Ooty
What is the best time to visit Ooty?
Ooty offers a year-round inviting climate for sightseeing, with temperatures ranging from 5-15 degrees throughout the year, making it an ideal destination. While the peak season from October to June promises pleasant weather for outdoor activities, the monsoons add an ethereal charm to Ooty, creating a unique experience. Don't miss the annual Tea and Tourism Festival, drawing large crowds to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of this charming place.
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How to reach Ooty ?
Coimbatore airport, just a 3.5-hour drive away, serves as the closest gateway to the Nilgiri Hills, while approximately 4 hours by road, Mysore airport, serviced by a daily ATR flight from Kingfisher Airlines and lying to the North of Ooty, offers a scenic journey. Departing from Chennai at night, the Nilgiri Express reaches the foothills town of Mettupalayam the next morning, initiating the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway's picturesque route at 7.10 am. Accessible from within Tamil Nadu, the hills unfold through a heavily forested winding road, with the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty route being the most traveled and well-maintained option. All roads leading to the Nilgiri hills are toll roads, with reasonably nominal charges, promising a scenic and accessible journey to the tranquil charm of Ooty.
Exploring Ooty's Pleasantries: Best Times and Weather
Ooty offers a year-round inviting climate for sightseeing, with temperatures ranging from 5-15 degrees throughout the year, making it an ideal destination. While the peak season from October to June promises pleasant weather for outdoor activities, the monsoons add an ethereal charm to Ooty, creating a unique experience. Don't miss the annual Tea and Tourism Festival, drawing large crowds to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of this charming place.
Navigating the Pathways: How to Reach Ooty
By Road: Ooty is at a 90 km from Coimbatore by road and 105 km from Tiruppur. Bus services and even taxi for hire are available easily from these places.
By Train: Coimbatore and Tiruppur are the 2 nearest stations, which have connectivity to Mettupalayam from where you can get Ooty Toy Train which is an exclusive train service from Mettupalayam to Ooty and few other minor stations. Coimbatore is also very well connected to all the other major cities of parts of the country. The Nilgiri Express leaves from Chennai at night and reaches Mettupalayam (which Indian Rail spells Metupalaiyam), a small town at the foothills of the Nilgiris early the next morning. The train the Nilgiri Mountain Railway leaves Mettupalayam at 7.10 pushed by a small steam powered historic locomotive that is a remnant of Swiss engineered trains imported in the late 1800s. The train journey will be a very good experience, but only 30 tickets are issued on the spot.
By Bus: The hills consequently can be reached from within Tamil Nadu by travelling up a heavily forested winding road, with many sharp hairpin beds. The road trip from any state is quite scenic, although the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty road (i.e. the Tamil Nadu route) is the most travelled and well maintained. All roads to the Nilgiri hills are toll roads, although the tolls are quite nominal.
Heading: Local Charm in Motion: Ooty's Intra-city Transport
One can hire a cab or rickshaw on day to day basis.
Tourist Information: click-here
Enchanting Ooty: A Tapestry of Tranquility and Timeless Beauty nestled amidst Lush Greenery and Aromatic Tea Plantations, where every corner whispers tales of Colonial Charm and Scenic Splendor.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, or Toy Train in Ooty, stands as a prominent attraction in the popular hill station, earning UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2005. Commencing its charming journey in 1899, the train has enthralled visitors with its scenic route through nature's best. Covering 46 km in 5 hours, the Toy Train treats passengers to a spectacular journey with picturesque views. Noteworthy is the train's age diversity, boasting a youngest X-class locomotive at over 50 years and an oldest at 80. Weaving through forests, dark tunnels, sharp bends, and misty landscapes, the Nilgiri Mountain Train offers a mesmerizing experience on the steepest rail system in Asia, making it a must-visit.
Ticket Booking: www.irctc.co.in.
