Life in the hills is a thrill like no other. The lushness of the greenery around, the chill bestowed by the cool climatic conditions, the bounty of Nature in full bloom – you will have very many reasons to spend quality time up there in the mountains. Words are just not enough to describe the feel of the stay when you are the Nilgiris – a vast mountain range that is an enchanting part of the blissful Western Ghats.
Nilgiris is spread across the borders of three Indian states – Karnataka, Kerala and our own Tamil Nadu. With many hill stations and more fascinating experiences in offer, this range is a treat that you just cannot afford to miss on your trip. ‘Nilgiris’ translates as ‘blue mountains’, an attribute it gets due to the presence of Strobilanthes flower that fills the terrain. Indigenous tribal people have occupied this area for centuries. They include the Toda, Kota, Kurumba, Irula and Badagas. No historical evidence suggests that the Nilgiris were a part of any royal dynasties or empires. However by the beginning of the 19th century, the British had started developing these hills for the production of crops such as tea and coffee. Ooty, the most noted hill station in the Nilgiris, also served as the summer capital of the Madras Presidency which was under the British Raj.
A highly multilingual and multicultural district, Nilgiris speak various languages like Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Urdu, Badaga, even though the principal language prevailing in the region is Tamil. It’s a destination for a lot of diverse experiences.
Ooty Bus Stand, serves as the central bus stand for the region.
There are regular bus services connecting Ooty to Coimbatore, Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Kozhikode, Mysore and Bengaluru.
Coimbatore International Airport, Peelamedu, about 104 km away.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, connecting Ooty to Mettupalayam is a popular heritage tourism attraction.
The railway is designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Nilgiris enjoys a cool and pleasant climate round the year. March to June would be the best time to visit the destination. Usually, The Nilgiris experiences heavy rain during the months of July and August. The temperature may fall to less than 5°C in winter but exploring the destination during those cool season of the year has its own charm.
A vintage-themed train meandering up a track, gifting stunning views of hills and valleys; with you sitting back, relaxing and pondering about the majesty of Nature. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway offers the travellers truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The very best of the wilder side of Tamil Nadu, yet one of the most picturesque and sought-after ones too; it’s where Nature thrives and the majestic beasts of the jungles roam around freely. Mudumalai National Park is indeed a world in itself.
Read MoreThe Government Botanical Garden in Ooty, spread over 55 acres, is a mesmerizing tourist site that has been attracting visitors for years. Situated about 2400 – 2500 mts above sea level, the botanical garden was established by Marquis of Tweedale in 1897 with William Graham McIvor as the architect.
Read MoreIt’s more than a national park. It’s a treasure trove of fascinating experiences that will surprise you beyond bounds. From jungle adventures to trekking trails and more, the Mukurthi National Park offers visitors spectacular treats that they will totally love.
Read MoreA journey of just 15 minutes from Ooty town centre will take you to the famed Pine Tree Forests of Ooty. These scenic woodlands, obscured in a fleeting veil of mist, offer a delightful experience to all travellers.
Read MoreAn idyllic park to soak in the chilly weather that Ooty is known for, to sunbathe with the most picturesque sights to view, and to unwind.
Read MoreThe Deer Park in Ooty is the perfect place to observe these docile creatures in their natural habitat. Located on the banks of the Ooty Lake is another beautiful park, a favourite among wildlife lovers.
Read MoreThe Government Museum is a tourist attraction in Ooty where the tribal history and cultural background of the indigenous people are carefully documented, preserved and displayed. This place is very likely to awaken the history buff in you, and you can educate as well as entertain yourself by exploring the history and culture of the land.
Read MoreA thick green cover of forest and plains with a carpet of tea plantation, add to it a double cascading waterfall, you get a picture of Catherine waterfall.
Read MoreImagine waking up to a dreamlike sunrise over the misty mountains, spending a whole day hiking through lush woods and fishing in the blue waters of a serene lake. The Avalanche Lake in Ooty has that and more to offer to travellers looking to be lost in the beauty of nature.
Flirting with the clouds above the Nilgiris is Doddabetta, the highest peak in Tamil Nadu. A spectacular trail with an unparalleled vantage point of Ooty at the end of it makes Doddabetta a rewarding trekking experience and the perfect spot for a fun-filled day out with family as well.
Read MoreFringed by the rolling hills of the Nilgiris and spanning the horizon like an endless green ocean is Ketty Valley. A picturesque view of over 14 quaint hamlets awaits travellers as they head to Ketty Valley, also known as the Switzerland of South India.
Winding through the slopes of the Nilgiri Hills is the majestic river of Pykara. With its majestic waterfalls and pristine reservoir lake, Pykara reveals its true beauty during the monsoon and winter months. Located just 20 km from Ooty town, Pykara is a perfect getaway destination for honeymooners, backpackers and families.
