Ooty

Udhagamandalam, also known as Utagamund, Udhagai, or Ooty City, is the most interesting hill station in Tamil Nadu. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who once visited the hill station, referred to it as the Queen of Hill Stations. After all, Ooty is famous for its incredible hill views. Located at the crossroads of the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, this section of the Nilgiris range brings joy to tourists from all over the country. There are several Ooty resorts that also make it a popular option among honeymooners.

Ooty Overview

Best Time to Visit Ooty

For the outdoor enthusiast, there is no bad time to visit the Ooty Hill Station. Summers are mild, winters are cold, and monsoons are alluring in Ooty, although Ooty weather is best during the winter. Having said that, the months of October through June are prime time for exploring Ooty tourist places when Ooty temperature is mild.

How to Reach the Places to Visit in Ooty

Coimbatore International Airport is around a 2.5-hour drive from Ooty, and it's the closest International Airport to the city. Delhi, Mumbai, Kozhikode, Bangalore and Ahmedabad are just a few of the many cities that are easily accessible from Coimbatore Airport.

Ooty area is served by its own railway station, appropriately called the Ooty Railway Station. It has connections to all of Tamil Nadu's main urban centres. 

Ooty Tamil Nadu is connected to the surrounding area by the Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSRTC) and several private bus operators. You can also book an outstation cab and explore tourist places near Ooty.

What are the things to see and do in Ooty? 

You can indulge in a lot of things to do in Ooty. Many popular tourist destinations can be found in and around Ooty, including Doddabetta Peak, Pykara River, Avalanche Lake, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, The Tea Factory, Ooty Boat House and many others.

Places to Visit in Ooty

Pykara Waterfalls

Home to the indigenous Toda tribe, Pykara Waterfalls are surrounded by lush eucalyptus trees and green meadows. 

Doddabetta Peak

Just 10 km from Ooty, this is considered to be the highest point in South India and offers unparalleled scenic views.

Elk Hill Murugan Temple

Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the warrior lord, this magnificent temple is best known for its architecture and the scenic location atop Elk Hill.

Tea Museum

Located amidst the beautiful Nilgiri mountains, this tea museum is right next to the Doddabetta Tea Factory and is surrounded by numerous tea plantations.

Ooty Lake

The expansive 2.5 km-long man-made lake is visited by locals and tourists for the scenic beauty it offers. It has become a great picnic spot in the city.

Restaurants in Ooty

Sidewalk Café

There are several great restaurants in Ooty, but the Sidewalk Café stands out for its authentic Italian cuisine. The tiny artwork and intriguing lighting throughout the space provide a wonderful sense of rustic appeal to the overall atmosphere. 

The Garden

The Garden, or Nahar Restaurant as it's more often called, is famed for its excellent South Indian cuisine. They provide a modest assortment of North Indian and Chinese dishes as well.

Shinkow

Since its opening in 1954, Shinkow's has been Ooty's go-to for authentic Chinese cuisine. At this restaurant, you can taste the genuineness of the Chinese ingredients in every dish. 

Places to Stay in Ooty

Savoy, Ooty - IHCL SeleQtions

Enjoy the colonial architecture and cottage-style rooms with fireplaces, creating a calming ambience in this heritage hotel. Get your day off to a good start with a workout at the modern fitness centre at Savoy.

SaffronStays Milton Abbott Estate

SaffronStays Milton Abbott Estate, a British colonial estate home from the 19th century with a verdant lawn and guided walks is the perfect place to spend a romantic getaway. 

The Lily

The Lily in Ooty leaves an impression in more ways than one, with its mystical blue mountain vistas, sleek lounge areas, and entertaining amenities. 

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Ooty

Ooty famous food is the same as the rest of Tamil Nadu. The main ingredients in most regional recipes are coconut and tamarind. Idly, uttapam, dosa, upma with coconut chutney and sambar are popular items on the morning menu, while curry with rice is preferred for dinner. 

Things to Buy in the Places to Visit in Ooty 

After exploring Ooty tourist places, it's time to head back to the big city with some unforgettable memories and purchase some of Ooty famous things. Shopping in Ooty can be a fun and unforgettable experience.

Ooty Main Bazaar

The city's major market is renowned for its many types of freshly brewed tea. The market area is a popular place for both residents and visitors to shop because of the wide variety of goods it offers.

Ooty Municipal Market

The Ooty Municipal Market is a massive supermarket that is especially well-known for its selection of fresh produce. About four thousand consumers frequent the market every day, which should give you an idea of its significance.

Tibetan Market

Shops in this marketplace have a wide variety of warm outerwear at affordable costs, including sweaters, jerseys, shawls, pullovers, cardigans, hoodies and sweatshirts.

Visit the Toda temples, houses and also shop for ethnic Toda products. A joyride fit for all age groups, the train ride up the hill with its steep curves and tunnels is not only a fun experience, but it also offers amazing vistas en-route. Officially called Ootacamund, this tourist hub in Southern India is better known by its nickname Ooty, given by the British.

Be it Bollywood directors, honeymooners, family or adventure travellers, Ooty has touched everyones heart and imagination. It is known as the Blue Mountains owing to the indigo cover of the beautiful Kurinji flower that blooms on the slopes of the Nilgiris once every 12 years. During the blossom, Ooty looks spectacular; reaffirming the wonders of nature.

The fun of the trip begins even before entering the hill town. The famous toy train, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, that connects Mettupalayam and Ooty is a heritage route that breathes excitement every minute. The uphill journey crosses bridges, tunnels and manoeuvres steep curves. A haven for nature lovers, Ooty has diverse flora and fauna, even rare species. Ooty Botanical Garden and Rose Garden are the main attractions in town for admiring natures bounty.

For art lovers, theres never a dull moment in Ooty. Fernhill Bungalow, Ooty Club, Government House and Arts College, St. Stephenss Church; there are many standing monuments with colonial-era impressions. Central hubs of Ooty include the Ooty Lake and Pykara Lake, both set amidst pine trees and mountains. Like most lakes, they make for a perfect picnic spot. You can also enjoy staying in cosy homestays. Then why wait? Make your booking now

Conclusion

Ooty's breathtaking scenery is a major draw for travellers from all over the country. The British, during their colonial rule in India, were inspired by the unrivalled beauty of this hill station. Today, Ooty is well-known for the many attractions it offers, which appeal to a wide range of interests.