Ooty: A Complete Travel Guide

travel 20th Jun 2022

Visiting the Queen of Hills

If your idea of the perfect holiday destination consists of something like this – rolling hills as far as the eyes can see, covered with lush forests, and dotted with emerald lakes at frequent intervals – Ooty is where you must be headed to. Ootacamund, Udhagamandalam, or Ooty, however you choose to call it, the place lives up to its reputation as the Queen of the Hills in the southern part of India.

Developed by the British as a hill station to avoid the unbearable heat of the region, the quaint town still retains its colonial charm. Spotting English-style cottages among the greenery of the forests is not unexpected. Thus, visiting the quiet little town in the lap of the Nilgiri Mountains (literally translated as the Blue Mountains) is on the bucket list of all visitors to the region.

The place has something to offer to everyone. Whether you are travelling solo, with family, friends, or a special someone, your visit to Ooty will certainly be an unforgettable travel experience. Similarly, whether you are looking for a quiet, laidback holiday or an adventure-filled one, you will find it in Ooty.

How to Reach Ooty

Being one of the top tourist destinations in India, Ooty is extremely well-connected to the other parts of the country. One can reach here by any of the following modes of transport.

  • By Air – The nearest airport is the Coimbatore International Airport, less than 100 km away. The airport is connected to all major destinations in the country and some prominent international cities. The visitors can reach Ooty from the Coimbatore Airport by road.
  • By Rail – Udhagamandalam Railway station is the nearest railway station located in Ooty. It is connected to the Mettupalayam station by the Nilgiris Mountain Railway. Also referred to as the “toy train”, this is one of the biggest attractions of the place, where the train ascends the slopes amidst breathtaking landscapes.
  • By Road – Being a major tourist destination, Ooty has excellent road connectivity. It is connected to the nearest metropolitan cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kozhikode via well-maintained national highways. The roads winding up the Nilgiris with a view of verdant hills on both sides is a great road trip experience by itself.

Best Time to Visit Ooty

A hill station with perfect weather throughout the year, Ooty is a year-round destination. It is extremely popular as one of the best places to visit in summer in India when the temperatures are soaring elsewhere. 

If you are wondering what to expect from a trip to Ooty based on the season you have picked, here are some pointers:

  • Summers – Summers are a great time to visit this charming hill station. A great escape from the blistering heat of the plains, the temperature here stays in the vicinity of 25oC. The months from March to June constitute the summers, with light rainfall beginning in May.
  • Monsoons – The lush greenery of the place comes alive with the rains, and the mist creates a fairy tale atmosphere. This is why tourists visit Ooty, especially during the monsoon months of July to September. However, one needs to be careful as the slopes can become slippery with the rainfall.
  • Winters – The months from October to February are the winter months when the temperatures in Ooty can drop as low as 2oC to 3oC. If you are looking to enjoy the winter chills in a hill station, this is one of the best places to be.

Ooty Tourist Places

When planning your trip to Ooty, there are many options to choose from. Take a look at some of the popular and offbeat tourist places in Ooty that can make your planning a little easier. According to your preferences, you can decide which places are a must-visit.

Popular Tourist Places in Ooty

  • Emerald Lake – One of the most popular tourist destinations in Ooty, this pristine lake gets its name from its emerald-colored water. Surrounded by lush forests on all sides, this is a paradise for nature lovers.
  • St. Stephen’s Church – A common feature in all lists of Ooty tourist places, this is an important landmark for the city. Whether you are a devotee visiting for religious reasons or simply interested in British-era architecture, this place will help you find what you are looking for. Built in the 19th century, the stained-glass paintings and the replication of The Last Supper are the biggest attractions of this Church.
  • Doddabetta Peak – One for the trekking enthusiasts, this is the highest peak in Ooty and the Nilgiris. The views of the surrounding forests with hidden lakes shining through from the top of the peak are spell-binding.
  • Botanical Gardens – Another major attraction near the foothills of the Doddabetta Peak, this is a favourite among visitors with families. The terraced garden on the slope of the hills with a wide variety of shrubs, plants, flowers, and trees is a great way to spend time with family.
  • Ooty Lake – Any list containing tourist places in Ooty would be incomplete without mentioning the Ooty Lake. One of the most sought-after travel experiences in the city, the boat ride on the lake is a must for all visitors.

