History Trails of Ooty: Colonial Era and Beyond

At the junction of old and new Mysore roads, stands living history cast in stone - The Ootacamund Club. Entering the Club is stepping into colonial times and a bygone era. It is the place where snooker was invented, more than a century ago. The story goes that Colonel Sir Neville Chamberlain of the British Army, joyously yelled ‘snooker’ when his opponent failed to pot a ball during a game of billiards. The term ‘snooker’ refers to a junior officer in Army parlance.

The road goes past meadows that were once true ‘English’ countryside. The grasslands, munds, and Toda huts have given way to an urban migrant population. But history does live, despite the developments. The Aramby Shola, now wisely protected, dates back to 1863 and houses the indigenous flora and fauna of the Nilgiris.

Further ahead is Tamizhagam, the State Government’s Official Guest House. Once upon a time, this stately mansion was Aranmore Palace, the summer palace of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. In the summer of 1959, the State Assembly was briefly shifted from the stately Fort St. George in Madras to the more temperate and picturesque Ooty.

The rosewood-panelled Ball Room of the palace, with its glittering chandeliers, was converted into a meeting chamber. Seating was provided for about 180 members of the assembly, along with a special box for the Governor. Visitors' galleries were created to accommodate the large groups that thronged the palace to witness the session.

The historic palace is now the State Guesthouse. Visitors are welcome as long as they maintain protocol.

Good to Know

Location: 3.4 km from the Sterling (Elk Hill) resort

Location: 5 km from the Sterling (Fern Hill) resort