Ooty Backpacking: Get More for Less

Ooty, or the "Queen of Hill Stations," is a tiny town and hill station in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri Hills, India. The sought and most peaceful place for nature lovers and tourists looking to relax far from the city's hustle, Ooty is the perfect spot one needs to relax. Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, Ooty enjoys a cool and temperate climate around the year for which it is a perfect holiday spot, especially during the summer season. Ooty is renowned for its lush grasslands, serene lakes, and aged colonial bungalows, all of which make it an ideal weekend holiday spot among tourists. The history of Ooty dates back to British colonial times when it was established as a British summer resort town for its officials.

British architecture is still evident in the shape of numerous old-style buildings and churches which encircle the town. The town's popularity lies with the Ooty Lake, an exquisite man-made lake fringed with eucalyptus trees. There are boat cruises on the lake and that gives a different view of the town's natural surroundings. Another site of interest is also the Botanical Gardens, its diverse range of native and imported flora and a nice place to have a peaceful walk around.

History of Ooty

Ooty, or if one must call it to be specific, Udhagamandalam, is an old and intriguing town with a history dating back centuries as it is interwoven as it is with indigenous culture, colonial domination, and contemporary development. The town itself dates back to the 19th century and was the property of the indigenous Toda community, who themselves were a sovereign culture and tradition. They resided in the upper ranges of Nilgiri hills, following the grazing pattern of life, and cattle breeding, and residing in a traditional circular house pattern. The cultural practices of Toda residents and their pattern of communication were part and parcel of the national heritage. British victory initiated the new history of Ooty. In the early 19th century, the British understood the hill station's potential as a summer resort to flee the stifling heat of the coastal plains. Ooty became a formal possession of the British East India Company in 1819 because of the healthy climate of the area and its strategic position. The town was constructed mainly by the British authorities, and they include John Sullivan, Collector of Coimbatore then. Sullivan is best remembered to have declared the establishment of Ooty as a hill station by declaring it as the summer capital of the Madras Government in 1821.

The town itself was constructed within European architectural designs, and the green surroundings were established by cultivating tea plantations, and botanic gardens, and with the construction of some colonial buildings, like the Ooty Church and the Stone House, the first bungalow constructed within the area. The construction of Ooty Lake in 1824 added to the beauty of the town and soon became one of the finest holiday centres for British officers and their families. The era of British rule saw the town as a first-class centre of holiday and health resort tourism. Nilgiri Mountain Railway construction in 1908, Mettupalayam to Ooty narrow gauge railway, was the most sensational event in the life of this town. The railway, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, opened up the hill station and placed Ooty within the reach of the bigger tourist groups, foreign as well as domestic tourists. After 1947, Ooty was a favourite hill station and also a favourite tourist destination. Now, although most of its colonial legacy remains in the infrastructure and topographies of Ooty, the destination is a successful resort to travel for all tourists of the world both providing natural beauty as well as erstwhile sophistication. Ootty retains British heritage and preservation of indigenous customs.

Best of Ootty Destinations to Go

1. Ooty Lake: Ooty Lake is the most symbolic place in town with stunning views and the finest place to unwind. The lake is lined with plants and eucalyptus trees, with a peaceful environment and the finest place to unwind while on a boat ride. People can hire a pedal boat or otherwise take a shikara-type cruise and enjoy the peaceful environment. The lovely scenery and the pleasant weather make it the finest place for any traveller to Ooty.

2. Botanical Gardens: Ooty Botanical Gardens are heaven for nature and photography lovers. Covering an area of more than 55 acres of land, the gardens consist of a collection of dispersed flora in the form of native as well as alien plants. The well-groomed gardens with multi-hued flower beds, gigantic trees, and landscape beauty are the perfect place to just drive around or take the family for a picnic. It’s also photographers' heaven, particularly during the annual flower show, which is to highlight the floral wealth of the area.

3. Doddabetta Peak: A bit of adventure for some, Doddabetta Peak is Ooty's peak at an elevation of 2,637 meters above sea level. A trek to the top provides a panoramic view of Nilgiri hills and valleys around. It is a nice place for nature walks and photography with nothing short of a great view of the town and countryside around. There is a telescope atop the hill, providing a view of far-off hills, and tourists like it.

4. Rose Garden: Ooty Rose Garden is a serene haven for those who prefer not to be close to the bustle of town. Situated at the foothills of Elk Hill, this garden boasts more than 2,000 rose varieties and seasonal blooms. The rose fragrance, and peaceful ambience, make it an ideal walking, or meditation spot. A befitting destination for nature enthusiasts, and those who would like to experience the beauty of Ooty in a peaceful setting.

5. Tea Gardens and Factory Tours: One of the joys of Ooty is the tea gardens, and no visit to the hill station can be completed if a visit to the tea gardens is not made. The green tea plantations spread on hills around are not just offering a visual treat but also an experience of witnessing the process by which the teas are being prepared. There are some of the tea factories surrounding and in Ooty that have guided tours, where one can see the traditional method of preparing tea from leaf picking up to tea packing. A taste of the newly brewed Nilgiri tea is an experience and a fine souvenir to be brought home.

