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Ooty Tour : A perfect 5 days Ooty trip itinerary

Ooty is rightly called the “Queen of Hill Stations”. Having been there 4 times already, we are still surprised to discover a new side of Ooty with every trip we do here. After our most recent trip to Ooty this time, we decided to pen down for our readers a perfect 5 days Ooty trip itinerary. This 5 days Ooty trip itinerary will include not only the usual touristy places to see in Ooty. But many others beyond them, which we have actually discovered on multiple trips that we have made to Ooty so far. Obviously this 5 days Ooty trip itinerary is not the one that we have followed. But, if we were to combine all our 4 Ooty trips together and come up with one plan, this would be the itinerary for us. Having said that, let me delve right into the itinerary.

I hope that this 5 days Ooty trip itinerary will have something for everyone. If you are a nature lover and want to stay far from the hustle and bustle of the main town, feel free to use the parts of the itinerary which are more suited for you. On the other hand, if you want to stay in the main town and visit it’s attractions, feel free to do so. Basically, if you don’t have 5 consecutive days at hand or if all the parts of this itinerary don’t suite you, feel free to customise it for your needs. By dropping few days or activities here and there. Before delving into the itinerary, let me give a brief overview of Ooty. And other important things required to plan your 5 days Ooty trip itinerary.

Table of Contents

How to reach Ooty

From most of the major cities around including Bangalore, Mysore and Coimbatore, regular buses ply to Ooty. One can also drive down to Ooty from these cities and towns. If using train, one can go upto Coimbatore which is the nearest town. And then take a bus or taxi from there to Ooty. Also, one can hire a taxi or drive down on their own. On our trips to Ooty from Bangalore, we have used overnight bus, hired a taxi and also drove on our own. The nearest airport is Coimbatore. So, one can also fly in there and then reach Ooty from there.

What is the best time to visit Ooty

To be honest, Ooty is a year round destination. I myself have visited Ooty during the monsoons in the month of August . And then in summer in the month of April. My next two trips to Ooty were in February and January respectively. And I enjoyed my visit to Ooty in all these seasons. During the monsoon season, the crowd is least. And most of the attractions are empty. Plus, if you are like me, you are going to thoroughly enjoy the clouds hanging low. Actually, they will literally hug you. There are occasional bouts of rain now and then. But these are not very long spells. So you have to just stay somewhere in a shade for a while when it rains. And then continue on your trip after that.

While in the winter months, the sky is clear. And there is warm sunshine in the day. While the air is chilly. So it gets really cold by evening. In fact, on my most recent visit to Ooty one morning we woke up to see the whole meadow covered with a thin layer of ice crystal. Which means the temperature must be dropping to freezing cold during the night at times! So, if you enjoy the winter sunshine and the chilly evenings then visit Ooty between November to February. This season is also not very crowded.

In the month of May, the flowers in Nilgiris are in full bloom. There is even a flower festival held in the Botanical Garden of Ooty. The whole valley is fresh and green after bouts of monsoon showers. The days are warm and nights are comfortably cold during this month. But then it is also the peak season. So, you will find a bit of crowd at the usual tourist spots. So, book your accommodation in advance.

Where to stay in Ooty

We have stayed at different locations during our stay in Ooty on different occasions. And from our experience, we recommend the following accommodations:

Sterling Elk Hills, Ooty – This is located around 4km from the main town. Not very far, yet tucked in a beautiful secluded corner. The rooms have views of the valley. And the icing on the cake is that they have family suites with kitchenette. Which families are sure to enjoy. Apart from that the food is amazing. And so is the hospitality. We particularly loved staying here with our parents and kids because of the suite room, which reminded us of our similar experience while staying in Bangkok, Thailand . Although the kitchenette is equipped with a microwave. And a sink. Plus basic cutlery. I do wish that it had an induction cooktop or a gas cooktop and some basic pots and pans as well. Nevertheless, it is totally worth a short stay. As, it has all other facilities like wifi, strong network and proximity to the town etc.

Book Sterling Elk Hill Ooty here at booking.com

Book Sterling Elk Hill Ooty here at Agoda.com

La Montana TGI (Previously Sagar Resort) , Ooty – This one is special to us. As, this was where we stayed on our first trip. And loved every bit of our stay here. The usp of this place is the big balconies attached to each room. And uninterrupted breathtaking views of the valley from these villas. You can also see the toy train crossing from the valley. Although, it is almost 8km away from the main town. So, if you want to enjoy some peaceful time and beautiful natural views, and don’t mind staying a bit far from the main town, don’t give a second thought to this place. They also have excellent food and service. While staying here, we had hired cab from the hotel for sight seeing. And the charges were very reasonable. Read my complete review of our stay at Hotel Sagar Resort here . 

Book La Montana Ooty here at Agoda.com

Accord Highland Hotel, Ooty – Hotel Accord Highland is located at a very high altitude, only 3km from Dodabetta Peak, the highest peak in Ooty. Again, it is a bit far from the main town. But it is very conveniently located on the Ooty-Kotagiri Highway. I stayed here on one of the recent visits, just for the mesmerising views of the valley and the Nilgiris mountain ranges from here. The rooms have beautiful views. And there is a big lawn also for kids to play and elders to relax.

Book Accord Highland Ooty here at booking.com

Book Accord Highland Ooty here at Agoda.com

Destiny Farmstay Ooty – This one is very far from the main town, almost 28km. But it is a completely different and unique experience. If you are following our 5 days Ooty trip itinerary, we recommend you stay here for one night. Read my blog post to destiny farmstay, emerald lake and the unique experience that it offers. Along with the description of Emerald Lake – the huge turquoise blue lake . Which is one of the most beautiful lakes I have visited in India. And why staying here at the banks of Emerald Lake at Destiny Farmstay is a very unique experience. We highly recommend staying here for once.

Book Destiny Farmstay Ooty here at booking.com

Book Destiny Farmstay here at Agoda.com

5 days Ooty trip Itinerary

The 5 days Ooty trip Itinerary is carved assuming you drive to Ooty on your own. So, a lot of time on day 1 and day 5 is reserved for driving. If you are taking an overnight bus or other public transport, you might have a little extra time at hand than what I have put in this 5 days Ooty trip itinerary. So, if that is a case, leave me a comment and I will let you know what you can do for your itinerary as per your arrival and departure schedule.

Day 1: Arrival in Ooty & some sightseeing on the way

Assuming you are driving from Bangalore, Mysore or other such city. Start early in the morning. And then drive down via this route:-

Bangalore->Mysore->Bandipur->Mudumalai->Gudalur->Ooty

This route is around 30km longer than the other route via Masinagudi that google maps shows you by default. But, it is much more scenic, one of the best road trips in India ! First of all you get to enjoy spotting the wildlife in Bandipur National Park and the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. We spotted herds of deer freely grazing near the highway, some elephants, peacocks, apes and lots of groups of monkeys on our most recent drive through Bandipur and Mudumalai.

Plus you can do some sight seeing while on your way to your accommodation. As, it passes through Pykara Lake , 9th mile shooting point and 6th mile . So, if you start by 5:00am in the morning, from Bangalore, you can reach Pykara Lake by 1:30pm. Even after taking ample breaks on the way. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by forests. You can enjoy a boat ride in the lake. And also visit the Pykara Waterfalls right besides the lake.

From here, you can go to 9th Mile, which is a beautiful green plateau. Perfect to enjoy the scenic green mountains around. It is a perfect spot to have your lunch. Assuming you are carrying it from home or can get it packed on the way. Also, it is a famous shooting place where several scenes from different Bollywood movies are frequently filmed. From 9th mile, proceed further towards the Ooty town. On the way, visit 6th mile. 6th mile is another shooting spot amidst pine forests. You can trek down the mountain slope here, crossing the pine trees. And finally reach on the bank of a scenic lake below. Again, another perfect spot to take some awesome pictures. After all this, you can reach your accommodation in town or near Ooty town by 5:30pm to max 6:00pm.

Actually, we visited these spots on our second trip to Ooty. And the day after arrival in the town. Only to realise that you can cover them right on your way to Ooty!! Thats why we have included these on the first day of this 5 days Ooty trip itinerary.

Day 2: Ooty town sightseeing

If you have not been to Ooty before, it is totally worth it to visit the lovely tourist attractions spread around the town. The top ones include –

A beautiful manmade lake in the centre of Ooty town. You can do boating in the Ooty lake.

Or, cycle around the lake. And shop from the numerous shops around the lake.

Dodabetta Peak

This is the highest peak of Ooty. There is an observation deck here. From where you can see far and wide into the plains beyond the Nilgiris. Also, it is mostly chilling and cold here. Because of the high altitude. It is located around 6km from the centre of the main town.

Botanical Garden Ooty

One of the best gardens in India is the botanical garden of Ooty. It includes a huge variety of flora, a glasshouse, a small nursery and vast lawns where one can sit and enjoy nature. This is one spot that I have visited thrice while on my trips to Ooty. Totally love the different shades of green and the different species of plants here.

Deer Park Ooty

Located almost 2km from Ooty Lake, the deer park is a small wildlife sanctuary right in the heart of Ooty town. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts are very likely to love this place. However, I have personally never been here.

Toda Tribe Huts

The Toda Tribes in Ooty are mostly farmers and cattle herders. They live in very unique huts. (Which sure will remind you a bit of Hobbiton!). Although I am sure these tribes have never seen Hobitton. So, do visit these huts and drive the parallel yourself while in Ooty.

Rose Garden Ooty

The Rose Garden of Ooty houses 20 thousand varieties of Roses!! They are mostly in full bloom in the month of May. Where a flower show is also held in the garden. The Rose Garden is another beautiful spot to visit in Ooty town.

Apart from the above, if time permits, visit a chocolate factory. Here you can see the process of making the famous Ooty chocolates.

Day 3: A half day tour of Coonoor & Toy Train Ride

After covering all the Ooty town attractions on the second day of your 5 days Ooty trip itinerary, head for a half day trip to Coonoor from Ooty. Coonoor is another beautiful Nilgiris gem of a place, situated right next to Ooty. Self drive or hire a cab from Ooty, And visit the following attractions in Coonoor.

Tea Garden, Coonoor

Coonoor is famous for it’s tea garden. So, why not visit one on your way there. Many of these tea gardens also have adjoining tea stalls from where you can enjoy freshly brewed tea. And they also have small shops from where you can buy tea leaves. My own memory from my first trip to Ooty is standing in the middle of tea garden. And hugging the monsoon clouds.

What Ooty Botanical Garden is to Ooty, Sim’s park is to Coonoor. It is a very beautiful, large, manicured botanical garden that consists of several varieties of plants & trees. Also, it has a beautiful landscape. With flower beds, small ponds and fairytale bridges across those ponds. Do visit here when in Coonoor.

Dolphin’s Nose

A viewpoint high up that gives 180 degrees view of the surroundings. On a clear day, you can see as far as the town of Coimbatore from Dolphin’s Nose. Another must visit while in Coonoor. The name is “Dolphin’s Nose” because the viewpoint is pointed at the edge just like a dolphin’s nose 🙂

Lamb’s Rock

This is a unique rock which you can climb with a short trek involving intermittent stairs. And then you can trek back another path. There is a small view point at the top. And again, you get to see beautiful views of the plains stretching in all directions. And the Nilgiri mountains standing guard around these valleys.

After visiting these spots in Coonoor, head to Coonoor railway station. And catch the Coonoor Udagmandalam MG Passenger Toy Train (56138) on your way back to Ooty, At the time of this writing, the train leaves Coonoor around 4:30pm and reaches Ooty railway station by 5:45 pm. Meet your cab here and drive back to your accommodation. The toy train is a heritage train of Nilgiri Mountain Railways . Just like the Toy Train in Shimla & the Darjeeling toy train. It passes through beautiful valleys and mountain terrains. Some of the views that it offers are very picturesque and breathtaking.

Day 4: Drive to Avalanche Lake & Emerald Lake from Ooty town

We have reserved the best for the last. For an offbeat experience from the main town of Ooty, visit Avalanche Lake & Emerald lake. These are two huge and beautiful lakes almost 28km from the main town of Ooty. Unspoilt, natural, beautiful! These lakes are located in reserve forest area. And the whole region is called “Silent Valley”. The name is completely justified given the tranquility of this region. They are a must visit. Alas, I didn’t know about them on my first two trip to Ooty. before the third trip, I was looking for something offbeat and beautiful. And that is when I stumbled upon these lakes. Although, I couldn’t plan to stay nearby or spend a good amount of time by these beautiful lakes. But I did return with that burning desire in my heart.

So, on my fourth trip, I planned to spend a night at Destiny Farmstay, on the banks of Emerald Lake. And every moment spent here was totally magical. So, we highly recommend you don’t just drive to these lakes, but rather stay somewhere on the banks or near the lakes. So that you can take a walk or a trek alongside these beautiful lakes. Accommodations like Destiny Farmstay even arrange for camping and picnic by the side of the lake. Here’s my writeup on our Destiny Farmstay Experience! 

Please note that although these lakes are situated just 28km from the main Ooty town. But it takes nearly one hour to reach them. Because of the ghat roads and hairpin bends. So, plan accordingly. As you leave the town, and reach the Avalanche area, you get to a viewpoint from where you can see the whole reserve forest and the lake in the middle of it.

Afterwards, you can further cross the Emerald Dam. And reach the Emerald lake viewpoint. From where you can catch a wider and closer glimpse of the lake. It really looks like an emerald sea in the middle of the beautiful green mountains. Drive further down and you reach the banks of the Avalanche lake. You can actually get down to the lake from here. And have a picnic by the banks.

A little further from here, you reach the Destiny Farmstay Parking. So, if you have booked an overnight stay with them, you can park your car here. And then reach the farm stay in their vehicle. As the last 3km to the farm stay is a narrow mud road that most of the regular cars can’t ply. All the rooms in the resort have beautiful view of the lake. And they also arrange for walking and camping by the lake. So, enjoy your overnight stay near the lake here.

Day 5: Drive back from Ooty

Today being the last day of your 5 days Ooty trip itinerary. Post breakfast, checkout from your accommodation. And start your drive back home. Don’t forget to pack your lunch from Ooty town. Because most probably, during lunch time you will be crossing the forests of Mudumalai and Bandipur. Where you can’t find any restaurant. Neither are you allowed to stop your vehicle. If you pack something for lunch from Ooty, you can conveniently stop anywhere on the way and have it on time.

Last but not the least, don’t forget to stop by a chocolate factory outlet on your way back to buy some homemade, mouthwatering Ooty chocolates. Below is a an Ooty Chocolate Factory Outlet location pinned for your reference. We bought chocolates from here on our last two visits to Ooty. They have large variety and reasonable cost. Also, they have Nilgiris tea in different flavour, essential oils, spices and dry fruits as well.

Tips on doing the 5 days Ooty trip itinerary

• Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking and trekking on the hills.
• No matter which season you visit Ooty in, the nights get chilly. So, carry one thick jacket for the night time.
• Carry more woollen cloths like sweater, cap, muffler when visiting end of December or January and February.
• Also, carry an umbrella when visiting in the rainy season (April – September).
• If you are visiting Ooty during the covid times, you need to e-register at the TN government website and carry a printout of the same. It will be checked at the border while entering Tamil Nadu.
• Also, if you have more days at hand, you can consider staying overnight at Bandipur. It will be a nice break. Plus you can take the safari at Bandipur National Park.
• The town of Ooty is very adequately stocked with all essentials that you need. You can always shop from there for anything and everything while there.

PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.

12 thoughts on “Ooty Tour : A perfect 5 days Ooty trip itinerary”

Your blog perfectly captures the essence of Ooty – the misty mornings, the vibrant botanical gardens, and the nostalgic toy train journey. Reading about your experiences has ignited my desire to explore this gem in the Nilgiris. Looking forward to creating my own memories in Ooty soon!

Thanks for information nice blogs and images different places to visit

Great write up Neha and Abhishek. Any recommendations for good restaurants at different places you visited? Thanks

Hey Ranga…we mostly had food at the places we stayed at. But there are plenty of restaurants near the lake and botanical garden. I will add some names in the post.

Very detailed and useful information. We plan to travel with kids. Any recommendations on hotels/restaurants for food, during the day travel? Thanks!

Thanks Rini. There are many hotels near the Ooty attractions like the Ooty lake and the main market. I will suggest time your sightseeing in such a way that you can be in this central area around lunch time.

Please Give an approximate idea of expenses for this 5 day trip?

Hi Hemanshu Fuel cost was around 5k INR Hotel stay cost was around 30k INR (including one night stay at destiny farmstay which was around 10k) And other expenses were around 5k-6k

Please give some information if I can get a hired two wheeler from Coimbatore for my Ooty trip and also is it safe for us. As I will be traveling with my wife…

Sorry, I am not sure about 2 wheeler rental in Coimbatore but it should be possible. However, I would prefer a 4 wheeler anytime as the road is hilly and many bigger vehicles comply. You know what I mean, our safety also depends on how others are driving, not just ourselves.

Amazing information we will definitely consider this as we too are gonna travel along with our kids but for the first time.

Thanks Farida. Wish you a wonderful trip!

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Ooty 3 Days Itinerary – Best Guide To Queen of Hill Stations

Embark on an Unforgettable Ooty Adventure with this 3-Day Itinerary, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, serene lakes, captivating viewpoints, and thrilling wildlife encounters. Check out the Ooty 3 Days Itinerary.

Nestled in the picturesque Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats, Ooty is a charming hill station located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu , India . Also known as Udhagamandalam , Ooty has been a popular destination for nature lovers, honeymooners , and adventure enthusiasts for many years. In this article, we will delve deeper into the essence of Ooty, including its attractions, a detailed 3-day itinerary, how to reach the city, where to stay, and the delightful culinary experiences it offers.

Ooty is renowned for its pleasant weather, lush green landscapes, beautiful gardens, and colonial-era charm. In this post, as a bonus, apart from 3 days Ooty itinerary , we have included a 4-day Ooty itinerary and also 5 days Ooty itinerary . Read along and choose either the Ooty itinerary for 2 days or the Ooty itinerary for 3 days or the Ooty itinerary for 4 days or the Ooty itinerary for 5 days as per your convenience and choice.

Table of Contents

Ooty Itinerary – Places To Visit In Ooty

Ooty has long been one of the most popular hill stations in South India . Its salubrious climate, picturesque hills, lush tea gardens, and a train chugging through picture-perfect locales, have drawn visitors like bees to nectar. Though the place has become overcrowded and overtly commercialized in recent times, it still retains vestiges of its vintage charm to this day. It remains one of the favourite weekend getaways from Bangalore .

A road trip from Bangalore to Ooty is also an attractive proposition, considering that Ooty to Bangalore distance is about 273 kilometres. Here is the perfect Ooty 3 Day Itinerary for experiencing the best of Ooty .

About Ooty, Tamil Nadu | Ootacamund | Udhagamandalam

Perched at an altitude of approximately 7,350 feet above sea level , Ooty enjoys a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year. The town was originally established by the British in the early 19th century as a summer retreat. Today, it has evolved into a bustling tourist destination while still retaining its old-world charm.

Ooty is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations, which produce some of the finest tea in the country. The extensive forests and wildlife sanctuaries surrounding the town are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The colonial-era architecture, toy train rides, and beautiful lakes add to the town’s unique appeal.

20 Best Places to Visit in Ooty | Ooty 3 Days Itinerary 

Ooty is an enchanting hill station. There are many beautiful places to visit in Ooty . Ooty and its surrounding areas encompass a wide range of attractions from serene lakes and breathtaking viewpoints to picturesque gardens and wildlife sanctuaries.

Each place has its own unique charm, providing visitors with memorable experiences and a deep connection with nature. Exploring these attractions will allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and serenity of the Queen of Hill Stations .

Here is a list of Ooty attractions , providing a comprehensive guide to Ooty sightseeing and highlighting what to see in Ooty , ensuring you have a wonderful array of things to do in Ooty.

Botanical Gardens

The Government Botanical Gardens is a must-visit attraction in Ooty. Spread across 55 acres, it boasts a stunning collection of exotic plants, vibrant flower beds, and well-maintained lawns. The gardens are divided into several sections, including a fern house, a conservatory, and a bonsai garden. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, enjoy the tranquil ambience, and marvel at the diverse range of plant species.

Located in the heart of the town, Ooty Lake is a popular spot for boating and leisurely walks. The lake was artificially constructed in the early 19th century and is surrounded by scenic landscapes. Hire a paddleboat or a rowboat and explore the lake’s calm waters, or simply relax by the lakeside, taking in the serene surroundings.

Doddabetta Peak

Standing tall at an elevation of 8,650 feet, Doddabetta Peak is the highest point in the Nilgiri range . It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Kerala. There is an observation tower at the summit, providing visitors with an elevated viewpoint to appreciate the scenic beauty. The trek to the peak is also a popular activity for adventure enthusiasts.

Rose Garden

The Government Rose Garden , also known as the Centenary Rose Park , is the largest rose garden in India . Spread across 10 acres, it is home to over 2,000 varieties of roses. The garden is a visual treat, with rows of colourful roses in various shapes and sizes. Take a leisurely stroll along the well-manicured pathways, inhaling the sweet fragrances and admiring the vibrant hues of the flowers. The garden also hosts an annual rose show, attracting enthusiasts and nature lovers from far and wide.

Pykara Falls

Located about 20 kilometres from Ooty, Pykara is a scenic spot known for its enchanting waterfalls. The Pykara Falls cascade down in multiple stages, surrounded by dense forests and rocky terrain. The gushing water and the lush greenery create a mesmerizing sight, offering a refreshing escape from the bustling town. You can take a short trek to reach the base of the falls and enjoy the cool misty spray.

Pykara Lake

Adjacent to the waterfalls, Pykara Lake is a serene and picturesque water body that adds to the charm of the place. Surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, the lake offers a tranquil setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Take a boat ride on the lake and soak in the peaceful ambience or simply sit by the lakeside, admiring the natural beauty.

Avalanche Lake

Situated about 28 kilometres from Ooty, Avalanche Lake is a serene spot surrounded by lush greenery. The lake is formed by the backwaters of the Avalanche Dam and is known for its crystal-clear waters. It offers a peaceful and idyllic retreat amidst nature. Take a leisurely walk around the lake, breathe in the fresh air, and marvel at the pristine beauty of the surroundings.

Emerald Lake

Located near the Emerald Village, this beautiful lake is a hidden gem of Ooty. Nestled amidst tea estates and dense forests, the Emerald Lake boasts emerald-green waters, hence its name. It is a perfect spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Enjoy the serene ambience, go for a peaceful walk along the lake, or indulge in boating to experience the tranquillity of the surroundings.

Tea Gardens

Ooty is renowned for its vast expanses of tea plantations . Ooty tea gardens are a sight to behold, with neatly manicured rows of tea bushes spread across the undulating hills. Take a walk through the Ooty tea estates , breathe in the fresh aroma of tea leaves, and witness the tea-picking process during the harvest season. You can also visit a tea factory to learn about the tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to the final product. Don’t forget to savour a cup of freshly brewed tea, experiencing its distinct flavours.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

A ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway , also known as the toy train , is a quintessential Ooty experience. This heritage train is a UNESCO  World Heritage site and connects Ooty with the town of Mettupalayam. The train journey is a delightful and nostalgic ride, taking you through breathtaking landscapes, including dense forests, winding tunnels, and scenic bridges. The slow-paced journey allows you to soak in the natural beauty and enjoy the picturesque views of the Nilgiri Hills .

Located in nearby Coonoor, Sims Park is a well-maintained public park that is worth a visit. Spread across 12 acres, the park is known for its beautiful flowers, trees, and manicured lawns. It houses a variety of exotic plants, including rare species. Take a leisurely walk through the park, relax on the benches, and enjoy the peaceful ambience. The park also hosts an annual fruit and vegetable show, showcasing a wide range of produce.

