How to Reach Ooty? A Complete Travel Guide

Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. The pine forests of Ooty have appeared in numerous Hindi and other Indian language movies, acquainting the outside world to the ethereal beauty of the place. 

There can be different ways to reach Ooty discussed herein. You can decide the right option depending on your budget, time, and the source of the journey.

How to Reach Ooty by Air?

Coimbatore International Airport, located at a distance of about 88 km, is the nearest airport to Ooty. It will take about 3 hours' road journey via Mettapalayam to reach Ooty from here. So, it can be a good option for travellers visiting Ooty from far-off places like Delhi or Kolkata. Otherwise, the road or rail journey discussed later can be worthwhile for travellers from relatively nearby places like Bangalore or Chennai.

Also Read: The Ultimate Ooty Travel Guide for the Best Holiday

How to Reach Ooty by Road?

Ooty is well connected by road to all the major cities around the region. It lies on NH 181. So, you can make a road journey to Ooty from cities like Coimbatore, Mysore, Bangalore, Chennai, Wayanad, Kannur, and Calicut. The roads are well maintained and traverse through scenic routes. 

Besides driving to Ooty in a car, you can also opt to board a bus. State-run bus services from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka connect Ooty with many of the cities mentioned above. Additionally, numerous buses connect Ooty with Nilgiris district's other towns like Kotagiri, Coonoor, and Gudalur.  

How to Reach Ooty by Train?

The railway station at Ooty is officially called Udhagamandalam railway station. The station is connected to Mettupalayam town by a narrow-gauge track. The station is a part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO world heritage site. 

The train journey from Mettupalayam to Ooty is an enriching experience as the train passes through lush green hills and small waterfalls. The music video of the cult song "Chaiyya Chaiyya” from the 1998 movie Dil Se was shot on this route. 

Also Read: Top 38 Places to Visit in Ooty With Family

When to Visit?

Ooty receives a significant number of tourists during the summer season, from March to June. The temperature during this time averages around 25°C, which is a relief compared to the scorching heat in the plains. There are many things to do in Ooty during summer, like trekking, jungle safari, mountain biking, etc. 

However, the winter season in Ooty brings a different level of beauty to the place. While adventure sports and treks might be closed for safety reasons, winter can still be the best time to visit Ooty for nature lovers. The less busy winter roads amidst the backdrop of misty mountains can make you fall in love with Ooty. 

Moreover, if you’re a tea lover, visit Ooty in January when the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department organises a 3-day long tea and tourism festival.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Ooty

Following are the ten important tourist places to visit in Ooty.

1. Avalanche Lake
2. Ooty Botanical gardens
3. Doddabetta Peak
4. Ooty Lake
5. Kalhatti Waterfalls
6. Dear Park
7. Emerald Lake
8. Needle Rock View Point
9. Parsons Valley Reservoir
10. Toda Huts Ooty

Also Read: Top 20 Things To Do in Ooty With Your Family in 2022

Where to Stay in Ooty?

Club Mahindra Danish Villa and Club Mahindra Derby Green are two great resorts in Ooty suitable for all types of vacationers. Both resorts are nestled in the heart of the majestic Nilgiris, where you can unwind with your family in a tranquil environment.

Ooty is one of those hill stations you can visit any time without extensive planning. You just need a travel outline, a bag for your clothes, and a burning desire to escape from the daily hassles of life to rediscover that spark in your soul.