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Ooty Tourism

About Ooty Tourism

Nestled in the "Blue Mountains" of the Nilgiris, Ooty is a picturesque hill station. Ooty tourism is widely popular. In fact, this hill station has also earned the moniker of "Queen of the Hills.”. Perched at an altitude of over 2,200 meters, Ooty has a pleasant climate throughout the year. It is a perfect destination for enjoying a serene getaway from city life, and spending a few days amidst lush green hills and mesmerizing landscapes.

The appeal of Ooty tourism in India is further enhanced by the colonial heritage of the town, which can be seen in its quaint bungalows, heritage buildings, and old-world architecture that provides a glimpse of the British era. It presents an impeccable blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and soothing climate, making it a must-visit destination,

Ooty tourism spots to visit on your trip are many. Its tea plantations, botanical gardens, and sprawling lakes are sure to leave you impressed and provide plenty of opportunities to relax and rejuvenate. You may decide to go on a boat ride on Ooty Lake, stroll through the fragrant tea gardens with your partner, or admire the Pykara Dam and falls. Ooty has something to store for everyone.

Best Time to Visit Ooty

The best time for Ooty tourism would be in the summer months, from March to June. Doing so would allow you to escape the scorching heat prevalent in many other parts of India during the summers, and spend a few days amidst comfortable and serene surroundings. The temperature in Ooty during the summer fluctuates between 15°C and 30°C, making it pleasant enough for sightseeing. Much like many other quintessential Indian hill stations, monsoons in Ooty can seem like a magical time. The landscapes take on greener hues and become lush with moisture during this time. However, you must remember to carry your umbrella if you are planning your trip in the monsoon months.

Experience The Best Of Ooty

If you are planning to visit Ooty in the near future, you must make sure that your itinerary includes the following places:

Botanical Garden: A major highlight of Ooty city tourism, this garden was laid out in 1897 by the Marquis of Tweedale. It is spread over an expanse of 55 acres, and comprises of well-maintained lawns and rare tree species. Here you can even find a cork tree, a paper bark tree and a monkey puzzle tree. There is also a 20-million-year-old fossilized tree here. Other attractions of the Botanical Garden of Ooty include an Italian-style garden bordering a clear pool, a fern house with a vast range of ferns and orchids as well as a diverse variety of flowering bushes and plants.

Ooty Lake: When talking about Ooty Tourism, this lake is one of the primary places that comes to mind. Made with water flowing down from the mountain streams in Ooty, initially, this lake was solely meant for fishing. Over time, it became a popular tourist spot. In 1973, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation transformed it into a park with added attractions. Ooty Lake is surrounded by eucalyptus groves with the Nilgiri hills in the background. It is a great Ooty tourism spot to try out boating. Paddle boats, motorboats, and rowboats are available for hire at the lake.

Dolphins Nose: This is a popular spot for sightseeing and tourism near Ooty. Located at a height of 1,550 metres, Dolphin’s Nose provides breathtaking views of the Nilgiris Hills and tea plantations, along with Catherine Falls in the distance. It would be the perfect place to admire a 180-degree view of the surrounding scenery. You can also enjoy an unobstructed view of the Kotagiri streams from here.

Pykara Falls: This stunning waterfall is surrounded by green meadows, eucalyptus trees and encampments of the indigenous Toda tribe. The river flows over a series of waterfalls, one of which cascades down 61 metres.

How To Reach Ooty

Ooty is quite a well-connected tourist hub:

By Flight: Ooty does not have an airport of its own. The nearest one is in Coimbatore, which is at a distance of 100 km from Ooty. Flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Calicut land at the Coimbatore airport. From the Coimbatore, you may take a cab or bus to Ooty.

By Train: Mettupalayam, located about 40 km from Ooty, is the closest railway station to Ooty. It is well-connected to nearby cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore, and Bangalore through regular train services. Upon arriving at Mettupalayam, you can take private cabs or avail of bus services to reach Ooty comfortably. For a more thrilling and scenic journey, you can even consider boarding the heritage Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train. This iconic train ride takes you uphill through dense forests, scenic valleys, and enchanting dark tunnels. It would provide a unique way to experience the beauty of the region.

By Road: Ooty is well-connected by state and national highways. Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses and certain private buses connect Ooty with major neighbouring cities like Bangalore, Chennai and Mysore.