6. St. Stephen's Church and Other Historical Sites: The St. Stephen's Church of 1830 is one of the oldest and a fairly sane example of colonial architecture in Ooty. The church stands out for its beautiful stained-glass windows and serene atmosphere. Ooty is also home to a couple more old monuments like the Stone House (the very first bungalow constructed in town) and the Ooty Railway Station, the charming flashback to colonial architecture. One such hike is to look at all of these monuments which is an overwhelming experience to investigate the town along with its colonial history.

Top Trekking Routes of Ooty

1. Doddabetta Peak Trek: Doddabetta Peak is not only the highest point in Ooty but also a trekker's favourite destination nearby. The ascent to the summit is a simple trek with broad views of the Nilgiri hills, tea estates, and valleys below. The trek passes through thick forests with chances to view the area's flora and fauna. The top offers a picturesque view, and the climb is worth taking even for amateur trekkers and frequent trekkers. The tourists who trek from the top have the privilege of viewing the Ooty landscape beauty and the surrounding environment. A telescope has been installed at the top so that individuals can have individual views of the landscape.

2. Ooty to Coonoor Trek: The trek from Coonoor to Ooty is a moderately difficult and picturesque trek that one follows along the stunning Nilgiri hills with ideal great valley and tea garden scenery. It is an ideal trek for nature enthusiasts who prefer to remain in rural village culture as the trek passes through rural villages, forest villages, and meadows. The trek also provides the trekkers with a chance to experience the Ooty and Coonoor intimately and privately. It will take around 5-6 hours depending on your pace and is suitable for both experienced and beginner trekkers. The trek is a perfect option to experience the peaceful beauty of the Nilgiris and surrounding hill stations.

3. The Emerald Lake Trek: Emerald Lake Trek is the serene and scenic trek of Ooty for nature lovers and those who wish to witness the pollution-free Ooty beauty. The trek will get you to the very scenic Emerald Lake, 25 kilometres from Ooty. The trek traverses through high forest, tea estate, and meadows with serene surroundings and opportunities for bird-watching. The lake itself is bordered by rolling green grassy hills and meadows, and it's the ideal place to stop for a picnic or simply to relax. The trek itself is moderately challenging and can be done in 4-5 hours, depending on the trail you take. It's a good option if you'd prefer to miss all the crowds and bask in nature's beauty of the Nilgiris.

The Best Time to Visit Ooty

• April-June: Summer season: This is the best holiday season in Ooty. At this time, here, weather is pleasant and cool with a temperature of 20°C to 25°C. It is a suitable time for tourism, trekking, and outdoor games because the summer heat on the Indian plains makes the cool climate of Ooty very much sought after. The cool weather also makes it a very good season for spending a peaceful holiday with open skies and greenery everywhere.

• Monsoon (July to September): Ooty receives moderate to heavy rain during monsoon season. Even if the green scenery and foggy atmosphere can be beautiful for nature enthusiasts, the period is not ideal for trekking and outdoor activities because the routes will be slippery and landslides are common. If you prefer the monsoon season and don't mind getting wet, it is a nice time to be here. The landscape is more greenish and greener, and there is a generally relaxed atmosphere. Nonetheless, it is best to note the weather conditions beforehand before scheduling a visit during this period.

• Autumn (September to November): Autumn is also the right time to visit Ooty because the season is going to chill up with rain in its wake. Weather ranges from 10°C to 20°C, which is just perfect for being outdoors and sightseeing. The hills are green because of the rain and the town is free of tourists like in summer. It is a paradise for treks, visits to botanic gardens, and a boat ride in the evening on Ooty Lake.

• Winter (December to February): Winter in Ooty is extremely cold, and the e temperature ranges from 5°C to 15°C. If you like cold and foggy mornings, then this is your season. The town is empty, but it gets very cold, particularly at night. Snow falls nowhere, but it may happen, and that is an exciting experience for winter sports enthusiasts. Cold could be illogically wonderful for all the tourists, particularly those who are not used to the cold.

How to Get to Ooty

1. By Airport: The closest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), 85 km from Ooty. Coimbatore is well connected with the major cities of Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi by domestic and some international air routes. Taxi, bus, or private car rental is possible from Coimbatore to Ooty. Travel from Coimbatore will be around 2.5 to 3 hours. The second option is Mysore Airport, 125 km from Ooty, though a tad shorter with more frequent air services to Mysore than Coimbatore.

2. By Train: There is no large railway station in Ooty, but there is a small railway station (Ooty Railway Station) in Ooty. It is not properly connected to the other cities. But you can go to Mettupalayam, the nearest large railway station, which is 40 kilometres from Ooty. Mettupalayam is properly connected to Chennai, Coimbatore, and other southern cities. You can go from Mettupalayam to Ooty by taxi or bus. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a World Heritage Property, is a gentle hill journey on a scenic tour from Mettupalayam to Ooty. The route is about a 5-hour ride and is one of the most highly visited tourist sites in Ooty.

3. By Road

   • By Bus: A decent number of state and private buses operate from big cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Mysore to Ooty. Buses are clean and offer affordable modes of transport. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) runs daily buses from nearby cities to Ooty.

By Car: Ooty has a road linkage. If one is approaching it from nearby cities like Coimbatore (85 km), Bangalore (270 km), or Chennai (550 km), travel by taxi or hire a car to reach here is not very difficult. Ooty drive, particularly as one climbs the Nilgiri mountains, is scintillating.

Why Book with escape2explore

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• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you to always be in safe hands.

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• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our trip/trek packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

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