travel essay on ooty pdf

Essay on Ooty

Students are often asked to write an essay on Ooty in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Ooty

Introduction.

Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a beautiful hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Known as the “Queen of the Hills”, it is famous for its cool climate and scenic beauty.

Attractions

Ooty is home to many attractions like the Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, and Doddabetta Peak. The Toy Train ride, a UNESCO heritage, offers spectacular views of the mountains.

Ooty’s economy mainly revolves around tourism. It’s also known for tea production, with its tea being popular worldwide.

Flora and Fauna

Ooty’s rich biodiversity includes various species of flora and fauna, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

250 Words Essay on Ooty

Ooty, officially known as Udagamandalam, is a renowned hill station in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Nestled amidst the Nilgiri hills at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, it is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’.

Historical Significance

Ooty’s history dates back to the era of the Toda tribes, the region’s original inhabitants. However, it gained prominence after the British established it as their summer capital in the 19th century. The colonial influence is still evident in the architecture of the town’s churches, government buildings, and cottages.

Natural Beauty

Ooty’s natural beauty is its most captivating feature. Its lush green tea gardens, misty mountains, dense forests, and sparkling blue lakes provide a mesmerizing panorama. The Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, and Doddabetta Peak are some of the must-visit spots.

Biodiversity

The region’s biodiversity is another aspect that adds to its charm. The Mudumalai National Park and the Mukurthi National Park, located nearby, are home to several endangered species and offer opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.

Culture and Cuisine

Ooty’s culture is a blend of tribal traditions and colonial legacy. The local cuisine, a fusion of Tamil and British influences, offers a unique gastronomic experience. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival and the Summer Festival are cultural highlights.

In essence, Ooty is a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture. It offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

500 Words Essay on Ooty

Introduction: the queen of hill stations.

Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Ooty, officially known as Udhagamandalam, is a picturesque hill station often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations.’ The town’s captivating beauty, coupled with its pleasant climate, has made it one of India’s most sought-after tourist destinations.

History: A Colonial Past

Ooty’s history is intertwined with the British colonial rule in India. The British founded the town in the 19th century as a summer retreat to escape the heat of the plains. They left an indelible mark on Ooty’s landscape, with English-style houses, botanical gardens, and churches still prominent features of the town.

Natural Beauty: A Panoramic Paradise

Ooty is renowned for its natural beauty. The town is surrounded by lofty mountains, dense forests, sprawling grasslands, and miles of tea gardens. The Ooty Lake, a man-made marvel, adds to the town’s charm, offering boating facilities and stunning views. The town’s beauty is further accentuated by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers an unforgettable journey through the scenic landscapes.

Biodiversity: A Rich Tapestry of Life

The region’s biodiversity is another aspect that makes Ooty unique. The town is surrounded by several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including the Mudumalai National Park and the Mukurthi National Park, which are home to a wide array of flora and fauna. The Government Botanical Garden, with its vast collection of exotic and indigenous plants, is a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity.

Culture: A Melting Pot of Traditions

Ooty is a cultural melting pot, with a diverse population consisting of various ethnic groups, including the Toda, the Badaga, the Kota, and the Kurumba. Each group has its own unique traditions, languages, and festivals, contributing to Ooty’s rich cultural tapestry. The town is also famous for its local cuisine, which is a delightful blend of traditional Indian spices and British influences.

Conclusion: A Perfect Getaway

In conclusion, Ooty’s charm lies not just in its stunning natural beauty, but also in its rich history, diverse culture, and abundant biodiversity. A visit to Ooty offers an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse oneself in the tranquillity of nature. It is a perfect getaway for those seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Ooty Tourism

Ooty Botanical Gardens
Doddabetta Peak
Rose Garden Ooty
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Avalanche Lake
Emerald Lake
Thread Garden
Pykara Waterfall
Mudumalai National Park
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Ooty: A 2-Day Guide Around The City

Ooty is a city tucked in the Blue Mountains of the Indian state, Tamil Nadu. This hill station is crowned as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, is a great choice for an ideal southern getaway. What makes this place more attractive is its pleasant weather and the scenic beauty. Amidst the eucalyptus and pine forest, resides a city that gives that awaits exploration. From highest peak to the prettiest lakes, let us dig into the city’s core to experience Ooty to the fullest.

If you’re planning a combined trip to Ooty and Mysuru, here are a list of must-visit places you can see in these two cities.

Table of Contents

Reaching Ooty

Coimbatore is the nearest airport to the city; from there you can hire a cab to reach Ooty, which is approximately 86 km away. You can also take a flight until Bengaluru and hire a cab to reach Ooty (278 km), the route is longer but the journey through the national parks is great.

We were 18 people on a road trip from Bengaluru to Ooty. We had hired a private bus that took 12 hours to reach (many stops in between). It is advisable to book a cab instead, as the bus is not allowed in many places within the city and you will have to walk a reasonable distance to reach the spots.

Things to see in Ooty

Start the day soaking the morning sun at the Dodabetta Peak, which is the highest peak of the Nilgiri Range (Blue Mountains). Take a 360-degree tour of the mountains from the telescope tower. Then walk around the market and indulge yourself into binge eating. Do try the spiral potatoes, sweet corn and chickpea salad. They are worth a try!

Spend the afternoon in the tea gardens and tea factory. Located on the lower hills of Dodabetta Peak, the Tea Factory and Museum is a tea lovers’ haven. The whole process of tea extraction is so satisfying to the eye. What you’ll love the most is the tea tasting session that happens at the exit counter of the factory. You can also visit the chocolate factory, which is right above the tea factory for a wholesome chocolate tasting experience.

Relax and rejuvenate your minds in the lap of Mother Nature at Ooty’s Botanical Garden. Walk around the pathways surrounded by an abundance of flora, beautiful swamps and fill your lungs with the sweet smell of eucalyptus. After all that walk, it’s time to charge up with freshly brewed filter coffee along with Varkey.

Ooty Lake is one of the major attraction in the city. This man-made wonder is a place to relax and enjoy the fresh breeze while you float around the lake on a motorboat. The boating begins at 9 am and goes on till 6 pm. If you’re not a big fan of boating, then you can rent a bicycle and take a tour around the lake. Apart from these, there are plenty of other entertainments options available in the close vicinity of the lake compound, like the horror house, mini train rides, horse riding etc.

Spend some time admiring the beauty of one of the oldest church in the Nilgiris, the St. Stephen’s Church. The quaint architecture, beautiful stained glasses and the painting of the last supper on the wall of the western side will definitely remind you of the colonial times.

The evening is worth spending time in the local market near the Botanical garden. The upper bazaar (market) specializes in exotic spices, homemade chocolates, tea, essential oils whereas the lower bazaar specializes in authentic Toda jewellery and woollen clothes. This place can easily transform you into a spendthrift.

Activities you can do in Ooty

Toy train ride.

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one of the main attractions of Ooty and a thing to experience. Declared as the UNESCO world heritage site runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty (Udagamandalam) via Coonoor. It’s one of the steepest tracks in Asia and runs on a steam engine. The main highlight is the journey that takes you through beautiful tunnels, bridges and picturesque terrains.

You can buy the ticket either directly from the counters at the railway station or book on the Indian Railways website .

Boating on this manmade lake can be a refreshing experience after all that sightseeing. The eucalyptus forest surrounds the lake and the view is serene. A must-do for all when in Ooty.

Ticket Price: 10 INR pp for Indians and 560 INR pp for Foreigners 30 INR for Still Camera and 125 INR for Video Camera 200 INR for 4-seater and 160 INR for 2-seater pedal boat for 30 minutes 180 INR for 2-seater rowboat for 30 minutes and 450 INR for 8-seater motor boat for 20 minutes

If you have a day to spare, then take on these amazing treks to experience Ooty through its roots and discover its hidden gems. You can book your tour from here .

Adventure activities

If you’re a adrenaline junkie, then head to the Eagles Dare Adventure near the Tea Factory for some adrenaline gushing experience. You can book your experience here .

What to eat in Ooty

You can find a variety of healthy food here to indulge in. Why I said healthy is because most of them are either raw, boiled or steamed.

Snack – For snacks, you can binge eat on fresh grown veggie salad (Chinese cucumber, red radish, sweet carrots and zucchini), spiral potatoes, masala kadalai, chickpea salad and varkey.

Meal – Dosa, Idli, Uttapam, Vada along with Sambar and coconut chutney makes a good combo for a great meal. If you are bored of these, you can try out the Biryani that is prepared using southern spices and tastes heavenly.

Ooty is an imposing city to visit. Two days are not enough to explore the entire place but enough to see and enjoy its beauty. Let me know in the comments below about your Ooty experience.

Meenakshi is a designer by profession and traveller by heart. Photography is something that she cherishes and goes on a Click! Click! Click! spree wherever she goes.

Nice article thanks!!

Thanks so much 🙂

Thank you 🙂

very nice article keep it up

Thank you so much 🙂

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Ooty Travel Guide: From Places to Visit to What to Pack

This is a comprehensive Ooty Travel Guide covering all the information like best places to visit, things to do, where to eat and what to pack.

Nestled in the misty clutches of the Nilgiri hills, Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is the most visited hill station in South India.

Often dubbed as the “Queen of Hill Stations,” Ooty’s rolling hills, speckled with vibrant gardens, dense forests, and sprawling tea estates, mesmerized me on a family trip I undertook with my elderly parents, husband and 1.5-year-old son.

We covered the main attractions of Ooty and Coonoor in an extended weekend trip and had the most amazing experience riding on the Ooty Toy Train.

If you are planning a family trip to Ooty, this Ooty Travel Guide has all the information you will need to plan your awesome trip.

Table of Contents

Is Ooty Safe to Travel?

Ooty travel regulations and e-pass.

Places to Visit in Ooty

Things to Do in Ooty

How to Reach Ooty

Best time to visit ooty, how to get around in ooty, where to eat in ooty, where to shop in ooty, what to pack for ooty.

Ashley and son at Ooty botanical gardens, a place to visit in Ooty

Ooty is generally a safe tourist destination with low crime rate and negligible incidence reported by tourists. Ooty is safe for women, solo, couple, and family travels.

When it comes to safety in Ooty, it is the weather that you should looking at. Between July and September, Ooty receives torrential rains. This often causes landslides leading to damages to lives and properties. Roads may get blocked due to large boulders or trees falling onto them. Landslides are very common in July and so I would suggest refraining from travelling to Ooty in this month.

Late October to early November is yet another time when the Nilgiris get drenched. Although not as sever as the July rains, November too sees episodes of landslides. In fact, when we visited Ooty in November, our Ooty Toy Train ticket got cancelled due to a landslide incident between Mettupalayam and Coonoor that left a large boulder blocking the train tracks. We then had to rebook out tickets to travel just the distance between Coonoor and Ooty to not to miss out on this UNESCO Heritage experience.

So, to give you the short answer, yes, Ooty is safe to travel , but the long answer is, to exercise caution with regards to the weather and landslide alerts in the Nilgiris region, especially if you are traveling between July and November.

Ooty being the most visited hill station in South India faces certain challenges in its peak seasons due to over-tourism. Since May 2024, the government of Tamil Nadu has imposed certain travel regulations for visiting Ooty, and introduced an e-pass system for all tourists visiting from outside the Nilgiris district.

If you are traveling to Ooty by a vehicle NOT registered in the Nilgiris district, you will need to obtain an e-pass from this website after submitting personal details like the number of visitors, duration of stay and the purpose of visit.

You don’t need to worry as everyone would be issued an e-pass free of cost! After you registered, you will get a QR code which will need to be scanned at the entry and exit points to Ooty. However, if you are entering Ooty by public transport like the toy train or the state bus, then you don’t need the pass.

Another regulation, which was introduced for April-May in 2024 and that may be continued in the coming years is peak season traffic regulation . May is the month of Annual Flower Show in Ooty, which sees a massive tourist inflow. In 2024 May, vehicles going to Ooty from Mettuplayam were allowed to take only the Coonoor Road, while vehicles returning from Ooty were allowed to travel by Kotagiri route only.