Read MoreThe Upper Bhavani Lake is one of the best kept secrets of the Nilgiris. A pristine blue reservoir formed by a dam on the river Bhavani makes a perfect getaway spot for families and friends to enjoy a day out in Nature.
Framed by the mighty peaks of the Nilgiris and the rolling jade hillocks of tea plantations, is the Emerald Lake. Yet to be discovered by most travellers, Emerald Lake and its under-explored landscape that reminds you of a fairy-tale make a perfect location to spend a day enjoying the awe-inspiring views.
Read MoreA church of great antiquity and impeccable architectural beauty, St Stephen’s Church is a remarkable landmark of Ooty that is a window into the long history of the queen of hill stations. The church, embellished with beautiful stained-glass windows and antique features, is a jewel in the crown of the queen of Nilgiris.
Read MoreHave you ever wanted to visit fairy-tale-like settings and recreate iconic scenes from your favourite movies? Head to Shooting Point in Ooty, where a picturesque view of unending green meadows and rolling hills veiled in thin white fog awaits you.
Masinagudi is an experience no wildlife enthusiasts should ever miss. A captivating hill station on the Nilgiri mountains, Masinagudi is a part of the Mudumalai National Park situated on the road that connects Mysore and Ooty.
Read MoreImagine seeing majestic and jaw-dropping waterfalls after adventurous trekking for 3 kilometers? Immerse in the beauty of Kalhatti Waterfalls, located at a distance of 13 kilometers from Ooty. You can go on trekking to this destination from the Kalhatti village.
Don’t you want to see the look-alike structures of our freedom fighters?, the people whom we admire and look up to? The Wax museum in Ooty is an infotainment spot that offers an ideal break from natural sightseeing.
Read MoreAn eco-tourism site in the Western Ghats, Cairn Hills offers a tranquil ambience near Ooty. If you are a trekking enthusiast and looking for a soulful trekking trail, then head to these hills which also is the house of one of the oldest Cyprus trees.
Read MoreBeing one of the tea production districts, tea tourism is gaining traction in Nilgiris, especially among the hills of Ooty. Imagine walking through the misty hills covered in green over 6000 meters above sea level. Tea trails should be one of the itineraries of Ooty tourism.
Read MoreThe Nilgiris is one of the pioneers in tea production and export. Railway lines were built to transport tea from Nilgiris to Cochin. A large number of Indians are ardent lovers of this beverage which originated in China. To all the chai lovers out there! How about sipping your favourite drink directly from its production centre, amidst the lush green hills? It would be an experience worth a lifetime! The Ooty tea factory situated four kilometres away from Ooty city also has a tea museum
Read MoreWho would not want to experience the wild trekking experience through the meadows and tribal hamlets? Pack your backpacks and head to Parsons Valley Reservoir, away from the bustling crowd to enjoy the calmness of nature and return with cherishing memories for a lifetime!
Read MoreDo not miss out on visiting South India’s biggest artificial lakes in Ooty. Located 2 km away from the Ooty bus stand and railway station, the Ooty lake is an ideal picnic spot for families and children with its boating facilities, garden, amusement parks, and 7D cinemas.
Read MoreChocolates are one of the most sought-after lip-smacking sweets of all time. But only a very few would have seen the process of chocolate making. Chocoholics should not miss India's first ever chocolate museum, M &N Chocolate Museum in Ooty.
Read MoreA village that is adorned with one of the oldest tea estates, a Pykara powerhouse and a beautiful lake surrounded by hills –is Glenmorgan village, located 25 km away from Ooty. There is also a dam in the tea estate. You can unwind in this picnic spot with family and friends.
Read MoreHow can you afford to miss seeing the first bungalow built in Ooty, that too in colonial British architecture?! Visit Stone House, situated three kilometres away from the Ooty railway station. The building has laid the foundation for developing Ooty as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations.
Read MoreUnwind yourself in the cool climate amidst the green pastures. The Western Catchment area, a scenic spot 20 kilometres away from Ooty is the perfect destination to move away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lush green vegetation, beautiful streams and lakes make this place a heaven on Earth.
Read MoreImagine unwinding in a picturesque village blessed with the beauty of all elements of nature like the gushing streams, jaw-dropping waterfalls, verdant hills and rich forest life. The village of Annaikatti, situated 30 meters away from Coimbatore offers you nothing less than a splendid and tranquil experience!
Read MoreHere is a chance to take a break from busting city lifestyle! Come off to Tiger Hills, 6 kilometers away from Ooty lying on the lower end of Doddabetta Peak. The sunrise and sunset at the hills are not-to-be-missed sights as it is the moment when nature is decked in orange and crimson colours.
TTDC, Upper Bazar
171, Church Hill Road, Pudumund
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