Ooty, the darling of Nilgiris has several places of interest. The most popular tourist spot in Ooty, of course, is the 150 plus year old Government Botanical Gardens situated at the northern end of Ooty town. Originally started by European residents with the object of raising "English vegetables at reasonable cost", it was subsequently converted into botanical garden of world acclaim, thanks largely, to the efforts of Mr.W.G.Melvor of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, England, who was given the charge of the garden in 1848. What was before a deep ravine covered with shoals, shrubs and swamps was transformed into an exquisite garden of about 50 acres at his trained hands in matter of just 10 years.
The steep slopes were converted into walks, terraces and lawns and the lower part was turned into a sprawling undulating lawn of "Kikiyu" grass, the lush magnificence of which is a captivating sight to the visitors as they enter the garden. Ponds, rockeries, green houses, bowers, nurseries and a conservatory are some of the attractions of this informally laid garden.
With over 2000 species of plants and trees from all over the world, the garden is a rare treat of delight to students of botany and connoisseurs of gardening. A grand picnic spot, the garden is one of the best offers for walks, bird watching and photography.
No comments:
Post a Comment