| Lok Sabha Constituencies in The Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu (MP Constituencies) | Nilgiris |
| MLA Assembly Constituencies in The Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu | Coonoor Gudalur Udhagamandalam |
About the District :
The Nilgiris, because of its natural charm and pleasant climate, was a place of Special attraction for the Europeans. In 1818, Mr. Whish and Kindersley, who were assistants to the Collector of Coimbatore, discovered the place Kotagiri near Rengaswamy peak. John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore was greatly interested in this part of the country. He established his residence there and reported to the Board of Revenue on 31st July 1819.
The Name ‘Nilgiris’ means Blue hills (Neelam – Blue and giri – Hill or Mountain) the first mention of this name has been found in the Silappadikaram. There is a belief that the people living in the plains at the foot of the hills, should have given the name, the Nilgiris, in view of the violet blossoms of ‘kurinji’ flower enveloping the hill ranges periodically. The earliest reference to the political history of the Nilgiris, according to W.Francis relates to the Ganga Dynasty of Mysore.
Immediately after the Nilgiris was ceded to the British in 1789, it became a part of Coimbatore district. In August 1868 the Nilgiris was separated from the Coimbatore District. James Wilkinson Breeks took over the administration of the Nilgiris as its Commissioner. In February 1882, the Nilgiris was made a district and a Collector was appointed in the place of the Commissioner. On 1st February 1882, Richard Wellesley Barlow who was the then Commissioner became the First Collector of Nilgiris.
Geographical Location of the District :
The Nilgiris is situated at an elevation of 900 to 2636 meters above MSL. Its latitudinal and longitudinal dimensions being 130 KM (Latitude : 10 – 38 WP 11-49N) by 185 KM (Longitude : 76.0 E to 77.15 E). The Nilgiris is bounded on North by Karnataka State on the West by Coimbatore District, Erode District, South by Coimbatore District and Kerala State and as the East by Kerala State.
In Nilgiris District the topography is rolling and steep. About 60% of the cultivable land falls under the slopes ranging from 16 to 35%
Area and Population :
The District has an area of 2452.50 sq.km. As per 2001 census the population of this district is as follows
Total Population Male Female Sex Ratio Area Density Total 762141 378351 383790 1014 1806.16 421.97 Rural 307532 151874 155658 1025 742.84 413.99 Urban 454609 226477 228132 1007 2549.00 178.35
District Administration :
The Nilgiris District Comprises of six taluks viz Udhagamandalam, Kundah, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Gudalur and Pandalur. These taluks are divided in to four Panchayat Unions viz., Udhagamandalam, Coonoor, Kotagiri and Gudalur besides two Municipalities, Wellington Contonment and Aruvankadu Township. The District consists of 56 Revenue Villages and 15 Revenue Firkas. There are two Revenue Divisional in this district viz., Coonoor and Gudalur. There are 35 Village Panchayat and 13 Town Panchayat in this District.
Name of the Revenue Division
Name of the Taluk
No. of Revenue Firkas
No. of Revenue VillagesUdhagai Udhagai
Coonoor Gudalur
Irrigation Source :
There are no irrigation schemes in this district. The crops are mainly rain fed. Check Dams have been constructed wherever it is possible to exploit natural springs.
Crops :
The Nilgiris District is basically a Horticulture District and the entire economy of the district depends upon the success and failure of Horticulture Crops like Potato, Cabbage, Carrot, Tea, Coffee, Spices and Fruits. The main cultivation is plantation Crops, viz., Tea and Coffee. Potato and other vegetables are raised in Udhagai and Coonoor Taluks. Paddy and Ginger are grown in Gudalur and Pandalur Taluks. Paddy is also grown in Thengumarahada area in Kotagiri Taluk. Besides these crops, Ragi, Samai, Wheat, Vegetables etc., are also grown in small extent throughout the district.
Climate :
Since this district is situated at an elevation of 900 to 2636 meters about MSL during summer the climate remains to the Maximum of 21 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius and the minimum of 10degree Celsius to 12degree Celsius . During the winter the temperature available to the maximum 16degree Celsius to 21degree Celsius. and minimum of 2degree Celsius.
