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Ooty

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About Ooty

From nature walks in gardens that makes one wonder whether Paradise, as depicted in scriptures of various cultures, have actually been derived from such sensory experiences to relaxing over a cup of tea from the tea plantations dotting the hillside, only to realize most humbly of nature’s gifts as a bountiful provider, the tourist places in Ooty can be expected to resuscitate the soul, depleted of its spiritual reserves through the trials of everyday existence. 

Ooty, once the summer capital of Madras Presidency under the British, can be safely regarded as “India’s Switzerland”. John Sullivan, the then collector of Coimbatore had noted the same in his elaborate report on the region, way back in the 19th century. After independence, Ooty was developed into a major tourist destination and understandably so, given its qualification for the same, owing to nature’s abundant blessings in terms of climate, scenic splendour, local sights and sounds, its wealth of birds and beasts and of course its homegrown beverages of tea and coffee.

The majestic “Queen of the Hills” forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, reputed for its fragile and exquisite ecosystem. In the ecological parlance, it is best known as a “hotspot”, the label justifying the designation of the section of the Western Ghats as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ooty has been developed to offer a rare glimpse to tourists of the essence of the rest of the reserve, much of which are out of bounds as part of conservation efforts.

The wooded hills of the Western Ghats with its canopy of unkempt, untouched shola vegetation interspersed with maintained and cultivated tea gardens offer a rare view of the symbiotic existence of man and nature where one can see and learn what sustainable use of natural resources should ideally look like. The botanical garden and rose garden curate much of the bounty of nature at Ooty to mesmerizing effect. One has to see the tourist places in Ooty it to believe in the gifts of life, otherwise often conveniently overlooked.

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Ooty FAQ's

Which are the famous places to visit in Ooty?

1. Ooty LakeNamed after the city itself, the Ooty Lake is the topmost attraction worth visiting during your vacation in the hills. Surrounded by naturalness, the lake was artificially made in 1824, with initial purposes of fishing. Over the decades the site has become a hotspot for many activities like - boating, horse riding, cycling, picnics etc. which can be enjoyed by people of all ages and vacation expectations.

Location: 1 kilometre from the Bus--Station, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
Price: Entry starts from INR 13 for Indians | Boat Rides stars from INR 240 (additional charges for the camera, videotaping)
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

2. Ooty Botanical Garden: Spanning over 55 acres of land, the Botanical Garden in Ooty is among the top attractions to see. It is managed and maintained by the Horticultural Department of Tamil Nadu and is divided into five sections - Fern House, Lower Garden, Italian Garden, Conservatory and Nurseries, housing thousands of plant varieties. It is all showcased with more panache during the famous Summer festival organized here.

Location: Nilgiris, Vannarapettai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, 643001, India
Price: INR 30 per person for Adults | INR 15 per person for Children | INR 50 for Still Camera | INR 100 for Video Camera
Timings: 7:00 am to 6:30 pm

3. Kalhatty Waterfalls: Situated on the Ooty-Mysore Road, about 15 kilometres from the main city, Kalhatty Waterfalls is an alluring attraction to add to your Ooty itinerary. One has to go on a 2 kilometres long trek, starting from Kalahasti to reach the refreshing and marvellous cascade running against the mountains. Visitors can enjoy bird-watching, photography, a relaxing swim etc. here.

Location: Sigur Ghat Road, 13 kilometres from Ooty, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, 643001, India
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

4. Mudumalai National Park: This is one of the best places to visit in Ooty, especially if you are a nature lover. Mudumalai National Park connects the Eastern and Western Ghats in Southern India and acts as a home to a diverse variety of flora, fauna and avifauna. It is also a declared Tiger Reserve with a population of 50 tigers which can be seen with trail walks and safari tours.

Location: NH 67, Gudalur NH 67, Gudalur, Devarshola, Tamil Nadu, 643223, India
Price: INR 30 per person Entry fee | INR 53 for Still Camera |INR 315 for Video Camera | INR 340 per person For Bus safari | INR 4200 per trip For Jeep safari | INR 1120 per trip For Elephant safari
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

5. Wenlock Downs: Spanning over 80 acres of lush forest land, Wenlock Downs is among the best places to enjoy a picnic and nature walks. Covered in Eucalyptus trees and endless grasslands, many enthusiasts of the sport, can also play golf here or catch sight of grazing sheep and more beautiful Ooty sceneries.

