A Refreshing Summer in Ooty

As the tedious summer descends on India with its sweltering hot, clammy days, all one can think of are ways to cool down. The idea of lush green hills, shady avenues, and cool showers of rain is compelling; this is also the time when most families head to a hill station to beat the heat, even if only for a few days. If you’re one of those planning a summer retreat this year, why not do something different? Instead of hiking up to Nainital or Shimla, why not head south to be inspired by the divine beauty of the Queen of the Nilgiris, Ooty? A holiday in May will be ideal since you’ll be just in time to witness the glorious beauty of the Ooty Summer Festival. 

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A Soulful Summer

While the emerald tea plantations, sapphire mountains and dense woods of this beautiful southern hill station are a natural draw for thousands of tourists every year, the wonders of the Ooty Summer Festival have to be seen to be believed. A time of song and celebration, the Summer Festival flaunts Ooty at its best. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Tamil Nadu and the Government of India Tourism Department, the festival unfolds a series of events and fun-filled activities for locals and visitors at the famous Ooty Botanical Gardens, the venue for the festival. The events to look forward to include shows around flowers, dogs, fruits and vegetables and even spices. To add to this are cultural events, adventure activities and the highlight of the festival, boat races and pageants on Ooty Lake.

Exploring Ooty

The summer is the ideal time to visit Ooty. Not only is the weather perfect, but there is also enough to do to keep your days packed with activity and excitement. The many offerings of this hill retreat include the Rose Garden, Botanical Garden, Wax Museum, Doddabetta Park, Annamalai Temple and Pine forest. For some thrills, go trekking or boating adventures in Pykara and take in some glorious views from various vistas and vantage points. You must also make it a point to visit a tea plantation, go horse riding and the Mudumalai Forest sanctuary.

Getting There

If you’re planning to fly to Ooty, the nearest airport is in Coimbatore from where the hill station is a 3 ½ hour drive.

If you’re going to Ooty by train, take the Nilgiri Express to Mettupalayam from where you can board the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Popularly referred to as the ‘toy train’, this quaint steam locomotive is undoubtedly one of the most delightful aspects of Ooty.

Several government and luxury buses and taxis frequently ply from nearby towns to Ooty. Going to Ooty by bus is especially convenient for residents of nearby towns.

Where to Stay

Ooty is the tourist hub of South India and accommodation options range from luxury and budget hotels in the main town to cozy homestays tucked away in the hills. There are also a few refurbished heritage bungalows that have become guest houses and hotels that give you a taste of colonial-style living in Ooty.