Dolphin’s Nose

Situated in Coonoor, Dolphin’s Nose is a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of Catherine Falls and the surrounding valleys. The viewpoint gets its name from its resemblance to the nose of a dolphin. Enjoy the stunning vistas of the cascading waterfalls, the lush greenery, and the tea estates spread across the undulating hills. The viewpoint also provides an opportunity for short treks and nature walks.

Lamb’s Rock

Another popular viewpoint in Coonoor, Lamb’s Rock offers breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills and the Coimbatore plains. The viewpoint is named after Captain Lamb, who discovered the place during the British era. The panoramic vistas, with mist-covered mountains and deep valleys, create a mesmerizing sight. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature.

Needle Rock Viewpoint

Located in Gudalur, Needle Rock Viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the picturesque landscapes of the Nilgiri Hills. The viewpoint gets its name from the pointed rock formation that resembles a needle. Enjoy the unobstructed views of the rolling hills, lush forests, and tea estates. It is a perfect spot to witness the captivating beauty of the Western Ghats.

Pine Forest

Nestled amidst towering pine trees, the Pine Forest in Ooty offers a tranquil and enchanting escape. Walking through the dense groves creates a surreal atmosphere, with the gentle rustling of the leaves and the fresh aroma of pine filling the air.

The Tea Museum in Ooty takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the history and production of tea. Learn about the cultivation process, witness vintage tea-making equipment, and sample a variety of aromatic teas while immersing yourself in the picturesque tea gardens that surround the museum.

St. Stephen’s Church

As one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris district, St. Stephen’s Church in Ooty showcases stunning Gothic architecture. The beautiful stained glass windows, serene atmosphere, and serene surroundings make it a peaceful place for reflection and spiritual solace.

Government Museum

The Government Museum in Ooty houses a diverse collection of artefacts, including tribal artefacts, sculptures, paintings, and ancient weaponry. It provides valuable insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage and history.

The Wax Studio in Ooty offers a unique and entertaining experience, featuring lifelike wax sculptures of prominent figures from various fields. Take a walk through the museum and marvel at the incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail that brings these wax figures to life.

Mudumalai National Park

Situated on the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Mudumalai National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Spread across an area of 321 square kilometres, it is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Embark on a wildlife safari and get a chance to spot elephants, tigers, leopards, Indian gaurs, and various species of birds and reptiles. The national park offers an immersive experience in the lap of nature.

Ooty 3 Days Itinerary | Perfect 3 Days Ooty Itinerary For Sightseeing | Ooty Itinerary For 2 Days | Ooty 3 Nights 4 Days Itinerary

Discover the wonders of Ooty with our meticulously crafted Ooty 3 Days Itinerary . We have thoughtfully designed the Ooty 3 Days Itinerary to provide you with a range of options.

If you are looking for Ooty 2 nights 3 days itinerary , or 3 days Ooty itinerary for sightseeing ,  then this carefully crafted 3-day Ooty itinerary offers a multitude of options to choose from, ensuring a diverse and customizable experience based on your preferences. You can choose the places that appeal to you and adjust the number of days according to your convenience, ensuring a personalized and flexible exploration of Ooty.

Also read: 2 Day Madurai Itinerary – 17 Best Places To Visit In Madurai

Ooty Itinerary For 3 Days – Day 1

Exploring the natural beauty of ooty.

Start your day by visiting the Botanical Gardens , one of Ooty’s most popular attractions. Spread across 55 acres, these well-maintained gardens are a haven for nature lovers. Take your time to explore the diverse collection of plants and flowers, including rare species and exotic varieties. The garden is divided into several sections, each showcasing a different aspect of botanical beauty. Marvel at the vibrant flower beds, admire the well-manicured lawns and soak in the peaceful ambience.

Botanical Gardens is a must-visit that should figure in your Ooty 3 days itinerary.

Afterwards, make your way to the picturesque Ooty Lake . This artificial lake, surrounded by lush greenery, offers a tranquil setting for relaxation and leisure activities. Rent a paddleboat or a rowboat and glide across the calm waters, enjoying the scenic vistas. The lake is also a great spot for a leisurely lakeside walk, where you can capture beautiful photographs and create lasting memories.

In the afternoon, it’s time to head towards Doddabetta Peak , the highest point in the Nilgiri range. A short drive from the city centre will take you to this scenic viewpoint. As you ascend to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. On clear days, the visibility extends to neighbouring states, offering a truly awe-inspiring experience. Take your time to savour the moment, capture photographs, and embrace the serene beauty of the landscape.

Conclude your day by visiting the Rose Garden , a haven for rose enthusiasts. This expansive garden is home to thousands of rose varieties, showcasing a kaleidoscope of colours and captivating fragrances. Stroll through the neatly arranged rose beds, appreciating the beauty of these delicate blooms. The garden also provides a peaceful ambience for relaxation and introspection. Sit on one of the benches, breathe in the floral scents, and let the tranquillity wash over you.

3 Days Ooty Itinerary – Day 2 

Scenic delights and serenity of ooty.

Start your second day by immersing yourself in the natural wonders surrounding Ooty. Begin with a trip to Pykara Falls , situated about 20 kilometres from the town. As you approach the falls, the sound of cascading water grows louder, heightening your anticipation.

Once there, witness the sheer force of the water as it tumbles down in multiple stages. Surrounded by dense forests and rocky terrain, Pykara Falls is a sight to behold. Take a short trek to the base of the falls and feel the cool misty spray on your face, creating a refreshing and exhilarating experience.

Afterwards, make your way to Pykara Lake , located adjacent to the falls. This serene lake with its crystal-clear waters offers a peaceful retreat amidst nature. Indulge in boating activities, gliding across the calm surface while admiring the picturesque surroundings. The tranquillity of the lake and its surroundings make it an ideal spot for a lakeside picnic or a leisurely stroll along the shore.

In the afternoon, venture to Avalanche Lake , located about 28 kilometres from Ooty. Surrounded by lush greenery and undulating hills, this serene lake provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the town. The pristine beauty of Avalanche Lake is truly captivating. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, taking in the tranquil ambience and admiring the reflections of the surrounding landscape on the water’s surface.

Conclude your day by visiting Emerald Lake , nestled amidst tea estates and dense forests. The emerald-green waters of this hidden gem perfectly reflect the natural beauty of its surroundings. The serene ambience and the untouched beauty of Emerald Lake create a mesmerizing experience. Take a leisurely walk along the lake, immerse yourself in the serenity of the place, and breathe in the fresh air. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even opt for boating activities to get a closer view of the lake and its surroundings.

Ooty 3 Days Itinerary – Day 3

Exploring coonoor .

On the third day, venture beyond Ooty and explore the nearby town of Coonoor , known for its scenic charm and tranquil settings.

Start your day by taking a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway , also known as the toy train. This heritage train journey from Ooty to Coonoor is a delightful and nostalgic experience. As the train chugs along the tracks, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the lush green valleys, dense forests, and picturesque landscapes. The slow-paced journey allows you to soak in the natural beauty and enjoy the cool breeze. Keep your camera ready to capture the enchanting moments along the way.

Upon reaching Coonoor, head to Sims Park , a beautifully maintained public park. Spread across 12 acres, Sims Park is known for its vibrant flowers, manicured lawns, and exotic trees. Take a leisurely stroll through the park, embracing the tranquil ambience and enjoying the fragrant aromas. The park also features a variety of plants, including rare species, making it a paradise for botany enthusiasts.

Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint

Next, proceed to Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint , offering panoramic views of Catherine Falls and the surrounding valleys. As you reach the viewpoint, the awe-inspiring sight of the cascading waterfalls and the lush greenery below will leave you spellbound. The viewpoint gets its name from the rock formation that resembles the nose of a dolphin. Take your time to absorb the beauty of the landscape, capturing photographs that encapsulate the mesmerizing vistas.

From Dolphin’s Nose, make your way to Lamb’s Rock , another popular viewpoint in Coonoor. This vantage point offers breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills and the Coimbatore plains. Named after Captain Lamb, who discovered the place during the British era, Lamb’s Rock provides an ideal setting for relaxation and reflection. Take a seat on the rocky ledge, allowing the serenity of the surroundings to wash over you.

Continue your exploration by visiting Needle Rock Viewpoint in Gudalur. As you arrive at this viewpoint, prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Western Ghats. The panoramic vistas, with mist-covered mountains, deep valleys, and rolling hills, create a breathtaking sight. Needle Rock Viewpoint provides an excellent opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture the essence of the Western Ghats.

A visit to Ooty and Coonoor would be incomplete without taking a leisurely stroll through the mesmerizing tea gardens . It’s a must-do activity that allows you to fully appreciate the natural beauty and serenity of the region. Immerse yourself in the lush green landscapes of the tea estates .

Wander through the tea gardens, capturing breathtaking pictures of the picturesque surroundings, and indulge in the beauty of the rolling hills covered in tea plantations . Don’t forget to pause and savour the serene ambience while enjoying the aroma of fresh tea leaves that fill the air.

Ooty 3 Nights 4 Days Itinerary – Day 4

Exploring picturesque views and cultural gems.

If you are not looking for 3 days Ooty itinerary and have planned a 3 nights 4 days trip to Ooty , then on the fourth day of your Ooty trip, start your day by exploring the serene Pine Forest , where you can take a peaceful stroll amidst the towering pine trees. A visit to the Pine Forest in Ooty offers not only a picturesque setting but also a range of activities to enjoy.

You can engage in nature walks, photography sessions, and picnics amidst the serene surroundings of the forest. Additionally, Pine Forest has also served as a popular location for film shootings, making it a fascinating spot for movie enthusiasts to explore and connect with the magic of cinema.

After immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the Pine Forest, head to the Tea Museum in Ooty for a delightful journey into the world of tea. Explore the fascinating exhibits that showcase the history, cultivation, and production of tea, and witness vintage tea-making equipment. Indulge in a tea-tasting session to savour the flavours of different varieties and enjoy the scenic tea gardens that surround the museum, adding a touch of tranquillity to your visit.

In the afternoon, indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the local restaurants, savouring the flavours of Ooty’s cuisine. Afterwards, make your way to St. Stephen’s Church , known for its exquisite Gothic architecture and serene ambience. Take your time to admire the intricate stained glass windows and experience a moment of tranquillity in this sacred place.

Next, head to the Government Museum , where you can delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of Ooty. Explore the diverse collection of artefacts, including tribal art, ancient weaponry, and intriguing sculptures. Gain valuable insights into the region’s past as you wander through the museum’s exhibits.

As the day progresses, make your way to the Wax Studio , a unique attraction where lifelike wax figures of prominent personalities await. Take pictures with your favourite celebrities, historical figures, and sports icons, marvelling at the artistry and craftsmanship behind each detailed wax sculpture.

In the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful streets of Ooty, taking in the scenic views and pleasant weather. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants, savouring the flavours of Ooty’s cuisine once again.

Ooty 5 Days Itinerary – Day 5

Wildlife encounter.

If you are passionate about the wild, you may want to extend your Ooty trip to five days and add a visit to the Mudumalai National Park to your itinerary on the 5th day. Early in the morning pack your bags and bid goodbye to Ooty. On the way back home, explore the beautiful Madhumalai National Park.

Mudumalai National Park is located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This wildlife sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Embark on a wildlife safari through the park, immersing yourself in the dense forests and keeping an eye out for elephants, tigers, leopards, Indian gaurs, and a variety of bird species. The thrill of encountering these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is an experience to cherish.

By following this Ooty itinerary , you’ll have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty, scenic landscapes, and serene attractions that Ooty and its surroundings have to offer. From botanical gardens and tranquil lakes to captivating viewpoints and wildlife encounters, each day will be filled with unforgettable experiences and a deeper connection with nature.

Also read: Best 3 Day Rameshwaram Itinerary – Rameshwaram Trip Planning

Shopping In Ooty | Ooty 3 Days Itinerary

While visiting Ooty, it is apt to add shopping to your Ooty itinerary. When it comes to shopping in Ooty , there are plenty of options to explore during your Ooty 3 Days Itinerary. From local handicrafts to tea and homemade chocolates, you can shop to your heart’s content. Here are some highlights of what you can shop for in Ooty.

Buy Handicrafts and Souvenirs in Ooty

Ooty is known for its exquisite handicrafts made by local artisans. You can find a wide range of handicrafts such as wooden toys, handmade jewellery, embroidered shawls, and pottery. These make for perfect souvenirs to take back home and cherish your memories of Ooty.

Buy Tea in Ooty

Ooty is renowned for its tea plantations, and you’ll find an array of tea varieties to choose from. Whether you prefer black tea, green tea, or flavoured tea, Ooty offers an extensive selection. Don’t forget to buy some aromatic Ooty tea as a reminder of your trip.

Buy Homemade Chocolates in Ooty

Ooty is a paradise for chocolate lovers. The hill station is famous for its homemade chocolates , available in various flavours and forms. Indulge in some delectable chocolate treats and pick up a box of Ooty’s finest chocolates for yourself or as gifts for your loved ones.

Buy Spices and Essential Oils in Ooty

Ooty is also known for its aromatic spices and essential oils. You can find a range of organic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Additionally, there are various essential oils available, such as eucalyptus oil and lavender oil , which are renowned for their therapeutic properties.

Buy Woollens and Winter Clothing in Ooty

Given the cool climate of Ooty, it’s a great place to shop for woollens and winter clothing . You can find cosy sweaters, shawls, scarves, and socks made from warm and comfortable materials. These items will not only keep you warm during your stay but also serve as useful reminders of your time in Ooty.

Remember to explore the local markets and shops in Ooty to discover unique and authentic products. Shopping in Ooty is a delightful experience, allowing you to bring home not only beautiful mementoes but also a taste of the hill station’s charm and craftsmanship.

Images of Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Here are a few captivating images showcasing the mesmerizing beauty of Ooty.

Also read: 20 Best Places to Visit in Kodaikanal and Things to do in Kodaikanal

Planning Your Ooty Trip – Ooty 3 Days Itinerary

Best time to visit ooty.

The best time to visit Ooty is during the months of April to June and September to November . During these periods, the weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. It is an ideal time to explore the natural beauty of Ooty, enjoy outdoor activities, and visit popular tourist attractions.

April to June is the summer season in Ooty, and the weather is mild and pleasant. The days are warm, while the evenings and nights provide a refreshing coolness. This period is perfect for sightseeing, boating in the lakes, and enjoying outdoor activities like trekking and nature walks. The famous flower show, held in May, is an added attraction during this time.

September to November is the post-monsoon and early winter season in Ooty. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it an excellent time to explore the tea estates, gardens, and viewpoints. The surroundings are lush green after the monsoon rains, offering a picturesque backdrop for photography enthusiasts. It is also a great time for adventure activities like hiking and camping.

Avoid visiting Ooty during the monsoon season, which lasts from July to September, as heavy rainfall can disrupt outdoor activities and make certain areas inaccessible. The winter months, from December to February, can be quite chilly, with temperatures dropping to as low as 5°C. While some people enjoy the cold weather, it is advisable to carry warm clothing and be prepared for the colder temperatures.

Overall, planning your visit to Ooty during the recommended periods will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, allowing you to make the most of the stunning landscapes and attractions that this hill station has to offer.

How to Reach Ooty | Getting To Ooty | Ooty 3 Days Itinerary

Ooty is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible from different parts of the country. Ooty is an ideal w eekend getaway from Bangalore and Mysore . Click here for Bangalore to Ooty Route Map via Mysuru.

• Bangalore to Ooty: Approximately 270 kilometres
• Chennai to Ooty: Approximately 550 kilometres
• Kochi to Ooty: Approximately 280 kilometres
• Trivandrum to Ooty: Approximately 540 kilometers
• Mysore to Ooty: Approximately 125 kilometres
• Mumbai to Ooty: Approximately 1,230 kilometres
• Hyderabad to Ooty: Approximately 850 kilometres
• Pondicherry (Puducherry) to Ooty is approximately 375 kilometres

Note : Distances are approximate and may vary depending on the specific route taken and any detours.

The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport , located approximately 88 kilometres away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Ooty. The journey from Coimbatore to Ooty offers picturesque views of the Nilgiri Hills, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty even before reaching the hill station.

To travel to Ooty you can book your flight tickets right here through Cleartrip  or Makemytrip  or  CheapAir  or  Priceline and fly to Coimbatore.

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway connects Ooty with the town of Mettupalayam, which is well-connected to major cities like Chennai and Coimbatore. The toy train ride from Mettupalayam to Ooty is a popular and scenic way to reach the hill station. The train slowly chugs its way up the hills, passing through tunnels, bridges, and breathtaking landscapes, offering a unique and memorable experience.

Ooty is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in South India. Regular bus services operate from cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Coimbatore to Ooty. You can also choose to drive to Ooty, enjoying the scenic beauty along the way. The roads are well-maintained, offering a smooth and comfortable journey.

Where to Stay in Ooty

Ooty offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxury resorts and heritage hotels to budget guesthouses and homestays, there are plenty of choices available. Some popular areas to consider for accommodation include Charring Cross, Coonoor Road, and Fern Hill. These areas provide easy access to major attractions, markets, and eateries, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable stay.

We stayed at Hotel Lake View , which we feel is one of the Best Hotels in Ooty , you can do your Hotel Lake View Ooty booking right here Alternatively, you may plan and book online your stay in any of the hotels or resorts of your choice in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India right here –  TripAdvisor  or Cleartrip or  makemytrip or  goibibo or  Booking.com or  HotelsCombined or  Agoda .

What to Eat in Ooty

Ooty offers a delectable range of culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds. The town is known for its delightful and high-quality chocolates. Don’t miss trying the famous Ooty chocolates , which are available in various flavours and make for great souvenirs as well. Visit the local chocolate shops and indulge in these sweet treats.

The tea gardens of Ooty produce some of the finest tea in the country. Make sure to visit a tea stall or factory to savour a cup of freshly brewed tea. You can learn about the tea-making process, taste different varieties, and even purchase tea leaves to take home.

Ooty is also known for its bakeries, serving delicious pastries, cakes, and cookies. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in these mouthwatering baked goods, especially the plum cakes, which are a local speciality.

Additionally, Ooty offers a wide range of cuisine options, including local South Indian delicacies like dosas, idlis, and vadas. You can also find North Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes in the restaurants and cafes scattered across the town. Don’t hesitate to explore the local eateries and try the regional specialities for a complete culinary experience.

When visiting Ooty , you must try some of the local culinary delights such as:

Ooty Varkey

These flaky and crispy biscuits are a popular snack in Ooty and make for a great souvenir too.

Ooty Chocolates

Known for its homemade chocolates, Ooty offers a wide variety of delectable chocolate treats that are a must-try for any chocolate lover.

A traditional South Indian dish made with a mix of vegetables cooked in a coconut-based gravy, Avial is a flavorful and nutritious choice.

As a famous tea-growing region, Ooty offers a range of teas to savour. Don’t miss the chance to try some freshly brewed tea while enjoying the pleasant weather.

Ooty carrots

Ooty is known for its delicious and vibrant orange carrots, which are known for their sweetness and flavour. These Ooty carrots are often used in various dishes and desserts, and you can also find them sold as snacks or in juice form in local markets and shops. Trying Ooty carrots is a delightful culinary experience and a must-try when visiting the hill station.

Ooty Mushroom

The region is known for its cultivation of mushrooms, and you can find a variety of dishes made with fresh mushrooms, such as mushroom soup, mushroom biryani, and mushroom masala.

Where Eat In Ooty? Best Restaurants In Ooty

When it comes to the best restaurants in Ooty, here are a few popular ones:

Shinkows Chinese Restaurant

Known for its delicious Chinese cuisine, Shinkows is a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Earl’s Secret

This charming café offers a range of continental dishes, sandwiches, and desserts, with a cosy ambience and beautiful views.

Nahar’s Sidewalk Café

A well-known establishment in Ooty, this café serves a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages.

Hyderabad Biryani House

If you’re craving flavorful biryani, this restaurant offers a range of biryani options, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties.

Willy’s Coffee Pub

A popular spot for coffee lovers, Willy’s offers a cosy atmosphere and a selection of coffee and snacks.

These are just a few recommendations, but Ooty has many more dining options to explore, ranging from local eateries to multi-cuisine restaurants. Don’t hesitate to try some of the regional specialities and explore the culinary scene to make the most of your food experiences in Ooty.

Ooty 3 Days Itinerary – FAQ

How many days are required for a trip to Ooty?

The ideal duration for a trip to Ooty is around 3 to 4 days, allowing sufficient time to explore the major attractions, enjoy the scenic beauty, and experience the essence of this charming hill station.

Which is the best time to visit in Ooty?

The best time to visit Ooty is during the months of April to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and favourable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

What are the unique places to visit near Ooty?

Some unique places to visit near Ooty include Coonoor, Avalanche Lake, Pykara Falls, Kotagiri, Doddabetta Peak, and Emerald Lake, each offering distinct natural beauty and attractions.

Which is the coolest month in Ooty?

The coolest month in Ooty is typically January ( winter season ) when temperatures can drop to their lowest, averaging around 5°C  during the night and early morning.

Ooty’s scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and colonial charm make it an ideal destination for a rejuvenating getaway. Ooty is an ideal honeymoon destination too. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, history buff, or food lover, Ooty has something to offer everyone. With a well-planned itinerary, Ooty promises an unforgettable experience in the lap of nature with its delightful attractions, convenient transportation options, comfortable accommodation, and mouthwatering cuisine. So pack your bags and get ready to explore Ooty – Queen of Hill Stations .

We hope you liked our post – Ooty 3 days itinerary , offering a glimpse into the beautiful hill station in Southern India . When you think of a hill station in India, which hill station comes to your mind? Do let us know in our comments section if you have visited Ooty.

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11 thoughts on “Ooty 3 Days Itinerary – Best Guide To Queen of Hill Stations”

Wow! This was so helpful. I was planning to go ooty and this blog definitely gave a lot of information that I was searching for.

Wow, what an extensive travel article on Ooty! I’m planning a holiday in this beautiful hill station and your article has given me all the information I need. I can’t wait to explore the tea plantations, visit the lakes and lush green gardens, and take amazing pictures of the Nilgiri Mountains! Thanks for such an informative read! 🙂

your detailed iternary is surely going to help many. I have been to ooty twice however that was decade ago. After reading your post I think i must visit it again, so many new places added here.

Being a nature lover, I was mesmerised just at the glance of ooty. This article is obviously a fastastic one. I love that pic (Train crossing the boulevard). I already like South India for a cause so, want to visit once in a life. And article brings an urge to explore the place. So lovely.

Now I wanna go on a trip to Ooty Your itinerary is perfect thank you for sharing this

This article is a comprehensive and well-crafted guide. It’s packed with helpful suggestions and recommendations. Fantastic resource for planning a memorable trip!

Your Ooty 3-day itinerary is a comprehensive guide for exploring the Queen of Hill Stations. The suggested attractions, activities, and tips provided will be helpful for travelers planning their trip. Great work in capturing the essence of Ooty and offering a well-structured itinerary!

Ooty is one of my favourite places in South India. Last visited in 2016. Always a big fan of your detailed information. Will share this with my friends who plan to visit Ooty.

Next time I visit Ooty, I ll be so well prepared thanks to your guide! I love the chocolates and tea from Ooty. In search for the exotic most travel writers skip popular spots. But it’s so important we get a taste of the classics so thank you 😊

Wow such a stunning photos. I have never been to Ooty or even South. So I hope some day I visit & this 3 day’s itinerary is perfect to follow.

