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Mukurthi National Park


Soi Buakhao

A part of Nilgiri Bio reserve, Mukurthi National Park promises a memorable time to everyone amid its enthralling scenic beauty and rich nature. Spread across 80 sq.km, this national park has various streams and rivers flowing through it, which in turn add to the overall attraction of this place. Many animals and birds can be spotted around these sources of water. There are also a few watch towers located inside the national park. It is a popular site for trekking as well.

More About Ooty Tourism

Nestled amidst Nilgiri hills, Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a top-rated tourist destination. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company, the Queen of the hills is a picturesque getaway.

Dotted with tea gardens, serene waterfalls, winding country lanes, and charming colonial architecture, Ooty is the perfect respite everyone. Popular among couples and honeymooners, Ooty allures its visitors with the panoramic views of the Nilgiri mountains.
The Nilgiri mountain railway is the steepest track in all of Asia. Remember the hit song 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' where Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora matching steps on top of a train? Remember the breathtaking locales as the train chugged its way across lush greenery? Yes, that was the Nilgiri Mountain Railways, and the Nilgiri Mountains all along.

People Also Ask About Ooty
  • Q: How to Reach Ooty ?

    Ans:

    The Coimbatore airport is the closest to the hills at 3.5 hours by road. The Mysore airport is about 4 hours away from Ooty by road and is serviced by a daily ATR service by Kingfisher Airlines and lies to the North of Ooty. The road trip is quite scenic from either airport.

    The Nilgiri Express leaves from Chennai at night and reaches Mettupalayam (which Indian Rail spells Metupalaiyam), a small town at the foothills of the Nilgiris early the next morning. The train the Nilgiri Mountain Railway leaves Mettupalayam at 7.10 am.

    The hills consequently can be reached from within Tamil Nadu by travelling up a heavily forested winding road, with many sharp hairpin beds. The road trip from any state is quite scenic, although the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty road (i.e., the Tamil Nadu route) is the most travelled and well maintained. All roads to the Nilgiri hills are toll roads, although the tolls are quite nominal.

    How to reach Ooty by flight

    Coimbatore has the nearest airport at the distance of 100 km from Ooty. It offers domestic flights to various cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru and Calicut and also has international flights to Singapore and few other places.

    Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport (CJB) - 57 kms from Ooty

    Tentative return flight prices to Coimbatore Airport (CJB) from major cities in India.

    How to reach Ooty by road

    Ooty is at a 90 km from Coimbatore by road and 105 km from Tiruppur. Bus services and even taxi for hire is available easily from these places.

    How to reach Ooty by train

    Coimbatore and Tiruppur are the 2 nearest stations, which have connectivity to Mettupalayam from where you can get Ooty Toy Train which is an exclusive train service from Mettupalayam to Ooty and few other minor stations. Coimbatore is also very well connected to all the other major cities of parts of the country.

    The Nilgiri Express leaves from Chennai at night and reaches Mettupalayam (which Indian Rail spells Metupalaiyam), a small town at the foothills of the Nilgiris early the next morning. The train the Nilgiri Mountain Railway leaves Mettupalayam at 7.10 pushed by a small steam powered historic locomotive that is a remnant of Swiss engineered trains imported in the late 1800s. The train journey will be a very good experience, but only 30 tickets are issued on the spot.

    How to reach Ooty by bus

    The hills consequently can be reached from within Tamil Nadu by travelling up a heavily forested winding road, with many sharp hairpin beds. The road trip from any state is quite scenic, although the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty road (i.e. the Tamil Nadu route) is the most travelled and well maintained. All roads to the Nilgiri hills are toll roads, although the tolls are quite nominal.

  • Q: Local transport in Ooty ?

    Ans:

    One can hire a cab or rickshaw on day-to-day basis.

  • Q: What is the best time to visit Ooty?

    Ans:

    The best time to visit Ooty is throughout the year as the weather is pleasant and great for sightseeing. The temperature usually ranges from 5-15 degrees throughout the year with colder nights. However, the peak season is from October to June when the weather is pleasant and you can get involved in outdoor activities. Ooty can be visited during monsoons (if you don't mind the rain) when the freshly washed surroundings give Ooty an ethereal charm. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers to visit the place and have a great time in this wonderful place.

  • Q: Food of Ooty ?

    Ans:

    Ooty can be your trip through dream-like indulges of chocolate and all that's sweet. Lose yourself in the city's bakeries which serve temptations like white chocolate, strawberry chocolate, fudge, home-made chocolates, buns and cakes. Equally popular here, are the tea plantations and hence a hot cup of local and exquisite varieties of tea. Another beverage to try here is the wine from the local vineyards.
    Also relish North-Indian cuisines, Chinese cuisines, as well as sandwiches, pizzas and hot breads. one may also try the vegetarian South-Indian platter here with essentials like Idli, Dosa, Chutney, Vada, Sambhar, Rasam, Upma, Sweet Pongal, Payassam, Kesari.

  • Q: Restaurant in Ooty ?

    Ans:

    Angaara

    420, Ettines Road, Elk Hill, Ooty
    Arabian, Chinese, Continental, South Indian

    11:30 AM to 11:30 PM

    Situated in Elk Hill, Angaara is the best restaurant for all your meat cravings in Ooty. A quirky decor of vintage and moder, this restaurant has indoor and outdoor sitting.

    Place to Bee

    144A/A, Sargan Villa, Club Road, Kandal, Ooty

    Italian

    12:30 PM to 3 PM, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

    A fusion Indian-Italian restaurant, Place To Bee is localted inside the Bee Museum. The environmentally-concerned diner keepits ingriedients fresh and locally produced. Italian stapes - pasta, pizzas, are available alongside traditional Indian dishes.

