The southern region of India is a beautiful blend of natural landscapes and wonders awaiting you to explore the natural beauty. It is the best place to unwind amidst nature and wildlife. The region is home to many wildlife sanctuaries like Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park, where you can enjoy wildlife safaris to spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. The best thing that makes this region a famous destination among travellers around the world is its picturesque hill stations and pristine beaches.
Bangalore is one such place to explore nearby hill stations and beaches. The city is also known for its all-year-round soothing weather, which makes this city a top priority for travellers. Bangalore is that city that surprises you with its stunning architecture, marvellous temples, and breathtaking landscapes. One of the must-see attractions in Bangalore is the Bangalore Palace, a stunning blend of Indian and European architecture.
Whether it’s European architecture, excellent baristas, beautiful gardens, or historical landmarks, Bangalore is a must-visit destination to unwind and relax. Ooty is one such beautiful hill station you can plan along with Bangalore. Nestled among the Nilgiri Mountains, this small hill station is the perfect location to spend quality time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hill station will leave you spellbound for its stunning British architecture and beautiful mountain ranges.
In this blog, we have discussed how to reach Ooty from Bangalore, places to visit in Ooty, and many more. Pack your bags and explore this stunning hill station near Bangalore city.
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How to Reach Ooty From Bangalore
Ooty, famously known as the Queen of Hills, is the perfect destination near Bangalore. If you plan to visit Ooty from Bangalore, you are in luck. The distance between Bangalore to Ooty is around 277 km, easily accessible by road, train, and flight. If you opt for Road, this is the best trip you can ever take with your friends and family, as you can enjoy the panoramic views of the western and eastern ghats. The soothing environment and cool weather are ready to welcome you to Ooty. Another great option to reach Ooty from Bangalore is to hire a taxi. You can also opt for sharable taxis, which is an affordable option. Here are the detailed options for you to opt to reach Ooty from Bangalore.
1. Bangalore to Ooty By Bus
The hill station Ooty is well connected to Bangalore via easily accessible roads. The distance between Bangalore and Ooty is around 277 km, which you can cover easily by bus. Reaching Ooty from Bangalore by bus is an affordable option. You can book from various government and private buses along with AC and non-AC buses according to your budget. The bus journey takes approximately 8-9 hours to reach Ooty from Bangalore. You can take a bus from Majestic Bus Stand in Bangalore, which is well-connected to all parts of the city. Some famous bus operators on this route include KSRTC, TNSTC, and SRS Travels.
2. Bangalore to Ooty By Train
Another super flexible and affordable option to reach Ooty from Bangalore is by train. However, there is no direct train running from Bangalore to Ooty. The nearest railway station to Ooty is Mettupalayam. Once you reach Mettupalayam, you can book your toy train to Ooty. This toy train is the best option to reach Ooty, as you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Nilgiri mountain ranges and lush green forests. The Mettupalayam railway station is well-connected with other cities. It takes approximately 7-8 hours to reach Mettupalayam railway station from Bangalore.
3. Bangalore to Ooty By Flight
If you don’t have much time to spend on travel, then the fastest way to reach Ooty from Bangalore is through flight. The nearest airport from Ooty is Coimbatore, so you can take a flight from Bangalore to Coimbatore to reach Ooty. The Coimbatore Airport is approximately 88 km from Ooty so you can book a taxi for hassle-free travel. Buses are also available at the Coimbatore International Airport to reach Ooty.
10 Best Places to Visit in Ooty
1. Avalanche Lake:
Avalanche Lake is 28 km from Ooty and must-see on an Ooty Tour. Every person who comes here is mesmerized by how beautiful this lake is. Lush green mountains and forests surround it. It was made by a huge landslip in the 1800s, which is how it got its name. It is a famous place to fish for trout, and you can get the gear you need at Trout Hatchery. Other famous things to do here are camping, rafting, and trekking to nearby hilly areas like Upper Bhavani.
2. Ooty Lake:
The Ooty lake is one of the most important parts of any tour of Ooty. It is an artificial lake that was built for fishing. People like to go fishing on this lake. On its calm waters, tourists can be seen having a refreshing ride. Near the lake is a fishing house where you can rent a wide range of boats. Cycling along a lake is also a fun thing to do.
3. Emerald Lake:
Emerald Lake is situated near the Emerald Village in the Nilgiri District. It is located in a serene area known as Silent Valley. It is located approximately 25 km from Ooty. The beautiful lake provides an ideal setting for a picnic, allowing you to relax and enjoy quality time with your loved one. The tea plantation surrounding the lake adds to its overall beauty. The breathtaking sunrise and sunset view from this location should not be missed.