Furthermore, all medium to heavy vehicles like tourist buses and tempo travelers were banned from entering Ooty from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. These traffic regulations may be reinforced every May to tackle traffic and vehicular pollution in Ooty.

Ooty Travel Guide: Places to Visit

A must-see in Ooty , Ooty Lake is an artificial lake created over 200 years ago by damming water from streams through the mountains. The lake and the tourism facilities surrounding it offer a great deal for you to spend a couple of hours here. Here you can have different types of boating experiences, such as paddle boating, rowing, and motor boating.

The park adjoining the lake also has an in-house amusement park with games and activities. When we visited Ooty Lake, we had the most fun paddle boating as a family. There is also a place in the Ooty Lake park where you can go horse-riding. The garden and the many eateries in the vicinity offers a great place to relax and chill with your dear ones.

We found several boating spots in Ooty, but Ooty Lake offers the cheapest rates.

Ooty Lake is a famous boating spot in Ooty

Thread Garden

If you are someone who appreciates art and handicraft, Thread Garden should be on your list of places to visit in Ooty.

Thread Garden houses a landscape, complete with flowers, lawn, and a Toda hut, entirely made of thread, wire, and glue. The artifacts are created using a technique called “four-dimensional hand wound embroidery.” The specialty of this technique is that no machine or even needle is used to make them.

Thread Garden is the brainchild of Mr. Antony Joseph that was executed with the support of skilled workers and took about twelve years to fruition. Through the guide at the Garden, I came to know that Thread Garden is mentioned in India Book of Records , Tamilnadu Book of Records , and Unique World Records as a unique and the first thread garden in the world.

If you want to explore Thread Garden, you can spot it right outside and opposite to the Ooty Lake entrance. You need to pay an entrance fee to enter the exhibition hall and can expect to spend about thirty minutes inside.

What I liked the best about the place was that the in-house guide explains in detail about the meticulous techniques involved in making of these craft. After listening to it, I developed a strong sense of appreciation for the craftswomen behind this art. Thread Garden also sells these handmade thread crafts, so if you are looking to buy a souvenir in Ooty, this one place to get them.

Thread garden, showing handicrafts made with thread, a place to visit in Ooty

Botanical Gardens

One of the most renowned and talked about places to visit in Ooty, the Government Botanical Gardens is a 55 acres expanse of plants, herbs, and trees of many indigenous and exotic varieties. It has been around for almost two hundred years now and has only gained in charms over these years.

The place houses brilliantly colored flowers all throughout the year, making it a year-round destination. Botanical Gardens is open from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm and you need to pay an entrance fee to visit the place. Expect to spend a good 2-3 hours in the Botanical Gardens.

Every year, the Tourism Department conducts a two-day flower show in the Botanical Gardens in the month of May. This is the time for you to flock to Ooty to behold the splendid sight. We visited in November, post monsoon rains, and even then the garden painted a beautiful picture in front of us.

Ashley’s Tip: Government Botanical Gardens is a must-see on an Ooty trip. This means that every tourist and students from schools and colleges come in large numbers to visit the garden. It is best to get there by 7:00 am or after 2:30 pm. Otherwise, chances are high that you will end up spending a considerable amount of time waiting in queue for your entry tickets. We got in after 2:30 pm when most school trips were concluding and so we got to pose in front of beautiful landscapes.

Red flowers in fron of Italian garden in Ooty Botanical Garden.

If you are planning a 3 day trip covering Ooty and Coonoor, here is a practical and budget-friendly itinerary .

Doddabetta Peak

Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiris, is 2637 meters from the sea level. This is a great place to visit in Ooty with family as it is accessible by road and does not require hiking. The view from the top is breathtaking with a view of the valley and mountain ranges through the mist.

Ashley’s Tips: Doddabetta Peak may be closed during the monsoon season due to heavy rain, slippery roads, and occasional tree fall that can block the road. Always check with the locals before heading to the place.

Wenlock Downs

Famously known as “shooting point,” Wenlock Downs is a favorite spot among the Bollywood filmmakers. Wenlock Downs is a meadow on a vast expanse of land and a sight to behold. The summer camp you see in the Bollywood movie, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai , was shot here. You can also take horse rides here.

Ashley’s Tips: Two things you need to watch out for in Wenlock Downs are horse droppings and slippery grass. So, inspect the area before sitting down and avoid uncomfortable footwear when visiting the place. While the meadows look spectacular, we were forced to look at the ground while walking out of fear of stepping on horse droppings!

Wenlock Downs is a place to visit in Ooty

Pykara Waterfalls

Pykara Waterfalls and Pykara Lake are two attractions in Ooty that are just 3 km apart. These are on the same route as Wenlock Downs and can be easily clubbed together. Pykara Lake offers boating facility but can be pricey compared to Ooty Lake.

The entry to the Pykara Waterfalls viewing area is through a village. After paying the nominal entry fee, you have to walk down on a concrete lane for about 700 meters to react the viewing area. You can also hire a battery car operated from the ticket office area for a per person charge to reach the waterfall.

Do note that you cannot enter the falls as it is dangerous and hence properly barricade. It is safe to take children to view the waterfalls.

Pykara waterfalls, a place to visit in Ooty

If I could change one thing about my Ooty trip, I would have skipped Pykara Waterfalls from it. There is a lot of walking required to reach Pykara Waterfalls. I was traveling with my one-year old son and elderly parents, it was not so comfortable or exciting.

Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake, situated about 25 km from the town center, is part of the Nilgiris Forest Reserve. Here you will find nothing but nature in its wild and raw state. A splendid lake, a safari to the forest reserve, and an opportunity for fishing in the lake are the main attractions of the place. Avalanche Lake is a must-see in Ooty for nature lovers.

You can reach Avalanche Lake checkpoint by private vehicle, which is a one-hour drive. From here you need to get permits for the bus or jeep safari. Try to reach early in the morning to avoid wasting your time standing in queue for the permits.

The drive to Avalanche Lake checkpoint can be a bumpy one as the roads are not in their best state for the most part of the year.

Ashley’s Tip: If you are visiting Ooty between July and September, do visit Avalanche Lake for some trout fishing.

Other Places to Visit in Ooty

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is a serene and picturesque spot located about 25 kilometers from Ooty, nestled in the Silent Valley. It is an ideal place for a peaceful day out, offering scenic views of the surrounding tea plantations and crystal-clear waters. The calm environment makes it perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Needle Rock Viewpoint

Needle Rock Viewpoint, also known as Oosi Malai, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys, with the landscape appearing needle-shaped from a distance. Situated near Gudalur, about 40 kilometers from Ooty, this viewpoint provides a stunning vantage point for sunrise and sunset. The breathtaking view and fresh mountain air make it a must-visit for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Rose Garden

Ooty’s Rose Garden is a vibrant attraction, spread over 10 acres and home to more than 20,000 varieties of roses. Located on the slopes of Elk Hill, the garden features terraced landscaping with lush green surroundings, offering a visual treat for visitors. It’s an ideal spot for leisurely walks, photography, and enjoying the colorful blooms.

Tribal Research Centre

The Tribal Research Centre, located about 10 kilometers from Ooty, is a museum and research institution dedicated to the indigenous tribes of the Nilgiris. Visitors can explore artifacts, cultural exhibits, and historical information about the tribal communities that inhabit the region. It offers a unique cultural experience, providing insight into the heritage and traditions of the local tribes.

Wax World, situated near Ooty Lake, is a small museum that showcases life-sized wax statues of famous Indian personalities. The museum also features displays depicting scenes from rural village life in India, making it an interesting and educational visit for both adults and children. It’s a quirky stop for those looking to explore something different in Ooty.

Famous Temples to Visit in Ooty

Elk Hill Murugan Temple
Mariamman Temple
Toda Temple

A handicraft at Ooty Thread Garden showing a Toda Hut

Famous Churches to Visit in Ooty

St Stephen’s Church
Holy Trinity Church
Sacred Heart Cathedral

If you have a day or two to spare, make sure you visit Coonoor to make the most out of your trip.

A view of Ketti Valley from Ooty, a place to visit in Ooty

Coonoor Travel Guide

Ooty Toy Train : Timings, Ticket Fare and What to Expect

Ooty Travel Guide: Things to Do

Here are some fun activities to do in Ooty.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The most exciting thing we did on our trip was riding the famous heritage train. Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a meter gauge rack railway that runs from Metupalayam to Udagamandalam (Ooty railway station). In 2005 UNESCO declared Nilgiri mountain railway a World Heritage Site.

You can book the ticket on the IRCTC website and head on an out-of-the-world journey through the valleys and hills in the Nilgiri mountain range.

The Railway Museum at Metupalayam station can give you a good idea about the history and evolution of the Nilgiri mountain railway. You can also get down at Coonoor and explore the place.

The train ride is, according to me, the best tourist attraction in Ooty.

The journey uphill from Metupalayam to Ooty is 5 hours long. There are no toilets in the train. Make use of the station toilets before you get on.

Peeping out from the window in ooty toy train

Read my detailed article on Nilgiri Mountain Railway for all the information you need.

The entrance toNilgiri Mountain railway, a major attraction in Ooty

The Tea Factory and the Tea Museum

The Tea Factory and the Tea Museum is a great place for you to learn about the history and evolution of tea. Did you know that The Tea Factory and Tea Museum in Ooty is the highest elevated tea factory in southern India?

At a nominal fee of ₹10 you can take a peek into the tea making process of “cut, twist, and curl,” and taste a few varieties of teas.

Ashley’s Tip: There are a couple of tea factories in Ooty, but there is only one tea museum situated at the highest elevation. So, take a long look at the photo of The Tea Factory and the Tea Museum below, and save it on your phone so that you can show it to your driver and ask him to take you to that exact place, if you are particular about it. I am saying this because our auto driver took us to another tea museum instead and we got scammed.

Ooty Tea factory is a must visit place in Ooty.

Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai National Park is a part of the Nilgiri biosphere with hundreds of species of animals, birds and fauna. You can have jungle safari, elephant safari, or hiking in the National Park. Here, you can even spend a night as there are various accommodation options available.

Mudumalai National Park is more accessible to someone taking the Mysuru-Ooty road. And while you are there you can visit, Masinagudi, a small and beautiful hill station that is a part of Mudumalai National Park.

Ashley’s Tip: If you want to spot animals, the best time to visit is during the summer months of February to May when animals and birds frequent the lakes to cool themselves down. This is also a great time to sport migratory birds

One of the reasons why Ooty gets so many tourists is its accessibility. I explain here how you can reach the place by road, rail, and air.

If you are traveling from north of Ooty, such as Mysuru (Mysore) or Bengaluru (Bangalore), the Mysuru-Ooty Road is the way. Ooty is about 7 hours from Bengaluru by road. Masinagudi and Needle Rock Viewpoint are bonuses on the way to Ooty, in this route.

If visiting Ooty from Mangalore or north Kerala, it is best to travel via Mananthavady. However, from anywhere else in Kerala, Ooty can be reached via Coimbatore-Metupalayam Road.

You need to reach Mettupalayam to go to Ooty by road, if you are traveling to Ooty from anywhere in Tamil Nadu. State bus services ply from major cities across Tamil Nadu to Ooty.

This is my favorite mode of transportation as Ooty has its own railway station, named Udagamandalam. The famous UNESCO heritage toy train runs between Mettupalaym and Udagamandalam.

If you want to reach Udagamandalam railway station, you need to reach Mettupalayam railway station.

You can reach Mettupalayam by train from Chennai on the Nilgiri Superfast Express. Similarly, from Tirunelveli or Madurai, you can reach Mettupalayam by Tirunelveli Mettupalayam Express, which starts from Tirunelveli every Thursday. There are also many passenger trains running between Mettupalayam and Coimbatore.

Ashley on Ooty Toy train at Coonoor railway station.

Coimbatore is the nearest airport to Ooty. You can catch flights to Coimbatore from any major cities in India. Coimbatore airport is 87 km from Ooty.

