Ooty's annual flower show from May 19; traffic restrictions in place

The 125th edition of Ooty's gorgeous flower show, organised at the Government Botanical Garden, will be inaugurated on May 19 this year. The popular event will feature around 30,000 flower pots and will be on till May 23. The event will conclude with the 'Fruit Show' at Sim's Park in Cooner, on May 27 and 28.

Stories of wildlife on way-side walls to Ooty
Tourists arriving in Ooty are greeted by mind-blowing images of the wildlife.

As part of celebrating the 200th anniversary of the discovery of Ooty, pictures of wild animals are being depicted on way-side walls across key locations in the Nilgris region such as Ooty, Kotagiri, Coonoor and Gudallur.

The paintings mostly feature pictures of wildlife inside the Neelagiri forests like tiger, leopard, deer, peacock, elephant, and bison.

Three Krishnagiri natives, Ambedkar, Chinnarash, and Ramu were the artists involved in the project.

Traffic restrictions till May 31
If you are planning to travel to Ooty for the flower show, be aware of the traffic restrictions in place. 

There is a route diversion implemented from Kotagiri Road along Sirumugai Road to avoid excessive traffic congestion in Mettupalayam. This means tourists have to travel more than 10 km to return from Ooty trip. As it has been reportedly resulting in many missing trains, buses and more, it would be better to calculate the time in advance to not mess up your travel plans. 

Also, there is no entry for big vehicles to Ooty town. The big vehicles coming from the Coonoor side should park at Aavin Ground and those from Gudalur at the Finger Post area.

The traffic restrictions are in place till May 31. 

The cops have made an appeal to drivers of vehicles carrying tourists to strictly adhere to traffic rules to avoid traffic jams and mishaps.