Ooty flower show all set to begin: Dates, traffic diversions, parking spaces

The much-awaited flower show season of Ooty is almost here. The events will be on from May 3, leading up to the six-day flagship flower show expected from around May 15. The organisers are well into extensive preparations to welcome the thousands of visitors expected from across the country during the month-long tourist season. Organised by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department, this year marks the 128th Flower Show of Ooty.

Although the established date of the flower show - the third Friday of May, falls on May 15 this year, the official declaration is still pending. Since only the incoming state government can formally declare the date, it is expected that the detailed list of programmes will be announced within a few days after May 4, after the election results are announced. However, the official machinery is in full swing with preparations for the grand summer event. 

Other Events on cards 
Dog Show: May 8 -10
Venue: Government Arts College Ground, Ooty
The dog show is a crowd puller, featuring numerous breeds from around the world. It also includes various grooming sessions and other competitions.
Rose Show: May 10- 12
Venue: Government Rose Garden, Ooty
A visual treat for visitors, the Rose Show will feature hundreds of blooming rose varieties with a wide, dazzling range of colours. 

Flower Show: May 15-21
Venue: Botanical Garden, Ooty 
The flower show will feature floral installations, artistic displays, and elaborate decorative arrangements. 
Fruit Show: May 24-26
Venue: Sim's Park, Coonoor
A colourful exhibition of fruits sourced from across the country, artistically arranged for public display. 

Plantation Show
Venue: Kattery Park
The show provides visitors with a chance to explore the finest plantation crops, particularly coffee and tea, while learning about their varieties, history, origins, and industrial evolution.

TN E-pass for tourists' vehicles in Ooty
The district administration has introduced extensive travel arrangements across the region. As usual, restrictions have been imposed on vehicular movement. The administration has already issued communications informing tourists of the mandatory requirement to obtain e-passes for vehicle entry into the Nilgiris. Tourists are advised to apply online in advance through the Tamil Nadu government’s official website.

Following directions from the Madras High Court, the state government has capped the number of vehicles entering Ooty at 6,000 on weekdays and 8,000 on weekends and holidays. Additionally, green tax and check-post fees will be collected separately at entry points.

How to apply?
1. Visit the TN e-pass portal
2. Choose 'within India' or 'outside India'
3. Select 'Nilgiris' as 'Destination'
Enter the vehicle details, travel dates,  passenger info, and ID proof.  Do not forget to take a printout to show at the checkpost.

Traffic diversions from May 1
To ease congestion, major traffic diversions have been implemented within Ooty town. Tourist vehicles may be rerouted through ghat roads for smoother access to destinations. Parking restrictions will also be enforced near major tourist attractions due to the expected surge in visitors.

Mettupalayam to Ooty
According to a press statement issued by The Nilgiris District Superintendent of Police Nisha, all Vehicles traveling to Ooty from Mettupalayam should take the Coonoor route and turn left at Katteri Junction, proceeding via Selas, Kanthal, Katteri Dam, Ketti, Palada, Kollimalai, and Lovedale, before entering Ooty through Manjanakorai and Barn Hill.

Ooty to Gudalur
Buses, vans, and maxi cabs travelling from Ooty to Gudalur must turn left at Lovedale Junction and proceed via Lovedale Railway Station, Lovedale Police Station Junction, Gandhi Nagar, Manjanakorai, Barn Hill, Kandhal Triangle, and Finger Post.

Parking Space 
Police have also established temporary parking hubs to reduce congestion caused by large vehicles on Ooty’s narrow roads.  Tourist buses and maxi cabs from Coonoor can park at the Aavin parking ground, while vehicles from Kotagiri will be directed to a temporary parking facility at Government Arts College.

From Ooty to Mettupalayam
From May 1, vehicles travelling from Ooty to the plains towards Mettupalayam and Coimbatore must take the Kotagiri route, which is slightly longer than the usual Ooty–Coonoor route. Only a few exempted vehicles will be permitted via the Black Bridge–Wellington or Katterbettu routes.

Parking for vehicles from Kerala
Tourist buses from Kerala entering Ooty via Gudalur must park at the HPF Junction, after which passengers should continue their journey using Tamil Nadu government buses.

A ban has been imposed on all heavy commercial vehicles, except those carrying essential commodities such as cooking gas, petroleum products, and milk, from entering Ooty town between 8 am and 9 pm.

Kalhatti–Masinagudi Ghat Road closed for tourists 
Tourist vehicle entry from Kerala and Karnataka via the Kalhatti–Masinagudi route has been banned due to recurring accidents during the tourist season. Nilgiris District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Thaneeru stated that only vehicles registered in the Nilgiris will be allowed on this route. Residents of the Masinagudi–Theppakkad region with vehicles registered outside the district or state must obtain a pass from the local police station confirming their residence and vehicle ownership.