The Southern region of India boasts an array of top-rated destinations for travellers to relax and unwind. From exquisite temples, breathtaking hill stations, and pristine beaches, to stunning backwaters, South India has it all. One such city is Bangalore, also known as Silicon Valley, the Startup Capital of India, and the Garden City of the South.
Additionally, Bangalore’s proximity to the coastal area makes it an ideal gateway to explore some of the most striking places in the South. So if you’re planning a trip to Bangalore, don’t miss out on visiting Ooty – the Queen of Hills in South India that will leave you mesmerized with its natural beauty. Keep reading to find out how to reach Ooty from Bangalore, the best places to visit in Ooty, the best time to visit, and things to do along the way.
Known as the “Queen of Hill Stations,” Ooty, also referred to as Ootacamund can be found in Tamil Nadu. Nestled within the Nilgiri Mountain Range, this scenic destination is adorned with verdant hills, eucalyptus trees, enchanting waterfalls, streams, and dense forests.
Its main draws include botanical gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Annamalai Temple, Rose Gardens, The Tea Factory, Ooty Lake, Pykara Falls, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and various tea plantations and horseback riding opportunities.
Additionally, Ooty’s renowned chocolates are not to be missed. For an extraordinary Bangalore to Ooty tour road trip experience, we have mapped out the top routes for you to choose from.
How to Reach Ooty from Bangalore
Nestled among the blue mountains of the Nilgiris, Ooty is a popular weekend holiday destination for both locals from Bangalore and travelers from around the world. The distance between these two cities is approximately 300 km, and various transport options are available for those looking to make the trip.
One can choose to drive by car, taking in the stunning views of western and eastern ghats, winding hill roads, and the lush green forests of Bandipur along the way. Alternatively, hiring a taxi to enjoy the ride is also an option.
Along with beautiful scenery, the route also offers modern roadside cafes and restaurants where one can take a quick break while savoring mountain views. And for those who prefer not to drive or hire a private taxi, there are plenty of other transportation choices available.
Bangalore to Ooty by Bus
As one of the most beautiful places in South India, Ooty is without question a must-see places. Bangalore is well connected to Ooty via road, and it is approximately 300 kilometers from Bangalore. You can book an AC or non-AC bus from Bangalore to Ooty by paying nominal fares while enjoying multiple attractions en route to Ooty.
Route Options
Below are three routes you can choose from.
Route 1: The Mysore-Masinagudi Route
From Bangalore, this is the most common route to Ooty. It takes around 7 hours on NH 275 and 766, covering approximately 280 km.
Route 2: The Kanakapura-Kollegal Route
It will take approximately 7 hours to cover 290 kilometers across 948.
Route 3: The Salem-Coonoor Route
This is another scenic route to get to Ooty. It takes a bit longer, around 8 to 9 hours via NH 44, but the scenery is breathtaking.
Bangalore to Ooty by Train
In order to reach Ooty by train, visit Coimbatore or Tiruppur, which have connectivity to Mettupalayam. The nearest railway stations to Ooty are Coimbatore and Tiruppur. It is a great option to take a toy train to Ooty once you reach Mettupalayam, which offers spectacular views of the lush green forests and majestic slopes of the Nilgiri mountains during your trip to Ooty.
Bangalore to Ooty by Flight
Coimbatore International Airport is the closest airport to Ooty, located in Coimbatore. You can travel to Coimbatore from Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport and then take a bus or taxi to Ooty, which is around 88 kilometers away. To go to Coimbatore, you can reserve a cab in advance or when you reach there.
Best Time To Visit
Throughout the year, Ooty offers pleasant weather that is perfect for a road trip from Bangalore. With an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius in the summer, it’s an ideal time to visit. As for winter, although colder than its neighboring regions, it still provides enjoyable weather.
During monsoon season, the area is blanketed in fresh mist and beautiful weather. Whenever you decide to plan your trip from Bangalore to Ooty, you can expect a year-round destination with pleasant weather. The city is known as the Queen of Hills and has something for everyone to enjoy. If you visit during monsoon season, you’ll find fewer tourists and can take advantage of exploring hidden treasures in this city of blue mountains.
In contrast, clear skies and warm sunshine are characteristic of Ooty’s winters; however, temperatures drop significantly at night and bring a thin layer of ice over the meadow in the early morning. Remember to pack warm clothing if traveling between November and February so that you can fully appreciate the sunny days and chilly evenings.
On the other hand, summers in Ooty are vibrant as exotic flora come into full bloom; don’t miss the annual Flower Festival at Botanical Garden! Following monsoon season, rich and
Places to Visit in Ooty
- Botanical Gardens
You can take a relaxing stroll, admire the stunning floral vistas, and capture unforgettable photographs in the well-tended Botanical Gardens.
2. Ooty Lake
Take a boat ride across the tranquil lake, surrounded by eucalyptus trees and charming hills. Rejuvenate by the lake, rent a paddleboat, or have a picnic while surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery.
3. Rose Garden
Explore the vibrant Rose Garden in Ooty. Marvel at the numerous varieties of roses in full bloom, breathe in the fragrant air, and enjoy nature’s beauty.
4. Pykara Lake, Waterfalls, and Dam
Take a boat ride through the sparkling waters of Pykara Lake, surrounded by lush greenery, on your second day. Take a look at the enchanting Pykara Waterfalls, cascading among dense forests, as you explore the Pykara Dam, located near the lake. Take in the scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding hills as you explore the Pykara Dam.
5. Doddabetta Peak
Observe the surrounding valleys and tea estates from the famous observation tower on Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Mountains.
6. Tea Gardens
Among the famous Ooty tea gardens are Glenmorgan or Dodabetta Valley. Take a leisurely stroll amid the tea bushes, learn about the tea-making process, and try some freshly brewed tea.
7. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
This toy train ride takes you through picturesque landscapes, lush tea gardens, and charming villages on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. Take the slow-paced ride and marvel at the engineering marvels of the railway track.
8. Dolphin’s Nose
A natural site, this is a protruding rock that looks like a dolphin’s nose. In addition to being a popular trekking site, the Dolphin’s Nose is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for photographers and travellers alike. From the tip, you can capture some spectacular shots.
9. Emerald Lake
The Emerald Lake is located in Silent Valley and is one of the most popular picnic and fishing places to visit in Ooty. It is surrounded by a variety of tea plantations that produce amazing tea products as well. Emerald Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Ooty, is the second best lake on the tourist map.
10. Catherine Falls
The beauty of Catherine Falls is summed up by a huge waterfall that falls from an incredible height, then transfers little droplets of water to all sides around it. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Ooty, these impressive falls gush down from a height of 250 feet! You can take a road trip to the top. To see the gushing water from such a height, well, it gives you a sense of perspective.
There are many surprises and natural wonderful places to visit in Ooty, whatever the season. Plan your itinerary, pick your route, and have fun!