While Ooty is considered a year-round tourist destination, April to June and September to November are considered the best time to visit Ooty. Depending on the time you plan your trip, the Nilgiris can give you different experiences.

April to June

April, May, and June are the summer months when the average temperature is about 25 °C. It is cool, the view up on the mountains is spectacular, and it is a great time for hiking. The major attractions in Ooty like Botanical Gardens and Rose Garden look their best in the summer season.

This is also the time for summer vacation in schools, so brace yourself for peak season hotel charges, large crowds, and heavy traffic.

July and August

These are the monsoon months when the Nilgiris can get quite drenched. If you want to avoid the crowd or intent to spent most of your trip in a tea plantation or a resort with in-house activities, this might be the best time as hotel charges are the cheapest at this time.

September to November

September to November is the time when the rains start making way for a chilly and misty weather in the Nilgiri hills. You can see nature bloom in front of your eyes with new fauna of different colors and shape.

The valleys look beautiful and green. The lakes and waterfalls are at their fullest and mightiest. There could be occasional drizzle here and there

This is the second peak season in Ooty, which definitely brings in the crowd. You can cover most of the tourist places in Ooty, however, this may not be the best time for hiking or visiting places like Doddabetta Peak as the roads may get too slippery.

December to March

The winters in Nilgiri can be between 5 °C to 18 °C. If you are planning to visit mostly the top tourist spots in Ooty and not planning for any adventure, this is a great time. As visibility is quite low during the winter season, driving may get challenging during early morning and evening.

Ashley’s Tip: If planning to spend most of the time in a resort and not planning on touring the famous spots, choose off-season months to get cheapest deals on your stay.

Hiring a private car is the best way to get around and visit all major attractions in Ooty. You can contact your hotel to arrange a vehicle for you. For places like Botanical Gardens and Ooty Lake, an autorickshaw or even the SETC buses (Tamil Nadu state-run buses) are affordable options.

Chocolate: King Star, Moddy’s Chocolates

Tea: High Hill Tea

Café: Earl’s Secret, Cocoapods, Willy’s Coffee Pub

South Indian: Hotel Junior Kuppanna (non-vegetarian), Adayar Ananda Bhavan (vegetarian)

North Indian: Kailash Parbat (vegetarian), Pankaj Bhojanalaya (Jain options available)

Continental: Earl’s Secret, Place To Bee, Angaara

For a more detailed review of the best restaurants in Ooty , check this blog.

Whatever you need to buy in Ooty, you can find it in the two-and-a-half kilometers stretching from Udagamandalam railway station to Botanical Garden. The street is rightly called Commercial Road.

Here you can get anything from woolen (Tibetan Market), to handicrafts, spices, homemade chocolates, essential oils, and the famous Ooty varky. An evening stroll through Commercial Road is all you need to complete your Ooty shopping.

What to pack for Ooty depends significantly on when you are visiting.

Clothing : If traveling in the winter months from November to February, carry heavy woolens; at any other time of the year, light woolens will do. Polyester jackets are great for the time between July to November as there may be rains and your woolens may not dry quick enough if it you were to get drenched. If you are visiting in April to June, you will only need a light jacket for night as days are quite warm.

Footwear : Some of the major tourist attractions in Ooty require you to walk on uneven terrain. Carry your comfortable walking shoes .

Umbrella or Raincoat : If visiting in the monsoon months from July to September, a raincoat is a must. Nilgiris receive rain 9 months a year, so it is best to carry an umbrella with you for any unanticipated rain. We visited in November and it rained a couple of times.

Skincare: Sunscreen is a must in Ooty as you will be out in the sun with very little shade most of the time. I like to carry separate body sunscreen and separate noncomedogenic sunscreen for my face.

The cold weather may be harsh on your skin, so carry a nourishing body lotion , hydrating lip balm and face moisturizer . If you are visiting Ooty in the winter months of December and January, I would recommend a ceramide-based face moisturizer .

Ooty Trip with Babies and Kids

I visited Ooty when my son was 1.5 years old. He was running a fever so was extra cranky. If you are planning to visit Ooty with a baby or little kids, here are some things you need to know.

First, kids and hill stations make the perfect combination for motion sickness. Keep additional clothing handy in the diaper bag just in case you will need to change them.

If you are visiting in own car, use a baby car seat . This is not only safer but considerably reduces the baby’s movement on the zigzag hairpin roads.

One baby gear that made my Ooty trip a breeze with my little one was my baby carrier . I could carry him around hands-free and comfortably while I explored the meadows of Wenlock Downs and the valleys of pine forest in Ooty.

For your baby’s skincare, I would recommend a good baby lotion and a baby-safe sunscreen .

Carry sufficient snacks and water with you to keep your little one satiated. They may not be used to all the walking they would have to do to explore Ooty’s attractions.

The best things to do in Ooty with kids is Toy Train ride, exploring rides and boating at Ooty Lake, taking a stroll in Botanical Garden, Jungle Safari at Mudumalai National Park, and trout fishing at Avalanche Lake. I would recommend NOT visiting Pykara Waterfalls with kids as there is a lot of walking involved and we didn’t find it worth it.

Wrapping Up Ooty Travel Guide

To conclude, the best places to visit in Ooty are Ooty Lake, Thread Garden, Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Wenlock Downs, Pykara Lake, and Avalanche Lake. If you are visiting Ooty from Bangalore or Mysore, do add Masinagudi and Needle Rock Viewpoint to your Ooty itinerary.

The best things to do in Ooty are experiencing Ooty Toy Train, visiting a tea factory, and exploring nature at Mudumalai National Park. Taking a cab is the best way to get around in Ooty.

Ooty Travel guide, a view if Kethi valley and pine forest, places to visit in Ooty

Did you find this Ooty Travel Guide useful in planning your trip? How was your Ooty trip? Did you find or experience anything that I should mention here? Let me know in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you.

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Image Credits : Avalanche Lake , Ooty Tea Factory and Tea Museum

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The first-time traveller's guide to Ooty: Where to stay, eat and what to do in this beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu

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There’s a calm about hill stations that ebbs over the years; crowds thicken, and the local culture simply must respond by adding more and more metropolitan elements to an otherwise laid-back, sleepy hilltop town. The miracle of Ooty (short for ‘Udhagamandalam’) in Tamil Nadu is that it has managed to preserve that precious sleepiness, while still not being devoid of a quality experience. The beautiful Southern hills have an old-world charm that is near-impossible to come upon in 2022, and still enough quaint cafes, nature-centric activities, and world-class chocolateries to put a firm fence between quiet and ‘boring’...

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Savoy, Ooty-IHCL SeleQtions

There’s really only one decision to make when you’re choosing a place to set up base in Ooty; are you after a hotel with your creature comforts, or is a cute BnB with the character more your vibe? If you answered with the former, you’ll like the Savoy, Ooty-IHCL SeleQtions , a heritage hotel that’s been a landmark in the cloud-covered hills of Ooty since 1829. You’ll find yourself surrounded by flora (over 150 kinds) at the 40 key hotel, which has lovely cottages beside the Nilgiris tea estates and a lovely colonial-style restaurant perfect for evenings that you don’t want to step out for a meal. Sterling Ooty Elk Hill is a good four-star second choice, set at 7,349 feet above sea level; ergo arresting views and–bonus–a fabulous pool. However, if the latter seems a better fit, there’s no dearth of great AirBnBs you can check out; try looking specifically for StayVista at The Berg (2BR w/ Bkfst and Valley View) which is a stunning space that can house six guests, or the Stayvista@Lilly Premium 4BHK Villa if you’re looking for a modern, art deco space instead.

Earl’s Secret

Begin, as one should, with a breakfast of champion; and of piping hot dosas and fluffy idlis at The Garden Restaurant in Charing Cross. Lunch places are aplenty; you could do Curry and Rice in Fern Hill if you’re feeling like some Armenian food, or Hyderabad Biryani House in Elk Hill if you’re craving some spicy rice and tender mutton. Choose from its myriad cafes from your 5 pm java; Earl’s Secret in Marlimund is a stunning glass house that makes for gorgeous pictures to go with its gorgeous Scotch Eggs and Pasta Primavera, while Ooty Coffee House is old-school, with a filter coffee that will sire refills. There’s also Nahar's Sidewalk Cafe , if truly quaint and old-world Ooty with a touch of yesteryear warmth–and woodfired pizza–is what you’re after. If Chinese sounds good for dinner, head to Shinkows for some Chopsuey and Chilli Buff, or try Ascot Multi-Cuisine Restaurant for a sit-down meal of hot-off-the-grill barbecue. End the night by nipping into Kingstar Confectionery for a boxful of those famous Ooty chocolates; and one for the road, of course.

Moddy’s Chocolates

Sure, you can get a lot of lovely handicrafts, clothes and decor in Ooty; but you’d be remiss if you didn’t segment a good part of your day for some chocolate shopping. The handmade chocolates in Ooty are exquisite; easily our answer to Flanders or Glarus (the homes of Callebaut and Läderach respectively). Stop by the famous Moddy’s Chocolates for their Irish Cream truffles and Raspberry BonBons, or M&N Chocolate Museum for some exquisite bean-to-bar. If it's a market you’re after, Lower Bazaar Road is great for quality fabrics, while Tibetan Market is souvenir central; piled high with stunning shawls and avant-garde handicrafts. Chamraj Tea Shop and Doddabetta Tea Factory Souvenir Shoppe both bode well if you’d like to pick up some of the estate’s finest to brew back home. But any book lover must make the Ooty Higginbothams a high-priority stop; the beautiful Victorian-style bookstore is packed with all the popular and rare(r) books your heart could desire.

Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train

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There’s a good chance your agenda entails nothing more than weekending with great books and fresh-off-the-stove chai. However, if you tend to run active on vacations, the sweet little town has enough excursions in keeping with its storybook setting that make for a lovely afternoon. Start with a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train , a 46 km journey through a UNESCO World Heritage Site replete with luxuriant emerald forests enveloping you throughout. People drawn to water will enjoy both the Pykara Waterfall and the Pykara lake , with summer speedboat rides that will warrant pictures in a vacation scrapbook. You might dub this an off-brand Tussauds, but The Wax World Museum , set in a 130 year old Colonial Mansion, is actually an Indian history edit that’s quite interesting. Stop by the bamboo Toda Huts , where the local tribes of Ooty live, and end with a detour to Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint , situated 1550 metres above sea level for unfettered views of the tea plantations.

Closest Airport: Coimbatore

How to get there: Drive from Coimbatore airport (88 kilometres away)

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About Ooty – The Uncrowned Queen Of Hill Stations

Ooty is a beautiful hill town located in Tamil Nadu and famous among those who come seeking for natural beauty, tranquility and uniqueness. Ooty or Ootacamundis called as the Queen of hill stations and is an important tourist attraction and honeymoon destination in Southern India.

Ooty is the Narnia of spellbound tea gardens, dew filled vegetation, pine forest, picnic spots, valleys, trekking routes and much more. If you are looking for a destination that will lead you closer to the nature , Ooty is the best spot to choose. Read here about Ooty Travel guide like best places to Visit, How to Reach etc.

Best Places to Visit in Ooty

Doddabetta Mountain Peak
Mountain Toy Train
Government Rose Garden
Avalanche Lake
Mukurthi National Park
Emerald Lake
Stephen Church
Government Museum Of Ooty
Botanical Garden
Stone House Of Ooty
Pykara Waterfalls
Tiger Hills

Weekend Getaways from Ooty

Apart from these interesting spots, you can enjoy a weekend trip from Ooty to surrounding tourist destinations like

Sulthan Bathery

Also Read : Best Weekend Getaways from Bangalore

How to Reach Ooty

This destination is one of the most frequently visited destinations. Thus, road route to the hill station is smooth and easy to access. No matter where you are, you need to reach Ooty via Coimbatore or Madurai . Madurai to Ooty is one of the least sought routes unless your itinerary includes Madurai. Distance between Coimbatore and Ooty is 90 km and more than three-fourth of this distance is the winding hill route. The nearest international airport is located in Coimbatore. There is also an airport in Madurai. Madurai is 290 km away and You can easily find flights from various cities inside Tamil Nadu and from other states to Coimbatore, every day.

