Tucked in the Nilgiris Hills, Ooty (The Blue Mountains) is a spectacular hill station of South India which bears the Kurunji flowers that bloom once in 12 years. The flowers being blue in colour, offer the hills a blue tinge, hence the name The Blue Mountains. Ooty is also known as Ootacamund. Ooty makes it perfect for a summer, monsoon or chilly wind type of vacations in the months of March to June, July to September and October to February, respectively. Museums and galleries, parks and gardens, religious spots, viewpoints and an all interests covered holiday can be enjoyed in Ooty, catering to all kinds of tourists. The British history can be witnessed in the architecture of the houses.
Ooty can be reached either by air, bus or train. Coimbatore is the nearest airport and buses from Bangalore, Mysore and Chennai run to Ooty regularly. There is also good connectivity of train to Ooty from Mysore, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bangalore. But, apart from all these options, self-drive to Ooty through the reserve forest area and scenic beauty, is an experience in itself. For within the city commute, there are plenty of jeep/taxi stands ready to go.
Things to Do and Places to Visit in Ooty
Talking about places to visit in Ooty, it ranges from a 46km beautiful toy train journey through tunnels, curves, bridges and beautiful scenery to paddle boating in the Ooty lake. The 22 hectares Botanical garden, Stone House turned into Government Arts college of Ooty, Doddabetta Peak at an altitude of 8606 feet, speedboat rides at Pyakar falls, Elk Hill Murugan Temple, Rose Garden, KamarajSagar lake and many more make Ooty one of the most picturesque locations, making it perfect for a vacation.
Serving well to the adventure junkies as well, one can grab fishing license and indulge in Angling. Horse riding by the hillsides, hand gliding point about 20 km away from Ooty, mountain biking in the Nilgiris, a day out at Black thunder theme park and a family outing at Jolly World Children’s park can be enjoyed. For the ones who wish to relax and unwind, Ooty also offers great yoga retreats.
Sidewalk Cafe, kababcorber, savoy, Shinkow’s Chinese restaurant, Willey’s coffee pub, Garden restaurant, Hotel Sanjay, Earl’s secret, Virtue bakes and many more offer a wide variety of cuisines and food options for all the tourists planning to visit Ooty. Right from Indian to Chinese to fast food, Ooty has got it all covered. Shopping in Ooty is like no other. Away from the ordinary, it is known for arts and crafts, fashion accessories and books.
Like any other famous tourist destination, Ooty hosts all kinds of stay options, be it luxury or budget type. Taj Savoy Hotel, Hill Country Holiday Resort Lovedale, Fortune Hotel Sullivan Court, The Monarch Ooty and The Gem Park – Ooty fall under the luxury stay category which offer every amenity one could ask for for a king like treatment. Ooty hotels like Hotel Lake view, Sinclairs Retreat Ooty, La Flora Camberley Resort, Astoria Residency, Kluney Manor and Hotel Emerald Ooty are the few among many other budget stay options which also promise a comfortable stay along with picturesque balcony views.
