Ooty
Ooty’s history is a fascinating transition from an isolated tribal sanctuary to a bustling colonial retreat.
The Indigenous Era: For centuries, the Nilgiri hills (“Blue Mountains”) were completely cut off from the lowlands by dense forests and rugged cliffs. The region was originally inhabited by ancient indigenous tribes, most notably the Toda people, along with the Kotas, Badagas, and Kurumbas. The name Ooty evolved from the Toda word Othakal-mund, meaning “house in the mountains.”