I have never been to Ooty but this post just made me plan a trip 😊 so detailed, informative and helpful. Thanks for some amazing recommendations ✨️

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Ultimate Travel Guide to Ooty 2022

In South India, one of the most popular spots for travel enthusiasts is the paradise on the peaks – Ooty in Tamil Nadu. Be it a solo traveler, bunch of friends, couples, or even families – Ooty makes up a perfect vacation spot for all! Here’s everything you need to know about Ooty before you visit – the ultimate travel guide to Ooty .

All that hype when most people speak of Ooty? The credit goes to the ever-soothing crisp weather and its views over the plantations, cottages, and colorful structures. The dampness makes the buildings stand up even more beautifully.

I visited Ooty in early November with my batchmates for a 3-day vacation. We toured the village in a rented car during the day and sat by the campfire to warm ourselves at night.

Anyway, here goes the complete guide to packing, places to stay, where to eat and shop. Even the sweet little spots to drink coffee and chocolate in the evenings – the complete travel guide to Ooty .

Table of Contents

Things to Know Before You visit

Visiting from Bangalore , things like managing drinking water supply, the cold, and waste disposal were all foreign to us. Here are some things to know beforehand.

Travel Guide to Ooty: When to Visit

The best time to visit Ooty is all-year-round. With Ooty located on the hill peaks of the Nilgiri district, the weather remains chilly most of the year. But here’s something I found out.

While the months from March to May are said to be the best months to visit Ooty, it’s also the peak season during this time. Added to it the rainy season in Ooty is between June to September .

So I’d recommend visiting Ooty between the other remaining months – including summer.

Thus, the best months to visit Ooty are between October to March during the non-peak season and pleasant weather. The summers in Ooty, unlike tropical places, are pretty comfortable to tour the hill station.

Is Ooty Safe to Visit now? (Covid-19 precautions)

Yes, Ooty is safe to visit now . Towards the end of 2021, the tourist spot is pretty safe for its tourists in the post-pandemic state. There aren’t many Ooty travel restrictions now.

Most locals and restaurants take precautions and keep their masks on. However, street vendors and the marketplaces get crowded during the evenings and people bother less with distancing here.

With respect to the destinations, the places we visited were open for tourists all over Ooty. So it’s safe to say Ooty is open for tourists now :)

How to Get to Ooty?

You can get to Ooty by road or the Ooty train. For flights, the closest airport to Ooty is the Coimbatore Airport (100 km away).

The Best (and Cheapest) Way to Get to Ooty

The cheapest way to get to Ooty is – Take a train or bus to Coimbatore. Then from Mettupalayam train station, take the 5-hour NMR (Nilgiri Mountain railway) express directly to Ooty (Udhagamandalam).

This way, you’ll cover the main attraction. The Ooty toy train (NMR) is one of the 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites in India and is definitely a must-visit.

Note: When opting for the toy train route, it’s best to prebook your reservation . The train ticket fare from Mettupalayam to Ooty is Rs. 205 for first-class and Rs.30 for second class. With the rates reasonable, it’s hard to get hold of them. After all, hundreds and thousands of tourists visit just to get on this train!

How to get to Ooty by road

The fastest way to get to Ooty is by car . Also, traveling by car makes it easy to get around Ooty with ease. However, with the road curves and fuel costs sky high, traveling by taxi or car is expensive. In fact, we spent half our trip budget just to get there!

How to get to Ooty from Bangalore : Driving to Ooty, the two best routes are from the Mysore route through the Bandipur tiger reserve and the Coimbatore route.

• From the Coimbatore route, you can take the toy train to Ooty.
• From the Bandipur tiger reserve route through Mysore, you’ll land straight in Ooty.

Both routes have their own perks – driving through the Bandipur tiger reserve, we got to see two elephants and tons of deers grazing!

From Mysore to Ooty , the road via NH766 is the best way to get to Ooty. This route is most preferred when getting from Mysore as you pass through the infamous Bandipur Tiger Reserve and the Mudumalai National park. You also get to drive through the narrow curvy pins up the mountains to Ooty.

Hyderabad to Ooty travel guide – The best way to get from Hyderabad is by flight to Coimbatore. From there, take a cab up to Ooty or via the Nilgiri Toy Train. Another option is to drive to Coonoor and take the train to Ooty.

How to Get to Ooty by Air?

There are no airports in Ooty. The nearest airport is 100km away from the tourist city in Coimbatore. You can get a domestic flight to Coimbatore International Airport (CJB). Upon landing, driving or hiring a taxi from the airport to Ooty (2 hr 45-minute drive) is a comfortable choice.

Ooty Travel Guide Map

When you visit an attraction, save more time on your trip by visiting the attractions closest to it. The places mentioned below are clustered based on their locations along with their distances from the main attraction.

• Tibetan Market (Walkable distance)
• Rose Garden (1.5 km)
• Ketti Valley View Point (2.9 km)
• Thoda Villa (3km)
• Ooty Boat House (4 km)
• Telescope House (On Doddabetta)
• Tea Park (2.9 km)
• Eagles Dare Adventures (3.4 km)
• The Tea Factory & The Tea Museum (3.4 km)
• Benchmark Tea Factory (3.4 km)
• Pykara Dam and Power House (1.5 km)
• Pykara Lake Boating (2.5 km)
• Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting (6.9 km)

Ooty Travel Guide Packages

Ooty is one of the most popular hill spots in South India and boasts its colorful views of hills and calm weather all year round. Tourists flock to Ooty most during the holiday seasons. With families looking to step away from their busy lives, Ooty is a hot spot for package trips. Here are some things to consider before you pick one.

• Plan a 3-5 day trip : 3 days is sufficient to get around Ooty provided your itinerary is well-organized and everything goes well. But to visit the nearby districts of Coonoor and Kotagiri, you’ll need at least 5 days.
• Don’t miss the Ooty Toy Train : The Nilgiris Mountain Railway line is a World Heritage Site and is a rare opportunity – so don’t compromise. If you’re visiting Ooty from far, make sure it’s included on the package.
• Make sure transport is included : Typically most package trips have transport included, but it wouldn’t hurt to confirm it. Getting an accommodation in Ooty isn’t a problem, getting around is.
• Check on the location of your stay : It isn’t worth it if your 3-star hotel is placed in the ditch of valleys. Look for accommodation built on higher elevations for better views. When the prices don’t vary much, don’t compromise on an Ooty view.

To recommend, there are tons of Ooty package trips offered by various travel sites and agencies out there. Moreover, people have different expectations from their trips. Some look for a short visit and others long deeper experiences. It’s impossible to say which package is the best out there.

But to pick your package trip, some of the sites that I’d book from are Thrilliophilia.com , Yatra.in , and Klook.com . They’re trusted sites and provide exactly what they mention on their descriptions and itineraries.

How to Get around Ooty

The easiest way to get around Ooty is no doubt by a private vehicle. For a solo traveler or just two, a bike is great for touring the city. But a car is more preferred for comfort.

Here’s the tricky part – After asking around, many local rental agencies informed that self-drive car rentals are banned here as driving in Ooty by tourists can get risky. Vehicle rental sites like Zoomcar and Expedia don’t have car availabilities here. Most services have availabilities from Coimbatore. But when you rent a car from Coimbatore, then you also miss out on the 5-hour Ooty train ride. When traveling in a group, one will have to miss on the train journey to drive the car from or to Ooty.

Most local agencies only offer chauffeured vehicles where they take you to places around Ooty on a fixed schedule – basically a package tour. This itinerary is usually planned out by the agencies and the number of places and time slot for each is limited. But if you’re unsure about how to go about your itinerary, here’s one such local travel agency to check out .

Though there are tons of one-day trips to choose from various agencies that offer different attractions, here’s an open secret – it’s impossible to visit all of Ooty in one day.

How many days are required for the Ooty trip? A good 3 days should be enough to cover Ooty if you plan out your itinerary well and everything goes well. For a deeper and slower trip, 6-7 days is sufficient where you visit the outskirts of Ooty such as the infamous Pykara falls, Thoda tribe community, and even the nearby town – Coonoor.

Travel Guide to Ooty: Essentials to Pack

Making a one-day trip to Ooty shouldn’t be a problem with only warm clothing, but staying nights on vacation here needs a bit extra.

Essentials to pack for Ooty:

• Warm clothing : This is obvious. Pack your sweaters depending on the length of your stay.
• Socks : Keep pairs of socks handy! Some cottages and hotels don’t have heaters installed. The floors can get chilly at nights – especially if they’re ceramic tiled.
• Sports shoes : With the cold weather and a lot of walking to do, it’s perfect to bring a pair sports shoes.
• Crocs / Flip flops : This is optional. When walking in or around your stay, this is quicker to slip into. Crocs are preferrable as you can slide into them along with socks to keep your feet warm.
• Water bottles and dispenser : Plastic is banned in Ooty. There isn’t a shop I came across that sold bottled water. Only large 5-litre plastic jar are available here. It’s best to bring along personal bottles or even a mini-dispenser if you’re traveling with a group.
• Moisturizer : When walking out in the open, one’s skin can get rough with the cold.
• Head cap : Another option to beat the cold is with a beanie. You can also buy them from the Ooty markets where they have a tons of varieties – I went crazy over them!

Ooty Trip Budget

Here’s a table below to sum up and give a clear picture of the trip budget:

With Ooty being one of India’s most popular spots for vacations, there are accommodation, places to eat and shop, and facilities for all price ranges.

For a budget traveler , it should cost anywhere between 1000 – 1300 rupees per day in Ooty for one person. This includes dormitory-type accommodation (Rs. 600-800 per night), food (Rs. 200-250), transport, and activities. The transport and activities vary on your choices.

It’s possible to tour Ooty on a budget when you make use of local transport such as buses and autorickshaws, eat at local restaurants, and stay at hostels meant for budget travelers. Another way to save more is to travel with more people – this way you can save up on accommodation and transport.

For a middle-range trip , Rs. 1800-2000 per day is reasonable. With this range, you can eat at better restaurants, stay in private rooms, and hire a taxi or rent a car for your transport. More activities like boating (costing Rs. 250 for two) fall under this category.

A luxury trip budget can go much higher , depending on the comfort you opt for. As I said, Ooty has facilities for all price ranges. You can spend much over Rs. 3000 – 6000 per day on luxurious hotels and villas, extravagant adventure activities like hang gliding and rafting, and eating at fancy restaurants.

Note : Keep in mind these are estimated values. Depending on how you travel, some days you’ll spend more and some days less!

Where to Stay in Ooty?

As I brought up earlier, there are accommodation facilities of all ranges in Ooty. Whether you’re booking online or finding stays offline, it shouldn’t be a problem. With the place heavily relying on tourism, you’ll find many people holding accommodation signboards by the busy streets here!

But to recommend, the best spots to stay by in Ooty is either by the Ooty lake or on a hill slope overlooking the view below. In contrast to the location, some luxury hotels have well-planned out cozy stays with their private garden spaces. Some of them are Two Seas Residence, Beverly Villa, and Kluney Manor.

But we were looking for a budget stay, and here’s something learned: For better views, make sure the stay is located on higher grounds. It also shouldn’t be too isolated from the city – request for accommodation closer to other people.

On our trip, unsatisfied with the initial stay we’d booked, we requested a change of accommodation. The first stay was deep into valley pits where parking our car seemed impossible with the steep. So we paid a bit extra and moved to a villa on Ooty Tiger Hills – and it was perfect.

Travel guide to Ooty: Best Booking Resources

Here are my favorite go-to accommodation sites when I visit Ooty the next time. For Ooty, most agencies are best to deal with over a call or through mutual connections. But I trust these sites for booking, great customer support and even refund policy:

Booking.com : For accommodation, this is the first site to check out. With tons of stays to choose from and options to filter, get accommodation according to your needs. You don’t need to pay upfront here – book first and pay upon arrival.

HostelWorld.com : This site is meant for budget and solo travelers for dormitory-type stays. Though only 2-3 stays are available in Ooty on this site, it’s been in the business for a long time and they provide high-quality assistance to their customers and maintain their accommodation well.

MakeMyTrip : This is one of India’s most trusted sites for flight bookings, accommodation, and even car rentals. Be it for domestic or international flights to Coimbatore, use this site for planning your itinerary for the best deals.

Ooty Taxi : This is a local Ooty travel site. With many tour packages, I thought this should be up here on this list. Before you book online, it’s best to enquire about the itinerary and pricing on call.

Best Things to Do in Ooty

1. check out the botanical garden.

One thing that Ooty is known for is its nature views. With the Botanical garden at the heart of the Ooty, it’s the first go-to spot through the bustles of the market. The 55-hectare spread garden boasts its lush well-maintained shrubs and pretty glasshouse inside.

The government-run attraction ticket costs Rs. 30 per person (and Rs. 15 for children).

2. Go boating at the Ooty lake

Ooty lake itself is a beautiful spot to walk around unless it’s crowded and noisy during the peak season. The boating is so much talked of here as it’s the most affordable (and relaxing) water activity compared to the rest.

I’m not going to lie, it was pretty fun too! It cost around Rs. 250 for a two-seater boat. The other activities were on land. It didn’t seem worth the rates as these were something we’d find anywhere else.

3. Zip Line (and more activities) at the Eagles Dare Adventure!

The Eagles Dare Adventure, located right by the Tea Factory Museum on the way up to Doddabetta Peak, is for adventurous tourists. It’s great for families but seemed overpriced for us, budget travelers. While the spot targets most luxury travelers, the bridge viewpoint here is incredible!

4. Breathe in the view from DoddaBetta Peak

Seen those perfect picturesque pictures (or reels) of Ooty on Instagram? There’s a good chance it’s all shot here – Doddabetta Peak. While the main tourist point charges for the ticket fare (Rs. 6) and extra for taking pictures (Rs.10), the way to the peak itself is beautiful.

In fact, we never made it to the peak. As the point can get crowded with people, it’s better to park nearby the spot.

5. Sit by a campfire at night

This isn’t an activity that’s separately offered anywhere, but if you get a chance – don’t miss it out! For us, where we don’t see campfires every day, it was a whole different experience with flames and warmth at the center and chilly everywhere else.

The best way to experience this is to choose camping accommodation for a night. Depending on your stay, some stays offer campfire facilities for free and others charge extra. The campfire we made lasted for 3-4 hours. We stayed up well over midnight talking by the burning sticks.

6. Shop at the Ooty local market

Shopping at the local Ooty market was unlike any street shopping experience I had in India. It was simply wonderful! With the plastic ban in Ooty, the markets are effortlessly clean here. The best products that sell here are cute winter beanies, scarfs, warm jackets, socks, and tiny plants!

Even the street food stalls are clean here. They give you the delicacies in paper wraps and drinks in large mugs. The plastic-free place seemed a world away from ours and much much better!

7. Taste Chocolate and Tea at its Factory and museum

Ooty is a beautiful destination. But to those who love tea, coffee, and chocolates, it’s heaven.

With the soils of the hilltop region fertile, it grows cacao trees and tea plantations. Thus explaining the cheap rates of chocolates here. With it, there are many chocolate and tea factory outlets around the place. Many of them also invite tourists to check out their processes and give samples to taste!

8. Visit the Pykara Falls and Lake

This lies more on the outskirts of Ooty, but it’s worth the drive. Pykara itself is a village close to Ooty, hence its name. Regarding waterfalls, this is the most majestic one here and makes up for a perfect picnic spot.

The flow strength depends on which time of the year you visit. Here too, boating facilities like speedboating have been developed to attract more tourists.

Travel Guide to Ooty: More Places to Visit

People visit Ooty not just to tour the town, but the places nearby it. The lake, botanical garden, Dodabetta Peak, and chocolate and tea factories are all within the city’s range. But the other spots like the Pykara falls, Thoda tribe, and Heritage train are all in towns and villages nearby Ooty.

The Pykara falls and lake come by the Pykara village and the Heritage train is in Coonoor – 20 km from Ooty. Even the pine forest here is 15 km away from the city’s center. Thus there’s a lot more to the hill station than being just one tourist peak. But for the travel guide to Ooty, that suffices everything you need to know for planning your trip :)

Manas Patil

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3 thoughts on “Ultimate Travel Guide to Ooty 2022”

Ooty is a must visit place in India. I wish to settle there because of the atmosphere, Environment.

We’ve been to Ooty, years and years ago now. All that I remember is that we paid the extra for 1st class on the toy train, only to have 10 billion people climb in through the windows as the train pulled off. Literally sitting on top of us. We were scrawny young backpackers then. Then in Ooty itself, ordering lunch, and there was mouse poo in my rice. But I think we had a nice day. I was required to hold several babies and be in lots of photos. I miss India. I wish Australia would stop holding us prisoner.

Hi Alyson, I’m not sure if you genuinely had a good experience here in India or not. I never did have mouse poo in my food so far anywhere – I did find a stapler in a cookie recently. Either way, yes I’d agree, India is a whole different experience no matter what. If the time comes and Australia permits, you should visit India again!

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Ooty Itinerary for 4 Days: Exploring Ooty and Nearby Places for the Weekend

Are you planning a trip to Ooty soon? If yes, then check out this Ooty itinerary for 4 days to plan an epic weekend getaway to this destination.

In this Ooty trip plan for 4 days, you can easily cover both the offbeat and popular places. As someone who has traveled to Ooty multiple times, I can assure you that it is a lot of fun to do both the touristy and non-touristy things.

A popular weekend getaway in South India, Ooty is the perfect place to head to if you are looking to spend some time in the mountains.

So, whether you are traveling with your friends or family or solo, this Ooty itinerary is going to be perfect for all kinds of plans.

And you can also spend some time in the tea plantations and learn how one of the most delicious teas is processed in Ooty.

Day 1 – Spend a Day Exploring Ooty

Depending on when you leave for Ooty, it is safe to assume that you won’t be able to explore anything other than Ooty on the first day.

I have been a couple of times here and every time, we are so tired from the journey that we end up exploring our surrounding areas.

So, a good idea would be to first check in to a hotel and rest for a while before heading out.

Thankfully, there are many good hotels in Ooty near the bus stand so you should easily find one. After you have rested and freshened up, you can head out for the following places in Ooty.

Dodabetta Peak

The highest mountain peak in the Nilgiri Hills range, Dodabetta Peak is a perfect spot to get a look at the Karnataka and Kerala borders from Tamil Nadu.

It is a crowded location but the sight of the Shola forest is definitely something to look forward to.

And you can spend around 40-50 minutes here, just enjoying the surrounding hills and forest views. There are also a few food and tea stalls here for refreshments which you can enjoy.

Although I didn’t like how commercialized this place was, I did enjoy a delicious ice cream here along with the beautiful hilly view.

How to Reach

Since it is just 9 km away from Ooty, you can easily reach here by cab or bus. An auto to this place will easily cost you around 500 INR for one side . And you can get an auto for 700-800 for the return trip including the wait.

You can also take a bus to the base of this peak which will cost you 15 INR from the Ooty Bus Stand . From the base, you will get shared taxis to the peak for 50 INR per person.

Finally, you can also take a cab which will again cost you around 700-800 INR and can also be negotiated to include a stop at the Tea Museum and Factory on the way.

After spending quality time in Dodabetta peak, you can make your way back and explore Ooty Lake next. An artificial lake that was built in 1824 , Ooty Lake is a popular boating area for tourists.

Surrounded by the Eucalyptus trees, you can enjoy different styles of boating here including padding boating, row boating, motor boating, and so on.

There are many food and entertainment stalls here to immerse yourself in. And you can also buy good woolen caps and mufflers here for yourself or your loved ones.

To reach here, you can easily take an auto from the bus stand for 100-150 INR . Or you can walk as well since it is only 1.5 km from the bus stand. I did walk here and the walk itself was so serene and peaceful.

And on the way, I met a few locals as well who were so nice and interesting to talk to and shared their life stories with me.

Nilgiri Railway Ride

One of the best things about taking a hotel in Ooty near the bus stand is that you are close to the Udhagamandalam Railway Station.

As a result, it is quite easy to go for a train ride to Coonoor and enjoy the services of the famed Nilgiri Hill Mountain Railway . So, once you are done boating in the lake, you can head to the Railway station which is just next to the bus stand.

If you plan early enough then you can get a ticket online on the IRCTC website. But if you don’t get a ticket online, then you can always get a ticket from the station.

However, you would need to arrive an hour early and stand in online to wait for the counter to open. There are a few tickets sold on the spot but they get over pretty quickly. So, make sure you are standing in front of the queue.

A second class ticket will cost you around 20-30 INR for Ooty to Coonoor and will take you through numerous tunnels and valley views on the way.

It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to reach Coonoor and it is a completely amazing experience on the train.

I still remember our time on the train and how awestruck we were by the views passing us. Plus, since we had taken the 6 p.m. train, we also watched the sun setting down in a completely magical setting. 

Since this place is next to the bus stand, it is quite easy to reach. If you are staying in a hotel in Ooty near the bus stand, then you can simply walk to this place. Otherwise, you can get an Auto or Cab from most other locations.

Ooty Market

Finally, once you have enjoyed your amazing train ride to Coonoor, you can get a bus or a cab back to Ooty. And you can roam around the bustling Ooty market for food and shopping.

I would definitely recommend you to try out the chocolates here and the essential oils which can be found in abundance over here.

Plus, most of these essential oils are quite useful as well. You will find oils for headaches, stomachaches, skin problems, hair problems, and so on.

Apart from the chocolates and the essential oils, you will also find a variety of tea and coffee packets here. Since Ooty is quite famous for its tea, you have to try them out.

And they have a wide range of tea flavors available like jasmine tea, chocolate tea, cardamom tea, black tea, and so on.

You can easily spend 2-3 hours looking around the market and then have a nice lunch at one of the local joints like Hotel Saravana Bhavan or Amma’s Kitchen for an authentic South Indian Dosai.

If you are staying in a hotel in Ooty near the bus stand, then you can simply walk to this place. We didn’t mind walking 2-3 km in Ooty at all. Otherwise, you can get an auto or cab which can cost you anywhere between 150 – 400 INR , depending on the distance.

Day 2 – Explore the Lakes in and Around Ooty

Morning – avalanche forest reserve (avalanche lake and upper bhavani lake).

On day two, the best thing to do is to explore all the lakes around Ooty. Make sure that you start early today so that you can enjoy the places without too many tourists.

Leave your hotel around 6 – 7 a.m. as it will take approximately an hour and a half to reach the Avalanche Forest Reserve.

Here, you will go on a 45 to 60-minute tour which will cover the Cauliflower shola forest , Bhavani Amma temple, and the gorgeous Upper Bhavani reservoir .

Honestly, Upper Bhavani lake is one of the most beautiful lakes that we have witnessed in Ooty. So, I would definitely recommend you to include it in your Ooty itinerary and do spend adequate time here.

You will also find this area is surrounded by pine trees so you can spend some time admiring those as well.

Avalanche Lake itself can be found near the entrance of the Forest reserve. So, once you are done with the tour, you can head to the lakeshore and spend some time here.

The entire lake is surrounded by trees so it is quite peaceful and beautiful here. You can also enjoy a short lunch on the shore here and can just take in the dazzling view in front of you.

After spending 2-2.5 hours in the Forest Reserve, you can leave for Emerald Lake.

You will need to hire a cab as there aren’t any buses going to the Avalanche side. You might find a shared cab going to this side but you will have to struggle and wait a lot. So, unless you are traveling solo, I would definitely recommend you take a taxi.

It will charge you around 1800 – 2000 INR for 6-7 hours and will include Avalanche Forest Reserve, Emerald Lake, Vegetable Land, Tea Plantations, Toda Village, etc.

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is around 8.5 km from Avalanche Forest Reserve so it would take you around 30-45 minutes to reach here. A part of the Silent Valley National Park in the Nilgiri district, Emerald Lake is a perfect place for nature lovers.