Location: 17 kilometres Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm

6. Ooty Rose GardenThe perfect spot for romantic outings, the Rose Garden in Ooty is among the most famous places. Spread over 4 hectares of land, the garden contains over 20,000 varieties of roses from over the world, divided into many sections. The cold weather and the fragrant atmosphere is quite enjoyable, and it gets even better during the peak season when the ‘Flower Show’ is organized here.

Location: Bombay Kist, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, 643001, India
Price: INR 20 per person INR 30 for Still Camera | INR 75 for Video Camera
Timings: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm

7. St. Stephens Church: This is a 19th-century Church built by the British in India during the time of their Raj. It was built to commemorate the birthday of King George IV in classic colonial grandeur. The erstwhile attraction now is loved and visited by tourists for its architecture, intricate details and a prevailing history of Ooty.

Location: Club Road, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, 643001, India
Timings: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm | 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (Sundays closed)

8. Tribal Research Centre: This tourist attraction is a must-visit in Ooty to learn about the Indigenous tribes who have lived here for centuries. Other than displaying prehistoric artefacts and stuffed animals in the museum, its research centre works on the social, cultural, economic and religious activities of the tribals of Southern India and elsewhere.

Location: Tribal Research Center, Nanjanad Road, Muttorai Palada, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, 634004, India
Timings: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm | 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (Fridays closed)

9. Wax World Ooty: Located amidst green mountains and tea estates,  at about 2 kilometres from the main Ooty City centre, Wax World is a wax museum that can give Madame Tussauds a run for their money. The museum showcases themes of villages and sculptures of Indian Freedom Fighters, such as Mahatma Gandhi Gopal Krishna Gokhale etc. to explore here.

Location: Opposite to Lake-BoatHouse, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, 643002, India
Price: INR 20 per person | INR 30 for Still Camera
Timings: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm

10. Nilgiri Mountain Railways: An important part of the tourism in Ooty, the Nilgiri Mountain Railways operates the renowned Toy Train between Ooty to Coonoor and Mettupalayam daily, to and fro. And boarding the train and taking the journey is indeed one of the best experiences and surrounding visuals you can relish during the trip.

Location: Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
Price: Per person INR 205 per person in First Class | INR 30 per person in Second Class | INR 15 for Unreserved category
Timings: Ooty to Mettupalayam - 2:00 pm | Ooty to Coonoor - 9:15 am, 12:15 pm, 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm

Also Checkout: Ooty Tour Packages

Which are the best things to do in Ooty?

Here are some best things to do in Ooty:

1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway Toy Train Ride:
The Toy Train is one of the most defining attractions and part of Ooty tourism. Operational between Coonoor and Ooty, and Mettupalayam and Ooty both to and fro, you and your loved ones must make it a point to go on a toy train journey amidst the verdant and visually appealing routes of the Nilgiri Mountains. Also, several trains depart from the three stops multiple times in a day.

Location: Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
Price: Per person INR 205 per person in First Class | 30 per person in Second Class | 15 for Unreserved category
Timings: Ooty to Mettupalayam - 2:00 pm | Ooty to Coonoor - 9:15 am, 12:15 pm, 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm

2. Visit Toda Tribal Huts: The Toda Huts are one of the unique sightseeing attractions in Ooty. It is a colony of houses where the closely-knit Toda communities reside. The huts have interesting designs with no windows and a semi-barrel shape used for storage, a shelter for cattle and rest for the people. By visiting these homes, visitors can learn about the indigenous culture and the history of Ooty.

Location: Ooty, Tamil Nadu, 643002, India
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

3. Go Deer Spotting at Ooty Deer Park: Established in 1986 over 22 acres of land, the Deer Park in Ooty now accounts as one of the most interesting places to visit. Rich in both flora and fauna, the park is home to a variety of deers including such as Sambhar and the Chithal which are also the main highlight of the park. Located close to the Ooty Lake, one can take a quick stroll to get here and interact with hares and rabbits, other than the deers.

Location: Westmere, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643006, India
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

4. Boating at Ooty Lake: Ooty Lake was constructed in 1824 to encourage fishing in the region, but over time has become more than that. Surrounded by some of the best views in the city, of hills and forest, the artificial water body now serves as one of the best tourist attractions. Visitors, both locals and tourists alike, come here to enjoy a picnic, cycling, stroll and the most important - different types of boat rides.

