From being a vacation destination in the 1960s, 70s and even in 80s,which mainly attracted tourists from various parts of India and abroad who liked to spend a few days savouring its natural beauty, salubrious weather, unpolluted air and noise-free environment Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations, transformed in the following decades into a sight-seeing spot teeming with people and suitable for the promotion of whistle stop tourism.
In the second decade of the new millennium yet another transformation is being noticed by discerning observers.
Tourists belonging to the former category are back and are co-existing harmoniously with the milling crowds.
In tune with this, the Department of Tourism has started focusssing on activities which would appeal to specific classes of tourists.
With eco-tourism now commanding a good following, the department has joined hands with the Forest Department to promote scenic spots belonging to the latter which would be of interest to the tourists.
One such spot is the Cairn Hill, just beyond Fern Hill on the Ooty-Avalanche Road. Controlled by the South Division of the Forest Department, the Cairn Hill sprawls about 160 hectares. While its main attractions are the dense cypress trees and trees belonging to other exotic species, the place has recently been upgraded into an educational facility with the establishment of an Interpretation Centre.
Speaking to The Hindu , the District Forest Officer, the Nilgiris South, Anurag Mishra, said that most of the trees planted in 1900 by the British. It will be maintained by a Toda self-help group and remain open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Since it was an eco-sensitive place, eatables and plastic items will not be allowed.
The District Tourist Officer, S. Dorairaj, said that a sum of Rs. 81.20 lakh had been given under a Government of India tourism development scheme for developing the Cairn Hill as a tourist spot.
It was in keeping with the policy of the department to promote sustainable tourism and expose lesser known tourism destinations to the visitors.
