Peak is above 5,885 ft (1,794 m) and it is visible from Kodanad View Point. Rangaswamy peak is a sacred place for Irulas Tribes and thousands of people in and around the porangadu Semmai region around Kotagiri. The deity worshiped over here is the Lord Rangaswamy. This peak is located at a distance of about 12 kms form Kotagiri.
According to the locals it is believed that Lord Rangaswamy used to live at Karamadai in Coimbatore district. But after a quarrel with his wife, he started living alone at Rangaswamy pillar. Especially the two-foot prints on the rock below the peak are considered to be the proof of this story. Majority of the devotees visit this place during summer season.
Location: Keel Kothagiri
Nearest Towns: Kothagiri, Coimbatore 
Distances: Approx 80 KMS from Coimbatore
Route: Coimbatore -> Mettupalayam -> Keel Kothagiri
Camping Sites: Kodanad View Point
Trek Length: 12 - 14 Kms
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Best Time to Visit: Round the year
Important Phone Numbers: District Forest Officer (North): Ph. (0423) 2441950
Permission: Contact DFO Officer, Ooty North division
Things to look for: Mind blowing view of Rangaswamy pillar, dense shola forest, on the way Kodanad view point can be visited
Things to be Aware of: Permission is must. If any plan to stay in trek shed, it should be informed earlier.
Approximate Cost: 600 - 700 Rs for one-day trek from Coimbatore (Including private vehicle, food, permission, guide charges). Cost will be less if it is own vehicle.
Rangaswamy Pillar
Rangaswamy Pillar is situated on the North West side of Rangaswamy Peak. It is a unique kind of rocky pillar rising in the solitary grandeur at the height of about 400 feet.
Rangaswamy Pillar is found on the North West side of Rangaswamy Peak. It is an extraordinary isolated rocky pillar rising in solitary grandeur to a height of some 400 feet (120 m) and has sheer narrow sides which are quite unclimbable.
Pine forest
Situated between Ooty and Thalakunda, this tourist destination is featured in many movies. It is a small downhill region where pine trees are arranged in an orderly fashion. The waters of Kamaraj-Sagar Dam are visible from the bottom of the hill.

The Pine Forest spans between the locales of Ooty and Thalakunda adding a scenic canvas to the valleys and the vast landscapes of the Nilgiris. A weekend excursion from Ooty to Thalakunda is one of the leisure activities to indulge in as the en route experience is sure to leave you spell bounded with jaw dropping sights.
The Pine Forest spans over a small downhill region and are arranged in a natural orderly fashion that is indeed spectacular to look at. Buses are available from the Ooty bus Stand to Thalakunda or alternatively you can get into a bus that travels to Mysore but do let the Bus Conductor know that you need to get down next to the Pine Forest area that falls en route to Mysore.

The Pine Forest features an evergreen and resinous collection of trees that grows between 3 to 80 meters tall while a majority of them tower between 15 and 45 meters tall. Of the many species of Pine Trees, the smallest ones are the Siberian Dwarf Pine and Potosi Pinyon whereas the tallest one is an 81.79-meter towering Pine trees species named Ponderosa Pine mostly found around the Rogue River in Southern Oregon amidst the Siskiyou National Forest.
As you enter the Pine Forest near Ooty, you will notice these towering poles of Pine Trees dressed with thick and scaly features while a few are thin and feature flaking barks. The branches imitate a fake swirl that produces a very tight spiral twist with a tapered effect that looks like a ring of branches arising from one point. This spiral twist of growing branches, cone scales and needles shaped leaves are arranged in typical ratios of the Fibonacci number system, strange but true whereas the infant spring shoots, referred to as ‘candles’ are seen covered in off white and brownish bud scales. Initially these bud scales point upward but later transform into green leaves and spreads outward from the bark of the Pine Trees. These Candle-like spring shoots assist foresters to evaluate the soil fertility and well-being of the Pine Forest trees.

The Pine Forest is long-lived with almost all trees arriving at hundred to even a thousand years old while a few even cross the thousand mark reaching the age of 4,000 as well.
Parsons Valley & its Reservoir
This is the primary water source for the town and is mainly in a reserved forest and is thus largely off-limits to visitors. This undisturbed area of grassland and forest is excellent for a day trip. But no hiking is allowed off the beaten track, as the area is home to some panthers and tigers.

Parson’s Valley, of scented pine trees and rhododendrons is situated in the Mukurthi Water Buffalo Sanctuary and National park in Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. Parson’s Valley has been named after Parson, a British engineer who had built an approach to this beautiful valley. Just 12 kms from the famous hill station of Ooty, Parson’s Valley is located near the Mukurthi Peak and acts as a base for trekking to various points of the Western Ghats in the Nilgiri district. Trekkers, wildlife enthusiast and naturalist come here in great numbers.

Parson’s Valley situated within Mukurthi National Park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which also covers Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park in Karnataka, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in Tamil Nadu.

