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Udagamandalam also known as Ooty or Ootacamund is a breathtaking town situated in Nilgiri Hills. The town is a famous tourist place because of the picturesque beauty and amazing activities that it provides. The place is full of magical gifts that nature has given to the town, beautiful lakes, forests, and greenery surround the whole town. The ethereal vast meadows that Ooty provides have been a perfect location for film shooting for directors, one of the famous movie "Kuch Kuch Hota hai" was shot here in this beautiful place. Because of its vast landscape, Ooty also gives us the amazing opportunity to try out some rare sports that can be only seen on television like, hang gliding, Golf, of course how one can miss the opportunity to play golf in this beautiful town? Moving onto the glory of this town that is farming. The town produces “English vegetables and fruits” which are basically peaches, plums, strawberries, cabbage, and cauliflower, etc. not to forget the infamous Tea farming of the town. Concluding all of it, the magical town of joy awaits your presence. Plan a trip to this beautiful place after all who would want to miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore this exhilarating town.
Read more about the travel experience at Ooty in the blog written by Sowmya!!
How to reach
Being a famous destination itself, Ooty is also surrounded by some of the famous tourist places like Chennai and Coimbatore which are 550kms and 90kms respectively. The beautiful hill station is mostly traveled by road. You can enjoy the scenic beauty as you travel by the road that this town provides.
By flight: The closest International Airport is Coimbatore International Airport, approximately two and a half hour drive to Ooty. Coimbatore Airport is connected to some of the cities like Delhi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Some other airports that are closest to Ooty are The Chennai International Airport, Cochin International Airport, and the Bangalore International Airport.
By railway: The beautiful town has its own Railway Station, ‘Ooty Railway Station.’ It is connected to the many cities of Tamil Nadu. The Ooty railway line is set up on the New Delhi- Coimbatore railway line and is connected with the cities like New Delhi, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Chennai, Kochi, Mysore, Lucknow, Chennai, Kanyakumari, Puri, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur.
By road: Ooty is well connected with roadways to many cities that are not very far away from Ooty, you can drive or take public transport and enjoy the scenic beauty as you enter Ooty.
Best time to visit Ooty
During Summers: The temperature in Ooty during summers stay between 20 degrees to 25 degrees, the best time to explore the queen of hills and indulge in many outdoor activities and visiting famous tourist points, summers in Ooty can also be the best time if you want to camp out for a few days and want to do stargazing as the clear sky in summers just adds up to the beauty of this little paradise.
During monsoon: If you can handle heavy rain and don’t get sick easily then monsoon in Ooty during your visit can be your one of the most unforgettable trip to Ooty. The fresh greenery when the rain stops and the addicting scent of tea fields fills up the place, everything just seems more and more beautiful, the sky after the rain stops looks as if it’s been created again. The beauty during monsoon is worth everything.
During winters: If you love the chill weather, then winters in Ooty await you. The chill weather in the small paradise is perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the wildlife in their natural habitat. The temperature can also go below 5 degrees, make sure to pack warm woolen clothes. Enjoy the hot snacks and beauty of Ooty in winters.
Places to stay in Ooty :
From cheap to expensive, however, the way you want your stay to be, Ooty has everything. From top 5 star luxurious hotels to cheap homestays and hotels under INR1000 Ooty provides you with everything. Ooty has a different type of stay for you available, there are hotels, homestays, hostels, and many more. The cheapest hotel starting with INR990 and luxurious ones starts with INR12000. Plan your stay according to your will.
Read more about the travel experience from Ooty in the blog written by Abhishek and Neha.
Places to visit in Ooty
The whole Town Ooty is filled with all sorts of different activities and famous sights and lakes for you to visit, there are many places in Ooty worth your time, here we are only listing some of the places that Ooty is famous for and the places that you should definitely visit.
1. Government Botanical Garden
The Government Botanical Garden in Ooty has been laid out in 1848 and still standing strong. It is one of the most popular tourists place in Ooty. The vast Garden containing many different varieties of many different types of plants, trees, and flowers will take your heart away. The Garden is divided into six different sections which are Lower Garden, New Garden, Italian Garden, Conservatory, Fountain Terrace, and Nurseries. Visit the part that you have an interest in, get to know about the history and varieties of that particular section. If you are a nature lover then this place will feel like home to you, this is one of the beautiful gifts that nature has given us.