Since it is a relatively secluded spot and is surrounded by a tea plantation, it is a popular picnic spot for locals. And honestly, the view from the road of the Emerald Lake and the village is quite enchanting.

Plus, we literally never saw anyone around here which was a bonus.

So, if you love spending time in nature, away from the crowds then spending a few hours in the Emerald village is the perfect way to do that.

You can rent a scooter/scooty and reach Emerald Lake. But if you don’t know how to drive a two-wheeler, then you will need to get a cab.

A cab will cost you around 1500 INR for this location . So, it will be better to get the Avalanche Forest Tour Package.

Tea Plantations and Vegetable Land

It will take you around an hour to reach Ooty from Emerald lake but before that, you have other 2-3 stops on the way. You will stop at the Tea Plantation where you will see the locals farming on their tea farms.

You can enter these farms and interact with the locals to learn more about the process. And you can even take pictures of these farms to hang at your home later on.

If you are interested, then you can even buy the tea leaves from them. They will give you authentic tea leaves which will produce the most delicious tea ever.

After the tea plantation, you will come across the Vegetable land which is quite a colorful patch on this route. Here, you can stroll around in the farms and see how the locals grow herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables , etc.

You can rent a scooter/scooty and reach this place. But if you don’t know how to drive a two-wheeler, then you will need to get a cab.

A cab will cost you around 1000 INR for this location. So, it will be better to get the Avalanche Forest Tour Package.

Toda Village

Finally, you will reach the end of your tour which is at the Toda Village. Here, you will learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Toda tribe which is an ancient Nilgiri Hills tribe.

Their major livelihood is dairy farming and they build half-barrel-shaped huts which are known as Todas.

These small huts have small doorways so that the animals cannot enter inside. Made up of bamboo and decorated with Toda artform, Toda huts are really unique and beautiful to look at.

The people in the Toda tribe wear jewelry and homemade shawls which have black and red embroidery on them.

One of the most fascinating things about this tribe is that their land is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

By the time you complete all these sights, it will be around 2-3 p.m. in the afternoon and your cab will drop you off from the point where it picked you up. So, you can rest for a while before heading out in the evening again.

It is just 2 km from the Ooty Bus Stand so you can always get an auto to this place. An auto will charge you around 150 INR for this place or you can walk here too.

If you are going to Avalanche Forest then you can take the tour package which includes a visit to the Toda Village.

Tiger Hills

Since most other places near Ooty will take at least a day for you to explore, the best thing to do in the evening is to go to Tiger Hills.

A completely secluded spot from the rest of Ooty , Tiger Hills Dam is the perfect place to watch a sunset in Ooty.

Surrounded by the Shola Forest on one side and Nilgiri Hills on the other, this place is inexplicably beautiful. And the best part is that not many people come here. In fact, even we got to know about this place on our third visit.

But yes, if you are looking for some peace and secluded time in Ooty, then Tiger Hills is definitely a good place to include in your Ooty itinerary.

However, do remember that since it is near the forest, you could encounter wild boars, tahrs , etc. here. So, always be careful when you come here.

It is just 5 km from the Ooty Bus Stand so you can always get an auto to this place. An auto will charge you around 300 INR for this place or you can walk here too.

If you stay near the Tiger Hills area then walking would definitely be a good option.

Day 3 – Spend a Day in Kotagiri

Any Ooty itinerary is incomplete without spending a day in Kotagiri and I agree with that. Honestly, the best part of our Ooty trips has been the trip to Kotagiri because you see so many wonderful sights on the way.

And since most people stay in Ooty and don’t venture this far, you can actually enjoy the views in peace.

So, make sure you include Kotagiri in your Ooty itinerary if you want to enjoy some offbeat locations near Ooty.

Kotagiri is situated around 33 km from Ooty and is a perfect alternative to this crowded hill station.

Honestly, there is so much to see and do here that a day is just not enough. But if you are in Ooty for a long weekend getaway, then you might not be able to spend too much time here.

Well, not to worry, because there is a lot that you can do in just a day too. 

Kotagiri gets its name from the Kota Tribe and is actually located in the heart of the Nilgiri hills.

This small hill station is surrounded by blue mountains and shola forests which gives it a magical feel. Even the drive to Kotagiri is gorgeous with tea plantations flanking the roads on both sides.

In Kotagiri, you can walk around the village and take in the beautiful view around you. You can also take a bus to go to Kodanad Viewpoint or Catherine Falls from here.

To reach Kotagiri, you can take a cab for 2000 INR and explore this hill station at your own pace. You can also take a bus which will take 1.15 hours to reach Kotagiri and cost around 30 INR .

There is a bus leaving from the Ooty bus stand every hour for Kotagiri. But make sure that you start early since there is a lot to cover in Kotagiri.

Kodanad Viewpoint

From the Kodanad Viewpoint, you will get a beautiful view of the Nilgiri mountain range . That’s not all though, you also see Catherine Falls, Dolphin’s Nose, etc. from here too.

Although the actual viewpoint is too commercialized, the nearby area is perfect for a light stroll.

Since we aren’t too keen about being around crowds, we walked a little from the viewpoint. And we were blessed with an unobstructed view of the Rangaswamy Peak from here.

Plus, the tea plantations surrounding the roads made the whole landscape quite surreal to look at.

You will need to walk 300 m further from the Kotagiri Bus Stand to get a bus to Kodanad Viewpoint . It will take you another hour and 30 INR to reach this place but trust me, it will be completely worth it.

Kodanad Tea Estates

Kodanad Tea Estates are actually quite beautiful and are on the drive to Kotagiri. We actually walked around an hour or something before we stopped a bus.

\It was truly amazing to be walking on the road with tea plantations surrounding you on both sides.

There is only 1 bus leaving from this viewpoint every hour. So, you will need to wait before you get a bus back to Kotagiri. You can take this bus and get down wherever you want near the Kodanad Tea Estate.

On the way to Kotagiri, you will also come across a small village called Ellada. We randomly got down here because we loved the views around this place.

It was a good decision as, after 5-10 minutes, we did come across a beautiful viewpoint.

So, if you don’t mind walking a little then I would definitely recommend you to get down here. If you have your own cab then it is even better as you can stop here for a while to enjoy the views.

Catherine Waterfall

Once you are back at Kotagiri, you can head to the waterfalls nearby. There is the Elk waterfall which is situated 7 km from Kotagiri. This is a cascading waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery.

But the most famous waterfall in Kotagiri is the Catherine Waterfall.

This waterfall is at an altitude of 250 ft . and is around 8 km from Kotagiri. The fall joins the Kallar river as it flows down and actually got the name from a Coffee Planter’s wife name.

There are a few other places like the Rangaswamy Hill, Longwood Shola Forest , etc. which you can cover. But make sure you take your time to enjoy the places and don’t be in a hurry to cover them all.

You will get a bus to both the waterfalls from the Kotagiri bus stand. The cost will be somewhere around 15-20 INR and it will take you around 20 minutes to reach.

Day 4 – Enjoy a Safari Here

Finally, on your last day of the Ooty trip, you should definitely head to the amazing Mudumalai National Park and the Pykara Lake Dam .

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to go to the National Park because we went for a weekend so we didn’t have an adequate permit with us.

But you can learn from our mistakes and get a permit beforehand so that you can include this place in your 4-day Ooty itinerary.

Mudumalai National Park

A tiger reserve that shares boundaries with neighboring states of Kerala and Karnataka, Mudumalai National Park is the home to endangered animals in India.

This park is divided into 5 sections and is home to animals like Indian leopards, Bengal tigers, etc.

This park is located on the northwestern side of Nilgiri Hills and is around 43 km from Ooty. Here, you can see the animals in their natural habitat.

With a population of 50 tigers and over 500 species of animals, reptiles, etc., this place should definitely be a part of your Ooty itinerary.

You can easily spend half a day here and enjoy a short safari. On this safari, you will also see around 266 birds here.

For the permit, you will need to go to the Forest Reserve Department in Ooty itself.

However, if you are planning a visit during the weekend, then get a permit from the Chennai office. This is because Forest Reserve Department is closed during the weekends so you won’t get a permit from here.

Note: Earlier, Mukurthi National Park was also open to tourists but it isn’t anymore. So, if you were looking to enter the park and enjoy a safari or trek there, it is not possible. You will need to have contacts in the National Park in order to enter there.

Safari Options and Timings

There are different types of safaris available, depending on your time and budget. Bus Safari costs 135 INR per person and is a 30-minute safari in total.

And the vehicle safari is available only during 6 – 10 a.m. slot and 2- 6 p.m. In the vehicle safari, you also have the option of hiring a gypsy for 3000 INR . There are only 2 gypsies available and the entrance fee is 15 INR per person along with an eco-preservation charge of 100 INR.

The cost of using a Still Camera is 25 INR and the cost of using a Video Camera is 150 INR. They also offer Elephant Safari for 1120 INR (maximum 4 people). And it is a 40-minute long safari with only two available slots: 7 – 8 a.m., and 4 – 5 p.m.

Another popular activity to do here is to go to the Elephant Camp and see how the elephants live and eat here. The entrance fee for this activity is 15 INR per person and the camp is only open from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

You will find many cabs and taxis for Mudumalai National Park which will cost around 2000 INR . You can actually get a customized package that will include both Mudumalai and Pykara lake. Apart from that, there are a few buses heading to Mudumalai National Park as well.

But no one knows the timings so you will need to ask at the bus stand the day before.

Pykara Waterfall and Lake

After you have enjoyed some time in the Mudumalai National Park, you head to the Pykara Waterfall. This waterfall/lake will come on the way from Mudumalai to Ooty.

So, you just need to add a stop here and spend a few hours exploring and enjoying yourself.

Pykara Lake is a popular tourist spot so you will find a lot of people around here. But it is a huge place so you can easily find a quiet spot for yourself.

You can enjoy a nice lunch here by the lake or the waterfall. And if you are interested then you can also do boating here.

You will easily spend an hour or two, relaxing beside the waterfall and the lake. And you can even dip your feet in the cool water here before heading back to Ooty.

You can get a customized taxi package for Pykara lake which will cost around 800-1000 INR .

Apart from that, there are a few buses heading to Pykara Lake so you can opt for those too. It will cost around 30-50 INR by bus to reach Pykara Lake .

Once you reach back to Ooty, you can start your return journey, depending on your travel mode. If you are taking a bus to some nearby place then you can go to the bus stand and get a bus from here.

Most Volvo buses leave from near the Railway Station so they will be easy to find and are quite comfortable as well.

I have been to Ooty thrice now and each time, I have had wonderful memories of this place. And the best part is that there is so much to explore that you never get bored.

In fact, I have discovered so many places in and around Ooty because I have visited this place three times.

So, although a 4-day Ooty itinerary is not sufficient to explore the mysteries of this hill station. But it is definitely a good way for you to start exploring this wonderful place.

If you think we are missing out on some important place in this Ooty itinerary, then do let us know in the comments.

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Overhyped destination. Visited Few months back. Very poor & narrow roads leading to traffic congestion. Very limited restaurants. No proper eateries. Ooty has failed to live up to its name as a tourist solace.

That’s true, precisely why I prefered Kotagiri 6 years back as well. 🙂

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

Ooty earned the title of “Queen of Hills” with its mesmerizing misty hills, lush meadows, and thriving tea plantations. Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level, Ooty has many tourist  attractions to satiate your vacation cravings. In this Ooty Travel Guide, I cover everything from places to visit in Ooty to what to pack for Ooty.

Apart from the typical tourist attractions a hill station offers, Ooty is a favorite in southern India for its one-of-a-kind UNESCO Heritage Toy Train ride experience.

Coonoor Travel Guide

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

Check out my Ooty travel blog here for all the information you need to plan your trip and make it awesome.

Ooty Travel Guide: Places to Visit

Whether you are looking for a honeymoon destination, or a family vacation, or an adventure travel, Ooty will not disappoint you.

Ooty Lake, a must-see in Ooty, 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.

Ooty Lake also has an in-house amusement park with games and activities. You can also take a horse ride here. The garden and the many eateries in the vicinity offers a great place to relax and chill with your dear ones.

The Tourism Department at Ooty Lake conducts a boat race for the tourists every year in the month of May. It is a fun and exciting time to visit Ooty.

Ashley’s Tip: While there are many boating spots in Ooty, Ooty Lake is the cheapest among them. 

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. You will be amazed to know that Thread Garden finds a place 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.

Ashley’s Tip: You can learn more about the craft from the in-house guide who will explain about the technique and importance of the place. Apart from the exhibits, they also sell the handicraft. You can take them home as souvenirs. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ashley’s Tip: You can skip Pykara Falls if you are travelling with young children or elderly persons, as there is some walking up and down stairs involved.

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
• Needle Rock Viewpoint
• Rose Garden
• Tribal Research Centre

Famous Temples to Visit in Ooty

• Elk Hill Murugan Temple
• Mariamman Temple
• Toda Temple

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.

Ooty Travel Guide: Things to Do

Ooty is for the nature lovers and tea lovers! Here are some fun activities to do in Ooty.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

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.

Ashley’s Tip : 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.

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

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 Tips: 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, 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.

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

Where to Stay in Ooty:

Budget Hotels in Ooty

Best Homestays in Ooty

Budget Resorts in Ooty

Luxury Resorts in Ooty

How to Reach Ooty

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.

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.

Best Time to Visit 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.

How to Get Around in Ooty

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.

Where to Eat in Ooty

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.

Where to Shop in Ooty

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

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.

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.

Lifestyle : Carry sunscreens with SPF 50 and use them even if it is not so sunny, as you are exposed to a higher level of UV rays on hill stations due to their altitude. Don’t forget to add your moisturizer and lip care cream to your toiletries bag during the winter months to avoid dry skin and chapped lips.

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.

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.

Related Posts:

Kochi Travel Guide

Pondicherry Travel Guide

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

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20 thoughts on “ooty travel guide: from places to visit to what to pack”.

I love exotic railway journeys, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway looks amazing!

Thanks for sharing. I love to see parts of the world through another person’s eyes. And, it looks as though there are lots of things to do in Ooty to keep you busy.

Ooty is a very touristy place with lots of activities and nature at its best. The top attractions are Botanical Gardens, Avalanche lake, and a ride on Ooty Toy train.

Thanks for putting Ooty on my radar. The lake looks nice and relaxing, as do the botanical gardens.

Avalanche Lake and Botanical Gardens are two surreal places to visit in Ooty. You will love it!

Ooty seems a great place to visit for all the family. I would particularly like to see the botanical gardens and the waterfalls as that is where my interests lie. Did you have a favourite activity while you were there?

Yes, Ooty is one of the most visited hill stations in South India. You will love spending quality family time in the botanical gardens. Ooty Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is my favorite activit to do in Ooty.

I’ve never heard of this town! It looks beautiful!

Thank you! I took this trip long before I planned to start this blog, so my photos don’t do justice to the place.

Would love to visit Ooty one day, it looks really beautiful! Thank you for your informative guide 🙂

Thank you, Danae. Yes, Ooty is very beautiful. It is known as the “Queen of Hills” of India.

Very informative, well structured and organized.I agree that the research and planning is the the real icing ..keep them coming ..

Great research work. I wish I could get these information few years back when I went Ooty. I think I need to visit Ooty again!!!

Very informative read!! Definitely will sightsee ooty in the future based on this blog 🙂

Thank you for the post. Really good information.

Excellent Ooty vacation planning guide.

Great research work… each words inspire to visit Ooty again

Next time we go to India, we wanna go to Ooty, we’ll check it out as you describe in the blog post!

Very comprehensive and enjoyable read. The tips are the cherries on the cake.

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Trip to Ooty and Coonoor - A Complete 4 Day Tour Guide

Wo Ooty ki chai ki pyali, wo chai ke Baagon ki Khushbu, wo hariyali ki bahaar aur kabhi ne bhulne waali yaad.

Eng Translate: That cup of Tea from Ooty, that fragrance from the tea garden, that greenery outside, and unforgettable memory.

Ooty is as exquisite as portrayed in the line above.

In this blog, I am bringing you the queen of Hills, Ooty, and will help you to plan your memorable trip to Ooty and Coonoor with a detailed 4-Day tour guide. I will be sharing our experiences and reviews of this amazing hill station. Being a beautiful hill station, Ooty is also a Honeymoon destination of India. 

Our story of Ooty started when we were choosing where to go on a road trip from Bangalore. We decided on Ooty because a road trip from Bangalore to Ooty is marvelously full of scenic beauty and the highway is well maintained.

The original name of Ooty is Udagamandalam or Ootacamund . Ooty, the Magnificent Hills in the Awe-inspiring Nilgiris is located at the height of 2,240 meters in the state of Tamil Nadu. Ooty is around 85 kilometers from Coimbatore and 128 kilometers from Mysore. Other than tourists, agriculture (terrace farming), production of medicinal oils, and photography shooting are the main source of economy. 

Ooty was the land of tribal communities - Badaga, Toda, Kota, and Kurumba. Some of the forest and farming areas are still under these primitive tribal communities. 

Knowledge Fact: Ooty is situated in the Nilgiri hills, which means blue mountains  got its name from a   flower named Kurunji , which blossoms once in 12 years giving a purple-blue trace to the slopes of the hills.

How to Reach Ooty?

Ooty is a popular hill station and is very well connected to almost every part of the country. You can choose railway, roadway or airway to reach here, depending on your convenience. 

Air: If your want to arrive by flight , the nearest airport is Coimbatore , which is 88 km away from Ooty. The flight options from major places like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore are available. Once you reach Coimbatore you will get many options of taxi and cabs. You can book one and reach Ooty.

Train: Another option is by train , which is also a good option. you will get many trains from cities like Chennai, Mysore, Bangalore. The nearest railway station is Mettupalayam , which is 40 km from Ooty. You will get many taxi and local cabs option from here also.

Bus: You can reach Ooty by bus . The luxurious Volvo sleeper bus, as well as government bus, both are available to reach Ooty. You can book an overnight bus and reach here comfortably.

The best way to reach Ooty is by Road drive , which we opted for reaching Ooty. It took around 8 hours to reach after taking halts for breakfast and snacks.

Our Road Journey from Bangalore to Ooty

As expected, our road journey was incredible, offering a lot of attractions along the way. It's perfect to go with family, friends, and loved ones. 

We crossed infinite rows of coconut trees, greenery, shady peaks creating a perfect picture. We also crossed wildlife sanctuary Bandipur and Mudumalai. The forest part was amazing, we saw an elephant and a few deer while crossing. A long drive on a perfect highway (trees on both sides of the highway) with the loud music of your favorite track and a few packets of munching. And that's how we accomplished our journey. We had a typical south Indian breakfast in Kamat  on the Mysore highway. We also took a few halts on our way for refreshments to drink coconut water.

If you are planning a road trip from Bangalore to Ooty, the first thing to decide is your vehicle . If you have your own car and you are good at driving then it's very good. But if you don't have your own car, you can book a car from Quick Ride or Savaari , which is a very reliable and good option. We opted for Quick Ride to book a car for 4 days with a driver and the charge was 13k  INR including fuel, toll, and an extra 100KM. This was the best deal we got after doing a lot of research. 

Tip : Another inspiration for booking a car from Bangalore is, there are no options for rental bikes or cars in Ooty. After reaching there, we had to book a cab for sightseeing and visiting places for 3 days. This will cost around 3k per day which means around 9k. And if we book train till Coimbatore, from there also we had to book a cab till Ooty, which again costs some 2k-3k. Adding all the travel expenses will cost the same as renting a car from Banglore itself. If you are traveling from Bangalore or nearby cities, opt for a road drive without any hassle and worries.

The second thing to decide is the route . There are 2 routes to reach Ooty from Bangalore. We have opted for the first route via Mysore as it is taking less time compared to another one.

Route 1 ( View Map )

Bangalore -> Ramanagara -> Mysore -> Gudalur -> Ooty

Route 2 ( View Map )

Bangalore -> Hosur -> Krishnagiri -> Salem -> Coonoor -> Ooty

When to visit Ooty?

This is the most important question while planning a trip to any place. Climate plays a major role in deciding how you are enjoying your vacation. I know sometimes there are sudden plans of the trip and those are the ones that actually work out. Luckily Ooty always has something to offer in almost every season of the year.

Summer in Ooty : March to June -  Summer is a very good time to visit Ooty. Although the climate is hotter during the daytime especially in the afternoon. The average temperature goes to 25 degrees celsius. But the mornings and evenings are chills with a mild cold. You need to carry jackets with you anytime you visit Ooty.

Winter in Ooty: November to February - The chilling cold, foggy hills and the shining sun in the noon. This is probably is the best time to visit Ooty. The morning and night will the coldest but I am sure you will enjoy this winter. Hot tea or coffee in the chilling and misty morning is the best combination. We visited Ooty in the month of December, although we expected less sunny during peak winter. 

There were lots of tourists and it was a full rush during this season, maybe because of the winter vacation for children and the wedding season, as the place is perfect for winter holidays as well as for the honeymoon for couples.

Tip: Carry thermals and winter wear. For the ladies, you can purchase a poncho from Ooty. They were kind of available everywhere in the Ooty market and are wool knitted. I brought one.

Monsoon in Ooty: July to October - Monsoon is not exactly the best time to visit Ooty as you will not be able to cover many spots. The hills would be slippery and of course dangerous to travel. But if you just want to enjoy nature and be surrounded by greenery and colored flowers, you can plan your trip. You can plan your trip in the early monsoon if you want to.

What is the mode of Transport in Ooty?

As soon as you reach Ooty, your first concern is how to travel and visit spots. If you are going Ooty in the car then you don't have to worry. But if you going by train or flight or bus, you have to book a cab or taxi for 3-days. As I mentioned earlier, there is no rental bikes or car available in Ooty.

You will find many options of cabs and taxis in Ooty, near railway station or bus station or airport. Also, you can pre-book a cab for yourself online. Or you can book with the help of your hotel, they generally have the options.

Another option is to use public transport, but this will not be so comfortable. Because traveling on the hill is hectic and tiring. You may feel anxiety due to the height and turnings while climbing up and down.

Where to stay in Ooty?

You will find many options in Ooty to stay. There are lots of hotels and resorts available from higher range to lower range.

We booked our stay in Deccan Park Resort which is a very decent property in our budget. The resort was good and well maintained and they maintain good hygiene in rooms. They only serve vegetarian food which might concern non-veg food lovers. In complimentary breakfast mostly it's south Indian cuisines and in dinner its buffet which is chargeable about 500 per person.  

Pre-book your hotel before visiting because being a hill station and tourist spot, there is always a rush in Ooty.

3 Day Itinerary for Ooty Trip

Day 1: Reach Ooty hotel--> Relax in Hotel -> Rose Garden

Day 2: Ooty Lake --> Coonoor --> Dolphin's nose point --> Lamb Rock --> Lunch  --> Tea estate photography.

Day 3: Ooty Tea Factory --> Pine Forest --> Pykara waterfall --> Pykara Lake boating --> Wenlock Downs Shooting Point

Day 4: Check out 

Day 1 Itinerary

After reaching our hotel in the afternoon, we took some rest and relaxed a bit. The weather was chilly with a cold breeze. We had hot tea and hot onion pakoras in our resort. Then we planned to visit the Rose garden because we still had time.

