Overview
About Ooty
Ooty, officially Udhagamandalam, is the best-known hill station of the Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu. At over 2,200 metres, it is surrounded by rolling tea estates, eucalyptus and pine forests, grassy downs and reservoirs that stay cool even when the plains below are sweltering. The town itself is busy and compact, but a short drive in any direction leads to quiet countryside.
The British turned Ooty into the summer headquarters of the Madras Presidency, and its colonial heritage lives on in its stone churches, old clubs, cottages with sloping roofs and, above all, the Government Botanical Garden. The Nilgiris are also home to indigenous communities such as the Todas, whose distinctive barrel-shaped huts and embroidered shawls are part of the region's identity.
For many visitors the highlight is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage toy train that climbs from Mettupalayam through tunnels, bridges and forest to Ooty. Combine the town's gardens and lakes with excursions to Coonoor's tea country, the Pykara area and Mudumalai's wildlife, and Ooty makes a rewarding few days in the hills.
- Nilgiri toy train
- Botanical Garden
- Tea estates
- Ooty Lake
- Homemade chocolates
- Cool climate
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Ooty
Gardens & Lakes
Government Botanical Garden
Laid out in terraces on a hillside, this nineteenth-century garden has manicured lawns, glasshouses, rare trees and a fossilised tree trunk. It hosts the annual flower show in May.
Ooty Lake
A man-made lake fringed by eucalyptus trees, with rowing, pedal and motor boats for hire. The lakeside also has a small amusement area for children.
Government Rose Garden
A large terraced garden on the slopes of Elk Hill with thousands of rose varieties, at its most colourful in late spring.
Viewpoints & Nature
Doddabetta Peak
The highest point in the Nilgiris, with a telescope house and sweeping views over the hills and plains on a clear day.
Pine Forest
A tidy grove of tall pines on the road to Pykara, popular for short walks and photographs, with a view down to a reservoir.
Pykara Lake and Falls
A calm lake with boating and a series of cascades nearby, set amid shola forest and grasslands about 20 km from town.
Avalanche Lake
A remote, beautiful lake surrounded by shola forest and rhododendrons, reached by forest department vehicles from an entry point outside town.
Tea Factory and Museum
Tea factories on the outskirts of Ooty demonstrate how Nilgiri tea is processed, with tastings and a shop at the end.
Nearby Excursions
Coonoor
A quieter hill town about 18 km away, known for Sim's Park, the viewpoints of Dolphin's Nose and Lamb's Rock, and tea gardens on every slope.
Mudumalai National Park
A wildlife reserve below Ooty on the way to Mysuru, where safaris may bring sightings of elephants, deer, gaur and, with luck, big cats.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Ooty
- 1
Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Take the toy train between Mettupalayam and Ooty, or the shorter section between Coonoor and Ooty. Book well in advance, as seats sell out quickly.
- 2
Walk through a tea estate
Stroll through the neat green rows of the estates around Ooty and Coonoor and visit a factory to see the leaves being processed.
- 3
Go boating
Row across Ooty Lake or take a quieter boat ride at Pykara, where the surroundings feel far more remote.
- 4
Taste homemade chocolates
Ooty's many small chocolate shops sell fudges and filled chocolates made in town, a favourite gift to take home.
- 5
Drive the Kalhatty route
The road down towards Mudumalai via Kalhatty is steep and scenic, with hairpin bends and forest views. Drive slowly and use low gears.
- 6
Visit the summer festival
If you travel in May, the flower show at the Botanical Garden and related events across the district are worth planning around.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Ooty
The best time to visit Ooty is October to June. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
15°C to 25°C
The peak tourist season, with pleasant days and cool evenings. The flower show takes place in May, and the town is at its busiest.
Monsoon
July to September
12°C to 20°C
Frequent rain and thick mist make the hills dramatically green, but sightseeing can be disrupted and some roads become slippery. Good for those who enjoy misty walks.
Winter
October to February
5°C to 20°C
Clear, sunny days and chilly nights, with frost on the grasslands around December and January. A good time for photography and quieter visits.
Getting there
How to Reach Ooty
By Air
Coimbatore International Airport, about 90 km away, is the nearest airport, with flights to Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and other cities. Taxis from the airport take around three hours to reach Ooty via Mettupalayam and Coonoor.
By Rail
Mettupalayam is the broad-gauge railhead at the foot of the hills, connected to Coimbatore and Chennai. From there the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train climbs to Udhagamandalam station. Coimbatore Junction has the widest range of trains.
By Road
Ooty is about 270 km from Bengaluru via Mysuru and Mudumalai, and about 90 km from Coimbatore via Mettupalayam. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka state buses run regularly. Note that the forest road through Mudumalai and Bandipur has night-time traffic restrictions.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Ooty
Homemade chocolates
Rich chocolates and fudges made in small batches in town, sold loose by weight in shops around the market.
Varkey
A flaky, crisp baked biscuit-like snack associated with the Nilgiris, perfect with a cup of tea.
Nilgiri tea
Fragrant, bright tea from the surrounding estates, best enjoyed fresh at a factory or roadside tea stall.
South Indian meals
Rice with sambar, rasam, poriyal and curd served on a banana leaf, a filling lunch after a morning of sightseeing.
Hot snacks
Roadside bajjis, roasted corn and steaming tea are especially welcome on misty afternoons.
What to Buy in Ooty
- Nilgiri tea and tea powders
- Homemade chocolates
- Eucalyptus and other essential oils
- Toda embroidered shawls and textiles
- Warm woollens from the local market
Travel Tips for Ooty
- Book toy train tickets as early as possible, especially for weekends and the summer holidays.
- Carry warm layers year-round; evenings and early mornings are cold even in summer.
- Expect traffic jams on peak weekends; leave early for viewpoints like Doddabetta.
- Check entry rules for Avalanche Lake and forest areas, which are managed by the forest department.
FAQs
Ooty Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Ooty?
October to June is the best time to visit Ooty. Summer from March to June has the most pleasant weather, while winter brings clear skies and chilly nights.
How many days are enough for Ooty?
Three to four days let you see Ooty's gardens and lakes, ride the toy train and take day trips to Coonoor and Pykara.
What is Ooty famous for?
Ooty is famous for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, the Government Botanical Garden, tea estates, Ooty Lake, homemade chocolates and its cool climate.
How do I book the Ooty toy train?
Toy train tickets can be booked through Indian Railways' official booking channels. Seats are limited, so reserve well in advance.
Which is the nearest airport to Ooty?
Coimbatore International Airport, about 90 km away, is the nearest airport to Ooty.
Is Ooty or Coonoor better to stay in?
Ooty has more sights, shops and restaurants, while Coonoor is quieter and more relaxed. Many travellers stay in one and visit the other on a day trip.