From the airport, you can find cabs, mini-buses, jeeps and other road transportation that will take you directly to Ooty. If you are planning to choose train travel , you can reach Mettupalayam, which is around 40 km away from Coimbatore, on the route to Ooty. From Mettupalayam, you can find the heritage toy train, which takes you to Ooty. You can also find direct trains from Chennai, Coimbatore, Coonoor and other destinations.

You can find cabs from Coimbatore or Madurai to Ooty throughout the year. However, the price of the service varies with season. Government buses runs from and to Ooty, every day at frequent intervals.

Best Time to Visit Ooty

Since the medieval times, Ooty has been a summer resort spot. The summer starts in March and ends in May and it is the tourism season. During this season, the climate remains pleasant. All the tourist activities will be open to tourists and all trekking routes will be accessible. You can find flowering plants at bloom during this season. The botanical garden and rose garden will be at prime beauty during this season. Early morning plantation stroll is more pleasing during summer season . Apart from all these, summer is the best time for enjoying the tourism festival that takes place in May. You can find exhibition, flower shows, guided tours and much more. Many unique souvenirs are commonly at sale during summer season.

The monsoon season is one of the most aesthetically pleasing times for Ooty. The place receives mild to moderate drizzling and the vegetation will be filled with dewdrops. Yet, this is the worst time to visit the place. The first reason is the increased risk of landslides due to continuous rain. This increases the risk of reaching Ooty and enjoying other adventure activities. The second reason is that the cloud cover will be heavy and the sky will not be clear enough to enjoy any view point. Mist makes it harder for any activity. Vegetation will be sprouting during this season and thus, flowers and fruits are not commonly spotted. Monsoon starts in July and ends in October.

Winter is very cold in Ooty and mist is very heavy. Winter starts in November and ends in February. If you are visiting in winter, make sure to view all attractions before evening. As the evening approaches, the place gets filled with mist.

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Ooty Travel Blog: Our Incredible 3-day Trip

Ooty travel blog : Sitting by the pavements of our campus, we were all excited about the trip we’d planned out – a 3 days visit to Ooty . We all had our phones out, one planning the transport, others calculating the itinerary budget, while I looked for cheap homestays.

However, upon reaching – our booked stay changed, the car we had digested more fuel, and ultimately, the trip was nothing short of an adventure. This is our experience of Ooty, Tamil Nadu – Ooty travel blog.

Table of Contents

Ooty Travel Blog: Pictursque Hues on the Peaks

As we drove up the hills of Ooty through the hairpin curves, we couldn’t help but stick our heads out of the window. We even stopped at certain points for pictures where the buildings on the slopes added to colorful backdrops.

Never having visited Ooty before, I couldn’t get enough of the picturesque spot – the simple streets, the narrow curvy roads, and chocolates everywhere we went.

We were a group of 8, all my branch mates from college and also, hostellers like me. Since we had a week off on term end and most other kids had gone home, we had nothing to do on the campus.

That’s when we took off! We hadn’t had a trip in a long while since the pandemic and this was no doubt exciting, to begin with.

Driving to Ooty

Since we were a large group, we decided to rent a car for 6 of us. One guy had a Royal Enfield and he declared to bring that along. The transport got sorted out quickly – 2 on the bike and the 6 in the car.

We drove from Bangalore through Mysore and the Bandipur Tiger reserve down to Tamil Nadu Ooty through the steep hairpin curves.

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It was a 6-hour journey and 3 of us could drive (not me). So they took turns driving, each fighting on who’d drive up the curves on Ooty. In the end, my roommate who’d come along on the trip and not to mention, an excellent drive, took the wheel.

Thank god. I didn’t know how well the others drove, but I knew this guy drove smoothly. So we were in safe hands up the narrow curves after crossing the Bandipur reserve.

I could tell the route wasn’t for amateur drivers as huge buses and trucks zoomed past us by inches on the narrow paths. With blind spots, there were traffic mirrors on every hairpin curve for aid. To add to it was the chilly fog that slowly became denser as we moved up the mountains.

The Other Way to get There

Did you know self-driving rental cars are banned in Ooty? Call up any cab service in Ooty and they’ll offer you a tour with a chauffeur. I asked a couple of drivers myself and they said they don’t rent cars unassisted.

You can’t rent a self-drive car. You can tell the driver wherever you wish to go and he’ll take you. But you’re not driving. Madman, Ooty Travel Blog

With the roads narrow and tourists unused to them, rental cars aren’t allowed in Ooty anymore. Though the Bandipur reserve path was great, the recommended route (that we missed) is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway line (NMR) from Coimbatore. In fact, this train covers one of the best things to see in Ooty with it being a World Heritage site.

This is a 5-hour trip from Coimbatore where you get to land straight in Ooty train station. To say so much of it and we missed it .

We Changed our Stay TWICE!

I’d booked the stay for all 8 of us from Booking.com where we’d stay together. As we’d primarily focused on budget travel, we’d picked the cheapest one as it caught our eye right away.

But that’s where it went wrong. Our stay sure had the facilities mentioned on the site. But it didn’t say where it was. As we reached its address, we had come down a ditch with almost no view of the beautiful slopes we’d crossed.

So we asked our hosts for some arrangements and later got a villa with a beautiful view behind it for a sweet price.

Ooty Travel Tip: Check up the location of your stay and make sure to get one on the higher slopes overlooking the town below – their prices don’t differ much !

Here’s a map with some stays around the Ooty main city I found for you from Booking.com along with their prices and locations. Check out your preferred stay!

Driving Through Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Early at 5 am, I managed to drag myself out of my bed and get ready as we were leaving early. It was a 6 and a half-hour drive from Bangalore and we got all our things into the car and on the bike and we began.

Driving for two hours or so, we had breakfast at a vegetarian restaurant by the road and began our trip again. Renting out a comfortable Innova for our 3 days trip to Ooty was probably the best and most expensive thing on our budget. With its cushiony seats, we didn’t have trouble through the hours.

Besides, the views through the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (also called the Mudumalai reserve from Tamil Nadu) were exciting as we slowly drove through the sanctuary. We weren’t allowed to stop inside the reserve so we kept moving with our eyes wide open to catch a glimpse of an exotic breed.

mudumalai tiger reserve when visiting ooty

While we had no luck with tigers, we spotted plenty of deers, some elephants, and peacocks. The drive itself was exhilarating throughout.

3-Days Ooty Travel Diaries

I’ll be building an Ooty itinerary soon. But this is my Ooty travel blog – my experience of visiting the place in 3 days.

Day 1 in Ooty

Less than 3 days to be more accurate. As we reached Ooty, it was already over 12 in the afternoon. Our hosts suggested a place to dine in where it cost us much more than anticipated. We spent around Rs. 350 per person, it was EXPENSIVE.

Rs. 350 for an afternoon meal is great for once in a while, but we decided to be more cautious as we had to spend 3 days here. After all, food wasn’t the only thing we were going to spend on. But I’ve to say the meal was pretty good and some of us could barely finish it.

Our next stop was the villa which we were going to check out for the first time. Located on the higher slopes of a locality in Ooty called Tiger Hills, we had an epic view behind the stay with a garden and pathway out the front.

We made no hesitation – it was perfect! We rented it out right away.

Visiting the Ooty Markets

It was already late in the evening as we unpacked and left our villa again for a tour. So we decided to pay the markets of Ooty a visit. I think the market, unlike my assumptions, was the sweetest market I’ve visited.

With the plastic ban in Ooty, no junk skims on the roads, coffee shops offer hot chocolates in ceramic mugs rather than disposable cups, and the cold makes the smokes of grilled corn makes all the more pleasing.

Woolen attires including beanies with pom-poms, hot street-side delicacies, local chocolates and coffees, and exotic plants are some of the beauties one’s bound to see while strolling here.

After a couple of hours of roaming, buying some chocolates, and trying hot coffee, we called it a night and returned to our stay.

Day 2 – Touring the Town

While most of our team woke up lazily as the sun rose, I along with another guy who owned an iPhone (the same guy who drove really well), decided to stroll up the hill we were staying on. We passed by a few local houses, kids playing with firecrackers – yes in the morning , and then… bingo!

We hit a beautiful offbeat viewpoint towards the end of the path. The road ahead was blocked with the sign ‘Tiger Reservoir ahead, no trespassing allowed. But right before it was a high point overlooking the city down the valley.

With no vehicles and no soul around, we took in the mesmerizing air of the unperturbed wind. Not to mention, we got some amazing shots of the scenery.

Doddabetta Peak

Returning from the morning viewpoint, we freshened up for the day’s itinerary. We decided to visit the Doddabetta peak point first.

Since there were many things to see, we planned to see the places nearby to any attraction to visit. So heading up the curves of the Doddabetta Peak, we found a chocolate and tea factory and put it on our checklist.

Before the Doddabetta point, there was a road intersection with a steep view on one side where people had stopped to take pictures. Curious, we stopped here too only to find an amazing view of the tea plantations running down the hills from where we stood.

We decided to turn around from here as the road to Doddabetta went further down and felt like the view wouldn’t differ as much from our current spot.

Tea & Chocolate Factories

We turned back to the chocolate factory. For a mere Rs. 30 or so for each person, they took us for a tour around the processing of cacao to make chocolates and the tea processes… and we got a bar of chocolate each! Some white and some dark chocolates.

With so many chocolate and tea factories in Ooty, it’s difficult to describe which exact one did we visit. But to pinpoint, it lay next to the Eagles Dare Adventures – a site for sports like Sky Bridge walk, ziplining, and wall-climbing.

Pykara Lake

With none of the activities here in our budget, we headed to another nature spot after the tour – the Pykara Lake. We didn’t know what to expect from the place, but it wasn’t very exciting. Sure the pine trees loomed high making iconic Tyndall effects and the monkeys swung above us.

But you can find this elsewhere in Ooty – you need not visit the Pykara Lake for it.

Ooty Lake Boating House

The Ooty lake stands as one of the most popular spots to visit and the boating house even more. This is a fun-vee spot for kids with features of an amusement park, a tiny train track, and paddle boats.

There were more like shooting range spots. But it stood on the expensive range of activities. Moreover, it didn’t seem worth it as we could find all of these activities back home.

We did go for the paddle boat though making it a great end to the day.

However, it didn’t stop there, did it? Heading back to our stay, we stopped by the markets to pick up food and drinks for the evening – ultimately staying up late by a campfire, barely sober, and spilling out old honest stories.

Day 3: Visiting Coonoor

No, unlike the previous day, we hadn’t any energy to go for a quick morning walk up to Tiger hills. We all woke up late and lazily packed up the car again. We planned to visit Coonoor, another town 20 km from Ooty, and then head back to Bangalore .

However, with less time in hand for Coonoor, we could only visit one spot. And we chose to visit the Dolphin nose viewpoint.

Dolphin Nose Point Coonoor

Coonoor’s very similar to Ooty with its cacao and tea plantations. The Dolphin nose point, as its name suggests, is a point at the edge of a narrow peak with steep drops on either side of the road.

At its tip ‘The dolphin nose point’, you’ll hear the gush of waterfalls beneath you and if you’re lucky, you’ll see them through the mists below. We arrived at the point early when the shops still remain shut and other visitors slowly started flocking in after us.

We didn’t waste time any further as we’d had to drive back for 6 hours and make it back before dark. While an idli shop opened up here, it wasn’t worth the prices. So we headed back into the town of Coonoor and had lunch at a local dine-in at affordable rates and began our drive straight away.

Conclusion and Trip Budget

We came back to our Uni campus in time, a little over 7 in the evening. It was an exhausting ride back but it was an experience worth all of it. We got to see another elephant in the reserve and yet we wished we took a ride on the Ooty toy train.

But overall, the trip was worth it. We kept the whole plan dutch as the trip would get more expensive as we went.

