A jumble of quaint temples, splendid gardens, waterfalls and bustling city center set amidst lush mountains, tall pines and exotic lakes- Ooty is a quintessential hill destination in the Nilgiris. Officially called Udhagamandalam or Ootacamund and affectionately ?Queen of the Hills? or ?Snooty Ooty?; this little colonial retreat is a refreshing mix of nature & culture.
Get Free Tour QuotesView Tour PackagesMajor Attractions of Ooty
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Fondly known as the toy train, this 120 year old heritage train takes you from Mettupalyam to Ooty through tunnels, culverts, bridges and stunning landscapes.
Ooty Lake
This charming lake of Ooty, spread over an area of 65 acres is popular for picnicking, paddle boating and enjoying the scenic beauty of Ooty.
Botanical Garden
Established in 1848, these appealing 22-hectare gardens showcase the amazing Nilgiris flora. This gorgeous landscape is home to over 650 species of plants including a 20 million years-old fossilized tree trunk.
St. Stephen?s Church
Built in 1829, this colonial church is one of the oldest in the region. Its huge wooden beams hauled by elephants from the palace of Tipu Sultan 120km away, slabs & plaques donated by colonial-era churchgoers and exquisite stained glass windows; make it a prized heritage of Ooty.
Doddabetta
At an altitude of 8686ft, Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiris. Around 7kms from Ooty, Doddabetta offers incredible valley views.
Elk Hill Murugan Temple
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, this hill top temple is set amidst picturesque surroundings. Its colorful Gopurams, temple tank, and the tall image of the deity in the backdrop of misty hills, give it a serene and divine ambience.
Tea Museum
Located amidst lush plantations, this museum showcases the history of tea in the world and in Nilgiris. The souvenir shop here is a perfect place to buy freshly processed tea and tea memorabilia.
Other Attractions
Fairs and Festivals in Ooty
Shopping in Ooty
Besides handcrafted products, Ooty?s Tibetan market is a great place to buy woolen clothes & Tibetan artifacts. Also check out shops selling fresh & organically grown strawberries & avocados, buy some locally grown cinnamon and don?t forget to pick some fragrant tea leaves from the many tea shops in Ooty.
Best Time to Visit
Ooty?s pleasant climate makes it a-year-round destination. However, peak season here runs from April to June in summers and from September to December in winters.
How to Reach
By Air- Coimbatore Airport, around 88kms away, connects Ooty with most of the cities in India.
By Rail- The nearest railhead Mettupalyam, 40kms from Ooty, connects Ooty with major cities in the region. You may also board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway or the toy train to Ooty from this station.
By Road- A well- maintained network of roads & highways along panoramic vistas take you to Ooty. Driving along its serpentine roads is a perfect way to reach Ooty.
Pack your bags and book our Ooty Tour Packages for a perfect stay in the lap of the Nilgiris. Enjoy the quaint landscapes, the old-world charm and the panoramic haunts of this Raj-era hill station. Do reach us for Customized Tour Packages for your family and friends.
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