Rose Garden

Located at the center of the city, this garden is one of the largest Rose gardens in India. The Rose garden was earlier known as Jayalalithaa Rose garden . The garden is located in Vijayanagaram town in Ooty on the slopes of Elk Hill and was launched in 1995. The Rose garden is extremely beautiful with colorful rose plants arranged in curving terraces. The tropical climate of Ooty gives ideal and appropriate weather for Rose gardening. The garden looks stunning during the time of Rose flowering, expanded in an area of 10 acres. The garden has one of the largest collections of Rose varieties in Asia including Hybride tea roses, miniature roses, black and green roses, gathered from different places of the World. You will be delighted to see the varieties of colorful roses.  There were around 1900 roses earlier, which is now reached up to more than 20,000 varieties of roses. The garden is maintained by the government authorities.  We spent our first evening in Ooty in this superb Rose garden and finally, came back to the resort. Had dinner in the resort itself. Entry Fees

Rs. 30 for Adults Rs. 15 for Children Rs. 50 for Still Camera Rs. 100 for Video Camera

Timings:  7.30 AM to 6.30 PM - All day of the week.

Honest Review:  The Rose garden was really good. We enjoyed seeing the rows of roses. 

The rating according to us is 8 out of 10.

Day 2 Itinerary

The next day we chose to go on a boat riding in Ooty Lake. Ooty was crowded with lots of visitors, so we left early to avoid the rush.

Ooty Lake, also famous by the name Boat House is an artificial lake constructed in 1824. The purpose of building this lake was to do fishing. Its located in the Nilgiris district, around 1km from Ooty Railway station. Ooty lake is extremely famous and is the center of attraction for tourists especially for boating facilities like Motorboating, Paddle boating. The lake is surrounded by greenery, bushes, and eucalyptus trees forming a stunning picturesque. The gorgeous scenery of Ooty can be seen while boating in Ooty Lake, offering a treat to photographers and nature lovers. Through one side of the lake, you can see the train running along the mountain, forming the most attractive and beautiful view.  Once you enter the premises, you will see many woolen shops, many shops of eucalyptus oil (Nilgiri oil), Ooty chocolates, tea, and coffee. There is a different section of kids gaming, entertainment, and fun making the place lively.  We extremely enjoyed boat riding. I want to share a small incident that happened with us. While we were waiting in the queue to get the ticket for boat riding, there was this family of 8 members and they had a ticket for a 10 seater motorboat. Out of nowhere one guy from that family came and asked, if you want you can come with us, we have 2 seats extra. We were happy to go with them as it saved us at least one hour's time. They were so humble, we kept talking while boating, they didn't even take the amount from us even after forcing. I suddenly felt, the world is full of humble people, we just have to look around.  "Being kind, generous, and humble is the real beauty."

Rs. 15 per person          -        Indian nationality Rs. 560 per person        -        Foreigners Rs. 30                            -        Still camera Rs. 150                          -        Video camera

Boating Fee

Rs 240                           -       2-seater paddle boat for 30 min Rs 260                           -       4-seater paddle boat for 30 min  Rs 250                           -       4-seater rowboat for 30 min Rs 290                           -       6-seater rowboat for 30 min  Rs 560                           -       8-seater motorboat for 20 min Rs 680                           -       10-seater motorboat for 20 min Rs 990                           -       15-seater motorboat for 20 min 

Timing:  9 AM to 6 PM - All day of the week.

Honest Review:  We totally enjoyed our time in Ooty Lake. The boating experience was good.  

The rating of the place according to us is 8 out of 10

Boating in Ooty Lake

After boat riding, we left for Coonoor. You can also catch an Ooty Toy Train from Ooty to Coonoor , a mesmerizing journey from the mid of lush green tea estates, thick eucalyptus forests, and soaring mountains. The train will take 3 hours to reach Coonoor. We were short of time as we wanted to cover the whole of Coonoor in a day, also we had a car with us, so we went by car. But you can definitely enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ooty Toy Train.

Coonoor is also a hill station situated in Nilgiri hills and is very famous for Tea estates. Like Ooty, Coonoor is also surrounded by lush greenery everywhere giving a stunning view. After Ooty, Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris.  We had a drive from Ooty to Coonoor and it was as beautiful as expected. As we entered Coonoor, we could see the view of tea plantation everywhere, the aroma of the tea was so attractive, pushing me to have a cup of tea. We directly reached a very famous spot Dolphin's nose.

Beautiful tea garden in Coonoor

Dolphin's Nose

Dolphin's Nose is around 12 kilometers from Coonoor and is at an altitude of 1550 meters above sea level, making a perfect viewpoint to oversee the amazing beauty of nature. To witness the panoramic view of peaks and the lush green tea estates from the top, this romantic spot gets a lot of visitors every year.  This is a perfect place to see nature's beauty with a  breathtaking view of a waterfall, Catherine waterfalls. This would be a dreamy experience for the visitors. When we reached, the place was a bit crowded, there were many shops, maggie serving shops, lemon juice, corn chaat, and many more before the entry gate of Dolphin's Nose. We took the ticket from the counter and as we enter, we witnessed the spectacular view of the whole of Coonoor, the hills, and the tea estates. We took lots of photographs, spent some time here and left for the next destination. Entry Fees

Rs. 15 per person RS. 20 for still camera Rs. 50 for video camera

Timings:  9 AM to 6 PM - All day of the week.

Honest Review:  The overall experience was good. But the place was really crowded and it got sunny in the afternoon so we covered the spot quickly and came back to the car. If the climate would be better, we could have stayed a bit longer and enjoyed hot maggie there. 

The rating from us 7 out of 10.

View from Dolphin's Nose in Coonoor

Lamb's Rock

Lamb's Rock is one of the most admirable spots especially to witness sunrise and sunset. You will experience the cold breeze surrounded by lush greenery, forming a perfect romantic set up by the nature itself. The fascinating view of the surrounding valleys and the calmness is something which attracts a lot of tourists to visit this place. Lamb's Rock is around 7 kilometers from the center of Coonoor and it's on the way to Dolphin's nose. We enjoyed our moment here, took lots of photographs, witnessed a mind-blowing view of the tea estate. Entry Fees

Rs. 10 per person RS. 20 for still camera Rs. 50 for video camera

Timings: 8.30 AM to 6.30 PM - All day of the week.

Honest Review: Honestly, I had fun in Lamb's Rock, it's a great place to view the exquisite Coonoor. As I mentioned, though we visited Ooty in peak winters, the noon was very sunny and hot. We could have enjoyed it more if the climate was more feasible.  

The rating from us is 7 out of 10.

Incredible view from Lamb's Rock in Coonoor

Post our visit to Lamb's Rock, we were hungry and it was lunchtime. While coming out of Lamb's Rock, we saw a running restaurant, made of bamboo, wood, and a hut-styled design. It was crowded and was very reasonable in terms of price. 

We had our lunch here. You will definitely notice this place, we couldn't find the name of this restaurant but one unique thing I observed, it was completely run by ladies. The food was very good, we were very satisfied.

Tea Estate Shopping and Photography

Once we did our lunch, we had some time left for shopping and photography. There was an oil factory while coming out of Lamb's Rock towards Coonoor. We stopped there, had a small tour of the oil factory, the guy there explained to us how they extract different varieties of oil used for different purposes from the eucalyptus tree, famously known as ' Nilgiri ka tel'  in India. We purchased a lot of things, Nilgiri oil for our Moms as they are very effective to reduce knee pain, I took some beauty products, face oil, sandal powder, spices, etc. 

Exclusive shop to buy handmade Nilgiri oil and Spices in Coonoor

Then we stopped to click some memorable photos on the way. We relished the greenery and the scenic beauty of Coonoor. It was an awesome experience and it was worth visiting the place.  We moved back to Ooty from Coonoor and reached our Resort before night.

Day 3 Itinerary

This was our last day in Ooty. We decided to visit the Ooty Tea Factory and try the yummiest tea ever.

Ooty Tea Factory

The Tea Factory is situated amid the cliffs of Nilgiri, at the height of 1840 meters, and is expanded in the area of around one acre. This is a tea museum, visited by many visitors to learn the origin of Tea, how the tea is extracted from the tea leaves, what are the different steps and much more.  They provide an outstanding tour of the tea factory and in the end, we get to taste a cup of hot tea, which was very satisfying. There was an open shopping area to buy tea powder, they had varieties of options in tea. Each person will guide each visitor to help them buy the tea which they like. We purchased three different flavors of tea, along with coffee. Also, we visited the chocolate section, just beside tea. They showed us how they prepare chocolates from the cocoa. We purchased varieties of chocolates from here. As we all know Ooty chocolates are quite famous, I couldn't miss buying most of the flavors.  I will be posting a complete tour and emerging story of Tea in a separate blog. Do visit, the story behind tea will definitely amuse you. Entry Fees:  Rs. 20 per person

Timings:  9 AM to 6.30 PM - All day of the week.

Honest Review:  A very knowledgeable and fascinating place to visit, plus you can purchase varieties of quality tea. 

The rating from us is 8 out of 10.  

Ooty Tea Factory Museum

Pine Tree Forest

Our next stop was Pine Tree Forest, the best place to oversee the vast landscape of Nilgiri cliffs and the unique collection of tall and magnificent pine trees. This is an outstanding spot for nature lovers with soaring tall pine trees, sensational scenes, and pleasant surroundings. Creating a charming view, the spot is filmed in many Bollywood as well as Tollywood movies.  The Pine trees are planted close to each other in an arranged pattern, with a height up to 80 meters. The age of the pine trees is even 1000-4000 years old. The view is just outstanding. Once you enter inside the pine tree forest, moving further, you will oversee the sandy Nulla Lake, forming an incredible view.  Entry Fees

Rs. 5 per person Rs. 30 for still camera

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM - All day of the week.

Honest Review:  An amazing spot and the best place to spend quality time with friends and family. 

The rating from us is 8 out of 10

Pine Tree Forest in Ooty

Pykara Waterfall and Boating

We moved further to the next destination, Pykara Waterfall , which is one of the most beautiful and exquisite, originating from Mukurthi Peak. Pykara is located around 20 kilometers from Ooty towards the Mysore. The waterfall is very attractive and captivating with water falling downwards through different streams.  After taking a ticket from the counter, you need to walk at least 1-1.5 kilometers. You will get amazing spots to click photographs while walking towards the waterfall.

Route to reach Pykara waterfall in Ooty

Pykara Lake offers an amazing boating tour. The view is just amazing. The place was very crowded when we reached and there was a long queue for the boating ticket, so we dropped the plan to go on boating. Though we clicked amazing photos and could imagine the beauty of Ooty via boat. It is advisable to not visit the waterfalls and lake in the monsoon as the water level would be high and the intensity of water would also be high. Entry Fees

Rs. 30 per person Rs. 50 for Still Camera Rs. 80 for Video Camera

Timings:  8.30AM to 5 PM - All day of the week.

Honest Review:  A good place to visit and witness an impressive waterfall.  

The rating from us for Pykara waterfall is 8 out of 10 

Amazing view of Pykara Lake in Ooty

After an excellent waterfall visit, we took a break and stopped for lunch. There were many shops and small places to eat maggie, fruit plate, and complete lunch thali. We selected the finest place to eat among all and had our lunch which was a bit spicy for us. 

Wenlock Downs (Shooting Points 6th Mile, 9th Mile)

The vast and never-ending stretch of lush greenery, how far you walk, you only find the grassland, this is nothing but the Wenlock Downs of Ooty. A breathtaking view of grassland which ends in the eucalyptus forest.  Wenlock is settled in almost 80 acres of land, giving a wonderful site to walk, a perfect place for a small picnic with friends and family. This is a must-visit place and a lifetime experience in Ooty. Even you have seen this place in many Bollywood movies like Kuch  Kuch Hota hai and many more.  Wenlock Downs is also known as the Shooting point which covers both 6th Mile and 9th Mile shooting spots. The view itself is so attractive and relaxing. You can do Horse riding here. We were so tired when we reached here, but the view we witnessed took away all the drowsiness and we evolved so energetic and lively.  Entry Fees

Rs. 10 per person Rs. 30 for Still Camera Rs. 50 for Video Camera

Timings:  8.30AM to 6 PM - All day of the week.

Honest Review:  It a definitely a must-visit place with an awesome sunset view that we witnessed.  

The rating from us is 9 out of 10

This was the end of Day 3 and finally, we came back to our Resort.

Picture perfect landscapes in Wenlock Downs in Ooty

On the 4th day, we checkout from the resort and left for Bangalore via the same route. This time we were lucky to witness at least 4 to 5 elephants in Mudumalai Reserve. Our journey back to Bangalore was very smooth. We stopped just after Mysore in this amazing restaurant, The Poojari Fishland. Everything was superb, the food, the ambiance, and the serving. 

We reached Bangalore at around 6 PM.

Important Points for Ooty Trip:

1. Carry thermals and a jacket, whenever you are visiting even in summer.

2. Pre-book your hotel or resort, as Ooty is a tourist place and is most likely to be crowded in most of the months of the year.

3. Try to pre-book your cab if you are visiting by flight, train, or bus.

4. Wear a comfortable pair of footwear as you have to walk a lot while visiting different spots.

5. There are public toilets in almost every spot that we covered.

6. Please try to keep your surroundings clean and don't throw away any wrapper or waste in open.

I hope you liked this itinerary for your trip to Ooty. We have also mentioned a section of honest review for your help. 

Let us know how you like this blog in the comment section.

Thanks for Reading!

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Ruchi & Vivek

Hey there!! We are Vivek n Ruchi, a couple who adores traveling as a passion and are working as software engineers by profession. Photography is another area of interest for us. We love sharing our experiences and story with people who are interested in traveling. We attempt to furnish a guide, route, context, history, and the most necessary honest reviews of the places we have visited. So that, people can utilize our experience and create their own memories while traveling. Our main intent is to let the world travel happily, without worries. With this thought, we started our blog journey in 2020.

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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

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! 

[showhotelbycity hotelcity=’Ooty’]

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• How To Explore Ooty? Here’s Your Perfect Ooty Itinerary

Misty morning, rolling hills, gorgeous lakes and vast tea estates, some places are so beautiful that they steal our hearts instantly. Ooty has lots to offer. This Ooty Itinerary covers the places to visit, getting there, places to eat, hidden gems, and everything you need for a perfect trip!

Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is blessed with abundant natural beauty and breathtaking valleys. Now, who doesn’t like holidays amidst nature?

This itinerary is a 4-day itinerary. Therefore, depending upon the time availability, feel free to tweak your Ooty itinerary.  

• How To Reach Ooty 

Day 1: Explore Ooty (Locally)

Day 2 – excursion to coonoor & toy train ride , major places to visit in coonoor, day 3: explore kotagiri, major places to visit in kotagiri:, day 4 avalanche lake & emerald lake from ooty , avalanche lake, emerald lake, some more places to add to your ooty itinerary , best area to stay , ooty weather, best places to eat in ooty , what to pack, how to reach ooty  .

Ooty is the most desired hill station in Tamil Nadu, and reaching there is not difficult. 

Visitors usually prefer to drive down to this place, as the routes are picturesque. 

One can also opt for the Nilgiri Mountain Train ride. 

Coimbatore Airport is about 85 km away from Ooty. Carriers like Air India, Indigo, SpiceJet regularly fly to this airport. The airport connects to major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kozhikode and Ahmedabad.

International travellers can book their tickets to Bangalore, 300 km away from Ooty. 

Taxis and buses regularly ply from Coimbatore as well as Bangalore airports.    

By Road  

The state highway and the national highway is well maintained. 

The private buses and Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation buses run regularly from neighboring cities like Bangalore, Chennai and Mysore.   

The driving distance from the major cities are:

Bangalore to Ooty: 270 km (7 hours)

Mysore to Ooty: 125 km (4 Hours) 

Chennai to Ooty: 555 km (11 hours) 

Coimbatore to Ooty: 85 km (3.5 hours).

Mettupalyam , which is 40 km away from Ooty, is the nearest railhead. Mettupalayam railhead is connected to many cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore and Bangalore. 

From Mettupalyam, one can avail bus or a cab to reach Ooty. Another option is to board the Heritage Nilgiri Toy Train, which takes through uphill and scenic paths. The journey is relatively slow (5 hours), but it is once in a lifetime experience if you have time.  

It is your first day, and depending on when you leave for Ooty; it is safe to keep this day to explore it locally and the surrounding areas.

1. Doddabetta Peak 

Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiri hills. The peak is located at 2600+ meters above sea level. 

The peak derives its name from two local words: ‘dodda’, meaning ‘big’ and ‘betta’, means ‘hill’.

Travellers flock to this place to admire the spectacular views from the highest point. 

A heaven for hikers, it is one of the most popular places in Ooty with magnificent views. On clear days one can see Coimbatore, Mysore and Bandipur National Park. 

I recommend spending about 45 – 60 minutes here and soaking into the views.

There are also some tea stalls for refreshments.

How To Reach The Peak

The Dodabetta Peak is located 9-10 km from Ooty.  The place has access by foot and by vehicle. 

By Rail : Ketty railway station and Mettupalayam is the nearest railheads to Doddabetta Peak. 

By Road : This is a common and popular option. 

Travellers can take a bus that is easily available from Ooty Bus Stand and is 8 km from the base of the Peak. From there, take an auto, taxi, shared jeep to reach the top. 

You can hire a cab or travel by bus to reach the peak. 

For trekkers who love to explore the rugged trail, dense forests and misty clouds, the trek is about 6 km from the main centre. 

The route enfolds the flora, colorful trees and herbs!  

2. Botanical Garden 

Spread over an area of 55 acres, the Government Botanical Garden is home to more than 600 species of flowers and trees. 

Botanical Garden is one of the major attractions of Ooty. The garden is tastefully designed and is maintained by the Horticulture Department of Tail Nadu. 

The garden is divided into six sections such as:

• Lower Garden
• Italian Garden
• Conservatory 
• Fountain Terrace 
• Nurseries.  

The key attraction of this Botanical Garden is the “ Fossil Tree Trunk ” which is believed to be over 20 million years old. 

Timing:  The timings for the garden is from 8 am to 6:30 pm (every day).

Entry Fee : The entry fee is Rs. 30 for adults and Rs. 15 for children. 

Need more information? Visit the official site  here . 

3. Ooty Lake  

This beautiful artificial lake, also known as the Ooty Boathouse, is one of the major attractions of Ooty. 

Ooty boathouse is 1.5 km from the bus stand and covers an area of 65 acres.

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation provides boating facilities to visitors. 

The lake is surrounded by Eucalyptus trees, which makes for beautiful sightseeing. 

Timing : The timings are 9 am to 6 pm every day.

Entry Fee : The entry fee is Rs 13 for Indians. The prices for boating varies as per the seating capacity and type of boating. 

The boathouse is not just famous for boating but also for other activities such as cycling, horse riding, photography learning etc. Know complete details about the Ooty Boathouse here .

If you wish to avoid crowds, visit the lake early morning. 

How To Reach The Lake

Ooty lake is about 1.5 km from the bus stand. You can either walk or take a bus to reach the lake.

The distance from Botanical Garden is about 4 km. 

Our Ooty Itinerary is incomplete without visiting Coonoor!

Take Nilgiri Railway Ride to Coonoor. If you are up for some adventure and scenic train ride, this one is one of the best experiences. Alternatively, you can drive down or take a bus to reach Coonoor. 

The distance of Coonoor is about 20 km and travel time is about 45 minutes. 

In case you are taking a toy train ride , the journey time is about 1 hour 15 minutes. 

Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri ranges and is known for its lush green beauty. Coonoor has wonderful historical background as it has been home to the Toda tribe. 

1. Tea Garden Coonoor 

There are many tea estates in Coonoor. The two most popular ones are:

Highland Tea Factory. This 50-year old estate allows you to indulge in the aroma of freshly brewed tea. For more details, click here .  

Coonoor Tea Estate. This is near Dolphin’s Nose. Just a little away from the Centre of the town lies this famous estate with surreal settings. The breathtaking backdrop will melt your heart! Click here to know more about this place.

You’ll see many tea stalls near tea estates as well. It is a place to taste your buds by sipping freshly brewed tea. 

2. Lamb’s Rock

This is one of the most popular attractions in Conoor. If you admire nature, consider this place as a slice of heaven. 

It is about 8 km from Coonoor. Go through a jungle-fringed road that wanders up to Lambs Rock.

There is a small view-point that offers sprawling views of the Coonoor hills and Coimbatore plains. 

Pro Tip:   For a more scenic view, go further a few steps down to Lady Canning’s Seat. The views are enthralling. 

3. Dolphin’s Nose 

Dolphin’s Nose is at 1000 feet above sea level. The road is a popular route that takes hairpin turns and a jaw-dropping viewpoint. Once you reach the spot, you’ll see 180 degrees view. 

4. Sim’s Park

Visit this Japanese-style botanical garden that extends over an area of 12 hectares.

The huge manicured park has naturally occurring trees, shrubs and other varieties of plants. The beautiful park has a glasshouse with some medicinal plants.  

The park holds the fruits and vegetable shows every year in May. 

After sightseeing and spending some memorable time in Coonoor, return to Ooty. 

5. Ooty Market 

After you enjoy your Coonoor trip and train ride, stroll around the lively Ooty market for shopping and eating scrumptious food in the evening. 

This charming hill station has lots to offer. Some of the things that you must try are:

• Chocolates :   Don’t miss handmade chocolates, which are rare treats of Ooty. The most popular location for chocolates is Charing Road . Visit one of the bakeries and grab your favourite chocolate.
• Strawberries : For organically grown strawberries, Ooty is the best. You can find freshly grown strawberries in local stores. 
• Aromatic Oils : Ooty produces the best essential oils such as eucalyptus, camphor and citronella. 
• Tea : Nilgiris is a plantation district that is highly favourable for tea cultivation. You’ll find a variety of tea packets to choose from. Do give it a try.  
• If you are looking for strolling or shopping in the City, some of the popular shopping areas as  Lower Bazaar Road  (major shopping centre- from clothing to chocolates to jewellery),  Higginbotham  (for book lovers),  Nilgiris Super Market  (for freshly produced food items),  Tibetan market  (broad range of woollen clothes).

How To Reach

The market is about 2 km from the bus stand.

If you are staying near the bus stand, you can easily walk to the market. Alternatively, you can take an auto or cab to reach the market, depending on your location.

Today, you’ll spend the entire day in Kotagiri. Trust me, you can’t leave Ooty without exploring the untouched beauty of Kotagiri. 

A town that is nestled in nature’s lap and surrounded by peace and tranquility. 

This hilly retreat is one of the major hill stations in Nilgiris, and if you wish to explore an offbeat place near Ooty, add Kotagiri to your Ooty itinerary.   

1. Catherine Falls

This lesser-known waterfall in Kotagiri is in its purest form. 

Being the second-highest fall in Nilgiri hills, this place attracts nature lovers as it is an excellent place to be away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

You might not be able to take a dip or go close to the fall but drive to this place. The drive to reach this place is extremely scenic. 

2. Kodanand View Point

Kodanand is a captivating village that is popular for its viewpoint. 

From here, you can marvel at picturesque views of the Nilgiri mountains. In addition to appreciating the gorgeous views, you can also visit some tribal houses to experience something diverse. 

Did you know that just 10 km away from the viewpoint, begins the famed estate of former Tamil Nadu CM, Jayalalitha? Her vast tea estate will blow your mind away.

3. Johnston Circle

There are many small outlets and bakeries at Johnston circle. Do not miss relishing cakes here and satisfying your sweet tooth. 

Kotagiri does not have mainstream restaurants, but most of the small outlets and bakeries have their lunch menus. Do give it a try! 

How To Reach Kotagiri

Kotagiri is at a distance of 29 km from Ooty. You can drive down to Kotagiri and enjoy the scenic views on the way. 

If you are travelling by train, the main railway head is Coonoor. From Coonoor, Kotagiri is at a distance of 20 km.

Pro Tip:  Depending upon the time in hand, you can tweak this itinerary by visiting Kotagiri on the day you are visiting Coonoor. In this case, spend a night in Kotagiri.  