We spent around Rs. 6000 per person and most of it was unsurprisingly for car fuel. The villa was much cheaper (around Rs. 300-400 per person per night) and the food got a little expensive. Some activities like boating and the entrance fee to many of the activities contribute to the rest of the expenses.

The extra expenditure went on some of the street side food like corn, and carrots, and not to mention the irresistible beanie pom beanie caps. I got two myself!

That sums up my Ooty travel blog. I’ve been reading a lot about travel lately and the next time I visit Ooty, I’ll keep an eye on more offbeat places.

I hope this post on the Ooty travel blog made your day better. Do me a favor and share it with your friends! Hope you have a great day :)

carrots in ooty market, ooty travel blog

Manas Patil

Hi there! I'm a 22-year-old dude all the way from India, I love traveling and building itineraries! Sign up and get your FREE COPY of my travel checklist to get the best of your next vacation!

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1 thought on “Ooty Travel Blog: Our Incredible 3-day Trip”

Wow, what a pleasant read! Your Ooty tour weblog fantastically captures the essence of this enthralling destination. The vivid descriptions and lovely visuals truly transport the reader to the serene landscapes and brilliant subculture of Ooty. I especially cherished [mention particular factors you enjoyed, like the insights on neighborhood delicacies or the designated exploration of attractions.

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A Perfect Ooty Itinerary For 4 Days – 96 Hours In Ooty

Udagamandalam or famously known as Ooty is a popular hill station located in the western ghats of Tamil Nadu. Tucked between the magnificent beauty of Nilgiri Hills, Ooty along with Kotagiri and Coonoor makes the Golden Triangle of Nilgiris . So, a visit to Ooty will introduce the beauty of tea estates, the diversity of plants & flowers at the botanical garden, magnificent views of Nilgiris from Doddabetta peak, amazing waterfalls, ancient Toda tribe at Todda village, scenic lake beauty and many more. But to make your Ooty trip memorable you would need a perfect itinerary that makes sure you’re at the right place at right time. So, here we shared the perfect Ooty itinerary for 4 days that make sure you’ll have the best time in Ooty –

Why Visit Ooty?

Ooty is a perfect place to visit for different kinds of vacations including family trips, backpacking trips, or honeymoons. Surrounded by the lush green beauty of Nilgiri hills, Ooty has no dearth of places to visit including tea estates, a government botanical garden, rose garden, Doddabetta peak, tiger hills, Nilgiri mountain railway and many more. And the proximity to Kotagiri and Coonoor gives you the options that everyone looking for vacation.

Best Time To Visit Ooty

Situated at an elevation of 2240 meters, Ooty is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year. However, October to May is the best time to visit Ooty .

How To Reach Ooty

Being the most popular hill station in the country Ooty is well connected to major cities and towns in South India and reaching it is very easy.
By Air: Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport to Ooty situated at a distance of 90 KM . From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ooty.
By Train: The nearest major railway station to Ooty is Coimbatore Junction, which is around 85 km away. From Coimbatore junction, you can take a taxi or bus to Ooty.
By Road: Ooty is well-connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore, and Chennai.
By Toy Train: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as the toy train, is a popular way to reach Ooty. The train runs from Mettupalayam, near Coimbatore, and takes you through scenic landscapes and tea plantations. It is a slow but enjoyable way to reach Ooty.

How Many Days Would Be Enough For Ooty?

The number of days would depend on your agenda. A minimum of 3 days would be needed to enjoy the local tourist attractions of Ooty. But there are many places that are not visited by travelers frequently. So, if you want to explore the offbeat attractions and nearby villages like Kotagiri and Coonoor then 5 days would be the minimum you need.

Ooty Itinerary

Day 1 in ooty.

Enjoy scenic views at Doddabetta Peak – 8 KM from Ooty
Explore the Government Botanical Garden – 6 KM from Doddabetta peak
Boating in Ooty lake – 4 Km from Botanical garden
Enjoy scenic ride on toy train

Capture photos at Ketti Valley View Point

Do some shopping in the Ooty market

Day 2 In Ooty

Explore beautiful lakes – Avalanche lake, Upper Bhavani lake and Emerald lake
Pykara Falls

Toda Village – 5 KM from Ooty

Halasana Falls – 12 KM from Ooty

Enjoy the sunset at Tiger Hill

Day 3 in ooty, needle view hill point – 40 km from ooty.

Explore Coonoor and stay – 20 KM from Ooty

Day 4 In Ooty

Explore Coonoor and day trip to Kotagiri – 19 KM from Ooty

Enjoy Scenic Views At Doddabetta Peak

Starts your day early in the morning with amazing views of the highlands of Mysore and Coimbatore plains from the highest peak of Nilgiri Hills , Doddabetta Peak. Located 8 KM from Ooty, it is a commercialized place which means you can expect a bit of a crowd.

There you can easily spend an hour enjoying the stunning views of the hills, forest and border of Tamil Nadu. There are a few food and tea stalls for refreshing yourself. And don’t miss the ice cream.

Entry Fee – 6 INR for adults and free for children

Explore the Government Botanical Garden – 6 KM from Doddabetta Peak

Just 6 KM from Doddabetta peak there is another famous sightseeing place named Government Botanical Garden. Spread over an area of 55 acres, Government Botanical Garden is home to thousands of exotic and local plants & trees including hundred species of ferns, groups of flowering plants, herbs, bonsai plants, fruit trees, rare plants and many more.

If you’re visiting Ooty during summer (May) then don’t miss out the Summer Festival which is a flower show in this garden. Overall, it is a great place for nature lovers to spend good time in peace.

Timing – 7 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry Fee – 30 INR for adults, 15 INR for Children, 50 INR for taking still camera and 100 INR for taking video camera.

Boating in Ooty lake – 4 KM from Botanical garden

Spread over an area of 65 acres, Ooty lake is an artificial lake that is famous for boating. The primary purpose to built this lake was fishing but with time it becomes a prominent tourist attraction of Ooty. In the summer festival, Ooty lake hosts a boat race that attracts tourists from all around.

Surrounded by the trees of eucalyptus, you can sit here and enjoy a sense of calmness. There are shops around the lake selling herbal oils and local handcrafts including eucalyptus oil and shawls.

Things to do here – Motor boating, paddle boating, row boating, cycling, horse riding, photography, having fun at an amusement park and enjoying the local food.
Timing – 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee – 13 INR per person
Boating charge – 240 INR for a 2-seater paddle boat, 260 for a 4-seater and 290 for a 6-seater paddle boat.

Enjoy the Scenic Ride of Toy Train

After boating in Ooty lake now it’s time to enjoy the scenic ride of the famed Nilgiri Hill Mountain Railway. A train ride to Coonoor from the Ooty railway station is one of the best things you can do in Ooty. The journey from Ooty to Coonoor will take 1 hour and 15 minutes. During the journey, you’ll get to see the lush green surroundings of western ghats, tea estates, serene lakes, verdant meadows, scenic villages and beautiful tunnels.

Either you can book tickets online on the IRTC website or book tickets through the ticket counter at Ooty railway station which is situated next to the bus stand. But due to the popularity of the toy train tickets get sold out pretty quickly so make sure you stand in front of the queue.

After reaching the Coonoor you can take a cab or bus to reach Ooty back.

Ticket Price – 205 INR per person in first class, 30 INR per person in second class and 15 INR for the unreserved category.

Located on the Ooty Coonoor road just 4 KM from Ooty, the Ketti Valley viewpoint is the best place in Ooty to watch mesmerizing sunsets & sunrise. Often referred to as the Switzerland of South India, Ketti Valley viewpoint provides panoramic views of Ketti Valley which is the largest valley in Nilgiris . There is a telescope room to get a clear view of the valley.

This place is perfect for nature lovers who love to spend time in peace while watching the sunset over the horizon of lush green meadows. The valley is home to many ancient tribes including Todas and Badagas which you’re going to explore on day 2.

Do Some Shopping in Ooty Market

Now it’s time to end day 1 in Ooty with shopping in the Ooty market. Roaming around the bustling market while shopping and eating is the best thing you can do in Ooty after sunset. Essential oils, chocolates, tea, coffee and handcrafts are the best thing you can buy.

Explore Beautiful Lakes – Avalanche lake, Upper Bhavani lake and Emerald lake

Start your day 2 in Ooty with the serenity of lakes located around Ooty. Leave early in the morning around 7 AM so you can skip the crowd and have the best time enjoying the scenic beauty of the lakes.

Surrounded by captivating flowers and trees, Avalanche lake is situated at a distance of 21 KM from the Ooty bus stand. After reaching the lake you’ll be awestruck by its sheer elegance, simplicity and grace. This beautiful lake is best to enjoy mountain trekking, rafting, trout fishing, horse riding, rappelling and open jeep riding.

Just 5 KM from Avalanche lake there is another beautiful lake named Emerald lake. Nestled amidst the dense forest, tea estates and mountains this picture-perfect lake is perfect to spend quality time with family and friends. Sitting here while admiring its natural beauty gives you mental peace.

Now it’s time to visit the lesser-known and hidden beauty of Ooty, Upper Bhavani Lake. Prior permission from the forest department is needed to enter the area. It is the most beautiful lake in Ooty so we must recommend to you include this place in Ooty’s itinerary.

To reach the lake first you’ve to reach the forest department office from where you’ll get the jeep or bus which takes you to the Upper Bhavani lake. The entire back & froth journey will take around 2 hour time.

Located 5 KM from Ooty, Toad is a beautiful ancient village known for the Toda tribe and Toda huts. Toda huts are small unique huts-type rooms built of bamboo and decorated by the Toda art form. These huts look cute and beautiful. During the visit to this village, you can learn about their culture, food, clothes and a number of things about their community like the Toda tribe wearing homemade shawls and jewelry and their livelihood depends on dairy farming. And the most fascinating thing about this tribe is that their land is a UNESCO world heritage site .

Halasana Falls – 12 KM from Ooty

Gushes from a height of 150 feet, Halasana falls is a beautiful waterfall located on the privately owned property of Kollamuby Estate. To visit these falls you need to take permission from the owner.

The natural beauty of this fall will leave you awestruck especially after reaching the top which gives you a scenic view of the estate.

Day 2 in Ooty will end with mesmerizing sunset from Tiger Hill. Perched at the lower region of Doddabetta peak, Tiger Hill is the perfect place for relaxation in Ooty. At the top of the hill, there is a freshwater reservoir and cave which quenches the thirst of those who come here. There is also a resort that offers the perfect stay.

Start your day 3 with the 360-degree view of Nilgiris mountains at Needle View Hill Point. Located in a place called Guddalur on the Ooty-Mysore route, Needle View Hill Point is the place where you can literally touch the clouds . It is also known as the Needle viewpoint or Soochi Malai.

Away from the hustle and bustle of town, it is a perfect place for nature lovers who love to spend time alone.

To reach the top you need to walk for 1 KM. But it’s all worth it as you’ll get the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, Bandipur and some parts of Mysore & Kerala.

Explore Coonoor And Stay – 20 KM from Ooty

Your trip to Ooty can’t be complete without visiting Coonoor . After Ooty, Coonoor is the second largest hill station in Nilgiri Hills . Blessed with a subtropical highland climate, Coonoor enjoys pleasant climate throughout the year. The famous toy train of the Nilgiri railway passes through the Coonoor. It will take 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Coonoor from Ooty via toy train.

Coonoor is home to a wide range of flora & fauna especially various kinds of wildflowers and birds. The unparalleled landscape of Coonoor provides the perfect setting for activities like trekking, hiking, and mountain biking. The abundance of tea plantations makes the surroundings beautiful enough to attract travelers.

Things to do in Coonoor

Learn about tea processing in detail at Highfield tea factory.
Enjoy a good time with your family at Sim’s park.
Explore beautiful waterfalls – Katary falls, Law’s falls, and Catherine falls.
Enjoy the scenery at Hidden Valley.

