Severe cold tightens grip on Ooty
While Thalaikundha saw temperatures fall to minus 1 degree Celsius, several other areas in and around Ooty recorded lows of around minus 0.1 degrees Celsius. Heavy ice formation was reported in many places, adding to the chill.
The cold wave affected routine activities of local residents, with movement becoming difficult during early morning hours. Frost conditions have intensified over the past ten days across the Nilgiris district, including Ooty.
Frost blankets gardens, vehicles and hills
Frost was clearly visible in popular locations such as the Ooty Government Botanical Garden, Kanthal, and the Thalaikundha Avalanche region. On Wednesday, thick frost coated vehicles parked in open areas.
Some tourists were seen collecting frost and playing with it, turning the biting cold into a rare visual treat. Despite the harsh weather, the unusual conditions drew large crowds eager to experience sub-zero temperatures.
Tourists flock despite biting chill
Thousands of tourists are arriving in the Thalaikundha area every day, not just from Tamil Nadu but also from neighbouring states like Kerala and Karnataka, the ANI report said.
Many visitors said they had travelled long distances to witness the frost. However, Forest Department restrictions prevented them from getting too close to sensitive areas, forcing them to watch from a distance.
Tourist ban near Kamaraj Sagar Dam
The Forest Department barred tourists from visiting the plains near the Kamaraj Sagar Dam, citing safety reasons amid the severe cold and icy conditions. The decision affected visitors who had planned to include the scenic dam area in their travel itinerary.
Tourists who gathered in Thalaikundha since midnight to enjoy the calm views were stopped from entering the dam area. Several were seen standing along the roadside, taking photos and videos from afar.
One tourist described the experience to ANI, saying, “It’s freezing, totally freezing. We started at around 5 am and arrived at 6 am, and the temperature was minus. It’s a stunning place and filled with lots of people.”
He said around 300 to 400 people were present and added that the cold made it difficult even to speak. Admiring the surroundings, he said, “Beautiful place, you must visit the place.”