Ooty
Officially called Ootacamund, the hill-town is better known by its nickname–Ooty. It is loved by Bollywood directors, honeymooners, families, and even backpackers, for its mountains, lakes, gardens, and waterfalls.
Things To See & Do
Botanical Garden
Lush Green Garden
Spread over a huge area of 22 hectares and with more than 650 species of flowers and trees, the Botanical Garden is a horticulturist’s delight.
1 to 2 hours
Suggested Time
Pykara Waterfalls
Cascading Waterfalls
Surrounded by eucalyptus trees, grassy meadows, and encampments of the indigenous Toda tribe, the river flows over a series of waterfalls, one of which cascades down 61 metres.
2 to 3 hours
Suggested Time
Doddabetta Peak
Breath-Taking Sunset Point
Located 10 kilometres from Ooty, Doddabetta Peak is set at an altitude of 8,606 feet, and is the highest point of South India.
Minimum 1 hour
Suggested Time
Elk Hill Murugan Temple
Beautiful Hill-Top Temple
The temple is situated on Elk Hill and is set amidst picturesque settings. This architectural gem is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the revered warrior god.
1 hour
Suggested Time
Fernhills Palace
Grand Palace
Built in 1844, The Fernhill Palace was the erstwhile summer residence for the Maharajas of Mysore. The grandeur of the palace transports every visitor to the bygone colonial era.
2 to 3 hours
Suggested Time
Tea Museum
Unique Museum
Located adjacent to the Dodabetta Tea Factory in Ooty, is this sprawling 1-acre area surrounded by tea plantations amidst the magnificent Nilgiri Mountains.
1 to 2 hours
Suggested Time
Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu
A Tiger reserve in the northwestern Nilgiri Mountains
Located amid the Nilgiri Hills, this national park is segmented into 5 ranges - Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota. The protected area is a premier tiger reserve and is home to various other endangered wildlife species too.
1-2 Days
Suggested Time
Best Time To Visit Ooty
All year round destination
OCT-MAR
Peak Season
APR-MAY
Moderate Season
JUN-SEP
Off-season
- Whattoexpect:Chilly and windy weather.
- Thingsyou'lllove:Tamil Festival and scenic views.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Book Your Trip to Ooty
From
Travel Options to reach Ooty
Our Recommendations
Flight to Bengaluru Airport, then Bus to Ooty
Booking Options Starting From
₹5,094
Flight to Coimbatore Airport, then Car to Ooty
Booking Options Starting From
₹8,657
Stay in Ooty
Recommended Options
3 STAR HOTELS
Recommended For You
Average Price
₹3,934
Trident
Fern Hill
₹6,416
Onwards
DARSHAN HOTEL OOTY
Kandal
₹4,020
Onwards
The Hosteller Ooty
Nondimedu
₹1,368
Onwards
4 STAR HOTELS
Recommended For You
Average Price
₹9,823
West Downs - The Heritage Resort
Kandal
₹5,960
Onwards
Sterling Ooty Elk Hill
Fern Hill
₹9,760
Onwards
Fortune Resort Sullivan Court, Ooty - Member ITC Hotels' Group
Bombay Kist
₹13,749
Onwards
5 STAR HOTELS
Recommended For You
Average Price
₹14,920
Sterling Ooty Fern Hill
Fern Hill
₹9,760
Onwards
Savoy, Ooty - IHCL SeleQtions
Sylks Road
₹19,000
Onwards
Gateway Coonoor
In Coonoor
₹16,000
Onwards
Discover by Interest
Ooty: A Spot with Peaceful Nature and Beautiful Slopes
Ooty is also referred to as Udhagamandalam and is one of the beautiful places with Nilgiris around it. The place offers aesthetic value and is famous for being very peaceful, as well as giving scenic views of lush tea gardens.
There are mild slopes and green tea firms that truly make your trip memorabilia of nature's excellence. In this way, Ooty offers an extremely charming escape for nature lovers as well as experienced tourists.