Explore Coonoor and Day Trip To Kotagiri – 19 KM from Coonoor

After spending a good time in Coonoor now it’s time to explore the 3rd hill station of Nilgiri Hills, Kotagiri. Surrounded by the blue mountains and Shola forests, the natural beauty of Kotagiri will leave you amazed. Even a short drive from Coonoor or Ooty to Kotagiri is magnificent with the fragrance of tea and lush green trees flanking both sides of roads.

The beautiful landscapes of Kotagiri offer a number of opportunities for trekking, hiking and rock climbing. Also, the leisure walks through the tea plantation allow you to watch the locals pluck the tea leaves.

Things to do in Kotagiri

Trek to Kodanad, Catherine falls and Longwood Shola.
Watch the splendor of Elk Falls.
Witness the past of Kotagiri at John Sullivan Memorial.

Where To Stay In Ooty?

Being India’s most renowned hill station Ooty has no dearth of staying options. From a luxurious resort with a private balcony to a campsite away from the city which gives you the nomadic experience or a budget-friendly hostel to engage with minded tourists like you, Ooty has all kinds of accommodations. But choosing accommodation will depend on your agenda, a hotel near the bus stand will give you the option to explore the attraction with ease while a resort away from the bustling city amidst a jungle will give you mental peace. So here we listed the best places to stay in Ooty with the cheapest booking code –

Best Hostels In Ooty

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to visit ooty.

Yes, Ooty is generally a safe place to visit. The town is well-developed and caters to a large number of tourists throughout the year. The crime rate in Ooty is low. However, you need to take a few things like avoiding climbing the hill after sunset as the region gets dark and the private taxi drivers in Ooty are not safe.

Which are the best places to visit in Ooty?

Doddabetta peak, Ooty, Upper Bhavani Lake, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Government botanical garden, Pykara falls, Nilgiri mountain railway, Murugan temple, Toda village, Ketti valley viewpoint, avalanche lake and Wenlock downs 9th mile shooting point are the best places to visit in Ooty.

Hi Guys, My Name is Pursottam Saini, living the life of my dream – From traveling one destination to another and seeing the places I still don’t believe.

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Ooty Travelogue With Things To Do | Awesome Ooty Weather with Travel story

Ooty Travelogue – The Queen of hill stations – The name always fascinated me with the imagination of calm weather, the lush green landscape covered with misty hills and freshness in the air.

Being from a small town of North India, and hence grown up by seeing the best of Ooty on television. Read on my travelogue to Ooty

Ooty’s best season.

The best time to visit is during the months of March to June and September to November . Monsoon brings in a lot of rain in this town. Winters nights in January and February are the coldest. It was my long desired to have of the Ooty travel experience of what it feels to be on top of hills overseeing the valley . Here is an experience of Ooty with things to do & travel tips

BANGALORE TO OOTY

Bangalore to Ooty distance is 265 Km and travel time in bus takes 8 to 10 Hrs.

Bangalore –> Ramnagar –> Mandya –> SriRangapattna –> Mysore –> Nanjangud –> Gundlupet –> Bandipur–> Masinagudi — Ooty ( Approx 265 Km). The path has 36 Hairpin Bends from Masinagudi to Ooty.

Remember – Bandipur national forest is closed from 9 PM – 6 AM due to animals movements at night, plan your trip accordingly

EXCLUSIVE OOTY & COONOOR Stay

Hey traveler, let’s talk straight- Here is an exclusive collection of best stays in Ooty and Coonoor; please click the Ooty stay link and select your best stay as per your need-

OOTY & KODAIKANAL ROAD

The road distance between Ooty to Kodaikanal is 255 km (7Hrs). Ooty to Coimbatore takes almost 3 hrs; Coimbatore to Kodai Road is another 3.5 hrs; Kodai road to Kodaikanal will take another hour .

OOTY WEATHER & FORECAST

Job transfer to Bangalore from Mumbai only gave the needed thrust to have Ooty in “to do” list at the top and so utilizing the long weekend of spring 2014, the old dream got materialized.

My past travel experience in India to remote or widely known destinations gave me confidence that everything like the hotel, homestay, train, the bus will be completely booked or crowded, and this theory holds good during the weekend or extended holiday.

OUR STAY IN OOTY

It came out to be true after searching a few booking sites in few minutes; luckily I got an excellent deal for the perfect stay in hilltop property overlooking the valley called “ Sabol holidays ”. The property is located 10 km uphill from the main Ooty and offers the best experience for small or large groups.

The next search was for transportation , after lots of painful search on sites, I stumble on travelyaari whose service is highly focused on making bus journey a memorable experience for the traveler. Considering a long holiday weekend ahead, I booked the bus ticket for the return trip as well.

With the view of Nilgiri hills , we woke up at around 7 AM while we were about to reach Ooty. Situated at an altitude of about 2500 meters, Ooty with its lush green scenic beauty, lofty mountains, and the vast expanse of tea estates is a favored tourist spot.

Endowed with a wholesome climate , Ooty is an ideal destination for people seeking to while away sometime close to nature. After checking into Sabol holidays , we went out for sightseeing. The first place we paid a visit to was the Botanical Garden. Spread over 55 acres of land, Botanical Garden, is one of the most popular attractions of Ooty . The garden displays some rare species of trees including cork tree, monkey puzzle tree, and paperbark tree.

It’s a paradise for people who love to study various species of plants. The Ooty market will give you ample chance to fulfill your desire to do local shopping. Also, it’s recommended to try the local cuisine . One can spend the evening at Ooty lake. It covers an area of 65 acres.

The Boathouse situated by the lake, which offers boating facilities to tourists, is a major tourist attraction in Ooty. Do remember the evening and nights gets cooler or at times chilly, so recommended to carry woolens or sweatshirts to feel the warmth.

So either you can also stay in Coonoor and tour both the places. Sim’s Park is mainly a park with a small garden displaying varieties of shrubs, herbs, and ferns. It is useful for a morning walk or jogging and relaxing with friends under the shade of trees. Around ten km away from Coonoor lies the Dolphin’s Nose.

Dolphin’s Nose is a beautiful vantage point that provides the breathtaking view of the luscious green valley spread below. As the name suggests, a massive protruding rock formation resembling the nose of Dolphin is used as a viewpoint which gives an enticing panoramic view of the Catherine Falls, Kotagiri Hills, and Mettupalayam plains .

The way to Dolphin’s Nose is a bit perilous as the road and curvy. However, the side slopes covered with green tea vegetation looks mesmerizing as your car makes its way through the narrow road between.

Do stop by and photographed in the middle of tea estates, granted to give Hindi film experience. En route to Coonoor, you will find the spot where the famous “Chaiyya Chaiyaa” was shot, do stop by and take that prized selfie. You will find numerous tea /homemade chocolates shop, remember to taste those and take some back home, in a way you are helping the local community and economy to grow.

Next morning, we wake up early to catch the sunrise and the bird’s singing . It was so beautiful and lovely to admire nature at its best.

After having complimentary breakfast from the hotel, we checked out and headed to the bus stand. Our Volvo bus started from Ooty around 12 PM; we packed home-made chocolates and tea to share with our friends and office colleague. We reached Bangalore by 9 PM and straight away crashed onto our bed with the best memories of the bus trip.

TOURIST PLACES IN & AROUND OOTY & COONOOR

There are lots and lots of tourist places to see in around. It’s best to list all the places that you’d like to visit before you start your travel in order to make the most out of your trip. Popular tourist destinations are –

Botanical Garden
Doddabetta Peak
Rose Garden
Dolphin’s Nose (Near Coonoor)
Sims Park (Coonoor)

SUGGESTED OOTY RESOURCES

Ooty Travelogue & Experience
Ooty Things To Do
Cottages in Ooty
Ooty Budget Hotels

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2 Days Ooty Itinerary: A Perfect Plan for Sightseeing

Budget Hotels > Travel Blog > Destinations > Ooty > 2 Days Ooty Itinerary: A Perfect Plan for Sightseeing

Ooty, a picturesque hill station cradled in the Nilgiri Hills, is famous for its surreal natural beauty. Carpeted in greenery and blessed with pleasant weather, this resort town is called the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ and rightly so. From stunning viewpoints, expansive tea estates, and placid lakes to cascading waterfalls and gorgeous gardens, there’s a lot to explore and experience here.

Looking for a comprehensive itinerary to cover the top attractions in Ooty on a 2-day trip ? Here you go:

8.30 am – 9.30 am: Soak in the scenic beauty at Doddabetta Peak

Doddabetta Peak | 2 days Itinerary Ooty

On Day 1, enjoy a filling breakfast at your hotel and head for Doddabetta Peak – one of the top picnic spots in and around Ooty . Perched at an altitude of 2,637 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains. You can reach the summit (Doddabetta Viewpoint) in a vehicle or hike your way to the top.

Timings : 7.00 am to 6.00 pm; every day
Entry fee : ₹ 6 for visitors above 5 years; free for children below 5 years
Camera charges : ₹ 10 for photography; ₹ 50 for videography
Enjoy spectacular views of the lush green forests of Bandipur National Park, Coimbatore plains, and the highlands of Mysore
Get a bird’s-eye view of Ooty through the telescopes installed in the Telescope House
Your next stop is another famous viewpoint located a short distance away from Doddabetta, namely the Tea Estate Viewpoint.
By road: Approx. 10 minutes’ drive
Places to Stay: Hotels in Ooty , Budget Hotels in Ooty , Couple Friendly Hotels in Ooty

9.45 am – 11.45 am: Spend some time at the Tea Estate Viewpoint

Tea state View Point | 2 days Itinerary Ooty

As the name indicates, the Tea Estate Viewpoint is located within a sprawling tea estate which also houses a museum and a tea factory where you can taste a cup of freshly made tea. What’s more, you can shop for a variety of tea, chocolates, essential oils, and other souvenirs at the factory outlet.

Timings : 6.00 am to 6.00 pm; every day
Entry fee : Free

After enjoying the scenic beauty of the region, it’s time to visit the Government Botanical Garden, a famous man-made attraction in Ooty.

12.00 pm – 2.30 pm: Visit the Government Botanical Garden followed by lunch

Government Botanical Garden | 2 days Itinerary Ooty

Spread across 55 hectares, the Ooty Botanical Garden houses around a thousand species of indigenous and exotic plants and trees. In addition to a wide range of ornamental plants, bonsai plants, ferns, herbs, and rare trees, this green paradise established in 1848 is home to a fossilized tree trunk that is believed to be about 20 million years old.

Timings : 7.00 am to 6.30 pm; every day
Entry fee : ₹ 30 for adults; ₹ 15 for children
Camera charges : ₹ 50 for photography; ₹ 100 for videography

Feeling famished? Take a break from your sight-seeing schedule and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Where to Eat

Ponmari Multicuisine Restaurant
Hotel Pankaj Bhojanalaya
Adayar Ananda Bhavan
Abhinaya Hotel
Hotel Junior Kuppanna

Once you have had your fill, proceed to one of the magnificent temples in Ooty – the famous Elk Hill Murugan Temple.

By road: Approx. 15 minutes’ drive

2.45 pm – 3.45 pm: Visit the Elk Hill Murugan Temple perched atop a small hill

Elk Hill Murugan Temple | 2 days Itinerary Ooty

Set amidst lush green surroundings, Elk Hill Murugan Temple is the serene abode of Lord Murugan. The temple houses a 40-feet statue of its presiding deity which bears a striking resemblance to the statue of Lord Murugan at Batu Caves, Malaysia.

Timings: 00 am to 6.00 pm; every day

How about enjoying a boat ride in one of the most spectacular lakes in Ooty or just relaxing for a couple of hours? We know just the right place – the magnificent Ooty Lake!

By road: 15 minutes’ drive

4.00 pm – 6.00 pm: Enjoy a leisurely evening at Ooty Lake

Ooty lake | 2 days Itinerary Ooty

Enveloped in thick groves of eucalyptus trees, Ooty Lake serves as an ideal location to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. The key attractions here include pony rides, boat rides, mini-train rides, cycling, and an amusement park.

