Ooty (Udhagamandalam) is a hill station in the Nilgiri Hills that seems to have stepped out of a fairy tale, and it’s one of India’s most popular destinations. Behind its tea gardens, cool climate and scenic aesthetics, Ooty is also known as the “Queen of Hill Stations.” Whether you’re hiking through the lush green hills, enjoying a cup of freshly brewed Nilgiri tea, or simply taking in the scenic landscape, Ooty has you covered with a tranquil getaway from the city life. So, as we navigate our way through this delightful place, prepare yourself as we explore the top ways to get there!
How to Reach Ooty — Your Adventure Is Set!
By Air to Ooty
If you’re flying from farther away, such as Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata, flying is the fastest way to Ooty. The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), approximately 88 kilometres from the property. From cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata you can also take regular flights with all major airlines and the average flight time rotates around 2 to 3hrs.
Ooty once you reach there, you have two options. You hire a taxi, and 3 h later around winding roads surrounded by green you arrive at the top. Or if you’re more adventurous, renting a car makes it easy to enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Important note: Do compare prices for flights and local transport on travel platforms like Makemytrip or ClearTrip.
By Train
If you are a lover of trains, Ooty is accessible by way of a toy train ride from Mettupalayam at 47 km away from Ooty. But to get to Mettupalayam from the important cities like Chennai or Bangalore, you need a train which usually takes between 6 to 8 hours.
The ride of the toy train is precious in itself! It winds through dense forests, tea estates and picturesque little villages — it’s a highlight of the trip. The complete journey would take about 5 hours and you would like to keep your camera ready for those Instagram worthy clicks!
By Road
Coming to Ooty via Road is an adventure on its own, especially if you are from cities like Bangalore or Chennai. It’s a beautiful 270-kilometer drive from Bangalore (around 7 hours’ drive). The roads here are nice and as you go up the hills, you are welcomed by a patchwork of hills and greenery. Popular routes are via Bangalore-Mysore-Ooty or Bangalore-Nanjangud-Ooty.
From Chennai, expect about 600 kilometers, typically 10 to 12 hours. It’s best suited for travelling long distances, and you can stop your travel at beautiful locations such as Krishnagiri or Salem.
If you are coming from Hyderabad or Trivandrum, it would be better to bus or taxi to Coimbatore and proceed onward to the hill station. The bus ride from Hyderabad takes about 12-14 hours and from Trivandrum, it’s about 9 hours.
Local Transport
Ooty is easy and fun to navigate once you reach the town! Auto-rickshaws, taxis and local buses are abundant. The more intrepid will be able to truly absorb its character—walking or hiring a bicycle to ride through the pretty streets. Be sure to visit important attractions such as the Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens and Doddabetta Peak!
How to Maximize Your Ooty Visit
- Pack light but smart: Ooty is going to be chilly, furnished but may be enough with layers of clothes especially towards the night. And don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes for those scenic hikes
- Connecting in Ooty: The connectivity is decent but it’s advisable to download some maps or maybe a guide to some good spots before you go. You can check good travel guides and itineraries on websites like Thrillophilia.
- Book Early: If you intend to head there during the peak season (April to June), make sure to book your stay beforehand on platforms such as EaseMyTrip or ClearTrip. There is a wide variety of accommodation for every budget – from luxury hotels to homestays.
- Go Beyond the Regular Cliché: While Ooty is known for its gardens and lakes, throw in a trip to nearby Coonoor, where you can stroll tea estates or enjoy incredible Nilgiris views.
- Sample the Local Fare: You should set aside time to sample local dishes along with the world-renowned Nilgiri tea. And there are a lot of restaurants and bistros serving food with a view!
Ooty is not just a destination; it is all about the journey too! Every way of transportation has its own special appeal, giving you a chance to truly enjoy the beauty of the scenery around you. So take your travel partners, chart your plan and get set for a fun-filled trip in the verdant mountains of Ooty! Happy travels!
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