Literacy
Total Literates Male Literates Female Literates Literacy Rate Area Density Rural 202668 113834 88834 74.26 742.84 413.99 Urban 338431 182739 155692 83.9 2549.00 178.35 Total 541099 296573 244526 80.01 1806.16 421.97
Transport
The Nagapattinam – Gudalur National Highway Passes through this district. All the taluks are connected with Major District Roads. The village roads are maintained by Panchayat Union. There is no sea port or Airport in this district.
Electricity
There are 8 Hydel Power Houses in this district.
1. Pykara Power House
2. Pykara Micro Power House
3. Moyar Power House
4. Kundah Power House – I
5. Kundah Power House-II
6. Kundah Power House – III
7. Kundah Power House – IV
8. Kundah Power House – V
Tourist Places :
OOTY / UDHAGAI / UDHAGAMANDALAM / OOTACAMUND
Udhagamandalam, which is the Head Quarters of the district, is the largest and most important hill station in south India. This principle station on the Nilgiris is at an elevation of 2286 meters and situated at the center of the district. It is an extensive valley enclosed on all sides but the west by a lofty range of hills. The name of the ooty or Ootacamand was first mentioned in about 1821 in the Madras Gazette which was then spelt as “Wotokymund” by an anonymous correspondent who was one among the Europeans to set an eye on Ootacamand. It is also fondly called the Queen of Hill Stations.
Tourism -Kotagiri-Catherine Falls :
Catherine Falls is about 8 kilometres from Kotagiri, named after Catherine, the wife of Mr.M.D. Cockburn. This couple was among some of the first Europeans to settle in Kotagiri and they lie buried side by side in the cemetery there. The Falls are at a distance of 7 km. from Kotagiri and consists of an upper and a lower fall. The upper fall, which is the second highest in the Nilgiris, takes a leap of about 250 feet. From above the falls, one can see the magnificent view of Dolphin’s Nose and the surrounding country
Tourism- Gudalur :
Ooty,Coonoor and Kotagiri lies in the upper plateau of Nilgiri and Gudalur lies in lower plateau. it is the headquarter of the Taluk and lies about 51kms,West of Udhagamandalam below the Ghats at an elevation of 1,180mts,above M.S.S on the way to Mysore.the name of the place means junction village. Most of the Gudalur area is green carpeted.
NEEDLE ROCK POINT
It is 8kms, on Gudalur-Ooty road,this view point gives you a 360 degree view. Thesunset from here on clear days is guaranteed to take your breath away. A panoramic view of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Gudalur town far below, is a visual treat from this view point.
FROG HILL VIEW POINT
It is about 12kms on Gudalur-Ooty road.from here and can see Frog shape of a Hill view.
SANTHANAMALAI MURUGAN TEMPLE
The temple where you can realise the wonders of Nature,is 19kms,from Gudalur.It is Surrounded by Valleys,Streams and water falls whichsound is very soothimg and mesmeric effect. One can enjoy by seeing Cardamom,Clove,Pepper,Tea and Coffee plantations on the way to the Temple.
NELLIYALAM
It is 20kms from Gudalur. A few ruins of historical Ummatur Dynasty can see here.
NUMBALAKOTTAH
8 kms from Gudalur.A shrine of Betterayasamy (lord of the hunts) with sub-shrine built in Kerala style is present . Wynad scenes are visible from here.
NELLAKOTTA
It is about 15kms from Gudalur. A dilapidated fort is here.
CHERAMBADI
35 kms from Gudalur. It is extreme Western corner which has plantations and MICA mines. Sulthan Bathery is very near.
Tourism -Coonoor-Dolphin nose :
It is about 12 kms. from Coonoor bus stand situated near Tiger Hills. It is unique rock of tremendous proportions, jutting out of the face of hill side in the formation which its name suggests. The view here is extremely grand and well repays the exertion of getting there. Left and right are great ravines; on the one side is seen an excellent view of the magnificent St. Catherine’s Falls with their stream continuing several thousand metres below, while on the other, the familiar Coonoor stream meets the stream from Kotagiri. They together tribute to the great Bhavani river. In fact, we are metres away from the Nose opposite to it and separated in between by the deep valley that is covered with the beautiful greenary and mash of tree tops.
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