Timings : 9.00 am to 6.00 pm; every day
Entry fee : ₹ 13 for Indians, ₹ 560 for foreigners
Boating charges : ₹ 160 to ₹ 450, depending on the type of boat

A bit of shopping has never harmed anyone, has it? Main Bazaar is the perfect place to pamper the shopaholic in you.

By road: Approx. 7 minutes’ drive

6.15 pm onwards: Proceed to Main Bazaar for shopping followed by a filling dinner

Located right in the heart of the city, this lively local market is where you can shop for daily essentials to fashion accessories, and everything in between. Be prepared to use your bargaining skills to seal good deals.

Timings : 10.00 am to 8.00 pm; every day

Once you are done shopping, enjoy a lavish dinner at one of the restaurants dotting the market area and head back to your hotel room.

Where to eat

Ascot Multi Cuisine Restaurant
Hotel Coonoor Ramachandra Restaurant
Sri Ambika Bhojanalaya
Meenu’s Kitchen
Appu’s Mess

8.30 am – 9.45 am: After breakfast, set out to 9 th Mile Shooting Point

9th Mile Shooting Point | 2 days Itinerary Ooty

Start your second day by visiting 9th Mile Shooting, also called Wenlock Downs, which has been used as the location for several movies, including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Deewana, and Raja Hindustani. The place has sprawling green meadows surrounded by dense forests and offers unhindered views of the Nilgiri Hills. While here, don’t forget to try your photography skills.

Timings : 8.00 am to 6.00 pm; every day
Entry fee : ₹ 10 per person
Camera charges : ₹ 30 for photography

Next, make your way to another spellbinding natural attraction in Ooty – the majestic Pykara Waterfalls.

10.00 am – 11.30 am: Bask in nature’s beauty at Pykara Waterfalls

Pykara Waterfalls | 2 days Itinerary Ooty

Pykara Falls originates from the cliffs of Mukurthi and cascades down before it merges into the magnificent Pykara Lake. Apart from watching the scenic beauty of the waterfall, you can enjoy horse rides and boating near the lake.

Timings : 8.30 am to 5.00 pm; every day

Your next stop is one of the top historical and religious attractions in the Nilgiris region, namely Stephen’s Church.

By road: Approx. 40 minutes’ drive

12.15 pm – 1.45 pm: Visit St. Stephen’s Church, followed by a quick lunch

St. Stephen’s Church | 2 days Itinerary Ooty

Counted among the oldest and must-visit churches in Ooty , St. Stephen’s Church dates back to the colonial era and features the architectural style of the Victorian era. Make sure to check out the stained glass windows and the beautiful painting of the Last Supper adorning the church.

Timings : 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm; closed on Sundays

Once you have visited the church and its surroundings, step into one of the nearby restaurants for lunch.

Curry Leaf Restaurant
Hyderabad Briyani House
Place to Bee

After lunch, you have two choices – visit the Government Museum or enjoy a ride in the UNESCO-recognized Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

By road: Approx. 5 minutes’ drive to the museum and the railway station

2.00 pm – 3.45 pm:

Option 1: explore the culture and life of native tribes at the government museum.

The Government Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts belonging to the Todas and other communities in the region. These include sculptures, art, craft, and other exhibits that depict the unique culture of these tribes.

Timings : 8.00 am to 6.00 pm; closed on Fridays

Option 2: Take a toy train ride to Ketti

Train ride to Ketti | 2 days Itinerary Ooty

A ride in the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is an experience in itself, thanks to the picturesque locales it meanders through. You can board train no. 56137 (Ooty – Mettupalayam MG Passenger) which starts from Udagamandalam Station at 2.00 pm and reaches Ketti at around 2.25 pm. After spending some time exploring Ketti (you can also visit Ketti Valley View Point), make your way to the Government Rose Garden by road.

By road: 10 minutes’ drive from the museum and 6 minutes’ drive from Ketti Valley View Point

4.00 pm – 6.00 pm: Stroll through the Government Rose Garden, one of the largest rose gardens in India

Government Rose Garden | 2 days Itinerary Ooty

Spread over 10 acres of area, the Government Rose Garden has over 20,000 types of roses and offers you an incredible visual treat.

Timings : 30 am to 6.00 pm; every day
Entry fee : ₹ 20 per person
Camera charges : ₹ 30 for photography; ₹ 75 for videography
Explore the huge collection of roses that include miniature roses, ramblers, floribunda, hybrid tea roses, polyanthas, yakimour, roses of uncommon colors like black and green, and even bi-color roses.
Walk through rose tunnels, bowers, arches, and pergolas decorated with rose creepers.
Get a view of the entire garden from Nila Madam, a viewpoint established inside the garden.

How about some shopping and delicious food before you bid goodbye to Ooty? The last stop on this 2-day itinerary is Commercial Road, a major commercial hub in the town.

By road: 5 minutes’ drive

6.05 pm onwards: Enjoy a shopping spree at Commercial Road and end your trip with a delicious dinner

Commercial Road is full of shops selling all kinds of items including leather goods, eucalyptus oil, homemade chocolates, and other local favorites. Since the area is dotted with several dining options, enjoy a relaxing dinner before you call it a day and retire to your room.

Hotel Blue Hills
Thalassery Restaurant
Adyar Ananda Bhavan
Ooty Coffee House

Haven’t you had a great time exploring the Queen of Hill Stations? The sights and sounds you have experienced here will remain with you forever!

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My Trip to Ooty, Tamilnadu: A Mesmerizing Experience

“This blog is contributed by one of our readers, Dr. Gargi Mondal. Join her on a budget journey to one of the best places in Tamil Nadu, Ooty and find useful insights into places to visit near it as well.

COME MONSOON… IT’S OOTY…

You never know when the travel bug bites you! On a dreary weekend in August, without any previous plan, Neel and I set off for a weekend trip. Being budget travellers, we always avail the public transport safely keeping in mind the inconveniences of taking a much longer time than a drop off by car. On a Friday evening, we went to Mysore from Bangalore by bus which took us almost five and a half hours. One can go to Coorg, Ooty, Wayanad and ample other places from Mysore. One can also spend a day or two in Mysore also, a historical town itself.

Beginning of a Soulful Journey to Ooty

In my utter confusion of which hill station to visit, Neel suggested we take a bus to Ooty, another five and a half hour of journey. So we started, sitting in the cabin of the driver, having a clear view of the front, not compromising any side of the road. Just after 15 mins of the start of our journey, we came across the Chamundi hills and a number of lakes above which we could point out the cormorants and the ibis. The weather was pleasant with the sun and the clouds playing hide-and-seek and also one or two bouts of drizzles. The Mysore-Ooty highway turns adventurous once it crosses Gundulpet. After this, starts the Bandipur Tiger Reserve maintained by the state of Karnataka which continues as the Mudhumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. One can easily see herd of deer, peafowls and wildboars on the wayside. One may also come across the tuskers and various colourful birds if cautious. And if one is lucky enough, the big cat may also be sighted who keeps an eye on the busy highway from the shrubs!!!

After the Mudhumalai Tiger Reserve, the road takes you through the misty, meandering paths over the hills, green coffee and tea plantations to the Queen of Hills in the Nilgiris. In the Nilgiris on your way, you come across the shrubs of the Nilakurinji flowers. These flowers bloom once in twelve years and many people in the villages keep account of their ages by the blooming of these purplish-blue flowers. These are the flowers which turn the hills into a mesmerising blue thus explaining the name, The Nilgiris. Currently, these flowers are not seen much in Ooty as they have been destroyed by the widely flourishing tea plantations. The last stretch of the road from Guddalur to Ooty offers the most breathtaking views. At times the route traverses through the dense pine forests allowing glimpses of sunlight through the trees or at other times it passes through the thick bamboo woods. The presence of small lakes and waterfalls amidst the landscape only reminds you of God’s bounty. Through this splendid road among nature, one becomes spellbound when he/she reaches Udagamandalam or Kovai, a tinsel town surrounded on all sides by the Nilgiris and the blue toy train chugging through it.

Recommended Tours

Ooty at Last

So! We have reached Ooty, one of the famous tourist places for the honeymooners; the hill station about which we heard for the umpteenth time since childhood; the shooting spot for so many movies; the hill station harbouring the highest peak in Tamil Nadu. We simply liked to walk about its busy as well as quiet thoroughfares.

Top Tourist Attractions to Visit in Ooty

Visit to the Majestic Dodabetta Peak

After lunch, we boarded an auto to the Dodabetta peak which is located about 6km from the city. This peak offers a scenic view of the valley around it. Enjoying a hot cup of the Ooty tea along with your beloved in the clouds and drizzles with a raincoat over the body offers a heavenly experience. The place also offers hot pakoras, bread omelette, Maggi among other things to enjoy with the tea. The forests here give you a glimpse of birds like the tit and the Asian paradise flycatcher.

Explore Kodaikanal to See Nature in Her Best Green Garb

First-Hand Experience at Tea Factory

On our way back to the town, we stopped at The Tea Factory where we got a first-hand experience of how we a get a steaming hot cup of tea from the tea plantations after it passes through a long tedious process. One can choose from a range of flavours to buy tea packaged in different attractive parcels for daily use or gifts. Home-made chocolates are one of the other delicacies of this place. Our auto driver took us to a wax museum after this. The auto driver took Rs. 600 for this to-and-fro trip to Dodabetta along with waiting at the different places. Bikes or scooters were not available then for rent due to some administrative problem.

Honeymoon in Kodaikanal – Romance Enveloped in Mist!

A Rejuvenating Stroll at Botanical Garden

During the afternoon, we took a walk to the Botanical Garden. The stroll through the garden was a rejuvenating experience, walking through innumerable species of plants and flowers.

After freshening up at our resort, we went out for dinner at 9.30pm but to our surprise we found all the shops were shut down by then. We managed to get dinner at one small hotel, but the food was fresh, delicious and cheap. While returning to our hotel, we found we were the only people strolling beside the lake on a quiet, dimly lighted curvy road, hand in hand, reminding us of “Pyar hua iqrar hua..”

Useful Information: The toy train runs from Ooty to Coonoor railway station four times a day. The train takes one through the breathtaking idyllic hamlets of Lovedale, Ketti and other famous hill stations of Tamil Nadu. Many Indian movies had been shot on this train. On the way, one can see a number of streams of water flowing from the hills and greenery abound.

Popular Hill Station Getaways to Explore in Tamil Nadu

Day 2 in Ooty Was Equally Fascinating

We stayed at a resort by the north lake road, getting a good view of the Ooty lake through our window. The Ooty lake is a tourist spot for boating. Next morning, on waking up, we saw few spotted bill ducks and common coots enjoying the early morning drizzle in the lake from our window. During our second and last day in Ooty , after breakfast we took a walk to the Rose Garden which houses hundreds of varieties of roses. Then we boarded a bus to Guddalur which is on the way to Bangalore. We alighted at Paykara, approximately 19 km from Ooty. We visited the amazing Paykara Falls there, 700m walking from the bus stand. Plenty of rain birds were hovering over the water body which is surrounded by hills on both sides. The vast stretch of the waterfall could be visualised only when the mist cleared. One can also enjoy boating at this place, approx 1.5 km from the bus stand. Car parking facility is available at the bus stand. After a hot cup of tea, we again boarded a bus to Mysore. While entering the Bandipur Tiger Reserve , believe me!! We sighted a Royal Bengal tiger in the shrubs looking at the busy thoroughfare, just approx 70-80m from our bus.