Location: 1 kilometre from the Bus--Station, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
Price: Entry starts from INR 13 for Indians | Boat Rides stars from INR 240 (additional charges for the camera, videotaping)
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

5. Attend the Summer Festival: The Summer Festival in Ooty is a colourful affair that takes place in May. It is one of the biggest events organized by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department to promote the local culture and goods. The Botanical Garden is the grand venue where Flower, Spice, Rose, and Fruit Shows are showcased. You can choose to attend any or all of them and have a different kind of experience.

Location: Ooty Botanical Garden - Nilgiris, Vannarapettai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, 643001, India
Price: INR 15 to 30 per person
Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

6. Enjoy the Nightlife at local pubs: When one thinks of Ooty, nightlife and clubs aren’t the first things that come to mind. But if you are a night owl and someone who would like to enjoy their evenings as much as their days, there are some fancy and posh dining and drinking outlets in the city. Places like the Valley Bar and Selbournes Bar are especially popular among the local youths and tourists to savour a drink with chill ambience and good music.

Location: The Valley Bar, Canterbury Bar, Selbournes Bar etc., Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
Timings: 8:00 to 12:00 am

7. Catch up on Reading at Higginbothams Bookstore: This is the oldest bookstores in Ooty, making it almost like a heritage attraction. People who love buying or reading books should definitely plan out an afternoon visit here. One can find old classics to original copies in mint conditions. You can sit here and flip page upon page delving into the world of fantasy or thriller, or simply enjoy the quiet and rustic ambience.

Location: Super Market Complex, Commercial Rd, Opp: Hotel Nahar, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001, India
Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

8. Doddabetta Peak Trek: Ooty, a gorgeous hill station in the Nilgiri Range of Tamil Nadu is home to several forests, mountain and lakeside trails, perfect for trekking excursions. Whether you are an advanced level trekker or some starting out, you will find just the trail that matches your level of difficulty. With that said, one of the most popular sites and challenges to overcome is the peaking Doddabetta Mountain with an elevation of 2,637 metres, making it the highest peak in the Nilgiris.

Location: Glenmorgan, Doddabetta Peak, Pine Forest etc., Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
Price: Starts from INR 1500 per person

9. Camping: Who doesn’t like an outdoorsy adventure, particularly camping? And to make your camping dreams come true, Ooty has too many places. Be it in the woods of the Pine Forest, the many lakes like - Avalanche, Emerald etc. or the nearby outlooks like Masanigudi and Coonoor, there are dedicated and planned camping sites where you can enjoy the open skies, gimmer of the stars, bonfires and still get all the comforts like well-appointed tents, meals and other amenities.

Location: Avalanche Lake, Kotagiri, Masinagudi etc
Price: Starts from INR 1200 per person

10. Shopping: Shopping is one universal activity that everyone does when they visit a new place or before returning home to collect trinkets, buy souvenirs and many regional speciality items. And Ooty is no different, the ‘Queen of the Hill stations’ is also a queen when it comes to making purchases for a variety of goods. There are local markets with shops and stall like - Main Bazaar, Tibetan Market etc. and there are also special shops like Chamraj Tea Shop, Higginbothams Bookstore, Doddabetta Tea Factory etc. from where you can bring back apparels, footwear, winter wear, accessories, tea, spices, homemade chocolate, books and other products.

Location:
Charing Cross, Tibetan Market, Upper Bazaar Road

Also Checkout: Ooty Honeymoon Tour Packages

What is Ooty famous for?

Ooty is famous for its waterfalls, Botanical Gardens, bustling markets, striking lakes, and the most prominent Tea factories. The panoramic view of the gleaming Nilgiri Mountain Range, clear skies and an array of tourist locations make this place a popular retreat among the tourists.

What is the best time to visit Ooty?

Ooty can be visited throughout the year. It is one place where seasons do not come in the way of tourists but offer something seasonally special to the tourists at the time of visit in terms of various experiences and places to visit in Ooty.

Summers in Ooty are pleasant while winters are cool. It is recommended though to visit Ooty sometime between October and June. It is that time of the year when the monsoons recede and winter comes with spring at its heels. To be more specific, winter and spring are the most appealing times to be touring Ooty.

