The Blue Mountains: A Journey Through Time
From the ancient Toda settlements to the summer retreat of the British Raj. Discover the enchanting history of the Nilgiris.
1. The Meaning of "Nilgiris"
The word Nilgiris comes from two Sanskrit words: 'Nil' (Blue) and 'Giri' (Mountain). For centuries, these hills have been shrouded in mystery. Many believe the name comes from the rare Strobilanthes kunthiana (Kurinji) flower, which blooms once every 12 years, painting the entire mountain range in a purplish-blue hue.
2. The Original Keepers (Tribes)
Long before the British arrived, the Nilgiris were home to indigenous tribes who lived in harmony with nature. Even today, their culture is woven into the fabric of the district.
The Todas
The most famous tribe, known for their distinct white shawls with red/black embroidery. They live in barrel-shaped huts called 'Munds' and are vegetarians who revere the Buffalo.
The Badagas
The largest community in the Nilgiris. Historically agriculturists, they are known for their rich hospitality and the famous 'Badaga Chicken Curry'.
The Kotas & Kurumbas
Kotas were the artisan blacksmiths, while Kurumbas were known as forest dwellers with deep knowledge of medicinal herbs and honey gathering.
Experience the Natural Legacy
The tribal knowledge of herbs gave birth to the Nilgiris' famous Essential Oil industry. We source pure Eucalyptus and Wintergreen oils using traditional distillation methods.
Shop Pure Nilgiri Oils
3. The British Discovery (1819)
The modern history of Ooty began in 1819 when John Sullivan, the Collector of Coimbatore, trekked up the perilous ghats. Struck by the "English-like weather," he decided to build a home here.
Did you know? Sullivan's first home, known as the "Stone House", still stands today inside the Government Arts College campus. The locals called it 'Kal Bangla'.
Sullivan introduced Tea, Potatoes, and English Vegetables (Carrots, Cabbages) to the hills. Soon, Ooty became the "Summer Capital" of the Madras Presidency. The British built the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train) to make travel easier, a marvel of engineering that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A Taste of the Colonial Era
The British left, but they left behind the art of Tea Making and Chocolate molding. Enjoy the same colonial-era recipes today.
Order Ooty Chocolates & Tea
4. Ooty Today
Today, the Nilgiris is a district of bustling tourism, sprawling tea estates, and boarding schools. Yet, if you look closely—at the stained glass of St. Stephen's Church or the quiet valleys of Avalanche—the enchanting history is still very much alive.
History FAQ
Q: When was the Ooty Toy Train built?
The construction began in 1891, and the line was opened to traffic in 1908. It uses a unique 'Rack and Pinion' system to climb the steep gradients.
Q: What language is spoken in Ooty?
Tamil is the official language. However, due to tourism, English, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi are widely understood. The Badaga community speaks 'Badaga', a dialect without a script.