Pykara Lake
Pykara Lake, 20 kilometers from Ooty in Tamil Nadu, India, is a popular tourist spot in the Nilgiri district. The dam-constructed lake, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, attracts visitors year-round. The largest river in the district, Pykara, is revered by the Todas, originating from the Mukurthi peak and forming breathtaking waterfalls. Pykara Falls, with heights of 55 and 61 meters, are just 2 kilometers from the lake. The area is surrounded by shola forests and has been featured in Tamil Cinema. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation operates a boathouse, rest house, and restaurant, offering boat rides and a scenic retreat. Ideal time to visit is during the monsoons in July and August
Timings : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Direction: map.
Trekking
1. Doddabetta Peak Trek: Ooty, a gateway for treks, boasts the Doddabetta Peak at 2637 meters. This thrilling trek reveals exotic flora, a Telescope House for panoramic views, and a serene descent amid lush green meadows.
2. Parsons Dam Expedition: Starting at Sholur Junction, the Parsons Dam trek traverses Eucalyptus thickets, a magnificent dam, Parson Valley, Toda Tribal Village, and Thirthor Bett. The descent includes stops at Koli Mund, providing a glimpse into Toda tribal culture within an 8-hour journey.
3. Kotagiri-Elk Falls Adventure: Commencing from Kotagiri, this trek leads to Kodanad View Point, Catherine Falls, and Elk Falls. Rich in wildlife and captivating views, the route includes a night halt in Porthimund, progressing through Mukurthi National Park, Pandier Hills, Pykara Falls, and Mudumalai National Park.
4. Glenmorgan Exploration: Embarking from Kokkal Kota village, the Glenmorgan Trek unfolds stunning views of Bokkapuram, Masinagudi, and Mudumalai Sanctuary. The trail, adorned with Eucalyptus trees, concludes at Pykara Junction, offering breathtaking Nilgiri panoramas.
5. Tribal Trekking near Avalanche Lake: Approximately 30 km from Ooty, the trek near Avalanche Lake explores the small tribal hamlet of Mullimunth. Ideal for amateurs, this 3 km trek offers insights into local lifestyles, interactions with residents, and a taste of regional cuisines during a 5-hour journey, crossing dense woods and shimmering streams.
Lamb's Rock
Lamb's Rock, also known as Jamun Pakka, is a peak located in the Western Ghats mountain range in Coonoor, India. It stands at an elevation of 8,086 meters (26,487 feet) above sea level and is considered one of the highest peaks in the region. The village of Kambala lies at the base of the mountain and is popular among trekkers who seek to climb to the summit. The trek to Lamb's Rock is challenging, but the views from the top are spectacular. The peak is surrounded by lush forests and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is also an important site for bird watching, with many species of
Direction: map.
Wenlock Downs
Wenlock Downs, on Ooty's outskirts, is a renowned picnic spot, offering a vast expanse of lush green meadows surrounded by rolling mountains. The cool and sometimes foggy climate, with drifting clouds, makes it an ideal weekend getaway. Named after British Soldier Beilby Lawley, the site served as a hunting ground for Europeans. Spanning 8000 hectares, it now represents a key tourism destination in Tamil Nadu. Often called the Shooting Point, Wenlock Downs has been featured in blockbuster movies, attracting photography and film enthusiasts. This scenic haven allows for personal and public videos amidst its captivating surroundings.
Timings : 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Entry Fee : INR 10
Direction: map.
Pykara Falls
Pykara Falls presents an enchanting spectacle that captivates onlookers. The falls are situated near Pykara village, approximately 19 kilometers from Ooty in Tamil Nadu. Named after the village, Pykara is also the sacred river flowing through the region. Originating from the mountains, the Pykara river cascades down in a series of waterfalls, famously known as Pykara Falls.
With two distinct sections dropping from heights of 55 meters and 61 meters, these falls create a breathtaking panorama, offering an exotic weekend getaway. The harmonious blend of clouds, flowing water, picturesque landscapes, and towering mountains makes Pykara Falls a majestic and mesmerizing sight that promises a truly memorable experience.
Timings : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee : No Entry Fee
Direction: map.
Jeep Safari
Mukurthi National Park
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