The Wellington Gymkhana Club is amongst the oldest clubs in the country and was established in 1873 to offer recreation and relaxation to the garrison stationed at Wellington. Situated in the lush rolling hills of the Nilgiris at an altitude of around 6000 feet above MSL, it encompasses perhaps the most beautiful 18 hole hill Golf Course in the country. Originally meant only for the armed forces the club was later thrown open to civilians. In 1843, The Marquis of Tweedale, Governor of Madras took a decision to establish the barracks at Jagadalla that turned out to be monumental in shaping the destiny of the area. After repeated attempts at establishing a cantonment at Ootacamund (Ooty) failed to materialize , a Convalescent Home for British troops was built at Jagadalla, later named Wellington. In order to provide recreation facilities to the soldiers, a brick cricket pavilion was erected in 1873. This is considered the founding year of the Club . The name Wellington Gymkhana was however, adopted in 1916. Some Toda residents on the premises were relocated at Rhalia where a few families survive to date.