Best Time to go Ooty
Summertime (March to June) is one of the best times to visit Ooty. During this time, pleasant weather exists and there are plentiful opportunities to see many nearby sights. However, monsoons bring up a different beauty from July till September, which arrives with heavy rains. Even the winter months of October up to February prove good for the ones who adore little cosy weather.
How to Reach Ooty?
Ooty also has good connections through roads, rails, and airways. If you travel by air, then Coimbatore International Airport is the choice, and the rest of the way can be travelled by bus and taxi.
Apart from the railway network, Nilgiri Mountain Railway is famous for connecting this place well while offering a breathtaking journey. Road connectivity with Ooty also remains excellent. State-run buses and many other private buses in the region commute through this.
Places to See in Ooty
Some of the best Ooty places to visit are as follows and many more:
- Ooty Lake:Perfect place for boating and cycling amidst the nature
- Doddabetta Peak:The highest peak of Nilgiris and has panoramic views of the valley
- Botanical Gardens:It contains several varieties of exotic trees. This garden has fossil trees dating back to 20 million years.
- Tea Estates:There are many tea estates with exotic tea tastes available.
- Rose Garden:This place contains more than 3,600 varieties of roses and is the ideal place to click photographs.
Top Things to Do in Ooty
There are so many things and experiences available with which you may plan your trip to Ooty. Some of them are described below:
- Toy Train Ride:Tourist viewings between Mettupalayam and Ooty are excellent; hence, the train ride is UNESCO-listed.
- Trekking:Explore the peaks of Doddabetta and Avalanche Lake Trek and ignite the adventurous soul in you.
- Spotting Wildlife at Mudumalai National Park:The place is near Ooty and has elephants, tigers, and different types of birds.
Closest Cities in Ooty
Different nearby cities in Ooty certainly help you to get mesmerized by the beauty. Popular and beautiful cities near Ooty are as follows:
- Coonoor:Coonooris a lesser town known for Sim's Park and Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint.
- Kotagiri:A more peaceful alternative to Ooty, and it is known for its tea plantations.
- Coimbatore:Coimbatoreis a city that is fully modern and known as the industrial hub of the region.
State | |
Ooty also Known as | Udhagamandalam |
Doddabetta Peak, Pykara Waterfalls, Murugan Temple Elk Hill, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve | |
Oct- March | |
Ooty is famous for | Tea Plantations, Chocolates |
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Ooty
What are the best places to visit in Ooty?
Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Fernhill Palace, Stone House, St. Stephen’s Church, Pykara Waterfall, Doddabetta Peak, Elk Hill Murugan Temple, Tea Museum, Government Museum, Sim's Park, Lamb's Rock, Rose Garden, Kamaraj Sagar Lake and MRC Golf Club are the best places to visit in Ooty. Soak in the serenity and enjoy your stay in Ooty.
What is the best time to visit Ooty?
Ooty is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is between April and June when the weather is generally pleasant. You can venture out for day sightseeing and other tourist activities. From September to November, the chilly wind enters the town, but the overall day temperature is cold, the weather is chilly and good for sightseeing.
What makes Ooty a perfect holiday destination?
Breathe in the fresh air, lay back, relax and unwind. Ooty has everything to charm you. Its scenic beauty, colonial charm, tribal culture, Ooty toy train, mountains, lakes, gardens, waterfalls, wildlife and panoramic views make Ooty a perfect holiday destination. Ooty is a paradise on earth. Unwind yourself in this nature's haven away from chaos. Plan your holiday to Ooty now!
What are the best hotels/resorts to stay in Ooty?
Darshan Hotel, Sterling Ooty Elk Hill, Savoy, IHCL SeleQtions, Sinclairs Retreat Ooty, Beverly Villa, Hotel Lakeview, Dew Drop Inn, Colonels Inn, Hotel Astoria Residency, Glen Park Inn, La Montana by TGI, Golden Springs, Vinayaga Inn by Poppys, Venus Holiday Home, OYO Home 23508 Elite Stay, Tulips Elkhill Resorts, Sterling Ooty Fern Hill, Kluney Manor, Al-Woodlands Residency, Leopard Rock Wilderness Resort are some of the best hotels/resorts for you to stay in Ooty.