Many tribals like Toda tribe live here in the Parson Valley region and most of them are employed by the state government and local tea estates owners. On the way to Parson’s Valley, one passes the Pykara Dam and close by one can also visit the Porthimund Dam. Mukurthi lake near Mukurthi Peak is an artificial lake. The government has set up a Parson’s Valley Hydel Reservoir in this region. Parson’s Valley is a perfect nature setting with flowing streams, small waterfalls, pine trees of Pandiar hills, heavy forested areas and some rare animals among them. The valley and its surrounding provide a picturesque view of the Nilgiri Mountains.

Parsons Valley Reservoir is a Hydel Reservoir constructed by the Tamil Nadu Government in this region. Placed within the panoramic Parson's Valley at an altitude of 2,196 meters above sea level and covering a massive area of 202 hectares, this reservoir serves the purpose of being the primary source of water supply to the nearby towns of the Nilgiris District and for decades has been meeting the drinking water needs for several towns, villages and including the defense establishments that are set up in Wellington.

Parson's Valley Reservoir in Ooty is where nature will call out roaring with its mighty vigour. It is surrounded with the thickest of jungles covered with rare flora and wildlife not meant for the weak hearted to stroll around freely. Therefore, many state that this area must be entered at your own risk as it screams out the word ‘Wild' quite loud.
Parson's Valley Reservoir and the area surrounding it, called, the Parson's Valley, is a reserved forest area and therefore to enter and enjoy a nature walk within, one must obtain prior permission from the State Forest Department. Placed on the Ooty – Mysore Road, you can either enter this area from Ooty or from Mysore though it is preferred to go via Ooty.
The Parson's Valley Reservoir and forest area also acts as a natural habitat for numerous wildlife such as water birds that breed and feed in the water including panthers and tigers and several others, hence, be extremely cautious stay within your designated path and not to get too adventurous as unwarranted situated may call for unforeseen calamities.

All said, do enjoy your trek around Parson's Valley Reservoir Dam and only with a forest guide who will take you though incredible sights such as a store house within the area revealing an appearance of a ghost house as you see it in those strange Hollywood Thrillers.
This place around the Parson's Valley Reservoir is seriously absent of even a single tourist vehicle, hence, if you really want to scout this region, you might have to do a lot of coaxing to obtain permit from the DFO officials and even shell out a few bucks for a guide to take you around. And if lucky, this place is sure to excite you to the brim with its exemplary sights that can only offer thorough enjoyment for adventure hopefuls and nature enthusiasts.
This is no place for the weak and the scared ones in Parson’s valley. To describe the place in a single word, the place is WILD. You will definitely need permission from the Forest Department to visit Parson’s valley as this is a reserved forest.
The uninhibited growth of the trees, creepers and crawlers and the chirping of strange birds and maybe the occasional growl of a tiger will capture your imagination, if not, it is sure to send a shiver down your spine. One sight quite common in these parts is the deer. Please do not intimidate them if you see a heard. Reasons are obvious.

The other interesting fact about the Dam is THE CLIMAX OF FILM ‘ROJA” was shot here. Maniratnam sir had shown this place beautifully and morphed to make it look exactly like Kashmir.
Another view of Parson's Valley is backwaters of Mukurthi Lake, Ooty, Tamil Nadu. It offers a wonderful experience for trekkers, naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts. 
Western Catchment
It contains Rolling Grassy downs interspersed with temperate sholas occupying depressions and valleys. The landscape is extremely picturesque and should be zealously protected and preserved to maintain primeval beauty and grandeur of tract.

Western Catchment is an area of natural beauty in The NilgirisTamil Nadu, situated about 20 km from Ooty. The Western Catchment area is protected by the Forest Department, and tourists are not allowed in without permission. Earlier some regional movies were filmed here, but due to environmental protection permission is no longer given.

This particularly beautiful location offers lots of surprises with its cool and beautiful climate. The whole area is covered by rolling grassland. The lower points of the valleys are filled with by shola, presenting the visitor with a magical green carpet look, symbolic in that it is the colour of the nation's eco-friendly Green Revolution. This place is appreciated by people in search of photos of areas of natural beauty, and it is the kind of place that can be experienced only when visited.

The rolling hills together with the lush green carpet of vegetation, meandering streams and beautiful lake-like reservoirs surrounded by hills make the place feel like paradise. Porthimund Lake, just outside Western Catchment, forms a contrast to the lush green hills and adds to the beauty to the location that is entirely covered with green and which includes streams that make the lake look even more attractive.
Animals like Nilgiri TahrsSambars, and Mongoose live in Western Catchment.

Silken green grasslands, valets filled by the velvety sholas, streams that meanders all through the region and lake reservoirs, all presented in a climate that is visitor friendly all through the year, that’s Western Catchment for you. Because it is under the aegis of the forest department, you are required to seek permission to enter the area.