OOTYTRAVEL GUIDE

"As its lofty mountains and sprawling tea gardens greet tourists arriving here, one look around and you know instantly why the beautiful hill station has been named the "Queen of the hills."
Ooty Travel Guide

The Blue Mountains have always been shrouded in mysticism, and Ooty is no exception to that. For every mountain lover, the very idea of travelling to the city known as the Queen of the Hills holds an allure like no other. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company (and for a very good reason), Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a very popular tourist destination for anyone looking for a picturesque place to relax and unwind. Ooty is nestled amidst the Nilgiri hills at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level and enjoys a favourable climate all year round.

Ooty oozes simplicity, devoid of any boundaries, so anyone who visits the place can feel at one with the local culture. The journey to Ooty itself is dotted with magnificent sights of the awe-inspiring Nilgiri hills, tea gardens, and serene waterfalls. The cool, peaceful landscape of Ooty is almost movie-like – winding country lanes that you can spend hours simply walking on, and the charm of old-world colonial architecture infuses fresh air into the souls of travellers. For anyone looking for a respite from the mind-boggling humidity and the scorching Indian sun, Ooty is the place to be.

Ooty is a very popular destination for couples and honeymooners, and there's no better way to fully take in all that this city has to offer than to take a trip on the Toy Train, which lets you enjoy panoramic views of this beautiful hill station right from your seat. The whole city is tinged with beautiful hues of green, with oases of sparkling blue waterfalls popping up here and there. The Nilgiri Mountain Railways has the steepest track in all of Asia, and it is one of the best train rides you will ever have the chance of experiencing. Remember the hit song 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' where Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora were seen matching steps on top of a train? Remember the breathtaking locales as the train chugged its way across lush greenery? Yes, that was the Nilgiri Mountain Railways, and the Nilgiri Mountains all along.

As every traveller who has ever gone to Ooty knows, once you're in the city, a visit to the famous Doddabetta Peak is a must. Standing tall at 8,606 feet as the highest point of South India, the Dodabetta Peak trail is flanked by towering Eucaplytus trees, offering you uninterrupted views of the luxuriant valley.


Tourist Attractions in Ooty

Ooty - the capital of the Nilgiri district in Tamil Nadu, is the ideal hill station for tourists to visit on any Tour to Tamil Nadu. Perched high on the wooded slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is a scenic delight for the weary eyes of the city dwellers.

One of the most popular tourist places in entire India, Ooty is a treasure trove of breathtaking natural beauty. The numerous tourist attractions in Ooty include the verdant hills, cascading waterfalls and sparkling brooks, dense forests, sprawling grasslands and extensive tea gardens.


Best time to visit Ooty

Also known as the Queen of Hills, Ooty is a scenic town which is surrounded by the beautiful Nilgiri Hills. The place has a beautiful climate all round the year because of its perfect location. The winters in Ooty are colder than rest of the south India. The best time to visit this beautiful hill station is from October to June. In these months, the temperature remains somewhere around 25°C which offers a pleasant weather. It is the best time for traveling and sightseeing. During these months, nights are also comfortable.


Natural Sights in Ooty

Ooty, also known as Ootacamund and Udhagamandalam, is well renowned for its scenic beauty and serenity in all of that. It is a town in Nilgiri Mountain Range, which has got its name from nil (blue) and giri (hills); owing to the Neelakurinji flower that blooms once in twelve months and adds a blue tinge in the mountainscape. Those longing for rejuvenation there are several natural sights to visit in Ooty.

To get the best view of splendid greenery hike to Dodabetta peak, the highest one of the Nilgiri Mountain Range; en route, you must also stop by the reserved forest area as well. Similarly, Dolphin Nose and Lamb Rock are preferred spots for spectacular view of Coimbatore plains and Nilgiri mountainscape. Kalhatti Falls is another popular attraction of Ooty.

This ten-kilometer long waterfall falls from a height of 122 meters babbles past Veerabhadreshwara Temple of Lord Shiva. The sight of Pykara Falls is worth beholding, which has been further adorned by Pykara Dam. Lovers of boating, rafting and other water activities must not miss Avalanche Lake and Emerald Lake.


How to Reach Ooty

By Air

The nearest airport to reach Ooty is Coimbatore which is located at a distance of 100 kilometers. The domestic airport is well connected to many important cities like Chennai, Madurai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. The nearest international terminal to reach Ooty is Bangalore Airport, at a distance of 295 kilometers. Bangalore is connected to many important international cities as well locations within the country like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, etc. Regular taxis, cabs and buses are available from the airport to carry the travelers to their destination in Ooty.

By Rail

The nearest railway connection to Ooty is Mettupalayam railway station, located 40 kilometers away. The station connects to important destinations like Mysore, Coimbatore, Chennai, Bangalore etc. One can also board the heritage train, The Nilgiri Mountain train from here. Taxis and cabs are available from the station to take you to the uphill journey to Ooty.

By Road

The exotic hill station connects well linked to many important South Indian cities. There are regular and efficient bus service (both government and private) from Madurai, Bangalore (Bengaluru), Mysore, Kanyakumari, Chennai as well as many other cities in Kerala. Self-driving to Ooty is also an incredible option as it takes you through the mesmerizing reserve forest area, full of most fascinating sights.