TOP 10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN OOTY
OOTY
Built by the British in the colonial era, Ooty continues to capture people’s imaginations with its beautiful mountains, lakes, expansive flora and fauna. Ooty, popularly known as the Queen of Hill Stations is adorned with beautiful mountains, lakes, gardens and forests all around. It was once the summer capital of the Madras Presidency. The colonial buildings and architecture are visible in some parts of the town. Ooty is among the very few places in India where local tribes co-exist within the city.
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 everyone’s 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 nature’s bounty.
For art lovers, there’s never a dull moment in Ooty. Fernhill Bungalow, Ooty Club, Government House and Arts College, St. Stephens’s 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
- HOW TO REACH OOTY
By Air
The nearest International Airport is Coimbatore International Airport, roughly two and a half hour drive from Ooty. Coimbatore Airport is well connected to a spectrum of cities like Delhi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad via Air Arabia, Air India, Indigo, Jet Konnect and Spice Jet.
By Rail
Ooty has its own Railway Station named as Ooty Railway Station. It is connected to the major cities of Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the major New Delhi- Coimbatore railway line and is linked with the cities like New Delhi, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Chennai, Kochi, Mysore, Lucknow, Chennai, Kanyakumari, Puri, Ahmedabad and Jaipur.
By Road
Ooty is 19 Kms from Coonoor, 52 Kms from Mettupalayam, 84 Kms from Coimbatore, 104 Kms from Tiruppur, 127 Kms from Pollachi, 136 Kms from Palakkad, 154 Kms from Dharapuram, 159 Kms from Udumalaipettai and is linked through Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSRTC) and some private travel services.
1.Government Botanical Gardens IN OOTY
Ooty Botanical Gardens lie on the lower slopes of the Doddabetta peak, the Government Botanical Garden is a splendid garden in Udhagamandalam, near Coimbatore in the state of Tamil Nadu. Sprawled over an area of 22 hectares, the garden is divided into several sections that are trimmed beautifully to present an endearing sight.
Visitors are greeted with astounding colourful natural beauty from the moment they pass through the gates. For more than 160 years, foreign and local travellers have visited the lush green lawns of the garden, admiring the stunning variety of flowers, ferns, and orchids present here. Another highlight of the Botanical Garden is the Toda hill, known as the Toda mund, which gives the visitors an insight into the lives and culture of Todas (a tribe of the Nilgiris).
Location: Vannarapettai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643002
Entry fee: Rs 30 per person [for Adults]
Rs 15 per person [for Children].
2.Ooty Lake