These best places are reserved for the last! Consider this as your offbeat experience. 

Surrounded by swanky green mountains and flowers, Avalanche Lake is a picturesque place away for about 25 km from Ooty. 

Avalanche Lake can be found at the entrance of Avalanche Forest Reserve.   It takes about 1- 2 hours to reach Avalanche forest reserve. As the place is far away from Ooty, not many travellers visit this heaven. But trust me, it’s worth the visit.

It is on the way to Upper-Bhavani, and the gorgeous scenery at every turn is an experience to behold. 

On your tour to Avalanche, you can explore the Cauliflower shola forest, Upper Bhavani Reservoir, and Bhavani temple.

Thrillophilia offers beautiful full-day sightseeing tours to Avalanche and Emerald. Click here for more details.

After you finish seeing the places, you can spend some time at the Avalanche lakeshore. After spending for about few hours at Avalanche, leave for Emerald lake.

Parking:  You’ll need to park your car near the forest check post. However, please drive your car cautiously. The road leading to the place is bumpy, and conditions aren’t great. Moreover, private vehicles are not allowed beyond forest check post point. The forest department runs vans and jeeps beyond this point for lake and forest tours.

This serene lake with blue water is around 5.5 km from Avalanche lake. You’ll take around 20 minutes to reach this beautiful place. 

With endless greenery and peaceful vibes, this place is a part of the Silent Valley National Park.

The village is quite enchanting, and if you prefer spending time in a secluded area with a handful of locals, then this is a place for you. 

Stroll around the tea gardens at the Emerald Lake.

Entry fee : There is no entry fee for visiting the Emerald lake/ dam. It is open for visitors from 6 am to 5 pm on all days. 

Pro Tip: Please carry enough water and some food as there are no restaurants in the nearby area. 

To be honest, Avalanche is a beautiful sight to hold and I definitely recommend to add this place to your Ooty Itinerary.  

1. Toda Village 

Toda community reside in small hamlets called Mund, which have barrel-shaped huts. 

For centuries Toda people lived in isolation in the Nilgiris. The region was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 due to its unique ecology and botanical diversity.

You can visit this village to learn about the culture, their lifestyle. The village also has the Toda temple that looks similar to Toda huts. I recommend adding Toda Village to your Ooty itinerary if you are open to exploring a different side of Ooty.

Toda village is located at a distance of 15 km from Ooty.  

2. Go boating In Pykara Lake & Enjoy Safari At Madumalai National Park

Pykara Lake

Pykara is a village located 19 km from Ooty. 

This may not be in a true sense an offbeat place to visit as Pykara is popular and attracts a lot of tourists. However, if time permits, then add this place to your Ooty itinerary.

Pykara lake is serene and surrounded by lush green forests. You can easily spend 2 hours here.

You’ll enjoy the experience. 

Madumalai National Park

One of the tiger reserves in India, Madumalai National Park, is 30 km from Pykara Lake and 40 km from Ooty.

The park is divided into five sections and is home to Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, and many endangered species. Safari is the major attraction of this Park.

If you wish to add this Park to your Ooty itinerary, click here to know more.

3. Pine Forest 

This is one of the unique spots in Ooty. 

The tall trees in the forest add up to the charm of this place.   

The magnificent tall trees in the forest will make your jaws drop! Usually, the trees here grow from 3 to 80 meters tall. The sight will leave you amazed.

Pine Forest can be visited either on your way to Pykara or your journey back from Pyakara. Also, don’t expect this place to be empty.

The entry fee for the Pine Tree Forest is INR 5 for adults and an additional INR 30 for a camera.  

It is open for its visitors from 8 AM to 6 PM.

For more details click here .

4. Parson’s Valley Dam 

This is the best-kept secret of Ooty and I suggest to add this place to your Ooty itinerary. If you are a nature lover, you’ll not regret visiting this place.

Surrounded by thick forest and rich fauna, this is a place where nature will roar with its enormous vigour.

Parsons Valley Dam is a Hydel Reservoir, which is the main water source for nearby towns of Nilgiri District. It is located about 18 km from Ooty. 

Parson’s Valley Dam and the nearby areas are called Parson’s Valley. This is a reserved forest area and forms part of Mukurthi National Park. Therefore, it requires permission from the State Forest Department to visit the Parson’s Valley.

Visit this page for more details.

5. St Stephen’s Church 

One of the oldest churches in Ooty, the foundation of St Stephen’s Church was laid in 1829 by Stephen Lushington, the then Governor of Madras.

The church features charming architecture and stained-glass windows in a magical wood setting. 

This is a short stroll from the Ooty centre and is open every day. 

6. Government Rose Garden  

Ok, so this is not a hidden gem, but if time permits, visit this garden for beautifully laid out terraces of roses.

This is one of the most famous tourist spots. The place is perched on the slopes of the hills and is a perfect place for spending quality time with your family. 

The entry fee for adults is INR 30, and for children below 10 years, the fee is INR 15.

You can add the place mentioned above to your Ooty itinerary as per your interest and time in hand.

Ooty has many hotels, homestays, Inns and resorts for all budgets. 

You’ll find some popular hotels that are away from the city Centre. This is ideal for those who seek to stay away from the crowd and close to nature.

So depending upon your sightseeing plans and interest, you can choose your ideal area.

If you wish to explore majorly only Ooty, the best areas in central are Coonoor road, Charing cross and Doddabetta Road.  

Some of our favourite resorts in Ooty are:

1. King’s Cliff

One of the oldest in Ooty with the best views.

This 3 star hotel is known for its location. The price is Rs. 5000 onwards per night.

2. Savoy Hotel

Stay in English cottage-style rooms, with lots of amenities. 

Setting on a hill, The luxury Savoy spreads over 6 acres of landscaped gardens in Ooty. With amenities like spa and a gym, this property is located about 2 km away from Botanical Gardens. 

The price per night is Rs. 12000 onwards. 

3. Two Seas Residence  

Nestled in the hills of beautiful Nilgiris, it is away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  

This scenic property is located at a distance of 700 meters from the Botanical Gardens. 

The price per night is Rs. 3500 onwards.

4. Colonel’s Inn

This budget hotel features private balconies and has spacious mountain rooms.

If you are looking for a basic villa stay, this one won’t let you down. The property is close to the market place.

The price per night is Rs. 3000 onwards

5. Gem Park Ooty

Overlooking the Nilgiris mountains, it is located in the heart of the town, Sheddon road.

The hotel features a fitness centre, an indoor pool and a restaurant.  

The price per night is Rs 6000 onwards.

If you are looking for camping sites, Thrillophillia offers amazing deals . 

Find the best places to stay with amazing deals here . 

Ooty is a cold place with majorly three different climate conditions. 

April to June  (Summer) 

This is usually the peak time for tourists to visit the State. The weather during the day is hot and pleasant at night.

Ooty experiences light rainfall during May, infusing new life to flora and fauna.

The temperature ranges from 15 degrees Celcius to 25 degrees Celcius during summer. 

July to October  (Monsoon) 

The monsoon usually starts from mid-July and is considered as offseason. 

November to February  (Winter)

The temperature during winters can go below 5 degrees Celcius.

The months of January and February are considered to be the coldest months. 

Ooty is filled with eateries, and you are bound to gain weight before leaving this beautiful city! As said, “ there is no sincere love than the love of food ”.

Our Ooty itinerary is incomplete without sharing our favourite food places!   These are some of our favourite places to eat in Ooty: 

Earl’s Secret

It is located inside the colonial-era bungalow surrounded by a lush green setting. This place is quite popular for its ambience. It has indoor and outdoor seating.  

This is a multicuisine restaurant, and they are known for their Chinese cuisine. Try their filet mignon, wonton soup and blueberry cheesecakes. 

Average Cost for 2: 2000 onwards (excluding taxes).

Shinkow’s 

This is one of the oldest eateries in Ooty and serves Chinese at affordable prices. 

It is located in Upper Bazar and is housed in a heritage building.

Average Cost for 2: 900 onwards (excluding taxes).

Place To Bee

This place in Hillbunk is a small and classy café that serves delicious food. Apart from that, it provides a whole of information about bees and the place’s local culture. 

The place is located right opposite the Ooty club and is not hard to find. 

Their pizzas are to die for!

Cost for 2: 1000 onwards (excluding taxes).

Willy’s Coffee Pub  

Located at Walsham road, this cafe is established in 2003. 

The café tops the list of coffee shops in Ooty. Don’t miss their gooey hot chocolate and filter coffee.  

Cost for 2: 800 onwards (excluding taxes).

Ooty Coffee House

You must try their filter coffee! You can’t leave Ooty without tasting their filter coffee and Masala Dosa.

They serve the best hand-picked coffee beans direct from the plantations. 

Average Cost for 2: 500 onwards (excluding taxes).

1. Jackets and woollens are needed throughout the year. Summers are relatively warmer but the nights are cooler. You can find some best deals on winter clothing  here .

2. In addition to basic medical aid, carry motion sickness medicine. It is recommended for those prone to sickness on winding roads and high altitudes.

3. Carry an umbrella or raincoat to protect yourself from unexpected drizzles. 

Have I convinced you enough to visit Ooty? The sights you see and the vibes you experience in Ooty will remain with you forever!

We hope you enjoyed our detailed Ooty Itinerary blog! 

Are you planning to visit Pondicherry? If yes, we have got you covered! Read “ Pondicherry Itinerary For 3 Days “

You may also like to read “ Top 7 Beaches in Pondicherry “

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Travelling together!!!

Complete guide to a Road trip to Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri with budget

Nilgiris is one of the oldest mountain ranges at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Kerala. Ooty is famously known as the queen of Nilgiris. Pleasant Weather, Lush green landscapes, tea estates, vast Valleys and classical vibes make Nilgiris trip a perfect one for honeymooners, families, friends and even solo travelers.

We went on 8 Days road trip which started from Bangalore and ended in Coimbatore. We explored Mysore, Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri and Coimbatore during this trip. If you have fewer days in hand you can skip Coimbatore and save a day or two.

Read this 8 minute article to know places to visit in Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri along with budget details and other tips for making an amazing trip to Nilgiris.

Table of Contents

How to reach Ooty

Ooty is around 265 km from Bangalore and 88 km from Coimbatore. You can reach Bangalore/ Coimbatore via flight. From Bangalore/ Coimbatore, you can travel to Ooty by bus/ taxi/ car.

We took a flight from Delhi to Bangalore. From Bangalore, we hired a Zoomcar to reach Ooty via Mysore. We found, renting a car to be the best way to roam around in Nilgiris. If you also want to hire a car from Zoomcar , download Zoomcar App and book your car.

As the drive is through hills and slopes, it is recommended to have a prior experience in driving at slopes if you choose Zoomcar . Otherwise, it is better to hire a taxi.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Reach Bangalore and Stay in Mysore.

Day 2  : After breakfast leave for Ooty through Bandipore and Mudumalai National Park.

Day 3-4: Explore Ooty and nearby places.

Day 5: Reach Coonoor and explore it.

Day 6: Reach Kotagiri and explore it.

Day 7: After Breakfast, leave for Coimbatore. Explore Coimbatore.

Day 8: Back to Delhi.

Best time to visit Ooty

Ooty, being a mountainous region remains pleasant all year round. October to April is considered to be the best time to visit Ooty. 

We visited Ooty in July. It was the onset of Monsoons there. The weather was appropriate to roam around during the day. Rain showered occasionally and the nights were cold.

Our accommodations during the trip to Mysore, Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri and Coimbatore

Accommodation in mysore.

In Mysore, we stayed in Hotel Rio Meridian. Comfortable room, beautiful ambiance, equipped with all the modern amenities, and near to the famous places in Mysore, Hotel Rio Meridian is a perfect stay. You can book the rooms online or call their manager @+91-9900866771.

Accommodation in Ooty

In Ooty, we stayed in Zostel. The best thing about Zostel Ooty is its location. The views of Ooty from the Zostel are fantastic. The Zostel has both private rooms and dorms available for booking. Here you can meet other travelers over bonfire and meals. We found it a comfortable stay. You can book your stay online through Zostel’s website .

Accommodation in Coonoor

In Coonoor, we stayed in Sunvalley Homestay. Away from the chaos of town, Sunvalley with its fully furnished rooms, views of tea plantations, and lush green valley is an ideal place to stay in Coonoor. You can book the rooms online or call them @+91-7639629717.

Accommodation in Kotagiri

In Kotagiri, we stayed in Den by Trees. Den by trees, located in the middle of lush green environment is a unique yet luxurious and comfortable stay experience. Equipped with all the modern amenities, here you can spend a great time in nature. You can book the rooms online or call them @+91-9786866990.

Accommodation in Coimbatore

In Coimbatore, we stayed in Dvara Resort. We can say that it was our most luxurious experience till now.  Thoughtfully curated cottages in tradition Tamil style are designed for relaxation and re-connection. Every little detail in the architecture of the rooms says something about the culture and traditions of Tamilnadu.

We stayed in Dvara Resort because of its on the proximity to Adiyogi Shiva Statue. It was just 10 minute drive to the Statue. You can book the rooms online or call Mr. Jaswant @+91-9894611958.

Budget for 8 Days 7 Nights trip to Mysore, Nilgiris and Coimbatore

Accommodation.

We stayed for 1 night in Rio Meridian Mysore, 3 nights in Zostel Ooty, 1 night in Sunvalley Homestay Coonoor, 1 Night in Den by trees Kotagiri and 1 Night in Dwara Resort Coimbatore.

Rio Meridian Mysore range in between INR 2000 – 3000 per room (with breakfast), a Zostel bunk bed range in between INR 700 – 800 per person, Sunvalley Homestay range in between INR 4500 – 5000 per room (with breakfast), Den by trees in between INR 3000 – 4000 per room and Dvara Resort in between INR 7000 – 9000 per room (with breakfast) depending on the season.

So, for 8 days 7 nights trip, expect to spend around INR 20000 – 25000 (for two people) on accommodation if you choose yours stays in similar range.

If you are on budget, you can book your stays online in the range of INR 2000 – INR 3000 per day or even less. For good price of a property, pre-book your stays at least 2 months in advance.

One pro tip from 2itchyfeets is to call the properties for their best prices and then book with them.

You can hire a taxi or rent a car (if you love driving) for this road trip. We rented a Zoomcar from Bangalore for our 8 days 7 nights trip. As we were travelling with a couple, renting a car was not only comfortable but also saved us a few bucks.

Renting a zoom car cost us INR 900 per day (per car) excluding fuel. Fuel for 8 days cost us INR 4000 (per car). Also, Zoomcar runs offers many times a year, so it will be more economical if you grab one such offer.

Expect to spend around INR 11000 – 12000 per car for 8 days 7 nights if you rent a zoom car.

If you are on a budget, you can easily get local food (Idli, Dosa, Vada) for INR 100 – 150 per person at anywhere in Nilgiris. And if you are a foodie and love exploring cafes/ restaurants, expect to spend around INR 800 – 1000 per meal for two people.

There is a ticket price for visiting a few locations like Pykara Falls, Pykara Lake etc. which range in between INR 10 – 50 per person. In Coonoor, we went for Jeep Safari which cost INR 1500 per jeep.

Day wise breakdown of our trip

Day 1 : reach mysore.

• Reached Bangalore by taking an early morning flight. Hired a Zoom car. 
• Lunch at A2B restaurant outside the Airport. Left for Mysore. Stayed in Hotel Rio Meridian in Mysore.
• In the evening, we went for Baghi Ride outside Mysore Palace.
• Dinner at Hotel Siddhartha. Do try their Mysore Masala Dosa for an authentic South Indian taste.

Day 2 : Reach Ooty

• Early morning hike to Chamundeshwari Temple. Situated at the top of Chamundi Hills, it is said to be thousands of years old. We parked our car and climbed 1008 stairs through dense greenery to reach the temple. You can either take the steps or drive through the narrow valley road to the temple.
• After breakfast at our stay Rio Meridian, we left for Ooty (125 km). The road from Mysore and Ooty goes through a Bandipore National Park in Karnataka and Mudumalai National Park in Tamilnadu and is one of the most beautiful and soothing road journeys. It is recommended to start early from Mysore to catch a better glimpse of wildlife along the way. After the reserve forest area, one has to cross 32 hairpin bends to reach Ooty. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach Ooty from Mysore.
• We checked in Zostel Ooty.
• In the evening, we roamed around Charring Cross Road (you may call it the Mall Road of Ooty) and tried street food (Samosa, Bhel Puri, Sweet Corns, and Mirchi Pakoras). Do visit Moody’s Chocolate for some best quality chocolates.
• Dinner at Sidewalk Café at Charring Cross Road. We loved their wood-fired pizza.

Day 3 : Explore Ooty

• After Breakfast at Zostel (the chef Arjun Bhai makes the best cold coffee and Poha), leave for local sightseeing in Ooty.
• We went to Pykara Lake covering Pykara Falls, Six and Nine Miles points in between. To reach Pykara Falls, one has to walk 1-1.5 km after parking the vehicles. Six and Nine Mile points are vast expanses of grasslands spanning across miles which involves some walking if you want to explore the area and enjoy some of the best views. You can also opt horse riding there. 
• Dinner at Zostel.

Day 4 : Long drives in Ooty

• After breakfast at Zostel, we left for Emerald Lake which is around 30 km from Ooty. We had great time through the scenic drive and lovely spot.
• Lunch at Earl’s Secret Café in Ooty. Located on a hill, the café because of its food, ambiance and the view from there is a no miss. 
• We went on a Lovedale drive. Lovedale is one of the highest places in Nilgiris. Throughout the drive, the panoramic views of Ooty are mesmerizing and soul-satisfying.

Day 5 : Explore Coonoor

• After Breakfast at A2B Restaurant at Charring Cross Road Ooty, we left for Coonoor (20 km from Ooty). Coonoor is known for its tea estates and Panoramic views. 
• Checked in Sun Valley Resort in Coonoor. 
• Visited Tiger Hill Cemetery. The path behind the cemetery lead to a breathtaking view of the Valley. It is a secluded place and not known to many. 
• Lunch at La Belle Vie Café/ Kapoor and sons café. This is the place where the Bollywood movie, Kapoor and Sons was shot. Their Ooty cheese Pizza is a must-try.
• Visited Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s nose, and saw St. Catherine falls from a viewpoint near Dolphin’s Nose. These are some of the touristy places in Coonoor, so you can expect some crowd here. For Lamb’s rock one has to hike for around a km to enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the place.
• Dinner at Bagaicha Restaurant, Sim’s park road. They serve the best North Indian food, which you will surely crave on this day of the trip after eating so much South Indian food.

Day 6 : Explore Kotagiri

• Went for a tea estates Jeep tour with Sun Valley Resort, Coonoor. We visited 3 locations with them in tea estates and all of them were a delight to the eyes.
• After breakfast left for Kotagiri (20 km from Coonoor) and visited Ralliah Dam along the way. Kotagiri is relatively unexplored and enchantingly beautiful.
• Checked in Den by trees Resort.
• Lunch at Silvertip café. Do try their fried rice and veggie sandwiches.
• Visited the Catherine Waterfall viewpoint. One has to walk for around a km through tea estates to reach this place. If you have already visited Dolphin Nose and Lamb’s rock, you can skip this place. 
• Visited Kodanad’s viewpoint. Kodanad Viewpoint is around 20 km from Kotagiri. Not only the view but also the drive up to there is some of our best journeys during this trip. You can mark it as a no-miss.

Day 7 : Adiyogi Statue in Coimbatore

• Went for cycling in the tea estates of Den by Trees Resort. They arranged a cycle for us.
• After Breakfast went to a local tea factory to see the process of making tea. The tea factory was owned by Den by Trees resort.
• Left for Coimbatore and reached Coimbatore by evening.
• Checked in Dvara Resort.
• Went to see the Adiyogi Shiva statue. It is the largest Chest Statue in the world and is a must-see if you are in Coimbatore
• Dinner at Dvara Resort.

Day 8 : Journey Back Home

• Went for a nature walk organized by Dvara Resort. The walkthrough of pristine farms near Dvara Resort was nice.
• After breakfast at Dvara Resort, we left for Banglore Airport for the journey back home, taking a night halt in Dharmapuri. Dharmapuri is known for its religious significance. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Coimbatore itself.

Best Cafes in Ooty, Coonoor, and Kotagiri

Earl’s secret, havlock road, ooty.

Sidewalk Café, Charring Cross Road, Ooty

La Belle Vie aka Kapoor and Sons Café, Coonoor

Bagaicha Restaurant, Sim’s park road, Coonoor

Silvertip café, Kotagiri

Places to visit in Ooty

Here is a list of places to visit in Ooty that should not be missed.

Pykara Waterfall

Pykara lake, 6th miles point and nine miles point , lovedale drive, videos of our trip to ooty, coonoor and kotagiri.

If you want a visual experience of our journey in Andaman. Do check out our Andaman Travel Series on youtube.

Searching for a dream location in India, check out our Andaman Article.

Hope you find this guide helpful in planning an amazing trip.

Travel give us memories of lifetimes, experience that are unmatched and make us a better person. We also have a responsibility towards it and towards the places we visit. Just as you keep your home clean, keep the places you visit clean by always putting your waste in the garbage bins only not on roads or anywhere else. You know, the best trips are those where we take less selfies and make more memories by fully being in the place.

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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.

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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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Top 20 beautiful escapades for an amazing holiday in ooty, tamil nadu.

Ooty is often called as ‘Switzerland of India’ and no doubt the beauty of Ooty totally justifies this name.  Ooty is dotted against the highest peak in Nilgiris, Ootacamund. The deep verdant valleys, clear blue skies, emerald grassy slopes, traditional and colonial style buildings, beautiful tea and coffee plantations and mesmerizing forests of Eucalyptus will seduce your eyes and tickle your lenses for amazing pictures. It is one of the best scenic hill stations of South India. It has something for every traveler. The vintage feel of Ooty will lure the history buffs, the gorgeous vistas will soothe the soul of every nature lover and honeymoon couple. In fact, due to its immense beauty and pleasant climate Ooty is one of the most preferred honeymoon destinations in India.

This popular summer as well as winter retreat in South India is blessed with many interesting tourist attractions. The stunning government Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, mesmerizes Doddabetta Peak to one of the largest valleys in the world, Ketti Valley. The sights and sounds of Ooty will never fail to surprise you.

In order to plan a trip to Ooty just keep reading this guide to sightseeing tours in Ooty. We are sure you will thank us later.

Quick Info on Ooty Tourism

List of Top Tourist Places in & around Ooty, Tamil Nadu

• Doddabetta Peak
• Botanical Garden
• Rose Garden
• Upper Bhavani Lake

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Avalanche lake.

• St Stephen Church
• Mariamman Temple

Mukurthi National Park

Ooty golf course, kalhatti waterfalls, ketti valley view, tribal research center, lamb’s rock, glenmorgan, ooty, mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, stone house.

• Catherine Waterfalls

Recommended Tour Packages

• 3 Nights 4 Days Ooty Hill Station Tour
• 4 Nights 5 Days Ooty Kodaikanal Tour
• 6 Nights 7 Days Ooty, Munnar & Kodaikanal Tour
• 7 Nights 8 Days Best of South India Hill Station Tour

Doddabetta Peak should not be missed on your travel itinerary if you are in Ooty. It is one of the highest peaks of the Nilgiris. If you are a nature lover, then this sight will definitely delight your heart. The place is decorated with stunning eucalyptus plants, ferns and sholas. On clear days, you will be spellbound to behold the picturesque green landscapes.

Not only that, the most gorgeous summits of Kulkuri, Kattadalu and Hecuba offer the most stunning views to cherish for a lifetime. Here you can also hold the hand of your loved ones and spend some quality time together. It is indeed one of the top sightseeing attractions in Ooty.