4. Ooty Botanical Gardens:
The Botanical Gardens of Ooty, maintained by the Horticultural Department of Tamil Nadu, are unquestionably one of the top attractions in Ooty. This garden spans 55 acres of land and is divided into five distinct sections: the Fern House, Lower Garden, Italian Garden, Conservatory, and Nurseries. The flower show held here as part of the Ooty Summer Festival is a significant highlight.
5. Kalhatty Waterfalls:
Located approximately 13 km from Ooty, specifically on the Ooty-Mysore Road, Kalhatty Waterfalls stands out as a remarkably stunning waterfall that is worth visiting during your Ooty Tour. The waterfall is accessible by trekking a distance of 2 miles from Kalahatti village. It is believed that the great Hindu saint Agastya once resided in this location. Due to its diverse bird population, bird watchers frequently frequented the area. The scenic beauty of this place is guaranteed to leave you mesmerized.
6. Kamraj Sagar Dam:
Situated approximately 10 km from Ooty bus stand, this dam is a popular destination for picnics and film shooting. Also known as Sandynallah Reservoir, this dam offers a peaceful environment with beautiful surroundings where tourists can spend some time at ease. In addition to being a popular picnic spot, this location is also frequented by tourists who enjoy bird watching and fishing. The site is highly regarded among researchers who visit to study the environment.
7. Needle View Hillpoint:
Needle Rock view-point, approximately 8 km from Gudalur, offers a captivating 360-degree view of the surrounding valley and its surroundings. Gudalur is located approximately 51 km away from Ooty. Also known as Soochimalai, this place is also famous for trekking. This viewpoint is named after its shape, which resembles a needle. The breathtaking sight of clouds meeting hills as they cross your line of vision while you stand and watch is truly awe-inspiring.
8. Toda Huts Ooty:
The Toda Huts in Ooty are among the most attractive and unique sightseeing destinations. These are the residential areas of the Toda people, one of the indigenous tribes of Ooty. The huts are constructed in the shape of a semi-barrel. These huts lack windows and have low doors requiring one to stoop to enter.
9. Ooty Rose Garden:
The Rose Garden in Ooty is also a popular tourist destination. This garden, maintained by the Government of Tamil Nadu, spans across 4 hectares of land and boasts a collection of over 20 thousand varieties of roses. The garden is well maintained and has been honoured with the Garden of Excellence Award for South Asia by the World Federation of Rose Societies.
10. St Stephens Church:
St. Stephen Church in Ooty is a must-visit destination known for its architectural beauty and religious significance, with origins dating back to the 19th century. Despite being relatively simple, this church boasts stunning interiors. The painted glass windows and the depiction of the Last Supper are particularly captivating. According to historical accounts, the timber utilized in the construction of this church was sourced from both Srirangapatna and the Tipu Sultan Palace.
Free Things To Do between Bangalore to Ooty
1. Seek Blessings at Elk Hill Murugan Temple:
If you are tired of visiting the lakes, gardens, and waterfalls in Ooty and are seeking a place that can provide a unique atmosphere, you should go to the Elk Hill Temple. The Elk Hill Murugan Temple, located atop Elk Hill, is a renowned Hindu temple in Ooty. It provides a sacred and spiritual atmosphere for devotees of Lord Murugan. The shrine is widely renowned for its pleasant setting and beautiful backdrop. The main attraction of this shrine is the 40-foot-tall statue of the presiding deity, which tourists can see as they enter the temple.
The Elk Hill Murugan Temple is surrounded by dense forests, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas and stunning landscapes. This temple’s serene and tranquil atmosphere adds to the site’s overall beauty. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire Ooty town.
2. Camping:
Avalanche Lake is a captivating destination that offers a variety of activities, such as camping, fishing, and rafting. The clear water, the Nilgiris hills surrounding it, and the cloudy sky create a picturesque scene. Camping at Avalanche Lake is an incredibly thrilling nighttime activity to experience in Ooty! Don’t forget to bring your camera along to capture the region’s stunning beauty. It is advisable to refrain from swimming unless you possess a high level of proficiency in it.
Paid Things To Do Between Bangalore to Ooty
1. Wildlife Safari at Mudumalai National Park:
Undoubtedly, the highlight of everyone’s trip to Ooty is visiting the Mudumalai National Park for a safari ride. With abundant sights and activities to enjoy throughout the day, this place offers the opportunity to experience the world’s best safari with surprises and excitement. You can explore the wildlife reserve’s surrounding area through a Bus Safari, a Jeep Safari, or an elephant safari. You can also choose the nighttime safari tour to enhance your visit for an added sense of adventure. It is renowned for being a Tiger Reserve and is home to over 500 endangered species of animals.
