Ooty - Places of Interest - II

Gardens, Parks, Museums in & Around Ooty

Botanical Gardens, Ooty

Introduction

The 22 hectares (89,000 m2) Ooty Botanical Gardens was laid out in 1847 and is maintained by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The Botanical Garden is lush, green, and well-maintained. A flower show along with an exhibition of rare plant species is held every May.

The Government Botanical Garden is a botanical garden in Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Tamil Nadu state, India laid out in 1848. The Gardens, divided into several sections, cover an area of around 22 hectares, and lie on the lower slopes of Doddabetta peak. The garden has a terraced layout. It is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department.

It ascends the slopes of the hill at an elevation of 2250–2500 metres above Mean Sea Level. The garden enjoys a temperate climate, with an average rainfall of 140 cms, the most of which is received during south-west monsoon, with frosty nights from November to February. The maximum and minimum temperatures are 28 °C and 0 °C respectively.

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

The "Summer Festivals" is held each year during the month of May in the Botanical Garden and is an added attraction for tourists. The Flower Show is the pride of the festival. To the east of the garden is the Toda Mund (hill). The Todas are the native tribe. At the Mund, There is a display highlighting the different aspects of their traditional culture.

Government Botanical Garden, Ooty
Type	Botanical Garden
Location	Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
Coordinates	11.418752°N 76.711038°E
Area	55 acres
Opened	1847
Owned by	Government of Tamil Nadu
Operated by	Horticulture Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
Status	Open
Species	650
Collections	Cork tree, Paper bark tree, Monkey puzzle tree

History

The Government Botanical Garden, Udhagamandalam was established in 1848. Its architect was William Graham McIvor. The Marquis of Tweedale prepared the initial layout during the late 1840s. The gardens were established by a subscription of Rs 3 per month amongst the European residents for the purpose of supplying vegetables at a reasonable cost. During the time that Ootacamund was under British control, considerable cultivation of vegetables for the market was carried on by the European settlers and others. Captain Molyneux of the 2nd European Regiment managed the vegetable cultivation. The subscribers received vegetables free of cost. But this arrangement did not work out and in early 1847; a fund was raised by means of donations and subscriptions with a view to forming a horticultural society and a public garden.

There were very few horticulturists at that time. Seeds and saplings were not available locally, but were available in nearby jungles. It was proposed to establish a public garden. For this purpose, a wood was selected between Lushington Hall (the Present Hebron School) and General Sewell’s Property (the present Raj Bhavan). Shortly after the formation of the society, the committee requested state aid for providing a scientific and practical gardener and funds to meet his salary. This suggestion was accepted and Mr.W.G.McIvor from the Royal was sent to Ootacamund by the East India Company. He arrived in March 1848, converted the upper portion, which was a forest, and the lower portion, which was a swamp, into a beautiful garden. He submitted a report at the end of 1848 to the East India Company in London. He took ten years to complete the layout of the Garden.

Collections

The Gardens have around a thousand species, both exotic and indigenous plants , shrubs, ferns, trees, herbal and bonsai plants. In the centre of the Gardens lie a fossilized tree trunk estimated to be 20 million years old. The Gardens consist of several lawns with flowering plants, ponds with lilies, beds of flowers and ferns laid out in an Italian style, several plots of flowering plants, and a variety of medicinal plants.

Sections

The present Botanical Gardens are divided into 6 sections namely Lower Garden, New Garden, Italian Garden, Conservatory, Fountain Terrace and Nurseries.

Lower Garden

The lower garden comprises the entrance and the lower lawns. The entrance of the garden leads into an extensive lush green lawn of Kikiyu grass (Pennisetum Clandestinum) which is known for its springy vigour. A fern house with 127 species of ferns is situated on the left along the road leading to Raj Bhavan amidst another expanse of lawns and historic gatehouses. The prime attractions in this section are the carpet-bet design of the map of the Indian Union laid out with selective plants and the fossil trunk of 20 million years old, erected on a pedestal.

