The top-rated Tourist in the South region of India offers the tourists to rest and tranquillity. Be it beautiful temples, amazing hill stations, serene beaches or spectacular backwaters, South India has everything. Bangalore, Silicon Valley, the Startup Capital of India, Garden City of the South.
Bangalore’s proximity to the coast is another reason why it’s the perfect entry point to visit some of the most beautiful destinations in the South. Hence, you could visit to Ooty if you are planning trip to Bangalore and get mesmerized by its natural beauty, the Queen of Hills in South India. Read more to know how to reach Ooty from Bangalore, BEST PLACES TO VISIT in Ooty, the best time to visit Ooty and things to do during the way.
Ooty or Ootacamund is also referred as the queen of hill stations and it is situated in Tamil Nadu. Located in the Nilgiri Mountain Range and blessed with lush green hills, eucalyptus trees, spectacular waterfalls, streams, and dense forests. Its highlights consist of botanical gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Annamalai Temple, Rose Gardens, The Tea Factory, Ooty Lake, Pykara Falls, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, as well as exposure to tea plantations and horseback riding. And you should not forget Ooty’s famous chocolates. If you are looking at an exceptional Bangalore to Ooty tour road trip, we have listed the best possible routes to take!
How to Reach Ooty from Bangalore
Ooty is one of the weekend holiday destinations for most people in Bangalore and outside in the World among the blue mountains of Nilgiris. Please note, the distance from one city to the other is roughly 300 km, and there are multiple modes of transportation for entry and exit.
Driving by car is another option enjoying beautiful view of Western and Eastern Ghats, and winding hill roads and beautiful green forest of Bandipur. Another option is to hire a taxi and enjoy the ride. In addition to spectacular views, the route has contemporary roadside cafés and restaurants where travelers can stop for food and drink, with a mountain view. And for sightseers who’d rather not drive or pay for a private taxi, there are plenty of other transport options, too.
Bangalore to Ooty by Bus
Ooty — Without having a doubt one of the most beautiful places in South India, Ooty is a must-visit places. Ooty is 300 km from Bangalore, and you can affordably get to Ooty (very well-connected by road). You can take anywhere from an AC bus to a non-AC bus to Ooty from Bangalore and pay nominal fares to experience different attractions along the way.
Route Options
Below are three routes you can choose from.
Route 1: The Mysore-Masinagudi Route
Out of Bangalore, this route to Ooty is the most followed. This requires about 7 hours through NH 275 and 766 of about 280 km.
Route 2: The Kanakapura-Kollegal Route
It should take about 7 hours and run 290 kilometers through 948.
Route 3: The Salem-Coonoor Route
So this scenic road here leads you to Ooty. It is a little longer (8 to 9 hours on NH 44) but the views are magnificent.
Bangalore to Ooty by Train
By Train: Ooty is not connected with direct train service, and hence you need to travel by train tillCoimbatore or Tiruppur and then take a taxi to reach Mettupalayam. List of railway stations near by Ooty are Coimbatoreand Tiruppur. One of the best options in this way is to take a toy train to Ooty after reaching Mettupalayam, from where your travel will be entertained with the beautiful views of green forests with steep slopes of Nilgiri mountains along with the way till Ooty.
Bangalore to Ooty by Flight
The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport near Coimbatore. Fly to Coimbatore from Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport, and drive to Ooty by bus or taxi (88 km). You can hire a cab either pre-book or on reaching Coimbatore.
Best Time To Visit
Ooty is perfect place to trip from Bangalore, where the weather remains pleasant all year round. Average summer temperatures hover around 20 degrees Celsius making it the perfect time to visit. Winter is pleasant too, and not overly cold like some parts of the country. The area is covered by fresh mist and beautiful weather during monsoon season. No matter when you are planning your trip from Bangalore to Ooty, the place would be a year-round destination with pleasing weather. Now the city known as the Queen of Hills has something in it for all to enjoy. Visit during monsoon season for fewer tourists and discover hidden gems in this blue mountain city.
Ooty’s winters can, on the other hand, involve warm sunshine and clear blue skies, but the amount of night-time chill settles the meadow under a thin icing in the early morning. If you are traveling from November to February make sure to bring warm clothing to enjoy sunny days and cold nights to the fullest. Or else, summers in Ooty are colourful with blooming rare flora, when flowers bloom in full glory; dont miss the Flower Festival at Botanical Garden once in a year!
Places to Visit in Ooty
- Botanical Gardens
You can enjoy a leisurely walk, appreciate gorgeous floral views, or take memorable pictures within the meticulously maintained Botanical Gardens.
2. Ooty Lake
Once there, one can take a boat ride on the peaceful Ooty lake, with eucalyptus trees and hills all around. Refresh by the lake, rent a paddleboat or enjoy a picnic amid stunning scenery.
3. Rose Garden
Visit the colorful Rose Garden in Ooty. Marvel at all of the different varieties of roses that are all in full bloom, enjoy the fragrant air, and experience the beauty of nature.
4. Pykara Lake, Waterfalls, and Dam
On the next day, get set for a boat ride on lake Pykara, the shining waters encompassed by lush greenery. While exploring Pykara Dam, situated near the lake, take a glimpse at the mesmerizing Pykara Waterfalls that flows through thick forests. Spare your time to admire the beautiful view of the reservoir and hills surrounding the place while you explore the Pykara Dam.
5. Doddabetta Peak
Take in views of the surrounding valleys and tea estates from the iconic view point on Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak with in the Nilgiri Mountains.
6. Tea Gardens
Glenmorgan or Dodabetta Valley are among the famous Ooty tea gardens. Stroll through the tea bushes at a leisurely pace, find out the making process of tea, and take a sip of freshly brewed tea.
7. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The journey offers scenic views of stunning landscapes, tea gardens, and quaint villages through the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. Sit back and take the slow-paced ride, and marvel at this engineering feat of the railway track.
8. Dolphin’s Nose
A natural site, this is a protru—ding rock that resembles a dolphin’s nose. The Dolphin’s Nose is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for both photographers and travellers alike. At the tip, you can get quite some nice 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!