Ps - Rose Garden is also one of the most famous gardens make sure to visit that as well!
2. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Nilgiri Mountain Railway is that one activity that you absolutely can not miss out on while you’re still in Ooty, the railway is one track railway line that was built by Britishers to get away from all the heat of the cities and enjoy the amazing weather at Ooty. The train goes through many tunnels and curves and shows such a majestic view that will leave you astounded. You can see many places while you are still on the train such as the dense forests, the hills covered in mist, all sorts of species of birds, vast meadows, and narrow valleys, such a magical view is worth the time and money.
Ps – There’s a toy train as well if you don’t want too long of a journey, you can go for the Toy train.
3. Tea Factory and Tea estate viewpoint
Visiting the tea factory in Ooty is necessary, after all, the queen of hills is known for its tea estates. Tea lovers this is your sign to visit Ooty and the tea factory. Get to know about tea production, as you go through the tea fields with a guide. Oh, and you can’t pluck out the tea leaves. Trek among the tea plants the aroma and mesmerizing view will leave you in awe for several days, enjoy the ethereal view of the tea estates. Get to know about tea history as you take part in tea tasting. It’s a wholesome experience that you can’t miss out on.
4. Dodabetta peak
Sitting amidst the Blue Mountains the queen of hills Ooty attracts a lot of visitors. The highest peak among all peaks the Dodabetta peak provides you with such a marvelous view that you won’t be able to forget for a very long time. The Dodabetta peak provides the marvelous view of Bandipur National Park, and the open highlands of Mysore, such majestic wonders of nature leave you thinking just how many more beautiful gifts are there that nature has given us.
Ps – Make a visit to these other peaks as well such as Needle view Hillpoint, Mukurti peak, and Cairn Hill.
5. Avalanche lakes
Oh, the lakes of Ooty, worth the praise and hype. There are several lakes in Ooty and each and every lake has its own beauty and charm that attracts people. And Avalanche lake is one of them, the beauty of this lake limitless, it’s a perfect place for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and people who are looking for a beautiful place to capture it from the lenses. If you want to go stargazing with your loved ones, friends, and family then this right here is the place that will give you exactly what you need. Whether it is a romantic night with your beloved or a fun night with friends or a quality time with family, the place is perfect for any occasion. Fishing, camping, safari, and trekking are some of the activities that can be done at the lake, enjoy your best time with the best people.
Ps - Many other Lakes like Bellikkal lake, Emerald Lake, Ooty lake are all famous for their views and activities.
There are many other places which are popular attractions in Ooty like, the infamous national parks, after all the Ooty is known for its greenery, Enjoy your visit to these amazing National Parks that are Mudumalai National Park and Mukurti National Park there’s a Deer park as well if you want to meet cute Deers you can visit the park.
Waterfalls like Kalhatty waterfalls and pykara waterfalls are popular attractions for activities like Bird watching, Fishing, and boating. There is a dam as well, Kamraj Sagar Dam, give it a visit the peaceful and calm environment will make your soul cheer up.
Popular places such as St. Stephens Church, Ooty stone house, Toda Huts, and Wax World in Ooty are something that should definitely be visited.
Food to try in Ooty
Who doesn’t love south Indian food? Dosa, Idli sambar is rated first in south Indian food, but is that all? Ooty provides you with a wide range of south Indian cuisines, Doesn’t matter if you are a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian Ooty provides the best quality food for both. Some of the cuisines that you can try in Ooty are Chicken Chettinad and "Kozhi Varutharachathu" which will definitely become your favorite if you like your chicken spicy. Vegetarians don’t worry there are the best dishes for you as well, Avial, a dish made by mixing seven to eight vegetables is one of the most delicious and nutritious dishes and comes under the favorites of locals. Wide varieties of salads are also there for you to give a try. Relish both the dishes and the beautiful town.
Still, thinking about what to do? Don’t think much, just plan your visit and pack your bags, the Queen of Hills has asked for your presence, you shall not disobey the Queen's command. Enjoy each and every moment in this beautiful town, I’m sure you will have tons of memories to take home when it’s the time to leave, nature has gifted us such a beautiful place, a visit there once “toh Banta hai.”