OOTY

---

Ooty is known as the "Queen of the Hills" because of its natural beauty. It's a popular hill station in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, and is known for its lakes, gardens, forests,  mountains. waterfalls, Botanical Gardens, bustling markets, striking lakes, and the most prominent Tea factories. The panoramic view of the gleaming Nilgiri Mountain Range, clear skies and an array of tourist locations make this place a popular retreat among the tourists. 

Ooty can be reached by air, bus and train.

1. By Air: The nearest airport is the Coimbatore airport at a distance of 88 kilometres from the hill town. It is well connected to all major airports in India.

2. By Train: The nearest railway station is Mettupalayam, located around 40 kms from Ooty. There are trains from Coimbatore, Chennai, Mysore to Mettupalayam. One can also avail of the Nilgiri heritage train which makes the journey much more exciting besides other trains like Udagamandalam Passenger Train and Mangalore Mail.

3. By Bus: There are many overnight buses that run from Chennai, Bangalore and Mysore. They make for a comfortable journey to Ooty.

The best time to visit Ooty (Udhagamandalam), a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu, depends on your preferences for weather and activities. Here’s a breakdown: 

Peak Tourist Season:  Best Time: March to June (Summer) 

Weather:  During these months, the weather is pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Ideal for sightseeing, nature walks, and outdoor activities like boating on Ooty Lake.

Monsoon Season:  Best Time: June to September (Monsoon) 

Weather:  Ooty experiences moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon. The lush green landscapes become even more picturesque, but the rain can be expected. 

Winter Season:  Best Time: October to February (Winter) 

Weather: The winter months are cold, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F).  December and January are the coldest months, with temperatures sometimes dipping below 5°C (41°F).  Winter is great for those who enjoy the chill and want to experience the misty, fog-covered hill station atmosphere. 

You can head to Charing Cross, Tibetan Road, Ooty Lake, Main Bazaar, or Commercial Street, to satiate your shopping cravings. From winter clothing to locally produced tea, fruit cheese, essential oils, chocolates, and handicrafts, the markets in Ooty brim with goods that would certainly lure the interest of a shopaholic. 

Mudumalai National Park is at a distance of 41.2 km from ooty. It takes around 1 hour 30 minutes approximately to reach the park while travelling via Mysore. The national park lies on the north western part of the Nilgiri Hills, on the margins of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. It is famous for elephants, Gaur, Chital, tigers and Leopards. The entire expanse of the national park encompasses 5 ranges, namely, Masinagudi, Theppakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.

The cost of the safari in a van is around 50 rupees while the safari on the back of an elephant will cost you around 100 rupees. You can also customize your safari experience as you wish and charges will also be designed accordingly. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the sanctuary.