Tree species of botanical interest such as Hymnosporum flavum, Cordylline australlis, Cedrus deodara, Cupressus funebrils, Araucaria bidwillii, Cupressus macrocarpa, Cryptomeria japonica, Eucalyptus maculate, Eucalyptus citriodora, Salix babylonica, Salix heterophylla, Podocarpus taxifolia, Dracena lanuginosa, Pinus patula, Rhododendron arboreum, Quercus Montana, Quercus cerris, Quercus Serrata, Quercus grilffithi, Quercus illex, Magnolia grandiflora etc., can be seen alongside the lawn.

New Garden

The New garden developed recently, comprises the area between the front garden and the crescent-shaped pond at the bandstand.

This section consists of:

A rose garden with three hundred varieties of Hybrid Tea Roses, Floribunda and Polyanthas rose varieties. Large number of flowerbeds designed to match the slopes and contour of this area.

Carpet-bed emblems of the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Government of India have been located here.

Natural ponds with aquatic plants

Important tree species such as Taxodium mucronatum, Pieris ovalifolia, Juniperus virginiana, Eucalyptus eugenoides, Pinus wallichiana, Photinia lindleyana, Pinus canaariensils,Ginkgo biloba, Araucaria cunninghammi and Cupressus lawsoniana are planted all over the section.[10]

Italian Garden

This garden was first laid out by Italian prisoners of World War I, who were shifted to Ooty. They were placed under the control of the Military station in Ootacamund. 

Asters, ageratum, balsam, begonia, petunia, pansy, phlox, cosmos, zinnia and perennial flowers like salvia, delphinium, larkspur, and dahlia are the main attraction in this garden.

The informal landscape of the garden from the entrance, merge into the formal fashioned beds laid out in an Italian pattern, surrounding the centrally situated octagonal bandstand. This part of the garden looks attractive with several varieties of colourful annuals. In the foreground, there is a crescent-shaped lily pond for growing several varieties of aquatic plant species. The tree species grown in this part of the garden are Prunus cerasoides, Saurauja nepaulensis, Grevillea hilliana, Aesculus punduana, Pinus sabineana, Cupressus torulosa, Syncarpia glomulifera, Pinus roxburghii, Albizzia julibrissin etc.

The Conservatory

The public conservatory was constructed in 1912 with the objective of grouping various flowering plants. Colourful annuals and perennials like Cineraria, Schizanthus, Calceolaria, Balsam, Cyclamen, Gloxinia, Tuberous begonia, Coleus, Geranium, Chrysanthemum , Primulas, Tydea, Achemenes etc., find a place in this conservatory.

The bog garden lies towards the east of this conservatory and forms an adjunct to provide a good site for marsh loving plants such as the Weeping willow, Hedychium, Arum, Hydrangea etc.

The Nurseries

The nurseries which are about 300 feet above the lower lawns consist of eight glass-houses and a series of terraces for introduction and breeding of exotic plants. The glass-houses are utilized for growing Begonias, Ferns, Cacti, Succulents, Orchids and Bulbous plants for providing a continuous supply of potted plants to be grouped periodically in the conservatories. The terraces are utilized for growing plants for cut flowers, seed and also for trial purposes.

The Flower Show

The first Flower Show was organised in the year 1896 by the Chairman of Nilgiris Agri-Horticultural Society, Mr.J.H.Tremenhere, the then Collector of Nilgiris. The Government has taken over the flower show from the Nilgiris Agri-horticultural society in 1980 by forming a committee called the Nilgiris Flower and Fruit Show Committee. The flower show attracts about 150,000 tourists each year from all over the world.

The flower show is held for two days. The inauguration of the show is held on the first day and on the second day; prizes are distributed to winners of various competitions held in connection with flower show. About 250 exhibitors participate in different categories on the day of flower show. Several government departments and voluntary agencies also display their activities for the benefits of the flower lovers and tourists.

More than 50 varieties of potted plants, 150 varieties of cut flowers, various kinds of tropical and temperate vegetables and tropical and temperate fruits are exhibited by the competitors.

The Floral decorations, Indian and Japanese flower arrangements, Vegetable carving, Flower Rangoli, Bonsai etc., are the major attractions during the show days. The exclusive cut flower stalls from large private and public gardens are also an attraction during the show days. 59 rolling cups, 250 cups and cash prizes are awarded to the best competitors and exhibitors.

