Misty mornings, rolling hills, gorgeous lakes, and vast tea estates—Ooty is a place that steals hearts instantly. This comprehensive Ooty itinerary covers the best tourist places in Ooty, how to get there, where to eat, hidden gems, and everything you need for a perfect trip!
How To Explore Ooty?
Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is blessed with abundant natural beauty and breathtaking valleys. A 4-day itinerary is perfect, but feel free to tweak it based on your time availability.
How To Reach Ooty
Ooty is the most desired hill station in Tamil Nadu, and reaching there is not difficult. Here are the options:
By Air
Coimbatore Airport is about 85 km away from Ooty, with regular flights from major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, and Ahmedabad. International travelers can fly to Bangalore, 300 km away from Ooty. Taxis and buses are available from Coimbatore and Bangalore airports.
By Road
The state and national highways to Ooty are well-maintained. Private and Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation buses run regularly from neighboring cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Mysore. Driving distances from major cities are:
| City | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | 270 km | 7 hours |
| Mysore | 125 km | 4 hours |
| Chennai | 555 km | 11 hours |
| Coimbatore | 85 km | 3.5 hours |
By Train
The nearest railhead is Mettupalayam, 40 km from Ooty, connected to cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore, and Bangalore. From Mettupalayam, you can take a bus, cab, or the Heritage Nilgiri Toy Train, which offers a scenic but slow (5-hour) journey.
Day 1: Explore Ooty (Locally)
Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiri hills, at over 2600 meters above sea level. It offers spectacular views and is a haven for hikers.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 9-10 km from Ooty |
| Access | By foot and by vehicle |
| Nearest Railheads | Ketty, Mettupalayam |
| Entry Fee | Free |
Botanical Garden
Spread over 55 acres, the Government Botanical Garden is home to over 600 species of flowers and trees.
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Lower Garden | The main entrance area |
| New Garden | Recently developed area |
| Italian Garden | Laid out in Italian style |
| Conservatory | Houses various plant species |
| Fountain Terrace | Beautiful fountain and terrace |
| Nurseries | Growing area for new plants |
| Fossil Tree Trunk | Believed to be over 20 million years old |
| Timing | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| 8 am to 6:30 pm | Rs. 30 for adults, Rs. 15 for children |
Ooty Lake
This beautiful artificial lake is one of the major attractions in Ooty, offering boating facilities and surrounded by Eucalyptus trees.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 1.5 km from the bus stand |
| Area | 65 acres |
| Timing | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Entry Fee | Rs. 13 for Indians |
| Activities | Boating, cycling, horse riding |
Day 2: Excursion to Coonoor & Toy Train Ride
Major Places To Visit In Coonoor
Tea Garden Coonoor
Visit Highland Tea Factory and Coonoor Tea Estate near Dolphin’s Nose for a taste of freshly brewed tea.
| Tea Estate | Description |
|---|---|
| Highland Tea Factory | 50-year-old estate with tea aroma |
| Coonoor Tea Estate | Near Dolphin’s Nose with breathtaking views |
Lamb’s Rock
Located 8 km from Coonoor, it offers sprawling views of Coonoor hills and Coimbatore plains.
Dolphin’s Nose
At 1000 feet above sea level, this viewpoint offers a 180-degree view.
Sim’s Park
A Japanese-style botanical garden with naturally occurring trees, shrubs, and plants. It hosts a fruit and vegetable show every May.
After visiting these places, return to Ooty and stroll around the lively Ooty market for shopping and food.
Day 3: Explore Kotagiri
Major Places To Visit In Kotagiri
Catherine Falls
The second-highest waterfall in the Nilgiri hills, surrounded by scenic beauty.
Kodanad View Point
Offers picturesque views of the Nilgiri mountains and nearby tribal houses.
Johnston Circle
A hub of small outlets and bakeries.
| Place | Distance from Ooty |
|---|---|
| Kotagiri | 29 km |
| Coonoor | 20 km |
Day 4: Avalanche Lake & Emerald Lake from Ooty
Avalanche Lake
Located about 25 km from Ooty, this picturesque lake is part of the Avalanche Forest Reserve.
Emerald Lake
A serene lake with blue water, 5.5 km from Avalanche Lake, part of the Silent Valley National Park.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | None |
| Timing | 6 am to 5 pm |
| Pro Tip | Carry water and food as there are no restaurants nearby. |
Additional Ooty Tourist Places
- Toda Village
- Learn about the Toda community and their lifestyle.
- Distance: 15 km from Ooty.
- Pykara Lake & Madumalai National Park
- Boating at Pykara Lake and safari at Madumalai National Park.
- Distance: 19 km from Ooty (Pykara), 40 km from Ooty (Madumalai).
- Pine Forest
- Unique spot with tall trees, ideal for photography.
- Entry Fee: INR 5 for adults, INR 30 for a camera.
- Timing: 8 am to 6 pm.
- Parson’s Valley Dam
- A hidden gem surrounded by thick forest and rich fauna.
- Distance: 18 km from Ooty.
- St Stephen’s Church
- One of the oldest churches with charming architecture.
- Located near the Ooty center.
- Government Rose Garden
- Famous for beautifully laid out terraces of roses.
- Entry Fee: INR 30 for adults, INR 15 for children below 10 years.
Best Area To Stay
Ooty offers a variety of accommodations from budget to luxury:
| Hotel/Resort | Price Per Night | Description |
|---|---|---|
| King’s Cliff | Rs. 5000 onwards | Oldest in Ooty with the best views |
| Savoy Hotel | Rs. 12000 onwards | English cottage-style rooms with amenities |
| Two Seas Residence | Rs. 3500 onwards | Scenic property near Botanical Gardens |
| Colonel’s Inn | Rs. 3000 onwards | Budget hotel with private balconies |
| Gem Park Ooty | Rs. 6000 onwards | Overlooking Nilgiris mountains, central location |