Ooty: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

Nestled in the ‘Blue Mountains’ of the Nilgiris, Ootacumund or Ooty stands at over 2,200 metres and has all the staples of a charming hill station. With cool temperatures all through the year, its inviting setting amidst verdant green hills has rightfully earned Ooty the moniker, ‘Queen of the Hills’. Quaint bungalows and heritage buildings reflect Ooty’s colonial past and make it an ever-growing and popular holiday destination in southern India.

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Don’t leave Ooty before you:

See:

1. Fernhill Palace: Once the residence of the Maharaja of Mysore, the Fernhill Palace was built in 1844 over 50 sprawling acres of lush gardens and eucalyptus forests. Today, it is a restored heritage hotel that exudes the character of the royal palace that it once was. 

2. Emerald Lake: As the name suggests, Emerald Lake gets its name from the reflection of the green mountains that surrounds it. A picturesque picnic spot about 25 kilometres from Ooty’s city centre, Emerald Lake offers breath-taking sceneries.

3. Doddabetta Peak: The highest mountain at over 2.600 metres in the Nilgiris Hills, Doddabetta Peak is ensconced by dense forests of eucalyptus and rhododendron trees. The observatory atop the peak offer 360-degree panoramic views of the pristine surroundings.

4. St. Stephen’s Church: Dating back to 1830, St. Stephen’s Church was built using wooden beams from Tipu Sultan’s palace in Mysore. Built in Gothic-style architecture, stained glass windows depicting Christ’s crucifixion and a painting of the Last Supper are the masterpieces here. 

Do:

1. Take a Toy Train Ride: The Nilgiris Mountain Railway was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Covering a distance of 26 kilometres from Mettupayalam to Ooty, the ‘toy train’, as it’s called, makes its way through 16 tunnels and 250 bridges. With over 200 mountainous curves to navigate, the views throughout the entire journey are absolutely spectacular.

2. Go Boating on Ooty Lake: The single most visited attraction in Ooty is the Ooty Lake. A manmade lake commissioned in 1824 by then British Governor John Sullivan, the lake is a recreational hub for locals and tourists alike. Boating is a popular activity at the lake and enthusiasts can choose from paddle, row or motor boats. The views from the middle of Ooty Lake of the surrounding forests and gardens are magnificent.

3. Embark on a Tea Plantation Tour: The hillsides of Ooty are prolific tea country. A variety of teas flourish on the plantations scattered around Ooty and taking a tour of these tea plantations makes for an enlightening experience. Depending on the time of year, you can see tea buds being cultivated and harvested. Sampling tea at the town’s tea plantations is a year-round activity!   

Read More: 5 Things to Do in Ooty for the Adventure Lover

Eat:

1. Handmade Chocolates: Handmade chocolates are a sweet and popular indulgence in Ooty. Sold by weight, choose from a wide selection of locally made chocolates from King Star Confectioners or Modern Stores in town.

2. Tea: While in Ooty, your choice beverage will most likely be a hot cup of tea. Made using locally grown tea, varieties of tea available include green, spice and black. A tea sampler from Nilgiri Tea makes for great gifts!

3. Varkey: An Ooty special, varkey is a type of snack made of wheat, butter and sugar. Usually served with tea, you can find freshly made varkey at any bakery in Ooty.

When to Go:

Because of its cool climate, the hill station of Ooty sees tourist traffic all through the year.

May to September: These are the summer months in Ooty and temperatures hover around 25C, offering much needed respite from the heat of the plains. Ooty also experiences light rainfall in May, which infuses fresh life in to the flora and fauna of the Nilgiris Hills.

October to February: These are the winter months in Ooty and temperatures dip considerably. The daytime high is around 16C and can go down to 3C. The morning fog makes way for bright sunshine on most days!

Read More: Considering a Weekend Getaway from Bengaluru? Head to Ooty!

Getting There:­­

By Air: The nearest airport to Ooty is in Coimbatore, which under a 100 kilometres away. The drive from Coimbatore Airport to Ooty’s city centre approximately takes up to four hours.

By Road: Ooty is accessible by road and makes for a great drive from Bengaluru (295 kilometres), Kozikhode (185 kilometres) and other nearby towns like Coonoor and Kotagiri. Public state buses and private taxis ply from nearby towns and cities in Karnataka and Kerala.

By Train: The charming Nilgiris Mountain Railway runs between Mettupayalam and Ooty. The ascend takes about four hours with picture postcard views accompanying you throughout.

What to Pack:

• Woollens and a warm jacket are needed all through the year in Ooty. While the days are relatively warmer, the nights are breezy and cold.
• An umbrella or raincoat to shield you from the rain. You don’t want to be caught by surprise during an unexpected drizzle.
• Motion sickness medication is recommended for those who are prone to sickness on winding roads. Whether getting to Ooty by road or train, the curves can be a stomach churner for some.  

Ooty is a charming hill escape for those looking for peace and serenity. It’s refreshing beauty and invigorating climate makes for the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. A holiday in Ooty is guaranteed to recharge your batteries! 

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