A garden competition is also held involving Estate Gardens, Private Cottage Gardens, Public Gardens and various other categories of gardens, to create greater awareness among flower growers. On an average, about 200 gardens compete in the event. Garden competition is held prior to the flower show and best gardens are awarded prizes and cups.

The Fossil Tree Trunk

The fossil tree trunk displayed in the garden is from 20 million years old. Trees carried by rivers and deposited in inland lakes were transformed with replacement of the woody matter by silica give rise to fossil tree trunks. The fossil tree was presented by the Geological Survey of India, from the National Fossil Park, Tiruvakkarai, South Arcot district, Tamil Nadu.

Arboretum

Arboretum is defined as living collections of trees and other woody plants. The area of the arboretum is 1.58 ha. Which was established during the year 1992 and maintained by Department of Horticulture with Hill Area Development Programme funds and it is situated near the lake, Udhagai. It was established with an aim of conserving native and indigenous trees. The micro watershed area leading to Ooty Lake was neglected and the feeder line feeding water to Ooty was contaminated with urban waste and agricultural chemicals. The area is the natural habitats of both indigenous and migratory birds. To conserve flora and fauna of the Nilgiri, the area was developed into the Arboretum. During the year 2005-2006, it was rehabilated by the funds provided by the Hill Area Development Programme to the tune of 12.50 lakhs by providing permanent fencing, food path and other infrastructure facilities. Various indigenous and exotic tree species of are grown in arboretum and conserved. About 80 trees have been planted in the arboretum. The different type of tree species planted in arboretum are Alnus nepalensis, Calistemon lanceolatus, Cupressus macrocarpa, Eugenia apiculata, Hypericum hookerianum, Podocarpus elongata, Populus deltoids, Quercus macrocarpa Salix babylonica, Taxodium mucronatum, Prunus pissardii etc.

In order to add some more species to the Arboretum the following tree species were also planted. Celtis tetrandra, Dillenia pentagyna, Elaeocarpres ferrugineus Elaeocarpres oblongus, Evodia lunuankenda, Glochidion neilgherrense, Ligustrum perrotetti, Litsaea ligustrina, Litsaea wightiana, Meliosma arnotiana Meliosma wightii, Michelia champaca, Michelia nilagirica, Pygeum gardneri, Syzygium amothanum, Syzygium montanum, Alnus nepalensis, Viburnum erubescens Podocarpus wallichianus, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Rapanea wightiana, Ternstroemia japonica, Microtropis microcarpa, Psychotria conjesta Photinea notoniana Cedrela toona Symplocos cochinchinensis, Elaeocarpus ganitrus, Platanus orientalis, Jacaranda mimosaefolia, Magnolia grandiflora etc.

The Toda Mund

The Garden is also famous for the Toda hill called the Toda Mund. This place gives the visitors an insight into the lives of the original tribes of Ooty called the Todas.

Entry Free & Timings

Entry fee

·         5 for children

·         10 for adults 

Timings

·          Open on All days of the week

·         8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Visit duration

·          1 to 2 Hours

Government Rose Garden, Ooty

The Government rose garden (formerly known as the Jayalalithaa Rose Garden, Centenary Rose Park and Nootrandu Roja Poonga) is the largest rose garden in India. It is situated on the slopes of the Elk Hill in Vijayanagaram of Ooty town in Tamil Nadu, India at an altitude of 2200 meters. Today this garden has one of the largest collections of roses in the country with more than 20,000 varieties of roses of 2,800 cultivars. The collection include Hybrid Tea Roses, Miniature Roses, Polyanthas, Papagena, Floribunda, Ramblers, Yakimour and roses of unusual colours like black and green.

The department of Horticulture does the maintenance of the garden. It is one of the best gardens in South Asia. To commemorate the Centenary Flower festival, the Rose Park was established at Vijayanagaram in Udhagamandalam covering an area of 4 hectares in five terraces. Located less than a km from Charring Cross, the rose garden is laid on 10 acres of land. The Rose Garden is situated in the lower slopes of the Elk Hill and on the North - Western side, facing the Udhagamandalam town. It is about a kilometer from Udhagamandalam Railway Station and Bus stand and has easy access with motorable roads from two sides.

