Nilgiri Hills

Nilgiri, literally translated, means the Blue Mountains. And blue they are, striding across a land lush with vegetation and teeming with wildlife, the source of a thousand streams and
rivers.

One of the most spectacular mountain ranges in South India, the Nilgiris are situated very near the rugged and magnificent mountains of the Western Chats. They begin from the North East Corner of the State of Kerala, another tea growing state, but the main range lies in the State of Tamil Nadu, close to both Coimbatore and Cochin. It is a land of peaks and precipices, rolling grasslands in the foothills and dense jungles. Of the variety of wildlife in the region, the most magnificent specimen is the elephant, which roams in herds. The world famous hill resort of Ootacamund (lovingly called Ooty) the only one of its kind in South India, is situated in these hills. It is a resort which attracts tourists throughout the year, from India and abroad. Against this idyllic background the famous 'Niligiri Teas' are grown.

The tea gardens situated among eucalyptus trees, blue gum and cypresses, winding rivers and plunging waterfalls, vary in elevation from about 30 meters to 2000 meters above sea level. Tea bushes cover about 23,000 hectares producing 35 million kg. of tea annually.

The Nilgiris are relatively mild teas growing all the year round unlike the seasonal Assams and Darjeelings. They are famous for their bright and brisk liquor and their mellow, light and clean flavour.

Their fine, true flavor is the choice of connoisseur blenders across the globe. From here come the teas that are famous for their quality and cup-character. The soil, the climate, the water, all combine to achieve this excellence. Nature is lavish in the Blue Mountains. The fields of tea spread out over every slope, valley and plateau, in every nook and cranny that will bear the crop. Soils are red and yellow loam and are lateritic in origin. Most tea plantations get two monsoons. The annual rainfall ranges from 125-700 cm. and is fairly well distributed throughout the year. The cropping season continues all the year round, and vintage teas are produced in December/January. Owing to the two monsoons, the tea bushes in South India 'flush' all the year round. Naturally, plucking is carried out throughout the year. However, there are two big flushing periods, the first from April to May when about 25% of the annual crop is gathered. The second in September and December producing about 35-40% of the annual crop.

Fine flavory teas are produced in the Nilgiris. Stylish leaf throwing very bright, brisk, quality liquors with strength and pronounced flavor; cup-character is the dominant feature of these teas. Flavor is derived from the high elevation and prevails throughout the year in varying degrees. They are the blenders' dream, for while other high-grown teas have flavor, Nilgiri teas give the liquor body and strength as well.

Flora and fauna in Nilgiri Hills

Much of Nilgiri Hills covers a couple of States and Tamil Nadu being very prominent among them. The physical features of the hills, i.e. the topography, are very varied. It includes the Cauvery River that originates in the Coorg District of Karnataka and happens to be the lifeline of the Hill's ecosystem.

The heights of this quaint Hill Station in India are gifted with moist deciduous, wet evergreen forests, and grassy knolls. Sandalwood happens to be the primary product that is both legitimately and illegitimately extricated out of the Nilgiri Forests making these forests a profitable section of natural bounty for the state governments to upkeep.

India Travel Destinations, the tour guide, presents a must grab opportunity to the travelers and journeyman to seek out Nigiri Hills. The site beckons the clients with on-line booking of tour packages to the Hills and relevant information about the Hill Stations of India ensconced in Nilgiri Hills.

Adventure And Trekking In The Nilgiris

The Nilgiris are a trekker's paradise. Landscaped by nature, the hills abound in trek for lovers of nature. There are treks and treks in whichever direction you turn and from whichever point you start. A trek can be full of thrill, excitement and adventure and a way of seeing and enjoying nature in all its beauty and splendour.

Trekking pamphlets are available with the Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association (NWLEA). There are guides who have sound knowledge of certain areas. If necessary, their services may be hired. And for further details contact the Tourist Information Office at Charing Cross, Ooty.