Ooty Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Ooty

Ooty, nestled in the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, is one of the best hill stations in South India. Officially known as Udagamandalam, this ‘Queen of Hills’ is situated at the height of 2,240 m and offers pleasant weather throughout the year yet is also considered one of the most famous summer destinations in India. The natural environment of Ooty attracts visitors from all over the country, especially honeymoon couples, making Ooty an ideal honeymoon destination in South India. Beautiful lakes, cool breeze, lush greenery, and misty peaks, what else do you need to spark your romance. Unarguably, this hill station is a must-visit destination in India to delight in escaping the heat, witness the alluring landscapes, and enjoy the cool breeze caressing your face.

A tour of Ooty will give you a chance to witness lush green tea plantations, widespread meadows, the beauty of hills, and sparkling waterfalls. Ooty and its attractions such as Avalanche Lake, Botanical Garden, Deer Park, and Doddabetta Peak promise a unique and lively experience. Spend some time at this hill station and take back memorable experiences. For more information about Ooty destination and its attractions, best time, and more, keep reading.

Here is completed Ooty Travel guide

Why Visit Ooty?

When talking about hill stations, Ooty stands as one of the most pleasing and finest hill stations in India. There are plenty of reasons why you will love to explore this marvelous city. It is full of exciting adventures like trekking, camping, hiking, and fishing. You can plunge yourself into the beauty of a serene lake while boating to get an unparalleled experience. Trekking amidst the mountain ranges of Nilgiri gives the breathtaking experience by displaying the inherent beauty that Ooty stands for. You can admire the greenery of the Botanical Garden and spot the wildlife at the Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary.

How to reach Ooty?

Being a popular tourist destination, Ooty is well-connected via air, rail, and road. Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport to Ooty located nearly 87 km away. It is well-connected with major cities of the country. Mettupalayam is the nearest railway station, which is located about 50 km away from the city. You can reach this station from Chennai, Bangalore, Mysore, and Coimbatore, as there are no direct trains available. You may choose to hire a car or self-drive to reach this city. Since Ooty is a major tourist destination, bus services from Bangalore, Chennai, and Mysore are available.

How to get around Ooty?

The most convenient way to travel around Ooty is by local bus services. It is one of the best options to traverse the emerald landscapes of this city. A private taxi is also a good option for comfortable and hassle-free travel around Ooty Auto rickshaws are a convenient mode of transport and are easily accessible for exploring commercial spots. You should choose a cycle-rickshaw for short distances. Experiencing the exquisiteness of Ooty by walking perhaps gives you one of the most delightful experiences.

Best time to visit Ooty

The best time to visit Ooty is from March to June as the weather remains pleasant. The temperature in the summer in Ooty ranges from 23⁰Celsius to 31⁰Celsius. You will find that the air is less misty compared to the monsoon and winter, which makes the road trip easy and safe.

Places to Visit in Ooty

Apart from tea plantations, Ooty has popular attractions in Ooty like Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake, Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Toy train, and many more. Avalanche Lake is one of the most visited destinations in this city. It is situated between the lush greenery of mountains and landscapes. If you are looking for something unique and exciting, Toda Huts is waiting for you. These huts are the place of residence for today’s people, one of the native tribes of Ooty.

Get a glimpse of Stone House, which is the first bungalow of Ooty, which locals call Kal Bungalow. Enjoy your picnic time at the Pykara Waterfall, and praise the scenic beauty and greenery around you. The Rose garden is one of the most famous places to visit in Ooty. It offers more than 20 thousand varieties of roses that are a visual treat.

Things to Do in Ooty

Ooty is one of the best spots for exciting adventures, and you will never run out of options for thrilling activities. From boating in the calm river to trekking with spectacular mountain views, there are many things to do in Ooty. Let’s see some activities you can indulge in Ooty to make your holiday fascinating.

• Ride on Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train.
• Bird Watching
• Rock Climbing
• Zip Line
• Camping
• Mountain trekking
• Picnic
• Cycling
• Boating

How many days are enough to visit Ooty?

2-3 days are enough for the Ooty tour.

Average Ooty Trip Costs

The average cost of the Ooty trip is INR 9,000 to INR 15,000 per person. However, it is up to the traveling style and it can vary.

Accommodation in Ooty

Accommodation in Ooty offers the delight to stay in the lap of nature. Ooty offers numerous options for hotels that give contemporary amenities with traditional looks. Luxury hotels are all about high-quality services, whereas economical hotels are quite reasonable with a comfortable stay. Here is the list of some of the best accommodations in Ooty.

• Savoy, Ooty – IHCL SeleQtions
• Hotel Accord Highland
• Cindola Gate
• Chow Chow Valley
• Sterling Ooty Fern Hill
• Hotel Gem Park
• Treebo Trip Rosefield Heritage
• Glyngarth Resorts

Where to eat in Ooty?

You can start your day with coffee and some snacks. Have lip-smacking Dosa, Idli, Pongal, Vada Chutney in lunch, and dinner with special South Indian Thali. Don’t forget to try some delicious desserts at night. Ooty presents multi-cuisine restaurants that take care of your hunger. So, here is the list of the best places to eat in Ooty.

• Sidewalk Café, Ooty
• Shinkows, Ooty
• Hyderabad Biryani House
• Kabab Corner, Ooty
• Angara, Ooty
• Earl’s Secret, Ooty
• Curry and Rice
• Garden Restaurants

Shopping In Ooty

There is no second thought about shopping in Ooty as it always gives a worthwhile experience. You can find many malls that offer high-quality items with a variety of stuff to choose from. You can go to local markets to add something traditional to your bucket. The street-side shops present quality items for every budget. Some of the popular shopping places in Ooty are –

• Lower Bazaar Road
• Commercial Street
• Main Bazaar
• Upper Bazaar Road
• Tibetan Market
• Charring Cross
• Ooty Municipal Market

Useful Tips for Ooty Trip:

• Carry mandatory documents like ID proof, and pack all the essentials.
• Buy an advance ticket for the toy train.
• Drive slowly and carefully on Ooty roads.
• Indulge in some offbeat things in Ooty.
• Don’t skip the Ooty Flower Show.
• Buy chocolates from local stores.