The rose varieties planted in this park were assembled from different sources. Initially, 17,256 rose plants from 1919 varieties have been planted. Later on some more varieties are added marking the total as 20,000 with 2241 varieties. The Nila Maadam is located in a spot from where viewers can see the entire rose garden. This garden is maintained by Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department

Government Rose Garden
Type	Botanical
Location	Ooty, India
Coordinates	11.406108°N 76.708606°E
Area	4 hectares
Opened	20 May 1995
Owned by	Government of Tamil Nadu
Species	20000[1]
Collections	Hybrid Tea Roses, Miniature Roses, Polyanthas, Papagena, Floribunda, Ramblers, Yakimour

Establishment

The Rose Park was established at Vijayanagaram in Ooty town to commemorate the centenary Flower Show in Government Botanical Gardens, Udagamandalam in May 1995. The flowers are arranged in five curving terraces covering four hectares. This garden is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department.

Features

Ooty has a unique tropical mountain climate; hence the garden has the ideal climatic conditions for growing of roses. Temperature variation is less and the rainfall distribution is uniform in the locale, which results in a long flowering season. The garden is visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year and even in winter, when it is not the flowering season.

Initially, when the gardens were developed, 1,919 varieties of roses with 17,256 rose plants were planted. Today this garden has more than 20,000 varieties of roses of 2,800 cultivars. It is one of the largest collections of roses in India.

The collection of roses include Miniature Roses, Ramblers, Hybrid Tea Roses, Yakimour, Polyanthas, Papagena, Floribunda and roses of unusual colours like green and black. The varieties of rose plants planted here were assembled from different sources around the world.

The garden has been laid out with rose tunnels, pergolas and bowers with rose creepers. The slopes of the garden also feature Nila Maadam, an observation platform. From the Nila Maadam, tourists can observe the entire rose garden. The garden also features a statue of an angel amidst the roses.

Recognition

The rose garden has also received the Garden of Excellence Award for being the best rose garden in south Asia, from The World Federation of Rose Societies, during May 2006, in Osaka, Japan. This garden is one of the 35 gardens worldwide to have won this award

Entry Free & Timings

Entry fee

·         Rs 20 / - 

·         Rs 30 /-

·         Rs 75 /-

Timings

·          Open on All days of the week

·         8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Visit duration

·          1 Hour

Sim's Park, Coonoor

Sim's Park is in Coonoor, The Nilgiris; Tamil Nadu. It is an important tourist place to visit in Coonoor, at a height of 1780 meters above mean sea level. Here the maximum temperature goes up to 30 degree Celsius and the minimum falls to 5°C. The average rain fall of this garden is 150 cm. It extends over an area of 12 hectares of undulating land and possesses a number of natural advantages.

This garden was laid out in 1874 Mr.J.D. Sim, the then Secretary to Government and Major Murray, acting Superintendent of the Nilgiris forest and the park was named after the former. Though this was started as a pleasure resort for the residents and visitors, the park has now developed into Garden. Pomological research station located near Sim's park can also be seen which do research on nursery plants and fruits. The Pasteur Institute may also be seen just across Sim's Park which produces anti-rabi Vaccine, DTP, DT, and TT.

Establishment

This is an unusual park-cum-botanical garden was developed around the natural contours of the land more than a hundred years ago and this is developed by Mr. J.D. Sims and Major Murray in the year of 1874. Naturally occurring trees, shrubs and creepers, are in the park as are many unusual species of plants that have been brought in from a variety of places around the world. The main event in this park is an annual fruit show and vegetable show held in May.