Safari at Bandipur

We got down at Bandipur to do a safari. Gypsies can be booked online or if one books earlier. On the day of visit, only buses can be booked. We booked two tickets for us and went for lunch at the forest canteen. After lunch, we boarded the bus and took a tour in the jungle. Though we were not lucky enough to spot a tiger or an elephant in this jungle ride, but we caught a glimpse of the red jungle fowl, the big mongoose, the monkeys, herd of deer, wild boars and a number of colourful birds on our way. The bus ride was for approx 1.5 hours. After our safari, we boarded a bus to Gundulpet from where we boarded a bus to Mysore. From Mysore , we preferred train to Bangalore though bus services are widely available. Finally, we reached home at 1.15am after a two-day fun-filled, lovely trip to Ooty with the tune in our mind “Aay zindagi, gale laga le…”

Photo Courtesy: Neel

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Ooty - Coonoor Travelogue: My trip experience

Looking for a place to chill during the hot summers? Or a fan of hill stations? Then Ooty - Coonoor is the perfect place for friends, family or even a romantic getaway with your partner. Fully geared up in a high tour-mode, just unstoppable. The brilliant idea that flashed was a hill station and a chill station rolled into one,Ooty-Coonoor for you.

Top 10 tourist attractions in ooty | ooty travel guide, budget accommodation in ooty, weekend trip to masinagudi near ooty, irctc 5-days ooty-madumalai tour summer package 2018, ooty: a wintry abode, my first solo trip to pondicherry, divine euphoria vacation property near bangalore - a review, farm houses and farmstay around bengaluru for weekend and vacation stay, how to prepare for a trip or vacation, pelling: the alluring hillstation.

More articles: Ooty coonnoor Hillstation Vacation South India

Ooty is a great place to visit during holidays. I had been there for a week and found it so entertaining and enthralling. What I liked most was the travel by toy train which runs between Mettupalayem and Ooty. The toy train moves slowly climbing upwards and reaches Ooty after a journey of about 6 hours. The changing landscapes and panaromic views are excellent and memorable.

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Essay On Travel

500 words essay on travel.

Travelling is an amazing way to learn a lot of things in life. A lot of people around the world travel every year to many places. Moreover, it is important to travel to humans. Some travel to learn more while some travel to take a break from their life. No matter the reason, travelling opens a big door for us to explore the world beyond our imagination and indulge in many things. Therefore, through this Essay on Travel, we will go through everything that makes travelling great.

Why Do We Travel?

There are a lot of reasons to travel. Some people travel for fun while some do it for education purposes. Similarly, others have business reasons to travel. In order to travel, one must first get an idea of their financial situation and then proceed.

Understanding your own reality helps people make good travel decisions. If people gave enough opportunities to travel, they set out on the journey. People going on educational tours get a first-hand experience of everything they’ve read in the text.

Similarly, people who travel for fun get to experience and indulge in refreshing things which may serve as a stress reducer in their lives. The culture, architecture, cuisine and more of the place can open our mind to new things.

The Benefits of Travelling

There are numerous benefits to travelling if we think about it. The first one being, we get to meet new people. When you meet new people, you get the opportunity to make new friends. It may be a fellow traveller or the local you asked for directions.

Moreover, new age technology has made it easier to keep in touch with them. Thus, it offers not only a great way to understand human nature but also explore new places with those friends to make your trip easy.

Similar to this benefit, travelling makes it easier to understand people. You will learn how other people eat, speak, live and more. When you get out of your comfort zone, you will become more sensitive towards other cultures and the people.

Another important factor which we learn when we travel is learning new skills. When you go to hilly areas, you will most likely trek and thus, trekking will be a new skill added to your list.

Similarly, scuba diving or more can also be learned while travelling. A very important thing which travelling teaches us is to enjoy nature. It helps us appreciate the true beauty of the earth .

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of the Essay on Travel

All in all, it is no less than a blessing to be able to travel. Many people are not privileged enough to do that. Those who do get the chance, it brings excitement in their lives and teaches them new things. No matter how a travelling experience may go, whether good or bad, it will definitely help you learn.

FAQ on Essay on Travel

Question 1: Why is it advantageous to travel?

Answer 1: Real experiences always have better value. When we travel to a city, in a different country, it allows us to learn about a new culture, new language, new lifestyle, and new peoples. Sometimes, it is the best teacher to understand the world.

Question 2: Why is travelling essential?

Answer 2: Travelling is an incredibly vital part of life. It is the best way to break your monotonous routine and experience life in different ways. Moreover, it is also a good remedy for stress, anxiety and depression.

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Essay on My Favourite Place Ooty
500 Words Essay on My Favourite Place Ooty Introduction. Ooty, officially known as Udhagamandalam, is a picturesque hill station in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is fondly referred to as the "Queen of Hill Stations". My favourite place, it offers a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle ...
Essay on Ooty
500 Words Essay on Ooty Introduction: The Queen of Hill Stations. Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Ooty, officially known as Udhagamandalam, is a picturesque hill station often referred to as the 'Queen of Hill Stations.' The town's captivating beauty, coupled with its pleasant climate, has made it ...
Ooty Tourism- Best Places to Visit in Ooty
Nilgiri Mountain Railways. The Nilgiri Mountain Railways are yet another prominent tourist attraction in Ooty. Opened to the public way back in 1908, the railways are an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The railway is 46 kilometres long and passes through many tunnels and numerous bridges.
Ooty Tourism (Tamil Nadu) (2024
Ooty Tourism. Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Known for its picturesque landscapes, tea gardens, and mild climate, it is often referred to as 'The Queen of the Hills'. Ooty was originally a tribal land occupied by the Toda and Badagas, among other ...
Ooty: A 2-Day Guide Around The City
Ooty is a city tucked in the Blue Mountains of the Indian state, Tamil Nadu. This hill station is crowned as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', is a great choice for an ideal southern getaway. What makes this place more attractive is its pleasant weather and the scenic beauty. Amidst the eucalyptus and pine forest, resides a city that gives that ...
Ooty Travel Guide: From Places to Visit to What to Pack
Wrapping Up Ooty Travel Guide. To conclude, the best places to visit in Ooty are Ooty Lake, Thread Garden, Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Wenlock Downs, Pykara Lake, and Avalanche Lake. If you are visiting Ooty from Bangalore or Mysore, do add Masinagudi and Needle Rock Viewpoint to your Ooty itinerary.
The first-time traveller's guide to Ooty: Where to stay, eat and what
Sterling Ooty Elk Hill is a good four-star second choice, set at 7,349 feet above sea level; ergo arresting views and-bonus-a fabulous pool. However, ... More travel stories.
About Ooty
From the airport, you can find cabs, mini-buses, jeeps and other road transportation that will take you directly to Ooty. If you are planning to choose train travel, you can reach Mettupalayam, which is around 40 km away from Coimbatore, on the route to Ooty. From Mettupalayam, you can find the heritage toy train, which takes you to Ooty.
A complete itinerary for your 3 days in Ooty
For a memorable experience, take a boat ride on the tranquil waters. As the day winds down, return to your hotel to relax and reflect on your cultural explorations. Day 3: Tea and Shopping ...
Ooty Travel Blog: Our Incredible 3-day Trip
Ooty Travel Blog: Our Incredible 3-day Trip. April 18, 2024 • 1 Comment. Ooty travel blog: Sitting by the pavements of our campus, we were all excited about the trip we'd planned out - a 3 days visit to Ooty. We all had our phones out, one planning the transport, others calculating the itinerary budget, while I looked for cheap homestays.
A Perfect Ooty Itinerary For 4 Days
Doddabetta peak, Ooty, Upper Bhavani Lake, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Government botanical garden, Pykara falls, Nilgiri mountain railway, Murugan temple, Toda village, Ketti valley viewpoint, avalanche lake and Wenlock downs 9th mile shooting point are the best places to visit in Ooty. ooty itinerary. Pursottam.
Ooty Travelogue With Things To Do & Awesome Ooty Weather
Bangalore to Ooty distance is 265 Km and travel time in bus takes 8 to 10 Hrs. Bangalore -> Ramnagar -> Mandya -> SriRangapattna -> Mysore -> Nanjangud -> Gundlupet -> Bandipur-> Masinagudi — Ooty ( Approx 265 Km). The path has 36 Hairpin Bends from Masinagudi to Ooty. Remember - Bandipur national forest is closed from 9 PM ...
2 Days Ooty Itinerary: A Perfect Plan for Sightseeing
12.00 pm - 2.30 pm: Visit the Government Botanical Garden followed by lunch. 2.45 pm - 3.45 pm: Visit the Elk Hill Murugan Temple perched atop a small hill. 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm: Enjoy a leisurely evening at Ooty Lake. 6.15 pm onwards: Proceed to Main Bazaar for shopping followed by a filling dinner. DAY 2.
A Day Trip to Ooty
Doddabetta Peak. If you are in Ooty, a visit to Doddabetta Peak is a must. Situated at a height of 8,650 feet from the sea level, this is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills. The 9 km trail flanked by towering Eucalyptus trees leads you to one of the most awe-inspiring point, giving an uninterrupted view of the luxuriant valley.
My Trip to Ooty, Tamilnadu: A Mesmerizing Experience
Enjoying a hot cup of the Ooty tea along with your beloved in the clouds and drizzles with a raincoat over the body offers a heavenly experience. The place also offers hot pakoras, bread omelette, Maggi among other things to enjoy with the tea. The forests here give you a glimpse of birds like the tit and the Asian paradise flycatcher.
Ooty
Then Ooty - Coonoor is the perfect place for friends, family or even a romantic getaway with your partner. Fully geared up in a high tour-mode, just unstoppable. The brilliant idea that flashed was a hill station and a chill station rolled into one,Ooty-Coonoor for you. Sweatshirts, Scarfs, Monkey caps, sunglasses, lip balm, moisturizers and ...
Ooty: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide
Coastal Security Helpline: 1093 Women's Helpline: 1091 Tourism Office: +91 423 244 3977. Want To Go ? Nestled in the 'Blue Mountains' of the Nilgiris, Ootacumund or Ooty stands at over 2,200 metres and has all the staples of a charming hill station. With cool temperatures all through the year, its inviting setting amidst verdant green ...
Essay on Travel
Answer 1: Real experiences always have better value. When we travel to a city, in a different country, it allows us to learn about a new culture, new language, new lifestyle, and new peoples. Sometimes, it is the best teacher to understand the world. Question 2: Why is travelling essential? Answer 2: Travelling is an incredibly vital part of life.

Essay on Ooty

100 Words Essay on Ooty

Attractions

Flora and Fauna

250 Words Essay on Ooty

Historical Significance

Natural Beauty

Biodiversity

Culture and Cuisine

500 Words Essay on Ooty

History: A Colonial Past

Natural Beauty: A Panoramic Paradise

Biodiversity: A Rich Tapestry of Life

Culture: A Melting Pot of Traditions

Conclusion: A Perfect Getaway

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Ooty Tourism

Explore Places to Visit Near Ooty by Type

Other Suggested Reads for Ooty

Ooty: A 2-Day Guide Around The City

Reaching Ooty

Things to see in Ooty

Activities you can do in Ooty

Adventure activities

What to eat in Ooty

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Ooty Travel Guide: From Places to Visit to What to Pack

Is Ooty Safe to Travel?

How to Reach Ooty

Ooty Travel Guide: Places to Visit

Thread Garden

Botanical Gardens

Doddabetta Peak

Wenlock Downs

Pykara Waterfalls

Avalanche Lake

Other Places to Visit in Ooty

Famous Temples to Visit in Ooty

Famous Churches to Visit in Ooty

Ooty Travel Guide: Things to Do

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The Tea Factory and the Tea Museum

Mudumalai National Park

April to June

July and August

September to November

December to March

Ooty Trip with Babies and Kids

Wrapping Up Ooty Travel Guide

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How to Reach Ooty

Best Time to Visit Ooty

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Luxury Trains

Help Center

Ooty Travel Blog: Our Incredible 3-day Trip

Ooty Travel Blog: Pictursque Hues on the Peaks

Driving to Ooty

The Other Way to get There

We Changed our Stay TWICE!

Driving Through Bandipur Tiger Reserve

3-Days Ooty Travel Diaries

Day 1 in Ooty

Visiting the Ooty Markets

Day 2 – Touring the Town

Doddabetta Peak

Tea & Chocolate Factories

Pykara Lake

Ooty Lake Boating House

Day 3: Visiting Coonoor

Dolphin Nose Point Coonoor

Conclusion and Trip Budget