The History of Ooty & John Sullivan: How a Collector Discovered the Queen of Hill Stations

The story of Ooty (Udhagamandalam) is inextricably linked to Coimbatore. Before the 19th century, the elevated Nilgiri plateau was inhabited almost exclusively by indigenous tribes—principally the Toda, Badaga, Kota, and Kurumba communities.

In January 1819, John Sullivan, then the British Collector of Coimbatore, embarked on a daring expedition into the uncharted Nilgiri mountains, driven by reports of a temperate climate reminiscent of his native England.

Impressed by the lush eucalyptus forests, crisp mountain air, and rolling green meadows, Sullivan recognized the immense potential of the region as a sanatorium for soldiers suffering from tropical heat illnesses.

In 1822, Sullivan purchased land from the Toda tribe and built the very first European residence in Ooty, named "Stone House" (known locally as Kal Bangala). He also commissioned the construction of a road from Mettupalayam up through the steep mountain passes, connecting Coimbatore directly to the hill kingdom.

Sullivan went on to develop the iconic Ooty Lake between 1823 and 1825 by damming mountain streams, turning Ooty into the summer capital of the Madras Presidency.

Today, driving from Coimbatore to Ooty via Mettupalayam and Coonoor remains one of South India’s most scenic road trips. Book Get Taxi Kovai (9043743777) for a comfortable one-way drop at ₹26/km or round-trip at ₹15/km with expert Nilgiri mountain drivers!