Collections and beauty

This is a natural garden. Inside the park there are some beautiful terrace with colorful flower beds, lawns and rockeries also there are some naturally occurring trees, shrubs, creepers and many unusual species of plants that have been brought from a variety of places around the world. The garden as some rare economic trees like Rudraksh- bead tree, Cinnamomum, Queensland karry pine, a handsome ornamental tree and graceful trees

Like Araucaria, Quercus, Phoenix, Magnolia, Pine, Turpentine, Tree ferns, Camelliathis is all are as many attractions in this park. There is a glass house housing different ornamental plants and flowers. On the other side of the park rose garden are maintained. This park has more than 1000 species of 255 generas belonging to 85 families widely covering different group of plants.

Features

The Nilgiris has a unique tropical mountain climate, so the garden has the ideal climatic conditions for growing flowers and trees. Temperature variation is less and the rainfall distribution is uniform in the locale, which results in a long flowering season. The garden is visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year and even in winter. The natural shola with winding footpaths all over the higher slopes of the park is the most distinctive and picturesque is the main feature of this park. At the head of the gardens the well kept lawns, the artistically laid out ornamental beds, looking beautiful and lacking no wealth of the flowering plants or shrub in great variety and colour are great feasts to the eyes.

Entry Free & Timings

Entry fee

·         Rs 5 for Adults 

·         Rs 2 for Children

·         Rs 35 for Still Camera

·         Rs 250 for Video Camera

Timings

·          Open on All days of the week

·         8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Visit duration

·          1 - 2 Hours

Lake Park

The Lake Park is situated on the banks of the Ooty Lake. It is very near to the Bus stand and opposite to the Ooty Railway Station. The reclaimed area of Lake was formed as a garden in the year 1977 under Hill Area Development Programme funds by Tourism Department. Ever since the formation of the garden it is well appreciated by all. As an entertainment both for tourists and local public this garden it is well appreciated by all. As an entertainment both for tourists and local public this garden was formed so as to enable them to enjoy natural beauty with illumination during dark hours. To add attraction to the garden a fiberglass dome was constructed in the year 1978.

Hard to miss, this sprawling area of rolling greens is hard to miss. You just need to cross the road from the Railway Station to be here, for the sight looks promising and luring enough from the distance. 

Mini Garden

Mini Garden is located on the way to the Boat House. It features a children’s amusement park, along with a snack bar. The garden is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited. It is open daily for tourists and is known for its toy rides.

This garden is just a kilometre away from the main city and can be accessed by buses, cars and taxis.

The children's amusement park or mini garden, also called the Children's Lake Garden is a popular attraction for little holidayers.

Entry Free & Timings

Entry fee

·         Rs 1 per Head 

·         Rs 3 for Camera

·         Rs 100 for Video Camera

Timings

·          Open on All days of the week

·         8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Deer Park

The Ooty Deer Park is a unique wilderness that is situated on the edge of the famous Ooty Lake. This Deer Park is considered as one of the high altitude zoos or fauna parks in India apart from the Nainital Zoo in Uttarakhand [perched at an altitude of 2,100 meters above MSL].

The Ooty Deer Park is a scenic animal park that offers a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and educate themselves about the wildlife residing in a nearly natural habitat. Maintained by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, the Deer Park in Ooty was established and inaugurated in 1986 and covers a massive area of 22 acres of which 6 acres is fully developed and open for the general public.

The Ooty Deer Park houses the Sambar Deer species including other wildlife such as several Hares, Rabbits and water birds besides the Chital [Cheetal Deer]. This Deer Park in Ooty is situated at a distance of just a kilometer from scenic Ooty Lake and is a frequented by thousands of tourists throughout the year.

The Ooty Deer Park is best recognised as one of the few wildlife sanctuaries in India situated at an elevation of 2,240 meters above MSL. Sprawled across a large expanse of greenery, this Deer Park in Ooty is also home to a good collection of aquatic life. It also forms an ideal place for families to spend quality time with their kids and at the same educating them about the wildlife species of the Nilgiris.

The Ooty Deer Park is also one of the easiest locations to find in Ooty that one can visit on the way to the Ooty Botanical Gardens or drop in while enjoying a casual stroll by the Ooty Lake.

The Ooty Deer Park is where you can gear up for an exciting visit to view certain wildlife species that you would not otherwise get to experience in other places. This Deer Park in Ooty offers you a glimpse of what lies amidst the thick of the dense jungles of the Nilgiris that you might come across during a long trekking expedition from Ooty.