Other Interesting Blog to Read

• Best Hill Stations to Visit in Tamil Nadu

At an elevation of 2500 ft, the stunning Botanical Garden at the lower slopes of Doddabetta mountain is one of the most popular attractions to see in Ooty. If you love to spend time amidst the serenity of nature then this place is perfect to listen to the silence of nature.

The garden is divided into six sections-, Conservatory, Fountain Terrace and Nurseries, Lower Garden, Italian Garden, New Garden. It houses natural flora of Nilgiri Peaks, Cork Tree, 20 million old fossil trees, manicured lawns, rare species of floras, Italian garden, fern house which has a variety of ferns and orchids, a monkey puzzle tree to blow your heart away. Visiting here would be a one-of-a-kind experience with nature.

Highlight – Every Year a Flower Show is organized by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department in the month of May.

• Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Dale Carnegie has well said that “We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.” If you are in Ooty then the Rose Garden is one of the best attractions for your honeymoon trip. It is a perfectly romantic setting to spend some special time with your beloved.

It has around 2500 varieties of roses which till now is considered as the largest collection of roses in India. You will behold hybrid tea roses, ramblers, green roses, miniature roses, black roses, floribunda and rose creepers and so on. The breathtaking view of the entire gorgeous landscape from Nila Maadam offers much delight to the eyes and soul of a traveler.

• Must Visit Beautiful Gardens in India

If you had the most beautiful evening and the most joyful boat ride then Ooty Lake must be the reason behind it. The most interesting thing apart from a delightful boat ride is to see several boat races which can be seen throughout the year. The awesome amusement park and mini garden are the major attractions here that will make your weekends in Ooty more cheerful.

The lush greenery all around and stunning eucalyptus trees makes the ambiance of this lake worth capturing on your lens.  The lake covers an area of around 65 acres and was constructed by John Sullivan in 1824. It is also one of the most favorite spots for birdwatchers. The beautiful backdrop of the Nilgiris makes this place a scenic wonder to escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

• Must Visit Hill Stations in South India

If by nature you love thrill and adventure then Deer Park in Ooty is a perfect place for a lot of adventures. This Park is exclusively made for deers. Variety of deer species like Sambhar deer, chitals, different species of flowers and plants, varieties of birds, hares and rabbits makes the ambiance of Deer Park soul pleasing.

The Park is very close to Ooty Lake. So, if you are planning a great weekend or a family vacation in Ooty, you must visit Deer Park for long lasting memories.

Timings – 10;00am to 5:00pm

Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Tamil Nadu

Hidden in the Nilgiri Hills and located above the avalanche area, Upper Bhavani Lake’s blue waters are a sight of serenity and tranquil bliss. The lush green mountains covered in mists and fog and verdant forests are the thing of beauty and joy forever. These sights will never fade away from your memory even after you have left this scenic place.

The immense beauty of greenery all around, the lofty mountains will again call you to spend some moments of peace. It is one of the best places to visit for honeymoon couples in Ooty. Spend an evening roaming around the greenery enriched lakeside or simply sit idle to feel the romanticism of solitude.

Also Read: Popular Lakes in Tamil Nadu

Do not miss the amazing ride of Nilgiri Mountain Railway otherwise you will miss the best opportunity to view the stunning landscapes. Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs from Mettupalayam to Ootacamund or Ooty. It covers 16 tunnels and 250 bridges during the journey. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The structure and design of Nilgiri Mountain Railways has still kept the aura of colonial times intact. The steam locomotives look absolutely stunning. The first two stations are lovedale and Ketti which are surrounded by enchanting forests which opens up to emerald tea plantations, lush green valleys, from Coonoor to Mettupalayam the route is a bit steep, the misty hills and coconut and palm trees all around will take you to the world of bliss. This toy train ride is one of the best things to do in Ooty.

• Journey Through the Mountain Railways of India

If you are looking for day trip options from Ooty avoiding sound and crowd, simply head to Avalanche Lake which is around 28km from the center of the city. The emerald lake is surrounded by thick forests, even the light of the sun finds it difficult to come here. The entire landscape is blessed with shadows.

It is said that the lake got its name from a major landslide that took place in the 1800s. It is one of the best spots for adventure activities in Ooty. Tourists can enjoy trekking, camping, fishing and rafting for a memorable family holiday. Just imagine your day around the blooming flowers, the lush foliage and the stunning lake with plenty of opportunities for adventure. Isn’t it amazing?

• Top 50 Places to Visit in South India

Apart from the scenic natural wonders and adventure activities, one must look for surreal bliss and spiritual wisdom. There is no better place than St Stephen Church which you must not miss if you are planning a trip to Ooty. Built in colonial times, St Stephen Church is an amazing piece of British style architecture.

It houses the painting of ‘The Last Supper’ and the wall paintings which depicts the scenes from Jesus Christ’s life.  The stained-glass windows, wooden architecture delights the eyes of the tourists. It is one of the most popular religious tourist attractions to visit in Ooty.  The peaceful ambiance of the church and the surreal architecture of the bygone times makes the church a beautiful retreat for solace seekers.

• Famous Temples in South India

Embrace the divine peace in the abode of goddess of Rain, Mariamman Temple. The temple is located near the market of Ooty. The goddess Mariamman is a form of Goddess Kali who is also known as Mahamaayi or Sheetala Gowri.

As per the legends it is said that one day two sisters of divine look appeared in the market of Ooty. When they asked the locals for a place to stay they were told to stay under a tree nearby. The locals didn’t know that those two sisters were goddesses. When they were under the tree, a sudden flash of lightning appeared and the sisters disappeared. Locals after seeing that understood that they were goddesses.

So, they built the temple for the two sisters, Goddess Kaliamman and Mariamman. It is the only place where the goddesses are seen together. Tuesday is considered as an auspicious day to worship Goddess Mariamman. In case you are in Ooty in April, try to look up the dates of Ooty Mariamman Temple Festival so that you can fix an appointment. It is one of the best places to visit in Ooty.

Also Read: Pilgrimage Tourism in Tamil Nadu

Higher altitude of Nilgiris is one of the top places to visit in Ooty as it is blessed with the most beautiful Mukurthi National Park. extremely stunning landscapes, dense sholas, ferns, Orchids and Rhododendrons and lush vegetation teeming with rich wildlife like Sambhar, Barking deer, Otter, Jungle Cat, Nilgiri Tahr, Butterflies, woodcocks, wood pigeons, black eagles and so on. Your eyes will not be able to rest, there are infinite things to behold.

If you want to enjoy the best of Ooty tourism then camping and trekking in Mukurthi National Park is absolutely a must not miss to enrich your travel experience. It is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Visiting Mukurthi is absolutely worth it for an amazing family vacation in Ooty.

• Popular Wildlife Tourist Destinations in South India

Have you ever played the game of golf amidst the thick woods and that too at an altitude of 7200ft? No? then do visit Ooty Golf Course. No doubt it is one of the most popular tourist destinations and an attractive golf course in Ooty.

The gorgeous lush greenery all around, avalanchi ranges and amidst the thick forests playing a game of golf in an eighteen-hole golf course is one-of-a-kind experiences difficult to find somewhere else. The trees of Eucalyptus, Rhododendron, Oak, Fir will soothe your eyes as it enhances the scenic beauty of this golf course.

Also Read: Adventure Tourism in Tamil Nadu

In the village of Kalhatti, lies the scenic and forever enchanting Kalhatti Waterfalls. The journey to this cascading waterfall requires a 2-mile trek which is a wonderful adventure in itself.  On your way to this waterfall, you will witness an age-old bridge and a stone path which was built during colonial times. The stunning waterfall offers the mesmerizing views of picturesque landscapes teeming with rich wildlife. You will come across bison, wild buffaloes, rare black panthers, deers, and wild dogs. The entire landscape is decorated with greenery.

It is also one of the best spots for bird watching if you are a bird watcher and a nature lover. The spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, pepper and sandalwood plantations around the area increase the magnificence and beauty of Kalhatti Waterfalls. It is one of the top tourist destinations to visit around Ooty.

Also Read: Best Nature Sightseeing Places in Tamil Nadu

Starts from the plains of Coimbatore and ends in Mysore plateau, Ketti Valley View is one of the largest valleys in the world. It is a must not miss tourist destination if you are in Ooty for a family vacation. It is decked with 14 scenic villages which are an epitome of refreshing vibes and bliss.

The stations of Lovedale and Ketti look absolutely gorgeous and they are worth spending some quality time with family and friends. The absolutely stunning mountain ranges, green Oaks, scenic tea plantations will make your day. This is also one of the best honeymoon destinations in Ooty. The place has so much to offer in terms of beauty, serenity, refreshment, nature escape, romantic views and peace. One can also visit the World Wax Museum and needle making industries.

Also Check Out: Chennai Tourism Guide

If you are interested to know about the tribal culture and traditions of Tamil Nadu in minute detail, perhaps TRC (Tribal Research Centre) of Ooty is the best option. You will definitely get useful insights on tribal culture and heritage. Artifacts like ornaments, paintings, hunting and fishing materials, agricultural tools, pottery, weapons and sculptures of 36 different ethnic communities of Tamil Nadu will blow your heart away.

It is a great way to spend time in Ooty. After all, what is fun is seeing only attractions without knowing deeply about the traditions and culture of the place? The center has an open-air tribal museum along Audio-video system where you can enjoy tribal dance and song. It is definitely one of the top tourist destinations to explore in Ooty.

• A Memorable 10-Day South India Trip on Shoestring Budget

Lamb’s Rock is a popular tourist spot in Coonoor where you should travel only if you know to respect the relationship between solitude and the beauty of nature. If you can reach here in the morning at around 8 or so you get to see the valley at its best. Placid, coated with the layers of cloud and decked with abundant greenery, this viewpoint lets you witness the beauty of Coimbatore Plains along with the coffee estates and tea estates growing on the slopes of the Nilgiri Hills.

Timings – 9:00am to 5:00pm

Also Check Out: South India Travel Guide

Glenmorgan offers the panoramic views of picturesque landscapes and a chance to spend best quality time with friends and family. It is very popular for its rich wildlife and tea estate. From the foot of the tea estate, you will witness the forever enchanting Moyar Valley, it is a valley dipped in serenity and Pykara powerhouse.

Also, the breathtaking views of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary will rejuvenate your toil – weary soul.  If you are a birdwatcher, you should definitely head to this place. It also has a small ropeway running from a power house in Singara to Glenmorgan. The beauty of this place is so magical that one cannot resist to satiate the hunger of greenery-loving eyes. It is one of the must-see places for an amazing holiday in South India.

• My Trip to Ooty, Tamilnadu: A Mesmerizing Experience

Located on the banks of the river Moyar, lies the extremely scenic paradise for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary which is also considered as one of the top tourist destinations to see in Ooty. It is the most popular Tiger Sanctuary and a bird watcher’s paradise.

Birds like black woodpecker, brown dove, falcons, king vultures are in abundance here. The park houses around 266 species of birds along with critically endangered Indian white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture. Apart from that you will witness elephants, sambhar deers, mouse deers, reptiles like crocodiles and snakes, Indian Leopard and Gaur etc.

• The Incredible Bird Sanctuaries of India

Stone House is considered to be an identifier of Ooty as it was built by the first collector and the founder of the British settlement in Ooty- John Sullivan. It is one of the most popular heritage attractions to explore in Ooty. It is believed to be the first ever British bungalow constructed in Ooty.

The bungalow was called Kal Bangla by the tribals. Today, the house is converted into Government Arts College of Ooty. The night view of the house is superb and you should explore the collection of relics inside the house. Currently you cannot explore it from inside but the outside and fence will take you back in colonial times.

Also Check Out: Top Tourist Destinations of Tamil Nadu

Popular nature escapades, serene ambiance and refreshing vibes that can heal your mind, body and soul, Catherine Waterfalls near Ooty is a blissful attraction to spend some quiet time with your family. Lush greenery of Nilgiris, stunning landscapes, the gorgeous views of the Kallar river and from beyond the mountains the stunning Catherine waterfalls – what an amazing view this could be to captivate your senses. The emerald tea gardens and lush forests around the waterfalls look absolutely stunning for some adventurous trekking trails. Claimed to be the second highest waterfall in Nilgiris, this double-cascaded mountain stream is one of the most favorite destinations to visit around Ooty.

• Must Visit Waterfalls in India

Holidaying in Ooty would be so much pleasurable if you consider all these places in your Ooty travel itinerary. Trust us you will never regret visiting these places. Ooty is considered as one of the best hill stations to visit in South India. No matter how beautifully we write about such destinations, the real aura of the place can only be felt after visiting it. So, if you are planning a trip to Ooty, don’t wait, pack your bags and hurry up. Also share your delightful travel experiences with us in the comment section of the blog.

Other Important Tamil Nadu Tourism Resources

• Complete Tamil Nadu Travel Guide
• Popular Tamil Nadu Tour Packages

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. what is the best time for holidaying in ooty.

The climate of Ooty is pleasant throughout the year. Ooty always gives refreshing vibes. It is one of the best hill stations to visit in South India. March to June is the best time to visit Ooty to escape the sultry weather of plains and during winter Ooty is very popular for adventure and trekking, if you like misty mountains and chilly weather then winter is the best time for you to visit Ooty. During monsoon Ooty gives the best views of nature. The waterfalls will not be dry, you will feel the freshness of nature, the flowers will bloom, the rain will shower on you frequently but the roads get slippery and fog will decrease the visibility on roads.

Q. What is the nearest airport & railway station to Ooty?

• Nearest Airport - Coimbatore Airport is closest to Ooty. Apart from that one can also consider Mysore Airport which is 4 hours away from Ooty.
• Nearest Railway Station- Mettupalayam Railway Station is the closest railhead to Ooty and one can also consider a toy train ride from Coonoor to Nilgiri Hills.

Q. How many minimum days are required to explore the best of Ooty tourism?

It depends on you how much time you want to spend amidst the refreshing vibes and serenity of Ooty. It has so many places to explore and with the thrill of adventure activities you can enjoy the best of Ooty tourism. Come here for a week to explore this scenic hill station and enjoy some fun filled activities for a memorable holiday.

Q. What are the best activities to do in Ooty for tourists?

• Nilgiri mountain Train Ride
• Botanical Garden Visit
• Pubs and Bars of Ooty
• Wax World Museum
• Visit Deer Park
• Kotagiri Trek
• Temple hopping
• Enjoy Tea and Tourism Festival

Q. What are the top tourist attractions in Ooty?

• Kalhatti Falls
• Nilgiri Mountain Train

Published: 07 Dec, 2021

About the author

Pallavi Roy

She is a candle who burns and melts in the chaos of infinity, from where her visceral whistles and leaves an imprint of desire in her heart to know the map of an Island where there are different sunrises and sunsets. Her curiosity brightens to conquer the hearts unrelieved and sometimes mysterious. Her name is - Pallavi Roy - A traveller by soul and a writer by Profession.

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OOTY GUIDE: WHY YOU SHOULD GO TO OOTY WITH FAMILY AND/OR FRIENDS NOW?

Last Updated on January 25, 2017 by

Featured image: Valley View Point in Ooty. I wish I had booked those lovely looking cottages for my stay!

OOTY also known as Ootacamund or Udhagamandalam (meaning house in mountains), is a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu (South India). It makes for a great weekend break from Chennai, Mysore, Coimbatore and Bangalore. I don’t understand when new age travellers look down upon touristy destinations. Though I may detest some of the touristy destinations, I like some of them only due to the touristy frills attached to them. Ooty is one of them.

I went to Ooty ( 7,347 feet above sea level ) with my parents in 2002 and was craving to repeat that experience. My parents had planned a quick trip to Ooty post my disastrous interview for selection in a hotel management institute in Manipal . Seeing student couples whiling away their time in cafes, often kissing and groping each other between bites of American Chopsuey changed my parents’ mind. As the then 20 year old, I was weaving kissing and groping dreams. My fantasies were soon dashed when I heard them say that I will not study in Manipal, come what may. With a stern tone of finality! I had never kissed and groped till then! Such people are destined to enjoy Malpe beach (It was the first time I saw a beach) near Udupi and later Ooty with parents.

Bus ride from Coimbatore to Ooty!

Circa 2010! My train from Bombay halted at Coimbatore station. Me and my friends (2 guys, 1 girl) rushed to Mettupulayam station to catch toy train to Ooty. Failed to board my train (We had a reserved seat, sigh!), we settled for government run bus to Ooty and pretty much enjoyed the ride as it manoeuvred through dense hypnotic forests, sporadic waterfalls, and scary hair-pin turns. The mountains were enveloped with clouds making it look like those floating mountains of Avataar movie. En route there are many charming little shops selling hot snacks (Tragically for a Chinese tourist, it was spelled fried ‘snakes’ by them.) which tourists wrongly shared with the unruly monkeys.

Pictures above: Scene en route Coimbatore to Ooty and Coonoor (Click to enlarge)

Once in Ooty, for the first time since I started travelling, I booked a proper hotel room (Read not a Rs.200 room). Blame it on the female company. I discovered that I actually do enjoy a little extra space, bigger bathroom, a little luxury at times. Travelling sure helps you discover yourself! Or maybe I liked it because I got to sleep on a comfy bed after so long. From 2008 to 2015, I slept on floor on a mattress in my Bachelor’s pad in Navi Mumbai.) I remember in 2002 I stayed in a dingy room with my parents. I still remember the taste of poori-aaloo and how scandalised I was when the cold water from the tap numbed me.

I was curious to re discover Ooty after that trip. First thing after checking in, I stepped out and entered a shabby South Indian eatery. For some strange reason I have come to believe that the shabbier the eatery is, the better is the taste of its food . Halfway through the South Indian meal, after I had mixed up rice , daal , curry, sambhar and rasam and made it look like one big dish (because I didn’t know any better), I found a stewed cockroach in my plate . In ordinary circumstances, I would have left the restaurant, without saying a thing. (That’s me!) But I was so tired and so hungry for the South Indian fare and the food was so good, I just asked him to change it, not knowing if the cockroach was in sambhar /rice/curry/whatever. Later in the day, when more sense prevailed, and when I thought about what I did, I shuddered with horror. I stopped thinking. The beautiful weather , endless cups of filter coffee and the locally made chocolates helped me forget and fight nausea!

After marvelling at the incredible looking sky, I booked a taxi which took us around the selected hot spots of Ooty. It was a departure from the noisy Ooty Darshan Taxi I booked with strangers when I travelled with parents. It was also a departure from my solo travel style which is mostly hanging on to a rod or handle or someone’s collar in a public transport.

MUST SEE PLACES IN OOTY:

Doddabetta Peak: Unarguably, the best Ooty experience, it is the highest point in Ooty at 8605 feet . The taxi guy claimed that one can see far off places such as Mysore and Coimbatore from there. The heavy fog didn’t allow us to do that. Never mind we focussed on the chilly breeze, dewdrops, hot Nilgiri chai (tea) , the works! You don’t feel like leaving the place. No wonder we spent maximum time here.

Pictures above: Me at Doddabetta peak!

A caution: My travel companion had caught fever and cold and we blamed it on Doddabetta Peak. So please pack some wool before heading here as it is much colder than other parts of Ooty.

Top Tip: Eat some fried snacks and tea here. After a point, one needs to park the vehicle and walk up the stairs to reach the main point.

Botanical Garden: Dating back to 1847 , this is the best and most well maintained botanical gardens I have seen in India. Beautifully manicured and boasting of some rare plant species (Don’t miss the famous 20 million year old fossil tree ), it is a treat for photographers, picknickers, lovelorn couples, birds, butterflies and botanists. Don’t forget to pose next to the animal shaped topiaries.

Pictures above: Scenes from Botanical Garden, Ooty! (Click to enlarge)

Pine Forest: I thought these existed only in Bollywood films until my taxi-walla stopped here. I was mesmerised by the forest and the rows and rows of unending wood shedding the beautiful cones on every patch we stepped upon. The ‘nature baba’ that I am, I spent a lot of time just strolling around. The forest leads to a picturesque lake giving great opportunity for postcard pictures. You can even have a horse ride by the lake but I preferred sitting on a rock and soak in the beauty.

Shooting Point: This place also reminds of Bollywood. Blessed with breath-taking landscapes, it is ideal for photography and picknicking. Interestingly, I also got the opportunity to see the filming of a Bollywood Film , the damp squib, ‘Love U Mr. Kalakar’. It was amusing to see Bollywood actors Amrita Rao and Tushaar Kapoor , lip syncing while dancing to a forgettable song. One can get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful villages below.

Pictures Above: Bollywood actors Amrita Rao and Tushar Kapoor at shooting point, Ooty.(Click to enlarge)

Valley View: As the name suggests, you get unbelievable view of the valley beneath. It looks like a utopian world from here what with trains (Yes, the same Chaiyya Chaiyya one!) chugging lazily through the tunnels , beautiful cottages dotting the landscapes , manicured gardens , ducks roaming nonchalantly , and clouds enveloping mountains. Yes, it is unreal ! You can also avail the facility of telescope from here.

Boating at Pykara: Not a boating fan, I assumed it is going to be boring! But once I was in the boat, I wanted it to continue for eternity. Not only are the views of foggy forests mesmerising , the feel good factor of fresh breeze slapping on your face is unforgettable. Plus pray that its drizzling (NOT RAINING), when you are at it. You sure want the winds to bring along small water droplets when it slaps your face. Don’t skip this little hidden gem of Ooty . Most tourists do skip. The route to reach this place is also picturesque.

Pictures above: Me at Pykara. Boating at Pykara in Ooty is a must! (Click to enlarge)

Tea Estates: I stepped inside a tea estate and enjoyed roaming around in the labyrinthine garden . Though I wanted to take an official tour of a tea estate, but couldn’t due to lack of time. It’s a must do.

Thread garden: A unique garden featuring artificial flowers which look as good as the real thing!

Toy Train: While returning to Coimbatore, I woke up really early to attempt one more time to board the legendary Toy Train. I was welcomed by a long serpentine queue , all vying for that 1 elusive ticket. (The ticket was at a throw away price). Heart-broken, I still stood in the line. After waiting for a good 1 and half hour, the doors were closed on my face. So there were 3 kind of people there:

1 – Grinners: Who got the tickets plus a seat!

2 – ‘My world is shattered’ types: Who didn’t get the tickets after waiting for eons.

3 – Soul Searching types: who got the tickets but had to take the arduous task of standing in the aisle through the journey. All they could view were the humans inside the train.

I thanked my stars that at least I didn’t belong to category 3 and boarded a shabby-shaky bus to Conoor. (And got the ‘soul window’ seat here! )

Idli Thieves at Ooty Railway Station: There is a little canteen in the station premises, serving good quality and delicious cheap food. The relatives of people waiting in line for toy train tickets inundated the canteen for their idlis and dosas. The demand exceeded the supply and the canteen staff was overwhelmed to cope. The impatient crowd was making it worse. I stood there with a coupon to get my Idli. And then much to my amusement, I saw some youngsters grabbing the idlis from the counter in their plate and whizzing off without paying. I chuckled on witnessing such open robbery. Funnily, no one was doing anything about the chaotic situation. The shop-owner didn’t even bother to stop the idli thieves. Fed up of waiting, even I was tempted to steal the idlis , but self-control, values given by my parents and patience salvaged me! I got my idlis ‘LEGALLY’ after a wait of 15 minutes. (I could have got it in 30 seconds had I looted, never mind!)

Walk aimlessly when in Ooty: Don’t forget to stroll on the countryside. Isn’t walking the best way to explore a place. I did a lot of that and loved the experience. In one such walk , we entered a carrot farm and ate fresh carrots from the field .