Offbeat Places to Visit in Ooty

Being one of the top tourist destinations in India, it can get very crowded in Ooty. But if you are visiting for peace and tranquillity, you may want to be away from the huge crowds. In that case, try out some of these offbeat destinations that can make your visit an unforgettable travel experience.

  • Pykara Lake & Falls – For those who seek some solitude and quiet time, this lake is not on the popular tourist map. Surrounded by valleys and greenery on all sides, this place looks straight out of a picture postcard. The waterfalls add to the thrill of visiting an offbeat destination lying within a forest.
  • Cairn Hills – If you are looking to simply relax while being surrounded by nature, this is the place to be. Numerous resorts in the area allow you to rejuvenate your senses in the company of Mother Nature.
  • Sanctuary Avalanche – A forested area named after an avalanche that took place in the area in the 19th century, this is a sight for sore eyes. Away from the hustle-bustle of city life, this is the best place to relax and one of the offbeat tourist places in Ooty.

Unique Experiences in Ooty

  • Travelling in the Nilgiri Mountain Railways – A visit to Ooty is incomplete without a ride on this iconic train. Locally known as the toy train, this railway service is available between the stations of Mettupalayam and Ooty. Passing through verdant hills and tunnels and surrounded by greenery on all sides, this is a truly unique travel experience for all visitors.
  • Adventure Sports – Ooty is not just a family holiday destination. There are numerous opportunities for adventure enthusiasts to enjoy the place. Trekking, hang gliding, Angling, and Mountain biking are some options that you can explore in the region for that adrenaline rush.
  • Leisurely walks through the town – Ooty is one of the best places to relax in India. One can take a stroll through the hills and mist-covered forests to experience the colonial charm of this hill town.
  • Bingeing on chocolates – Ooty can easily be called the chocolate capital of India. The homemade chocolates, sold by weight, are one of the prime attractions in the city. So, forget watching those calories and just binge on the mouthwatering varieties of chocolates available in every corner of the city.

Travel Tips For Ooty

  • It is important to remember that the weather in Ooty is cool at all times. Even during the summers, the evenings can get a little chilly. So, ensure to carry sufficient warm clothes to protect yourself against the sudden drop in temperature.
  • Another common occurrence in the hill station is sudden showers. While it adds to the charm and mysterious ambiance with the fog in the trees, it is better to be prepared. Do carry an umbrella to keep you safe from the showers and catching a sudden cold.

Conclusion

Ooty lives up to its name as the “Queen of the Hills”, and has so much to offer to every visitor. The natural beauty of the place is a treat for nature lovers. A perfect spot to spend your next vacation, Ooty is a preferred choice for travellers from across the country. You can plan a hassle-free trip to this top tourist destination in India with Cleartrip. Whether you are looking for the best flight or a comfortable stay in Ooty, Cleartrip can help you plan your whole trip.

Book your flights and hotel easily at Cleartrip for hassle-free travel!

FAQs

How many days are sufficient to plan a trip to Ooty?

Ooty is a place that is best enjoyed by travelling slowly. So, anywhere between 5 days to a week is a great time to spend here. Do not make a plan where you are rushing from one point to another. This will help you have the travel experience that remains etched in your memory.

Is travelling to Ooty expensive?

Ooty is a tourist destination that suits all budgets. You can have a lavish travel experience at one of the numerous resorts, which is certainly expensive. On the other hand, you can design an offbeat travel experience that need not be expensive.

Are there any offbeat experiences to explore in Ooty?

Despite being one of the top tourist destinations in India, Ooty still has multiple offbeat experiences waiting to be discovered. Be it going deep inside a reserved forest to watch a majestic waterfall or discover hidden walking trails with tucked-away lakes; there are many travel experiences yet to be found in the city.

Can one visit Ooty in winter?

Yes, the cold weather of Ooty during the winter months is an experience in itself. The temperature can drop as low as 2oC. Hence, one must be prepared for the extreme cold. But enjoying a hot cup of coffee while surrounded by lush greenery and a chilling temperature certainly makes for an unforgettable experience.

What are the things families can do while visiting Ooty?

Ooty is also known as one of the best family destinations in India, thanks to the numerous options it provides. Whether it is visiting the Botanical or the Rose gardens, taking a stroll down the slopes, or boating on one of the multiple lakes dotting the city, families can enjoy spending a lot of quality time together.

ooty | travel | Travel Guide | Travel Tips

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