The Deer Park in Ooty also features a variety of flower species and Trees that naturally grow within the precincts of the park thus accentuating the charm of the Ooty Deer Park and its surrounding landscapes. After a visit to the Ooty Deer Park, you can enjoy a good meal at any of the food outlets and Ooty restaurants fringed nearby.

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited ensures that this Deer Park in Ooty is well maintained and all the animals are treated with great care and affection. You can also hang around the nearby tourist spots such as the Ooty Lake, Children's Lake Garden and the Ooty Children Park that offers a number of pony rides for kids to enjoy. However, the Ooty Deer Park also acts as a perfect edutainment venue for kids to observe and study the wildlife of the Nilgiris and learn more about their natural habitat and way of living.

The Ooty Deer Park also acts as an ideal place to visit during any time of the year converting it into an all-year-round tourist spot in Ooty. This Deer Park in Ooty is a great alternate consolation for tourists who otherwise fail to visit the more exotic tourist attractions in Ooty especially during the monsoon season or owing to personal & situational occurrences. This Park is worth every second of your time and energy hence, a visit to the Ooty Deer Park should definitely be added to your Ooty Sightseeing Travel Itinerary.

 Government Museum

The government museum, Mysore Road, Ooty has items of tribal objects, district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu. It was set up in 1989, with a view to provide education benefits to the residing and visiting population of Nilgiris district. Tourist Information Admission Free Timings 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm Closed on Fridays, Second Saturdays and National Holidays.

The Government Museum, on Mysore Road, has an interesting collection of tribal artifacts, flora and fauna of the Nilgiris and handicrafts of Tamil Nadu.

It exhibits various tribal objects, representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu and the ecological details of the Nilgiri district.

The Government Museum situated in Ooty - Mysore Road has items of tribal objects, district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu.

Thread Gardens

It is one of the main attractions in Ooty, where colourful flowers are made out of threads. The flowers and plants here are entirely woven by hand without the help of any machine. It is unbelievable that even needle is not been used in the making of these flowers and plants.

His unique garden full of colourful flowers made from threads is perhaps one of the most amazing sites one could come across.

Lalith kala Academy

It is situated about 2 Kms, from Udhagamandalam in the main Mysore road. It has various collections of contemporary paintings and sculptures all over from India.

 Wax World

A wax museum that houses life-size look-alike wax statues of personalities of Indian history, culture and heritage housed in a 142-year-old bungalow. Located in the Ooty-Coonoor road.

Take a walk in the corridors of Indian history, culture and heritage, rubbing shoulders with the country's who's who at Wax World Museum. This is India's very own Madame Tussaud's, with the most eminent figures of Indian history coming almost alive in life size wax statues. It's fast on its way to becoming one of the best wax museums in India, with the collection increasing steadily and continuously. Wax World Museum is the brain child of Shreeji Bhaskaran, an IT professional and business man, who dreamt of having the first wax museum in India. Located in the precincts of a 140 -year-old mansion, Wax World Museum is a great attraction for the ones scouring for something different on a vacation.

The Wax World Museum in Ooty is not the usual place where you could visit and easily forget. Without doubt, Madame Tussaud’s’ Wax Museum does hold a classy position in the world of museums; however the Wax World Museum in Ooty still has a long way to go before it can reach that status.

The Wax World Museum in Ooty is a great alternative to sightseeing mountains and natural valleys of Ooty. Situated just 2 kilometers from the main town of Ooty, this is a place that you would want to visit during your vacation in Ooty. It makes for thoroughly enjoyable and informative experience especially for kids who get a visual treat of wax statues with the added benefit of not having to cross seven seas to see one.

Easily accessible, the Wax World Museum in Ooty can be visited during the start of your sightseeing tour in Ooty. You can make a quick stop at the Wax World Museum and then proceed to other tourists places in Ooty that are farther in distance such as the Parsons Valley, Pykara Lake or Mukurthi National Park to name a few.