Do Checkout: Best Ooty Tour Packages for Family

What are the places I can visit in Ooty in 2 days?

Places to visit in Ooty in 2 days have the major attractions namely, the Ooty Lake, Wenlock Downs, Pykara Falls, Kolakambai Falls, Rose Gardens, Tea Factory, and Doddabetta Peak in two days if you plan well.  You must take up an ideal tour package inclusive of the places you wish to visit and activities you wish to indulge in as per your preference.

How to reach Ooty?

Ooty can be reached by air, bus and train.

1. By Air: The nearest airport is the Coimbatore airport at a distance of 88 kilometres from the hill town. It is well connected to all major airports in India.

2. By Train: 
The nearest railway station is Mettupalayam, located around 40 kms from Ooty. There are trains from Coimbatore, Chennai, Mysore to Mettupalayam. One can also avail of the Nilgiri heritage train which makes the journey much more exciting besides other trains like Udagamandalam Passenger Train and Mangalore Mail.

3. By Bus: 
There are many overnight buses that run from Chennai, Bangalore and Mysore. They make for a comfortable journey to Ooty.

Which is the highest waterfall in Ooty?

Cascading from a height of 400 feet, the Kolakombai Falls is the highest waterfall in Ooty. Witness the breathtaking sight of the loads of water cataract down the Kolakombai Hills. Ideal for trekking, biking and hiking, the trail to the top of this waterfall is one of the most popular things to do among the adventure seekers.

Which is the best area to stay in Ooty?

1. Theetukal: Theetukal is a peaceful and charming area with a plethora of gorgeous homestays and resorts. This place is also located in proximity to the railhead and the Ooty Botanical Garden.

2. Havelock Road: 
Havelock Road is a very active area with a number of popular hotels and nearby tourist spots. The St. Stephen’s Church is located at a walkable distance from this area.

3. Thalayathimund: 
Thalayathimund is a serene and tranquil area offering spellbinding mountain views. This area is located at a very small distance from the Ooty View Point and the Tea Museum.

4. Pudumund: 
Pudumund is known for its colonial style structures, bakeries, and chocolate shops. The Sacred Heart Cathedral, Union Church, Tibetan Market, and Government Botanical Garden are the major attractions of this area.

Which are the best places to experience local cuisine in Ooty?

Ooty is renowned for its bakery products and special homegrown beverages. It is wise to try out the fudges, chocolates and other bakery delicacies alongside the tea from the region.
Some of the famous local food joints are:

1. Earl’s Secret
2. Place to Bee
3. Nahar’s Sidewalk Cafe
4. Quality Restaurant
5. Cliff Top International Cuisine
6. King’s Cliff

Which are the famous tea-plantation stays in Ooty?

1. Tenerife Hill: Situated about 22 kilometres from Ooty, Tenerife is a part of the Tranquilitea Holidays group. It is a luxury farm stay property set in the middle of a tea garden. Besides offering the necessary amenities and features, it is most famous for the tea served here. So, any connoisseurs booking a stay here must pick a tea tasting ad plantation walk.

2. O’land Plantation Stay: Situated in the outskirts from both Ooty and Coonoor, O’land Stay enjoys the positioning amidst a 120-acre tea plantation where peppers, coffees and oranges also grow. The property has spacious rooms and other amenities which complement the quiet and tranquil atmosphere. The site also has two waterfalls and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy

3. Glendale Stays: It is a franchise brand which has several properties scattered across Ooty and Coonoor. Among them is the Adderley plantation stay is a bungalow-style homestay. Surrounded by the luscious tea gardens, the property has five bedrooms with exceptional views. Other than that, it covers all the essential amenities and even arranges outdoor activities like treks and nature walks.

4. Devashola Mango Tree Bungalow: This is a gorgeous homestay property that sits in the midst of tea, spice and coffee plantations that span 650 acres of land. The Devashola Stay offers two spacious and well-appointed rooms, a kitchen, common seating area, ayurvedic spa facility, along with many outdoor activities like treks, bird watching etc. to enjoy the enveloping landscapes.

How do you get to Catherine falls in Ooty?

Catherine Falls is located at Kotagiri which is around 36 Km away from Ooty. The place is well-connected to the roadways via the Kotagiri-Mettupalayam Road, therefore it is absolutely convenient to reach by a personal vehicle, cab or bus.

