Ooty

Affectionately bestowed with the title ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, Ooty in Tamil Nadu rests gracefully within the embrace of the Nilgiris. This charming hill station remains a hidden gem, nestled away from the hustle and bustle. Ooty’s allure lies in its verdant hills, majestic mountains that touch the sky, and the elegant presence of tall pine trees gracing the landscape. The tranquility of its valleys and the quaint charm of its English-style lanes create a truly enchanting experience.

The climate stands out as the top draw for both local and international tourists, pulling them towards Ooty. The weather here remains refreshingly cool and calming no matter the season. Ooty’s magnetic appeal lies in its inviting atmosphere, which extends an evergreen welcome.

Ooty captivates travelers with its meandering roads that lead to a treasure trove of enchanting spots – be it lakes, parks, peaks, waterfalls, or lush gardens. The journey itself becomes a part of the adventure, leading to these captivating destinations that paint a beautiful picture of Ooty’s offerings.

Called as the Switzerland of India, Ooty lives up to this by gifting its visitors with breathtaking views. Its landscapes are straight out of a dream, wrapping everyone in a scenic splendor. The Nilgiris, with their richness of plants and animals, invites you to immerse yourself in the mystical allure of the jungles. It’s an invitation to connect with nature’s wonders and experience the beauty that whispers through the wilderness.

A must-not-miss experience is the enchanting Toy Train journey from Mettupalayam to Ooty a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique meter-gauge rack railway is a daily delight, treating you to captivating views of the Nilgiris that will leave you speechless.

Ways to Reach Ooty

• By Air: Coimbatore International Airport is 88 km from Ooty
• By Road: The Udhagamandalam Central Bus Stand serves as the closest point of arrival by bus. To reach the enchanting Ooty, you’ll travel picturesque routes adorned with natural beauty. These pathways include both State and National Highways, ensuring a scenic and delightful journey to your destination.
• By Rail: Mettupalayam is the nearest railway station. It’s 40 km away from Ooty. And there is a toy Train service available from Mettupalayam to Ooty via Coonoor.

Places of Attraction

• Government Botanical Garden:

For the nature lovers there are 600 varieties of plant species available in the garden. The garden is an eye pleasing sight well maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department.  Just 3 km away from Ooty bus station.

Timings: 8 AM to 6.30 PM

Entry Fee: ₹30 for Adults, ₹15 for Children, ₹50 for Camera & ₹100 for Video

• Ooty Lake:

The picturesque Ooty lake is a main tourist attraction of Ooty, which is actually an artificial lake constructed by John Sullivan in 1824 for the purpose of fishing. Later Tamil Nadu tourism Development Corporation took over it in 1973. Boating and Cycling around the lake is the most attractive part for the tourists. Lake is 1.3 km away from Ooty town.

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM.

Entry Fee: ₹13 per person

• Pine Forest:

A peaceful oasis of tall and elegant pine trees. Sunlight filters through the branches, creating a gentle play of light on the pathways. It’s a perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the soothing scent of the pine trees. Bus station is just 1 km away.

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: ₹ 5 per person and ₹ 30 for Still Camera

• Deer park:

It’s spread over 22 acres in Udhagamandalam Town near the Ooty Lake . this is home for large number of Deer. Even though the park is named after the deer this is home to various other birds and animals. The park is a high altitude park easily accessible by road.

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM

Entry is free

Other Places of attraction

• Avalanche Lake
• Doddabetta
• Ketty Valley View
• Upper Bhavani Lake
• Emerald Lake
• St Stephens Church
• Shooting point

Other than this there are hidden gems in Ooty which could only be found by people who like explore inside of Ooty.