Ooty is an apt travel halt for many global tourists who can visit the Wax World Museum while in Ooty that will definitely excite you with the collection of 20 odd life-size replica wax statues of renowned Indian personalities including wax statues that silently communicate about the History of India, its heritage and cultural aspects.

Entry Free & Timings

Entry fee

·         Rs 20 

·         Rs 30 

Timings

·         Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

·         9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Visit Duration

·         Around 1 hour

Tribal Museum

The Tribal Museum is part of the campus of Tribal Research Centre which is in Muthorai Palada (10 km from Ooty town). It is home to rare artifacts and photographs of tribal groups of Tamil Nadu as well as Andaman and Nicobar Islands and anthropological and archaeological primitive human culture and heritage. The Tribal Museum also displays houses belongs to Toda, Kota, Paniya, Kurumbas and Kanikarans.

The tribal research center (T R C) was constituted on second October 1983 at Udhagamandalam and is functioning on its own 25 acres of hilly terrain at M Paladin, 10 km away from Ooty bus stand. His Excellency, the then President of India, Thiru Gyani Zail Singh had very kindly laid the foundation stone for the Tribal Research Centre, listed at present with Ministry of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai.

This center is funded by both State and central Governments on 5050 basic and it is the youngest of the 14 Tribal Research institutes in the country. The relevance of Tribal Research Centre is very much identified as 'Tribal Essential Institute' for the welfare of the 36 Scheduled Tribes of Tamil Nadu

Major objectives of the Tribal Research centre is

·         To conduct studies on tribal Communities

·         To import training and proper orientation on tribal cultures and development.

·         To record Social, Economic, Religious, political and Psychological changes among the Scheduled Tribes.

·         To recommend weaker community

·         Thus the Tribal Research Centre is acting as an integral part of the planned Development of the Tribals. It is concentrating more on Nilgiris district because all the six Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) identified by the Government of India like Todas, Kotas, Irulas, Kurumbas, Paniyans and Kattunayakans are exclusive inhabiting since ages in Nilgiri hills.

·         Facilities Available at Tribal Research Centre

·         Library with books and journals on tribal studies

·         Well furnished Guest house

·         Tribal Map on the land

·         Audio-video system to entertain tribal festivals and tradition of dance and song

·         Indoor and open Air Tribal Museum.

·         Special Cultural heritage Attraction

·    The Tribal Museum is functioning in the campus of Tribal Research Centre since 1989 depicting various tribal cultures of Tamil Nadu and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Recently carved fiber-made tribal statues are attracting more number of tourists from India and abroad

Stone House

Stone House is the first bungalow constructed in Ooty. It was built by John Sullivan and was called as Kal Bangala by the tribals (Kal means stone in local tribal language). John Sullivan started building Stonehouse in 1822, acquiring land from the Todas at one rupee an acre. Today, it is the official residence for the principal of the Government Arts College, Ooty. The tree in front of the bungalow is famously known as the Sullivan's oak.

Stone House
Former names	Kal Bangala
General information
Architectural style	European
Location	Ooty, Tamil Nadu,
Country	India
Coordinates	11.412142°N 76.712728°E
Elevation	2240 m
Construction started	1822
Client	Principal, Government Arts College, Ooty
Owner	Government of Tamil Nadu

For many years, tourists visiting Ooty have marvelled at an amazing structure called Stone House. It is an important monument as it has led to the development of tourism in this region over a period of time. Shortly after it was built, it became a popular European summer resort. Now, it serves as the official residence of the Principal of Government Arts College. Architecture of Ooty Stone House inspired many colonial buildings that were built in the region following its construction. A great deal of modernization was brought about in the region after these construction activities.

This building came into existence due to efforts of John Sullivan, Collector of Coimbatore district during British India in early nineteenth century and his associates. After discovering several Ooty places and attractions, he decided to go ahead with a project aimed at its modernization. The foundation was laid through construction of this building, and Ooty was made accessible by clearing forests, constructing roads and laying a railway track. When Mr. Sullivan was convinced that the region was a good place to stay and had all the qualities that would make it a future tourist destination, he constructed the first mansion which is currently known as Ooty Stone House among visitors.