Host City Information
Ooty: The Queen of Hill Stations
Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Ooty (Udhagamandalam) is one of India’s most popular hill stations. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, lush green tea gardens, and pleasant climate, Ooty is a perfect getaway for nature lovers, honeymooners, and adventure enthusiasts alike.
With its enchanting landscapes, colonial charm, and refreshing climate, Ooty is a paradise for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Ooty has something for everyone!
Ooty is home to numerous scenic spots and tourist attractions, including:
- Ooty Lake – A serene artificial lake where visitors can enjoy boating and picnics.
- Botanical Garden – Spread across 55 acres, this garden is famous for its diverse plant species and the 20-million-year-old fossil tree.
- Doddabetta Peak – The highest point in the Nilgiris, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Tea Gardens – Ooty is renowned for its sprawling tea estates, and a visit to a tea factory provides insights into tea production.
- Rose Garden – Home to over 2,000 varieties of roses, making it a colorful and fragrant delight.
Ooty enjoys a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is between October and June, when the weather is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Apart from sightseeing, visitors can indulge in trekking, horse riding, and exploring the Nilgiri Mountain Railway—a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a scenic train ride through tunnels, forests, and rolling hills.
Ooty is famous for its homemade chocolates, eucalyptus oil, and fresh tea leaves. The local cuisine offers a mix of South Indian and colonial influences, with dishes like Ooty Varkey, freshly baked bread, and filter coffee being must-tries.
There are multiple ways to reach Ooty, depending on your starting location and preferred mode of travel. Here are the main options:
- By Air
The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), located about 88 km away. From Coimbatore, you can take a taxi or bus to Ooty, which takes around 3 to 4 hours.
- By Train
The nearest railway station is Mettupalayam Railway Station, about 40 km from Ooty. From there, you have two options:
- Take the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers a scenic 5-hour journey through tunnels, tea plantations, and forests.
- Hire a taxi or take a local bus, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Ooty.
- By Road
Ooty is well-connected by road with major cities like Coimbatore, Bangalore, Mysore, and Chennai.
- From Coimbatore (88 km) – About 3 to 4 hours via Mettupalayam and Coonoor.
- From Bangalore (270 km) – Takes 6 to 7 hours, passing through Mysore and Bandipur.
- From Mysore (125 km) – Around 4 to 5 hours via the scenic Bandipur National Park route.
- From Chennai (550 km) – Takes around 10 to 11 hours by road.
- By Bus
Regular government and private buses operate between Ooty and cities like Coimbatore, Bangalore, Chennai, and Mysore. Both Tamil Nadu State Transport (TNSTC) and Karnataka State Transport (KSRTC) offer comfortable bus services, including AC sleeper and semi-sleeper options.
By Air
The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), located about 88 km away. From Coimbatore, you can take a taxi or bus to Ooty, which takes around 3 to 4 hours.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Mettupalayam Railway Station, about 40 km from Ooty. From there, you have two options:
- Take the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers a scenic 5-hour journey through tunnels, tea plantations, and forests.
- Hire a taxi or take a local bus, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Ooty.
By Road
Ooty is well-connected by road with major cities like Coimbatore, Bangalore, Mysore, and Chennai.
- From Coimbatore (88 km) – About 3 to 4 hours via Mettupalayam and Coonoor.
- From Bangalore (270 km) – Takes 6 to 7 hours, passing through Mysore and Bandipur.
- From Mysore (125 km) – Around 4 to 5 hours via the scenic Bandipur National Park route.
- From Chennai (550 km) – Takes around 10 to 11 hours by road.
By Bus
Regular government and private buses operate between Ooty and cities like Coimbatore, Bangalore, Chennai, and Mysore. Both Tamil Nadu State Transport (TNSTC) and Karnataka State Transport (KSRTC) offer comfortable bus services, including AC sleeper and semi-sleeper options.
