The Nilgiris : The Ooty botanical garden in the Nilgiris district has registered a substantial rise in number of visitors this summer season, leaving the authorities of horticulture, district administration and tourism department delighted.
The Nilgiris : The Ooty botanical garden in the Nilgiris district has registered a substantial rise in number of visitors this summer season, leaving the authorities of horticulture, district administration and tourism department delighted.
Despite several constraints like traffic congestion and elections, 10.6 lakh tourists had made their way to the world-famed botanical garden in April and May. In 2018, around the same time, the footfall was 9.6 lakhs.
The impressive influx of tourists to the Ooty botanical garden has also resulted good revenue to hoteliers, transport department, autos, garment traders in charing cross and street vendors.
As the election model code of conduct was effective from March to May, the district adminsitration could not promote the event with hi-fi advertisements and promotional campaigns.
Yet, the impressive numbers has motivated the district administration to double up the activities for the 2020 flower show.
The summer festival commenced in Ooty on May 1. From photo exhibition to boat race, many events were organised in Ooty and Coonoor which garnered the attention of lakhs of tourists across the country.
Especially, the flower show at Ooty's botanical garden held between May 17-21 was a showstopper. Following the flower show, the two-day fruit show in Coonoor on May 25-26 also witnessed good tourist footfalls.
The TNSTC had operated additional buses in April and May to Ooty and Coonoor from various destinations. The district traffic police also implemented novel ideas to address traffic congestions and ensure safety of the tourists.
With schools nearing reopening, the hill town which was thronged with tourists for the past two months has begun to see visible drop in tourist footfalls.