Ooty ( Udhagamandalam ) Travel

Welcome to one of the most breathtaking locations in entire India. Udhagamandalam is the official name of this hill station, but is more famous by the name Ooty and and is admiringly referred to as 'The Queen of Hill Stations'. Situated nearly 105 km from the city of Coimbatore, Ooty nestles in the Nilgiri Hills, nearly 7,347 m above sea level. As you enter the magnificent hill station of Ooty, you will be treated with excellent weather, deep forests, lush green slopes and landscape dotted with acres of tea gardens in both sides of the road.

The history of Ooty is that of Royalty and development. Ooty served as the Summer retreat for British Officers of Madras presidency and enjoyed a special reputation with them. Ooty developed thick and fast under their rule, most of which is still present in all its glory. The best is surely the railway network that was installed in Ooty. In fact, a ride in a steam train in Ooty has become one of the favorite attraction of tourists here.

While in Ooty, the best way to explore the surroundings of this quiet and small hill station is by trekking through the Nilgiri Hills. Walking along the well laid out tea gardens, taking in the aroma of fresh tea is truly a feeling for a lifetime. The best time to visit Ooty is February and May. During this period, aerosports is also an option for the tourists.

Main Attraction of Ooty
Rose Garden
Covering an area of 4 hectares, Rose garden is divided into five terraces and is a wonderful spot for outings. There are approximately 2800 varieties of roses in the garden that mesmerize tourists of all ages. This is the largest collection of roses found anywhere in India. The park is situated at an altitude of nearly 2200 m and provides an unmatched views of surrounding areas.

Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta Peak is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills. At distance of 10 Km from Ooty and at an altitude of 2623 m above sea level, Doddabetta Peak is among the most visited spot in and around Ooty. You are advised to trek to top of the peak for some wonderful moments. Not only is the trek through the woods a picturesque one, the views of the Nilgiri Hills that you will get once you reach the top are simply breathtaking.

Ooty Lake
Ooty lake is an artificial lake that was built by the then district collector John Sullivan in the year 1825. The lake is a famous option for picnics among locales as well as tourists as the lake offers opportunity for both boating and fishing. However, you will have to take prior permission from the officials for fishing in the lake.

Government Botanical Garden
Government Botanical Garden is home to few of the most rare species of plants, brought here from all corners of the world. The garden is open to public since 1848 and is maintained by Department of Horticulture. The park covers an area of nearly 22 hectares and is famous for a 20 million year old tree fossil, rare tree species like Lily Pond and Cork Tree. Do not forget to solve the puzzle of monkey-puzzle tree situated here. It is named so because monkeys can't climb this tree.

Deer Park
Situated just 1 km from the famous Ooty Lake, Deer Park is one of the very few high altitude wildlife parks in the country. Deer park is not a very big park and covers only 22 hectares. The main attraction of the park are chital and Sambar.

Things To Do in Ooty
Take a Ride in the Mountain Railway
This is one experience you should not miss out – traveling in the Nilgiri toy train. The train gently meanders through rolling tea gardens, passing by the lush green hilly terrains. The Mountain railway line in Ooty is maintained by the Mountain Rail League. The unique rack system and complicated locomotives is a fascinating feature of this line. The Mountain Railway line to Ooty is connected with major railway stations in Metupalaiyam and Coimbatore. Enjoy the delightful train voyage during your Ooty tourism.

Trek to Discover th Beauty of Ooty
Enjoy the enthralling experience of trekking on your Ooty tourism. The hilly terrains of Nilgiris, at an altitude of 2600 m, invite the trekkers from every corner of the world. Ooty travel vacations gives you an opportunity to explore the excellent trek routes, enhanced with forests of rhododendron and meandering streams. The rugged and rough hilly ranges of Nilgiris in Ooty allures the adventure lovers and evokes the inherent sportsman spirit. Walk through the rolling green downs to have a breathtaking view of spectacular lush surroundings.

Up Above in the Sky - Hang Gliding
The pleasant climate and distinct topographical features of Ooty, makes it an ideal destination for thrilling adventure sport – hang gliding. Enjoy the natural splendor of Ooty and have breath taking view of verdant surroundings. Hang gliding on Ooty tourism gives you an opportunity to look beyond the spines of lofty mountains heights and explore the rivers gushing through the dense forests. Make your Ooty travel plan to feel the ecstasy of flying high over the dense forests.

Catch Your Prey – Enjoy Angling
Angling in Ooty reminds the tourist about their childhood days, when they use to hangout around the river side with their fishing rod and net to catch the fish. Ooty tourism offers an opportunity to explore the various meandering rivers and small gurgling streams which are suitable for angling. Indulge yourself in this delightful adventure activity in your Ooty tourism, to make your summer vacations a memorable one.

Taste Tea & Roam Around the Tea Gardens
And after all this, if you are tired, just sit back, relax and have a cup of tea or coffee – Ooty special. Ooty is known for its tea gardens. Tea produced from here have immense taste. And the plantation themselves have a rejuvenating power. The immense scenic beauty of the sprawling lush greenery, dense forests and miles and miles of tea gardens allures the visitors from every pocket of the world. Ooty tourism offers an opportunity to discover the widespread tea estates. Travel Ooty to taste the green leaves tea, with a unique flavor which is delicious, organic and healthy.

Accommodation in Ooty
Ooty being one of the most happening tourists destinations in India, sports numerous luxury hotels as well as budget hill resorts. There are hotels that are situated in the sedate countryside and there are hotels right in the heart of city center. You have the option to choose according to your convenience. Some of the good staying option in Ooty are Sullivan Court, Hotel Sinclair, Sterling Holiday Resort and Hotel The Monarch.

How To Reach Ooty
Travel Ooty By Air
Coimbatore Airport at Peelamedu is the nearest airport to Ooty. It is nearly 100 km from here. Coimbatore receives flights from all major airports in the country. From the airport, the most convenient way to reach Ooty is by taking a taxi. There are privately run and state transport buses as well plying between the two cities.

Travel Ooty By Rail
Ooty is well connected to all cities of Tamil nadu. You can reach Ooty from Chennai by taking Nilgiri Express that takes tourist till, Mettupalyam. From there, you can either take a bus or a steam train. Traveling by steam train is the advised way as surroundings on the route is breathtakingly attractive.

Travel Ooty By Road
The well laid out road network connects Ooty to all the major cities of Tamil Nadu and nearby states. There is regular public and private bus services to and from Ooty. For traveling inside Ooty, local buses, taxis and rickshaws are easily available.

Ooty Travel Packages
Ooty & Munnar Tours
South Indian Temples Tour - (SITP20)
South India Pilgrimage Tour - (SITP26)
Backwaters & Wildlife Tour - (SITP09)
South India Wildlife Tour - (SITP46)