Soul Window Tips:

• Apart from South Indian delicacies, also try the locally produced chocolates, teas and fudges .
• Avoid North Indian food.
• Try if you must the continental food in the trendy cafes. I had amazing pasta and wood fired pizza at one of those.
• Head to Coonoor , just 17 kilometres away. Quieter and less crowded, it is great for those who are looking for offbeat experience. I personally enjoy both touristy and offbeat destinations so I visited both Ooty and Coonoor. Kotagiri (28 kms) is another offbeat excursion.
• Fill your face with local fruits.

Nearby places I wanted to see but could not:

You can include these in your itinerary-

Within Ooty- Toy train ride,6 th mile and 9 th mile (popular for film shoots), visiting a tea factory, Thread Garden and Wax Museum.

Excusrions: Mudumalai Forest sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Coonoor, Kotagiri.

How to reach Ooty: Coimbatore is the connecting town. One can take a flight/train/bus to Coimbatore. From Coimbatore you can board Toy Train (Please book in advance), bus or taxi. The Toy Train also halts at Coonoor.

For internal travels it is advised that you either book a taxi or buy a seat in a group tour van. Local buses also ply within city.

Best time to visit Ooty: It makes for an ideal year round destination. However best time to visit Ooty is April, May, June, September, October, November. July to September is rainy season in Ooty. Inconvenient but beautiful nonetheless!

Where to stay in Ooty:

Option 1: 3 of us stayed in a large room at Hotel Sapphire Garden View . The sit out area by the window was our favourite place. It was great for enjoying conversations over drinks. The rooms are not luxurious but comfortable. Replicas of paintings by famous painter Raja Ravi Verma dotted the corridor. It is walking distance from Ooty railway station and Central Bus stand. It was reasonably priced .

Phone: 0423 – 2443349 , 2443350

Email: [email protected]

Option 2: Please stay in the dreamy romantic cottages near Valley View point. I wish I could stay there, but I discovered this gem on my last day. I was intrigued so I asked the staff to show me the rooms. It was Rs. 1200 (For 2 people), Rs. 2000 (Upto 6 can accommodate , room was huge) at that time. The facilities were not much: just a basic bed , wardrobe and toilet but the rooms were cozy , warm and romantic. Imagine sitting by the window overlooking the valley with a cuppa and your loved one in your arms. Ideal Honeymoon getaway! And I am sure , that if I ever return to Ooty, I will stay here !

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17 thoughts on “OOTY GUIDE: WHY YOU SHOULD GO TO OOTY WITH FAMILY AND/OR FRIENDS NOW?”

Pingback: 11 PRACTICAL REASONS WHY I LOVE SOLO TRAVELING ACROSS INDIA – PART 2 | A Soul Window - Travel Blog from India!

ROFL, now every time I hear of OOTY I’ll think of kissing and groping. 🙂 Your entire post is hilarious. Fried snacks = fried snakes. You’ve woven such a wonderful story about your visit, that OOTY is now on my list.

There was a movie called ‘Mr Kalakar’? Never heard of that movie till date. Not that I have seen too many Tushar Kapoor movies. I always wanted to go back to Ooty to visit Dodabetta peak. Last time we went as part of a college tour and the day we visited Dodabetta peak, I was unwell and stayed back.

it’s great to revisit places where you have been with your parents on holiday, when you were young. I did this once and I remember how much warmth I felt being in those places again. Ooty seems like a great place to visit, even if it’s touristy and the road to there is breathtaking.

Ooty is indeed beautiful (Just cut off the cockroach in the plate part 🙂 ) I actually went here in monsoons for the first time and totally loved it. And then I also went with my parents the second time, and they also liked the place. Particularly the green tea estates and the homemade chocolates in different flavors – I know I will go back again

Ootacamund or Udhagamandalam seem too difficult to pronounce, I guess that’s where Ooty comes in.

What an interesting destination I am visiting India in October and I will look for your new friend! (the little lamb :D)

staying in an dreamy romantic cottage near Valley View point, ideal to me. I perform a cosy place over some luxury anyday and I was definitely sold with the price. I also love the picture of the houses in rows in Ooty

Ooty looks like a perfect place for a short getaway with friends and family! I’m really intrigued by the cottages in your first photo – very interesting design! I traveled for almost 2 months in India and luckily I didn’t come across any bugs in any of the dishes I ate…lol!

I think I’d go for option 2 and stay in a cottage, you describe it so well. Unfortunately I don’t have any family or friends in Ooty so I’d probably be alone there. I’m thinking about how cool it would be to visit a place I have previously visited with my parents, that would make any trip special.

Its great that you decided to revisit the place that you had been to with your parents. Its quite important to do that. Also I can see that you have captured the very essence of Ooty in your blog. I too just published a blog on the toy train ride to ooty and will be publishing a blog on one of the rare, unknown but best places in Ooty in coming weeks. If you have time do let me know how you find it – http://www.fairytalestudios.in/blog

You tell a really great story about your trip to Ooty. I would really love to go. Thanks for the great advise at the end for where to stay. I am heading over to India at the end of this month for a wedding and then will be travelling around. I have book marked this for then

The thing I liked most about your itinerary were the botanical gardens. The photo got my attention immediately because it looked like a scene from Alice in Wonderland. As for the 20 million year old fossil tree, that looks amazing!!!

Ooty looks fun and beautiful. The botanical gardens are especially lovely. And locally made chocolates sound amazing!

First of all, this was fun to read. I read through the post and you truly got me hooked. I’ve never heard of this place before. But now that you’ve shared it, it has definitely captured my attention.

It seems like a calm place Ooty. The botanical gardens seem really pretty, especially the house that is totally overgrown. Love how you made new friends along the way.

Ooty is really pretty. My favourIte of all the lovely spots in this hill town is the Pine Forest..such lush greenery along those calm waters.

Ooty! It is so beautiful & calm..totally got carries away with your this lovely story here..visiting soon.

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HILL STATIONS

Ooty: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

Devika Khosla

Last updated: Feb 3, 2023

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The Ooty Summer Festival held annually in May sees the hills come alive with celebrations. Hosted in the Government Botanical Garden, flower shows,

Doddabetta Peak: Take a panoramic snapshot of the stunning scenery from atop Doddabetta Peak Pykara Falls: Click a selfie with the scenic Pykara Falls in the background Shooting Point: Capture the natural beauty of this quaint meadow surrounded by dense forests

Good Morning: Kaalai Vanakkam Is this vegetarian?: Inta caiva How much does this cost? Inta evvaḷavu celavākum?

The iconic "Chaiyya Chaiyya: song sequence with Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora from "Dil Se" was shot on the Nilgiris Mountain Railway ‘toy train’.

Coastal Security Helpline: 1093 Women’s Helpline: 1091 Tourism Office: +91 423 244 3977

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 hills has rightfully earned Ooty the moniker, ‘Queen of the Hills’. Quaint bungalows and heritage buildings reflect Ooty’s colonial past and make it an ever-growing and popular holiday destination in southern India.

Book Your Ooty Tourism Packages Now

Don’t leave Ooty before you:

• Fernhill Palace : Once the residence of the Maharaja of Mysore, the Fernhill Palace was built in 1844 over 50 sprawling acres of lush gardens and eucalyptus forests. Today, it is a restored heritage hotel that exudes the character of the royal palace that it once was. 
• Emerald Lake : As the name suggests, Emerald Lake gets its name from the reflection of the green mountains that surrounds it. A picturesque picnic spot about 25 kilometres from Ooty’s city centre, Emerald Lake offers breath-taking sceneries.
• Doddabetta Peak : The highest mountain at over 2.600 metres in the Nilgiris Hills, Doddabetta Peak is ensconced by dense forests of eucalyptus and rhododendron trees. The observatory atop the peak offer 360-degree panoramic views of the pristine surroundings.
• St. Stephen’s Church : Dating back to 1830, St. Stephen’s Church was built using wooden beams from Tipu Sultan’s palace in Mysore. Built in Gothic-style architecture, stained glass windows depicting Christ’s crucifixion and a painting of the Last Supper are the masterpieces here. 
• Take a Toy Train Ride : The Nilgiris Mountain Railway was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Covering a distance of 26 kilometres from Mettupayalam to Ooty, the ‘toy train’, as it’s called, makes its way through 16 tunnels and 250 bridges. With over 200 mountainous curves to navigate, the views throughout the entire journey are absolutely spectacular.
• Go Boating on Ooty Lake : The single most visited attraction in Ooty is the Ooty Lake. A manmade lake commissioned in 1824 by then British Governor John Sullivan, the lake is a recreational hub for locals and tourists alike. Boating is a popular activity at the lake and enthusiasts can choose from paddle, row or motor boats. The views from the middle of Ooty Lake of the surrounding forests and gardens are magnificent.
• Embark on a Tea Plantation Tour : The hillsides of Ooty are prolific tea country. A variety of teas flourish on the plantations scattered around Ooty and taking a tour of these tea plantations makes for an enlightening experience. Depending on the time of year, you can see tea buds being cultivated and harvested. Sampling tea at the town’s tea plantations is a year-round activity!   

Read More: 5 Things to Do in Ooty for the Adventure Lover

• Handmade Chocolates : Handmade chocolates are a sweet and popular indulgence in Ooty. Sold by weight, choose from a wide selection of locally made chocolates from King Star Confectioners or Modern Stores in town.
• Tea : While in Ooty, your choice beverage will most likely be a hot cup of tea. Made using locally grown tea, varieties of tea available include green, spice and black. A tea sampler from Nilgiri Tea makes for great gifts!
• Varkey : An Ooty special, varkey is a type of snack made of wheat, butter and sugar. Usually served with tea, you can find freshly made varkey at any bakery in Ooty.

When to Go:

Because of its cool climate, the hill station of Ooty sees tourist traffic all through the year.

May to September : These are the summer months in Ooty and temperatures hover around 25C, offering much needed respite from the heat of the plains. Ooty also experiences light rainfall in May, which infuses fresh life in to the flora and fauna of the Nilgiris Hills.

October to February : These are the winter months in Ooty and temperatures dip considerably. The daytime high is around 16C and can go down to 3C. The morning fog makes way for bright sunshine on most days!

Read More: Considering a Weekend Getaway from Bengaluru? Head to Ooty!

Getting There:­­

By Air : The nearest airport to Ooty is in Coimbatore, which under a 100 kilometres away. The drive from Coimbatore Airport to Ooty’s city centre approximately takes up to four hours.

By Road : Ooty is accessible by road and makes for a great drive from Bengaluru (295 kilometres), Kozikhode (185 kilometres) and other nearby towns like Coonoor and Kotagiri. Public state buses and private taxis ply from nearby towns and cities in Karnataka and Kerala.

By Train : The charming Nilgiris Mountain Railway runs between Mettupayalam and Ooty. The ascend takes about four hours with picture postcard views accompanying you throughout.

What to Pack:

• Woollens and a warm jacket are needed all through the year in Ooty. While the days are relatively warmer, the nights are breezy and cold.
• An umbrella or raincoat to shield you from the rain. You don’t want to be caught by surprise during an unexpected drizzle.
• Motion sickness medication is recommended for those who are prone to sickness on winding roads. Whether getting to Ooty by road or train , the curves can be a stomach churner for some.  

Ooty is a charming hill escape for those looking for peace and serenity. It’s refreshing beauty and invigorating climate makes for the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. A holiday in Ooty is guaranteed to recharge your batteries! 

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Top things to do in Ooty

Ooty is a picturesque hill station located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Nestled amidst the Nilgiri Mountains, it is known for its serene landscapes, tea plantations, and colonial-era architecture. Visitors can enjoy boating on Ooty Lake, explore the Botanical Gardens, and take in panoramic views from Doddabetta Peak. Discover the hidden gems of Ooty with a scenic road trip through winding roads, rolling hills, and tea plantations. With a reliable cab service, you can explore this charming hill station at your own pace and experience its breathtaking natural beauty. Book your cab today and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Ooty .

Table of Contents

Adventurous things to do in ooty, things to do in ooty for couples, things to do in ooty with family, religious things to do in udhagamandalam, places to visit in ooty, places to visit nearby, places to eat.

• Best time to visit
• How to reach
• What is Ooty famous for?

Places to stay in Ooty

Things to do in ooty.

Other than famous sightseeing places, Ooty tourism also includes a host of adventures and interesting activities that you can explore. 

[Also Read: Coonoor – Darjeeling of Nilgiris: A Complete Travel Guide ]

• Trekking: Explore trekking trails like the Nilgiri Hills trek or the trek to Catherine Falls, offering adventure and breathtaking vistas.
• Shopping: Shop for souvenirs, handmade chocolates, and local products at markets like Tibetan Market and Main Bazaar Road.
• Bird Watching: Engage in birdwatching at locations like Kalhatti Falls and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, home to a diverse range of avian species.
• Toy Train Ride: Take a joyous ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train, a delightful experience for travelers of all ages.
• Photography: Capture the scenic beauty of Ooty, its landscapes, flora, and fauna, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
• Cycling: Rent a bicycle and explore the town and its surroundings at your own pace, enjoying the fresh mountain air.
• Spa and Wellness: Relax and rejuvenate with Ayurvedic treatments and spa therapies offered at various resorts and wellness centers.
• Culinary Exploration: Indulge in local cuisine, especially homemade chocolates, and savor a variety of teas at tea houses scattered around the town.
• Botanical Art Workshop: Participate in workshops conducted at the Botanical Gardens to learn botanical illustration and art techniques.
• Boating: Enjoy paddle boating, rowing, or motor boating at Ooty Lake and other lakes in the region, experiencing the serene waters amidst natural beauty.

• Explore the nearby Avalanche and Emerald Lakes, for day picnics, treks, and walkthroughs of the surrounding villages. You can also hike through the nearby tribal hamlet of Mullimunth of the Toda people. The 3KM trek takes 5 hours and passes through wooded areas and streams along the settlements.
• Take the famous Ooty treks. Some of the most popular routes are the Doddabetta Peak trek, Glenmorgan trek, Kotagiri-Elk Falls trek, and Parsons Dam trek. 
• Spend a day at the forests of the Mudumalai National Park and enjoy a safari or a hike through the forest trails. On the way, also stop at Sholur to catch the raw beauty of the Nilgiris.
• Visit Nilgiri Mountain by riding a toy train.
• Try Hiking to Catherine Waterfall.
• Plan a Cycling trip to Masinagudi from Ooty
• Visit the government botanical garden for a delightful experience.
• Visit Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint for a mesmerizing view.
• Visit Doddabetta Peak for beautiful views around the Nilgiris area.
• Visit the huge lake area of Pykara and its namesake dam and waterfall or take photos at the Needle Rock point in Gudalur. 
• Try out Home-made chocolates at Flea Market in Ooty
• Visit Catherine Waterfall for a beautiful view.
• Visit the gorgeous Emerald Lake.
• Take a stroll through the tall and dense pine trees.
• Try out Boat Riding at the Ooty Boat House.
• Visit the Flower Show Festival.
• Visit the Government Museum for the best collections of culture, history etc.
• Visit Honey And Bee Museum to know more about honey production.
• Visit the Wax World Museum and see the wax statues of different people in Indian History.
• Visit the Tea Museum for an enlightening experience.
• Visit the magnificent St. Stephens Church.
• Visit the Mariamman temple for a beautiful experience.

You can hire a car rental in Ooty and explore all these hidden gems for a great trip with your family and friends.

From hills and valleys to lakes, waterfalls, and forests, there’s no dearth of Ooty attractions for you to see and explore. All of the places make for the perfect premise for a delightful vacation for every kind of traveler.

Here are some of the best tourist places and things to see in Ooty 

Ketty Valley & Falls

• How to Reach – The waterfalls are located at 8 KM from the town center. You can book a cab or rent a car to reach. 
• Timings – 9AM – 6.30PM
• Entry Fee – Free for falls, Telescope room – INR 10
• Time Required – 3-4 Hours 

Ooty Lake & Boat Club/Ooty Boathouse

• How to Reach – The lake area is only 1.5 KM from the bus stand and takes 4 minutes to reach. You can take a local auto or book a cab to reach.
• Timings – 8AM – 5.30PM
• Entry Fee – INR 10, INR 20 for camera, boating charges separate
• Time Required – 2-3 Hours

St. Stephen’s Church

• How to Reach – The church is located 2 KM from the town center. You can walk from any other local tourist spot or take an auto, bus, or local cab to reach.
• Timings – 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
• Entry Fee – Free
• Time Required – 1-2 Hours

Kamaraj Sagar Dam/ Sandynalla Reservoir 

• How to Reach – The lake area is located at 9 KM from the town center and you can book a local cab or rent a car to reach.
• Timings – 9AM – 6PM
• Entry Fee – NA
• Time Required – 3-4 Hours

Nilgiri Mountain Railway 

• How to Reach – The railway line is located 28 KM from the town center. You can book a cab or rent a local car to reach.
• Timings – Train departures at 7.10 AM and 2 PM.
• Entry Fee – First Class: INR 205, Second Class: INR 30, Unreserved Category: INR 15
• Time Required – 5-6 Hours

Botanical Garden

• How to Reach – The public garden is located is 2.5 kms from the Ooty railway station and You can walk or take a local auto, bus, or hire a cab to reach.
• Timings – 7AM – 6.30PM
• Entry Fee – Adults: INR 30; Kids: INR 15; Still Photography: INR 50; Camera Videography: INR 100

Wenlock Downs

• How to Reach – The hunting grounds and meadows are located 14.4 KM from the main town. You can book a cab to reach. 
• Entry Fee – INR 10

Pine Forest 

• How to Reach – The forests are located at 9 KM from the main town. You can book a cab or rent a private car to reach. 
• Timings – 8AM – 6PM
• Entry Fee – INR 5, INR 30 for camera

You can book a cab in Ooty with Savaari to cover the major tourist spots with comfort and ease.

Apart from the famous tourist attractions, there are other interesting places to visit. Include these sites to explore, in your Ooty tour guide. 

Pykara Lake & Dam

• How to Reach – The lake and the adjacent dam areas are located at 22 KM from the hill station. You can rent a car or book a local cab to reach. 
• Timings – 10AM – 5.30 PM
• Entry Fee – INR 10, boating charges separate

Catherine Falls

• How to Reach – The falls are in Coonoor, at 38 KM from the town and takes 1.5 Hours to reach. You can book an outstation cab or rent a private car to travel to Coonoor. 
• Timings – Sunrise to Sunset

Kotagiri Hills

• How to Reac h – The hills of Kotagiri are located at 29 KM from the town. You can book an outstation cab or rent a private car to travel. 
• Timings – NA
• T ime Required – 4-5 Hours

Mudumalai National Park

• How to Reach – The forest is 41KM from the town. You can book an outstation cab or rent a private car to travel. 
• Timings – 6AM to 6PM (All days)
• Entry Fee – INR 30, INR 53 for the camera, safari charges separate
• Time Required – 1 day

Bhavani Amman Temple is situated in Upper Bhavani near Ooty Hill Station in Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, BHARAT (India). pic.twitter.com/veA0Ujcnpj — Devarajan AMK (@devacmdjbe) August 26, 2021

[Also read: Places to visit near Chennai ]

Despite being a part of Tamil Nadu, Ooty’s food culture is very distinctive . A fusion of the ethnic Tamil culinary heritage and colonial flavors , there’s a wide variety of food that you can find and sample in Ooty. There are a host of both classic and contemporary restaurants serving the same. Traditional colonial patisserie and bread are Ooty’s famous foods while traditional dosa, Pongal etc. are also popular.

On your tour, explore some of these best restaurants in Ooty –

• Earl’s Secret, Havlock Road.
• Cliff Top International Cuisine, Wellbeck Circle, Club Road.
• Toda Café, Sheddon Rd, Gempark.
• Place to Bee, Club Road, Near Hill Bunk.
• Fat Duck’s, Bygada Road, Yellakhandi Village.
• Willy’s Coffee Pub, KCR Arcade, Walsham Road
• Ooty Bakery, Charing Cross Adams Fountain
• Le Café, Littlearth Square, Oriental Buildings Commissioner’s Road
• Kluney Manor Restaurant, 196/197 Patna House, Mount Pleasant
• The Fern, Kundah House Road, Fern Hill

Download our Savaari car Booking app for a smooth and pleasant journey. 

How to Plan a Trip to Ooty

Best time to visit ooty.

Nestled in the Nilgiris, the weather is that of a classic tropical mountainous region. The temperature remains pleasant all year round with cool, breezy summers and chilly winters. You can visit any time of the year. But the best time to visit is between October to April . 

How to reach Ooty

The nearest railway station is in Coimbatore, about 89 KM away. There are many trains to Coimbatore from other major towns and cities of South India. You can book a cab from Coimbatore to Ooty to reach there .

The hill station is well connected to all major cities across South India by the Nilgiri ghat roads and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. You can also book Coonoor to Ooty cabs, Kodaikanal to Ooty cabs, and Mysore to Ooty cabs to reach the city. But the best option is to rent a private car or outstation cab to reach the town from any of these places.

Ooty is served by Coimbatore domestic airport, about 88 KM away. You can fly to Coimbatore from any major city/town across India and then book a taxi from Coimbatore airport to Ooty to travel to the hill station. You can also directly book a taxi in Ooty to reach your destination.

The quaint and quiet hill station of Ooty in Tamil Nadu is one of the most popular mountain destinations in South India. Traditionally called Udhagamandalam or Ootacamund, abbreviated as Udhagai , Ooty is the headquarters of the Nilgiris district, with Doddabetta as the highest point. It is located 86 km from Coimbatore and 128 km from Mysore.

Until the 18 th century , the town was inhabited by the native ethnic Bagada and Toda people. Post colonization, it became a part of the Madras Presidency and a summer capital of the East India Company. With this handy Ooty travel guide, you can explore the wonders of this Nilgiri town.

What is Udhagamandalam famous for?

The town of Ooty is tucked into the heart of the Nilgiris, making it a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Owing to its perfect geographical location on the hills, it has remained an all-time favorite retreat for travelers of all kinds, from the colonial days to the current times. The lush landscape with tea estates, valleys, and forested lands on one hand and the c lassic vibes of the good old days make this hill station the perfect place to escape. The expansive greenery, the pleasant weather, and the endless adventure options are what Ooty is famous for.

Make your travel more exciting with these best hotels in Ooty to stay – 

• Hotel Lakeview 
• Accord Highland
• The Bungalow by Tranquilitea
• The Tamarillo
• Turrett House
• Oxygen Resorts
• Aurora Light Residency 
• Tea Stay Redford Villa 
• WelcomHeritage Fernhills Royal Palace
• Lymond House

Best Road-trips to Ooty

Download the Savaari app and enjoy the convenience of booking a cab from anywhere, anytime, and experience hassle-free travel at your fingertips.

Last Updated on February 1, 2024 by Swati Deol

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Craving a serene getaway to the ‘Queen of Nilgiris’? Then, you have landed on the right page. Ooty blog is where you will find all the essential information regarding the famous hill station in Tamil Nadu. Otherwise known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty poses as a scenic getaway in the lush Western Ghats. Whether you want to enjoy a quick getaway to the resort town or tour around Tamil Nadu with your family, Ooty tour blogs will help you plan the best experiences for your holiday. Know the best time to visit, famous attractions, and popular cafes to visit for a fulfilling holiday. Surrounded by enchanting blue mountains, the famous hill station welcomes you with a myriad of experiences. The most popular is the toy train ride. Want to know all about it? Browse through Ooty trip blogs to dig out information on the most breathtaking rail journey in the Western Ghats. Even Shahruk could not stop himself from doing ‘Chhaiya Chhaiya’. These Ooty travel blogs will also help you find the best resorts and cottages so that you can relax and unwind amidst nature. One can never go wrong with choosing Ooty as their holiday destination. Plan your vacation with the help of Ooty blogs and get going.

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