HOW TO REACH OOTY
Ooty is well connected to all the nearby cities (Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore, Coimbatore etc.) via road. However, if you are travelling from North India, you can combine air/road or train/road journey to make it to this beautiful town.
Below are your options to reach Ooty-
1.Road – This is probably the best option to reach Ooty. You can either drive down to Ooty by your car or you can take a bus from any major city like Bangalore (280 km), Chennai (560 km), Mysore (130 km), Kozhikode (160 km) or Coimbatore (90 km). There are both private luxury and government buses available at a reasonable price (costs mentioned below in Quick Bites). The road to Ooty goes through the reserve forest area which is very picturesque and will make up for a memorable road trip.
2.Air – The nearest domestic airport is in Coimbatore, which is approximately 90 km away, from where you can easily hire a taxi or take a bus. Coimbatore is well connected to all major Indian airports.
3.Train – The nearest railway station is in Mettupalyam, which is about 40 kilometres from Ooty. You can easily take a train to Mettupalyam from Chennai, Mysore and Bangalore. From Mettupalyam, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to Ooty.
Where to stay in Ooty :
According to me best and safest to stay is @treebo and @oyorooms .. I stayed in treebo sky dale inn and suites ... very comfortable and clean rooms ... and view outside was awesome❤
Hotel staff was co operative , they also arrange various sightseeing tours upon requests, starting from Rs. 1500.
What to see in Ooty
1. Doddabetta Peak – 7 km from the Inn | Entry fee – Rs. 10
The road to Doddabetta Peak is scenic and the peak offers a 360* view. Height – 2,623 m.
2. Ooty Lake (Boat House) – 6 km from the Inn | Entry fee – Rs. 20
This picturesque lake has a children’s amusement park attached. It is usually crowded with tourists who visit for boating.
3. Ooty Tea Estate and Factory – 3 km from the Inn | Entry fee – Rs. 10
A must visit place for tea connoisseurs. They patiently explain the process of tea production. They also have a retail outlet for people to purchase various kinds of high-quality tea and chocolates that are produced in-house.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway – 6 km from the Inn
Nilgiri toy train ride is a must-have experience for those visiting Ooty. The train will take you from Udagamandalam to Coonoor.
TIPS : Ooty is usually cold at night so carry warm clothes when you visit, especially between August to April.
2. Upper Bhavani Lake has a lot of monkeys, so be careful with eatables when you visit.
3. Local taxi and cab drivers tend to ask a lot of money for shorter distances so make sure you bargain and check the distance first.
4. Do not forget to buy homemade chocolates and cardamom tea from Doddabetta Tea Factory.