It is called the Queen of Hill Stations. And not many will dispute this. Sandwiched between the Eastern and Western Ghats, Udagamandalam (Ooty or Ootacamund) has a lot that makes up an ideal holiday destination. At an altitude of 7,500 feet above sea level, it is part of Niligiris meaning Blue Mountains (so called for the blue haze that envelops these mountains). In the Botanical gardens here (started in 1847) a fossilized tree trunk is visible below the lake. The annual flower show and the dog show held in the gardens, draw crowds from across the country. Boating on the serene and scenic lake is part of most tourists' itinerary. Leaf tea and Eucalyptus from the estates in Udagamandalam is most sought after. Carrots and beetroots which are grown here is also a hit with the tourists. A short distance away is Doddabetta, (meaning 'big mountain' in Kannada) the tallest peak in the Niligiris. From Ooty, tours are also organized to the wildlife sanctuary at Mudumalai. If you have the time, a journey in the Toy Train, from Mettupalayam to Ooty is a must 584 km from Chennai