What are the best public transport modes to commute around Ooty?

In Ooty when it comes to public transport, there are a wide range of options. One can avail of rented private cabs or go for tour buses and local buses. There are also three wheeler scooter rickshaws available for shorter distances.

Where can I go shopping in Ooty?

You can head to Charing Cross, Tibetan Road, Ooty Lake, Main Bazaar, or Commercial Street, to satiate your shopping cravings. From winter clothing to locally produced tea, fruit cheese, essential oils, chocolates, and handicrafts, the markets in Ooty brim with goods that would certainly lure the interest of a shopaholic.

What is there to do in Ooty at night?

There are a lot of things to do in Ooty at night as the setting sun adds more glitters and jitters to this. Get a whiff of a happening nightlife in Ooty as you enjoy an adventure laden Jeep safari amidst the wild, explore the surreal valleys, stargaze by the calming lakes, go for an outdoor dinner with your beloved or enjoy a campfire with music all through the night.

How far is Mudumalai national park from Ooty? What is the cost of safari?

Mudumalai National Park is at a distance of 41.2 km from ooty. It takes around 1 hour 30 minutes approximately to reach the park while travelling via Mysore. The national park lies on the north western part of the Nilgiri Hills, on the margins of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. It is famous for elephants, Gaur, Chital, tigers and Leopards. The entire expanse of the national park encompasses 5 ranges, namely, Masinagudi, Theppakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.

The cost of the safari in a van is around 50 rupees while the safari on the back of an elephant will cost you around 100 rupees. You can also customize your safari experience as you wish and charges will also be designed accordingly. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the sanctuary.

Ooty Reviews

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Sushru Sunil Karpe
Reviewed: 09 Jul 2023
4.0/5
Hello Team, Before starting with feedback about experience on the trip, here is feedback about two people with whom I interacted, Karan and Komal, they were lot helpful and were always available on the single call, even after their working hours. So 10/10 for them . Now about the trip, the language... Read More
Sushru Sunil Karpe
Sushru Sunil Karpe
Sushru Sunil Karpe
Sushru Sunil Karpe
Sushru Sunil Karpe
Sushru Sunil Karpe
(33+)View All
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Vaishnavi Rentala
Reviewed: 06 Jun 2023
4.0/5
We had a great experience and Thrillophia related people are very helpful and planned the trip according to our requirements and the stay was good with hygiene rooms and nice complementary breakfast is served. Akash, Abhishek and Udit are very helpful and they made sure our journey and stay are comf... Read More
Vaishnavi Rentala
Vaishnavi Rentala
Vaishnavi Rentala
Vaishnavi Rentala
Vaishnavi Rentala
Vaishnavi Rentala
(8+)View All
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Ayush Agrawal
Reviewed: 21 Jul 2023
5.0/5
My experience with thrillophilia was just amazing specially the coordinator miss komal helps a lot her behaviour was very nice she coordinated very well the property provided by thrillophilia was awesome weather of Coorg ooty and Kodaikanal was very nice and very beautiful place must go places and t... Read More
Ayush Agrawal .
Ayush Agrawal .
Ayush Agrawal .
Ayush Agrawal .
Ayush Agrawal .
Ayush Agrawal .
(5+)View All
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Vijay Kumar Patnaik Dabbiru
Reviewed: 24 Oct 2023
5.0/5
Excellent arrangements,we r satisfied with KomalMeena(Thrillophilia)well supported
Vijay Kumar Patnaik Dabbiru
Vijay Kumar Patnaik Dabbiru
Vijay Kumar Patnaik Dabbiru
Vijay Kumar Patnaik Dabbiru
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Sivva Dharini
Reviewed: 04 Oct 2022
5.0/5
It was an wonderful experience 🤩🤩
sivva dharini
sivva dharini
sivva dharini
sivva dharini
sivva dharini
sivva dharini
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Deepti Ravishyam
Reviewed: 23 Aug 2023
4.0/5
Very experienced trek lead. Energetic and active Daisha. Even though weather was tough she took care of all. Excellent hotel, very good food and hygiene. Had fun in the bus also with games and activities together with trek lead.
Deepti Ravishyam
Deepti Ravishyam
Deepti Ravishyam

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