Ooty Botanical Garden, also known as Government Botanical Garden, is a botanical garden in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India. It was laid out in 1848 by William Graham McIvor, under the supervision of the Marquis of Tweedale. It covers an area of 55 acres and lies on the lower slopes of Doddabetta peak. The garden has a terraced layout and is divided into several sections, such as the lower garden, the new garden, the Italian garden, the conservatory and the nurseries.
The garden has more than 650 species of plants and trees, including many exotic and rare ones. The garden also has a fossil tree trunk, which is 20 million years old and a Toda mund (a Toda hill), which showcases the culture of the local tribe. The garden is a popular tourist attraction and also hosts the annual Ooty flower show in May. Visit during One day Trip Ooty local sightseeing package
Location of Ooty Botanical Garden
Ooty Botanical Garden is located on the Wood House Road, about 3 km from the Ooty bus stand and railway station. It is situated in Ooty, a hill station in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, about 200 km from Coimbatore. Ooty is known for its pleasant climate, green hills, tea gardens and colonial charm. Ooty is home to many other tourist attractions such as Ooty Lake, Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Pykara Lake and Coonoor.
Timing / Entry Fees Ooty Botanical Garden
Ooty Botanical Garden is open for visitors from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm every day except Friday, when it is closed for prayers. The entry fee for visiting Ooty Botanical Garden is Rs. 30 for adults and Rs. 15 for children. To carry a still camera, you have to pay an additional fee of Rs. 50 and to carry a video camera, the ticket price is Rs. 100.
How to Reach Ooty Botanical Garden from City Centre
Ooty Botanical Garden is about 3 km from the city centre of Ooty. Visitors can reach the garden by various modes of transport, such as:
- Auto-rickshaw: This is the most common and convenient way to reach Ooty Botanical Garden from the city centre. Auto-rickshaws are easily available and charge around Rs. 50-100 for a one-way trip.
- Bus: There are buses that ply between the city centre and Ooty Botanical Garden at regular intervals. The bus fare is around Rs. 10-20 per person.
- Taxi: Visitors can also hire a taxi or a cab to reach Ooty Botanical Garden from the city centre. The taxi fare may vary depending on the distance and traffic, but it usually ranges from Rs. 200-400 for a one-way trip.
Things to Do / Must See Ooty Botanical Garden
Ooty Botanical Garden is a green oasis that offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the things to do and see at Ooty Botanical Garden are:
- Admire the plants and trees: The main attraction of Ooty Botanical Garden is admiring the plants and trees, which are arranged in different sections according to their types and origins. Visitors can see plants and trees of different colours, shapes and sizes, including many exotic and rare ones such as cork tree, paper bark tree, monkey puzzle tree, green rose, black rose and blue rose. They can also see plants and trees of different uses such as medicinal plants, ornamental plants, aromatic plants and bonsai plants.
- Learn about botany: The garden also provides information boards and guides that explain the history, cultivation and classification of plants and trees. Visitors can learn about the origin of plants and trees, their botanical names, their uses and their significance in different cultures and occasions. They can also learn about the different methods of propagation and pruning of plants and trees.
- Enjoy the view: The garden also offers a splendid view of the surrounding hills and valleys of Ooty. Visitors can enjoy the view from different vantage points in the garden such as the nila maadam (an observation platform) or from the benches along the pathways. The view is especially enchanting during sunrise and sunset, when the plants and trees change their colour according to the light.
- Participate in events: The garden also hosts various events throughout the year such as flower shows, plant competitions, cultural programs and festivals. The most famous event is the annual Ooty flower show, which is held in May. The flower show attracts thousands of visitors and showcases the best of the plants and flowers of Ooty. The flower show also features cultural programs, musical concerts, food stalls and exhibitions.
Significance of Ooty Botanical Garden
Ooty Botanical Garden is a significant place for Indians, as it is a symbol of their tourism and horticulture industry. It is also a significant place for botany lovers, as it is a place of beauty and diversity of plants and trees. It is also a significant place for culture enthusiasts, as it showcases the local art and craft of Ooty.
According to history, Ooty Botanical Garden was laid out in 1848 by William Graham McIvor, under the supervision of the Marquis of Tweedale. It was initiated by the European residents of Ooty, who wanted to have a supply of vegetables at a reasonable cost. The garden was later developed by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department with the help of the Floriculture Department of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.
The garden was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalithaa on 20 May 1995. The garden received the Garden of Excellence Award for being the best botanical garden in South Asia from the World Federation of Botanic Gardens in 2000.
FAQ’s
Q: When was Ooty Botanical Garden built?
A: Ooty Botanical Garden was built in 1848.
Q: What are the materials used for building Ooty Botanical Garden?
A: Ooty Botanical Garden is made of soil, stone, brick and wood.
Q: Why is Ooty Botanical Garden called Botanical Garden?
A: Ooty Botanical Garden is called Botanical Garden because it has more than 650 species of plants and trees.
Conclusion
Ooty Botanical Garden, also known as Government Botanical Garden, is a botanical garden in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India. It was laid out in 1848 by William Graham McIvor, under the supervision of the Marquis of Tweedale. It covers an area of 55 acres and lies on the lower slopes of Doddabetta peak. The garden has a terraced layout and is divided into several sections, such as the lower garden, the new garden, the Italian garden, the conservatory and the nurseries.
The garden has more than 650 species of plants and trees, including many exotic and rare ones. The garden also has a fossil tree trunk, which is 20 million years old and a Toda mund (a Toda hill), which showcases the culture of the local tribe. The garden is a popular tourist attraction and also hosts the annual Ooty flower show in May.
