Neilgherry Hills

Neilgherry Hills (properly Nilgiri; Sansk. nila, 'blue,' and giri, 'mountain'), a mountainous district in the south of India, rising abruptly from the plains to the height of 6000 feet, though individual peaks shoot up to 8760 feet. The mass is entirely isolated, with the exception that a precipitous granite ridge leaves its western face and connects it with the Western Ghāts. The surface consists of grassy uplands with large groves of forest trees; but the lower slopes are heavily timbered. The Neilgherry Hills are inhabited by five distinct tribes, of whom the Todas are the most interesting. They speak a Dravidian dialect and practise polyandry; in 1881 there were 675; in 1891, 800. The men are tall and athletic, with Roman noses, black bushy beards and eyebrows, but they are dirty in their habits. Their sole occupation is tending cattle. Owing to their great elevation, the Neilgherry Hills have a delightfully cool climate, and are much resorted to on this account by invalided Europeans, the principal station being Ootacamund (q.v.). See H. B. Grigg's Manual of the Nilgiri District (1880).