- Entry Fee: INR 30 per person; however, there will be an extra charge for a safari ride.
- Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days
- Distance: 29 Km from Ooty Centre
2. Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train:
Prepare yourself for the delightful railway journey of a lifetime aboard the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train. The Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train, also known as the Ooty Toy Train, provides a delightful view of the lush green hills, picturesque valleys, forested landscapes, and verdant meadows from the window seat. It allows people to witness the sheer beauty of the Nilgiris in a unique and captivating way.
The best mode of transportation to travel from Mettupalayam to Ooty is by train. This journey offers tourists a unique experience that is difficult to find elsewhere. Constructed in 1908 by the British, this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is over a century old, offers a captivating journey through breathtaking natural landscapes, including stunning mountain ranges and picturesque sites that are perfect for capturing memorable photographs.
- Entry Fee: INR 205 per person for first class, INR 30 per person for second class, and INR 15 for unreserved category.
- Timings: The departure time of the train from Mettupalayam to Ooty is at 7:10 AM every day, and from Ooty to Mettupalayam, it is at 2:00 PM every day.
- Distance: 2 Km from Ooty Centre
3. Explore Tea Museum:
Visit the Tea Museum for a fun-filled weekend escape. The Tea Museum, also known as the Ooty Tea Factory, is a well-known, beautiful location for anyone interested in visiting the incredible tea garden on their Ooty trip. It is unquestionably a must-visit location for tea lovers.
The Doddabetta Tea Factory is right next to the Ooty Tea Museum, which has a prime site with verdant tea plantations all around. Your senses will be delighted by the picturesque vistas of the emerald tea fields and the majestic Nilgiri mountains, which bring you closer to nature.
- Entry Fee: INR 250 per person
- Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days
- Distance: 5.5 Km from Ooty Centre and Ooty Railway Station
Best Time To Visit Ooty from Bangalore
If you are looking for a perfect getaway from Bangalore, then Ooty is the perfect all-year-round destination. The weather in Ooty is always pleasant and makes your trip enjoyable from Bangalore to Ooty. We have put together a guide for you about the best time to visit Ooty so that you can plan your holiday accordingly.
Ooty in Winter (October To February)
The weather in Ooty in Winter is fresh, chilly, and pleasant. It is the perfect time to plan your holiday from Bangalore to Ooty. For couples, the winter season is the most romantic. In fact, if you’re on your honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary, this is the most excellent time to visit Ooty. With the help of mist and fog, the hill station acquires an ethereal beauty and enchantment! While staring at stunning scenery, one can sip steaming mugs of tea or hot chocolate.
Ooty in Summer ( March to May)
The summertime temperature ranges from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Ooty is a beautiful and flourishing place in the summer. The many incredible natural sights are easily accessible to everyone. Ooty Lake, Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Ketti Valley, Pykara River, Pine Forest, Toda huts, and Mukurthi National Parks are a few of the most popular places to take in the summer sun. Additionally, eating and shopping on the street are highly advised.
Ooty in Monsoon (June to September)
Ooty is blessed with a beautiful monsoon environment and is a classic Indian hill station. The sceneries become rich with moisture and greener during this period. Ooty is a collection of varied experiences, from a fantastic miniature train trip to delightful boat rides. As the first droplets of rain descend from the sky, lakes, waterfalls, pastures, and forests gleam magnificently. Rasam and sambhar are two hot and delectable meals perfect for this time of year.
Best Places To Eat in Ooty
After exploring the Queen of Hills, here are some of the best places to eat in Ooty:
1. Ooty Coffee House:
It would be a crime to visit Ooty and leave without trying the famous coffee, which enchants you with its aroma. While reading an intriguing book, you can enjoy a good assortment of brews at the modest, traditional Ooty Coffee House.
2. Garden Restaurant, Ooty:
Excellent South Indian cuisine is served at The Garden Restaurant, also called Nahar Restaurant, in the local community. They serve simple but delicious dosas and idlis and have simple yet comfy seating to match. In addition to South Indian food, a minor amount of North Indian and Chinese food is also available, keeping in mind the preferences of tourists.
3. Shinkows Ooty:
A Chinese couple opened Shinkow’s, a Chinese restaurant, in Ooty in 1954. Every bite of the restaurant’s authentic Chinese food gives you a taste of the real thing. The restaurant has kept the original menu, so the selections are limited. Old is Gold is the phrase that best describes Shinkows!
From flora fauna to adventure activities, Ooty has its all. Pack your bags and explore Ooty from Bangalore. These incredible picturesque Niligiri Mountains will make your holiday memorable.