What is the signature dish of Ooty?
Ooty is celebrated for its exquisite homemade chocolates. The town’s chocolatiers craft a variety of flavours, with dark chocolate being particularly popular. These chocolates are often made with high-quality ingredients and are a must-try for anyone visiting the area. The rich, velvety texture and deep cocoa flavour make them a beloved treat for locals and tourists alike.
What fruit is renowned in Ooty?
Strawberries are a standout fruit in Ooty, thriving in the region’s cool climate. The fresh, juicy strawberries are often enjoyed on their own or incorporated into desserts like jams, cakes, and ice creams. Visitors can even visit strawberry farms where they can pick their own fruit, making it a delightful experience and a delicious souvenir from Ooty.
What is the primary language spoken in Ooty?
The primary language spoken in Ooty is Tamil, reflecting the region's cultural roots in the state of Tamil Nadu. However, due to Ooty’s diverse population and its popularity as a tourist destination, languages like English, Kannada, and Hindi are also widely spoken and understood, making communication easy for visitors from different parts of India and the world.
What product is Ooty well-known for?
Ooty is widely known for its tea, particularly the Nilgiri variety. The tea plantations in and around Ooty produce a tea that is distinctive for its brisk flavour and aromatic qualities. The cool climate and altitude contribute to the unique taste of Nilgiri tea, which is cherished by tea enthusiasts. Visitors to Ooty often take back packets of this tea as a memento of their trip.
During which month does Ooty experience the coldest weather?
January is generally the coldest month in Ooty, with temperatures often dropping to as low as 5C (41F). The town’s high altitude contributes to its chilly weather, especially during the winter months. This time of year, the mornings and evenings can be particularly cold, making warm clothing essential for those visiting during this period.
What spices are popularly associated with Ooty?
Ooty is known for its production of aromatic spices, including cardamom and pepper. These spices are cultivated in the verdant valleys surrounding the town and are prized for their quality and potency. Cardamom from Ooty is often used in Indian sweets and savoury dishes, while the pepper is a staple in many culinary traditions, adding a distinctive flavour and heat.
Which type of tea is celebrated in Ooty?
Nilgiri tea is the most celebrated variety of tea in Ooty. It is known for its bright, brisk flavour and is often described as a well-balanced tea that is neither too strong nor too light. The tea is grown in the lush plantations of the Nilgiri hills, which provide the perfect conditions for cultivating this unique tea. It’s enjoyed both as a hot beverage and in blends that are exported around the world.
What food is Ooty most famous for?
Apart from its chocolates, Ooty is also famous for its varkey, a type of flaky pastry that is unique to the region. Varkey is a savoury snack, typically enjoyed with tea, and is known for its crispy texture and buttery flavour. This traditional pastry has been a part of Ooty’s culinary heritage for many years and remains a popular choice among locals and visitors.
What kind of chocolate is a speciality of Ooty?
Dark chocolate is a speciality of Ooty, and the town’s chocolatiers are renowned for their craftsmanship. The chocolates are made with high-quality cocoa, and many shops in Ooty offer a wide range of dark chocolate varieties, often infused with nuts, spices, or fruits. These chocolates make for an excellent gift or indulgence and are a key part of Ooty’s gastronomic identity.
What tree species is iconic in Ooty?
The eucalyptus tree is iconic in Ooty, and its presence is felt throughout the region. Eucalyptus oil, extracted from the leaves of these trees, is a well-known product of Ooty, used for its medicinal properties and as a natural remedy for colds and respiratory issues. The trees themselves are a distinctive part of Ooty’s landscape, contributing to the area’s serene and green environment.
What does Ooty become famous for?
Ooty is famous for many things, some of them being the experiences it creates for its visitors. From the beautiful tea plantations to colonial architecture with landscapes, this place is the perfect spot for both family and solo travellers.
Do I need an e-pass to drive Ooty?
You would require an e-pass to go to Ooty if your vehicle is not registered in the Nilgiris district.
How many days are enough for an Ooty trip?
About 5-7 days are perfect for a person to stay here and then see the charms of Ooty