All hail the Queen of Hill Stations and winner of hearts: Ooty

A vast land of green hills and valleys once captivated a group of Englishmen and gave them a homely vibe. Surrounded by hazy Nilgiri mountains that enclose earthy tea plantations, gardens and graphic beauty, Ooty subtly unfolds its own saga.

A surreal wonderland: Panoramic view of Ooty Image source (Thrillophillia)

Ooty uniformly distributes the essence of colonial history and architecture, from the St Stephen Church built in gothic style to the refreshing tea plantations. It reflects John Sullivan's vision of transforming Ooty into a farming community and tourist destination.

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as the Ooty toy train, is another British presence in the hill town. The English built it to facilitate transportation. This toy train was also used in the filming of the popular Bollywood song chal chaiyya chaiyya. Shah Rukh Khan captivated our hearts with the song, swaying on a moving train. While the music keeps us moving, watching the train whistle and pass through the vast green hills is a visual feast.

Encapsulated by the herculean Himalayas in the North and an incessant ocean in the South, thirsty deserts in the West and soaked forests in the East, India’s topography is as versatile as her culture and traditions.

These diverse and enriching landscapes filled with abundance of resources drew many outsiders into the subcontinent, including Britishers.

After establishing a strong economic and political presence in India in the early 1800s, Britishers quickly realised their need for a social life.

Furthermore, being accustomed to cool temperatures, their immediate need was to escape the humid and tropical weather of the Indian plains.

As the need of the hour demanded, Englishmen eventually discovered previously unexplored hill stations. While the pursuit for these quickly led them to the Himalayas, which were blanketed in pristine white snow, their insatiable and inquisitive nature also led them to the arms of the Nilgiri Hills in southern India.

Soon after, in 1819, John Sullivan, an English civil servant, discovered Ooty, a town in the Nilgiri hills. The serene view of the highland captivated and revitalised him. The green hills surrounded by misty clouds perfectly reflected the essence of refreshment.

The hill town, located at an elevation of 2240m, is surrounded by blue-mountains that serve as a natural guard for the land. Ooty, discovered by an Englishman, is now one of India's most popular tourist destinations. It is the pinnacle of magnificent beauty and structured development.

Additionally, the hill station is a pacifier to our hearts and an enabler of livelihoods with agriculture and tourism.

Ooty is a must-see destination for anyone looking to relax in the awe-inspiring beauty of verdant landscapes and travel back in time. Its central lakes, monuments such as churches and bungalows, tea gardens, and museums collectively relieve the mind from the daily hustle and bustle of city life.

In a letter to Thomas Munro, John Sullivan wrote, "It resembles Swiss landscapes more than any other country in Europe." The hills are beautifully wooded, and there are fine strong springs with running water in each valley."

Ooty struck a chord with the British and served as a reminder of their homeland. The vast lands of green valleys showered with frequent rains were similar to the rains in England. Perhaps it was John Sullivan's sense of familiarity and nostalgia that drew him in. This wonderland had previously been inhabited by the indigenous Toda tribes of Tamil Nadu. In fact, Tipu Sultan is said to have used it as a hideout. However, hidden behind nature's magical green walls, the genuine credit for recognising this location belongs to John Sullivan.

His keen eyes recognised this tranquil town's unrealized potential and soon he built a Stonehouse, known as Kal Bangala, which was also the first colonial structure in Ooty. It's no surprise that the pristine town also served as the summer capital of the Madras presidency.

Sullivan also laid the groundwork for Ooty Lake, which still exists today and provides a glimpse into the colonisers' lives.

The Ooty we see today is more than just a breathtaking and surreal landscape. Colonial history can be found around every corner, in several tea plantations. In fact, the world-famous Nilgiri tea was conceived during the colonial era. These tea plantations not only contribute to Ooty's thriving economy, but their length also spreads the aromatic hue, engrossing visitors in its beauty.

Refreshing tea plantations Image source (Ooty tourism)

Chaiyya Chaiyya train, courtesy Bollywood Image source (Economic Times)

John Sullivan’s journey to discover Ooty Image source (The Asian Age)