    Savoy

    A recently acquired hotel by Taj, it will cater to the set of travellers who love a historic character and theme to their experience. Lit walls, plush sofas, soft live music and the menu made up of pan-Asian dishes and the Continental cuisine, Savoy is also famous for preparing dishes inspired by the tribal cuisine.

    Shinkow?s Chinese Restaurant

    A culinary experience, Shinkows has been around in Ooty for a while. It offers authentic Chinese items not spiced up with Indian spices. A perfect spot for all kinds of meat enthusiasts, Shinkows does chopsueys and chili chicken platters amazingly well.

    Willy?s Coffee Pub

    A Continental Cafe, Willy-s Coffe Pub is a quaint outlet with books and baord games, perfect for a relaxed experience ordering budgeted pizzas, cakes, toasts and more.

  • Q: Hotels in Ooty ?

    Ans:

    1. Zostel Ooty

    1.4 kms from city centre

    Facilites: Parking, Wifi, Bar

    Situated in Ooty, 2.5 km from Ooty Lake, Zostel Ooty features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking and a garden. This 3-star hostel offers a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen and free WiFi.

    Hostel with 7 room options

    ? 2,948 onwards

    2. Beverly villa

    Facilites: Parking, Wifi , Bar , Food

    Located right in the heart of the city, the hotel is within close proximity of the Ooty Bus Station and Ooty Railway Station and several attractions like around 4 km from Ooty Lake, 2 km from Ooty Bot (Read More)

    Book without credit card

    Hotel with 6 room options

    ? 2,065 onwards

    3. Accord Highland Hotel Ooty

    4.0 kms from city centre

    Facilites: Parking, Bar, Wifi , Food

    This 5-star luxury accommodation has cabin style accommodation, each perched on a cliff overlooked by misty mountains and towering pines. Some of the rooms offer picturesque views of the valleys afront. The more upscale rooms have private balconies and minibars. There is also a children’s play area, a lounge, a bar and a pool. Their restaurant serves lip-smacking Indian and continental cuisines.

    4-star resort with 3 room options

    ? 7,080 onwards

    4. The Tamarillo

    2.6 kms from city centre

    Facilites: Parking, Wifi , Food

    Situated 5 km from Ooty Lake, The Tamarillo features accommodation with a garden, a terrace and room service for your convenience. The bed and breakfast features both WiFi and private parking free of charge.

    Bed and breakfast with 3 room options

    ? 3,923 onwards

    5. Irinjalakuda House

    0.7 kms from city centre

    Facilites: Parking, Wifi

    This cosy homestay in Ooty that's close to most tourist attractions and offers a mesmerizing view of the Nilgiris. This 3-star accommodation has spacious bedrooms decorated majestically with timber. A floral garden and the terraced seating area in it are ideal for guests to relax in the cool mountain breeze. The in-house chef cooks amazing Indian and continental dishes.

    Homestay with 2 room options

    ? 2,242 onwards

    6. Savoy - IHCL SeleQtions

    0.2 kms from city centre

    Facilites: Parking, Wifi , Bar , Food

    Built in authentic colonial style, this cool and casual 5-star hotel in Ooty flaunts vintage charms and modern amenities. Stretched over 6 acres of lush green lands, their cottages have spacious rooms with exquisite décor and furnished balconies that overlook well-manicured gardens. The property houses a luxurious spa, a gym and a restaurant serving select international cuisines.

    4-star hotel with 10 room options

    ? 11,741 onwards

    7. Two Seas Residence

    2.1 kms from city centre

    (154 reviews)

    Facilites: Parking, Bar, Wifi , Food

    Located in the vicinity of renowned lakes, botanical gardens and peaks, this is a cottage in Ooty up for rent to those looking for a getaway from the hustles of a city. Offering an unparalled view of the surrounding alpine vegetation, there are five quirkily themed apartments. A spacious patio is attached to each of them. The hosts cook lip-smacking meals for guests.

    Book without credit card

    Holiday home with 6 room options

    ? 3,540 onwards

    8. Western Valley Resorts

    8.7 kms from city centre

    (198 reviews)

    Facilites: Parking, Food

    This redbrick resort sits in a picture-perfect location on the Nilgiris, overlooking a pristine valley and a heavenly lake. Boasting of vast and well-manicured gardens with a gazebo, they also have well-appointed rooms with balconies. Guests can enjoy delicious South Indian meals at their restaurant. They have a barbecue and a basketball court too.

    Resort with 7 room options

    ? 6,490 onwards

    9. Leopard Rock Wilderness Resort

    7.0 kms from city centre

    Facilites: Parking, Food

    Built on a lush hill station, this clifftop resort overlooks verdant valleys and waterfalls. Wood-lined rooms with seating spaces and river or garden views are provided. Furnished balconies are added to suites. There’s also a kitchen-cum-diner serving delicious South Indian cuisines. Indulge in unforgettable adventures at their picnic area, sunbathing lawn, nature trails and hikes.

    Book without credit card

    Resort with 4 room options

    ? 8,848 onwards

    10. Planters Punch

    8.2 kms from city centre

    Facilites: Parking, Wifi

    Sitting on a spectacular cliff, Planters Punch is a 2-star resort with cottage style accommodation. The beautiful stone paths carved amidst lush grass leads you to the garden afront, where guests can relax in the cool mountain breeze. The cosy rooms overlook sprawling, green step cultivations. The host also prepares delectable meals for guests.

  • Q: Things to do in Ooty ?

    Ans:

    Ooty, popularly known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ is nestled in the Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu. The lush green tea plantations, the vast meadows, the towering mountains, dense pine and eucalyptus trees, sparkling waterfalls and serene lakes make Ooty a prominent part of any bucket list. Ooty enjoys a pleasant weather all through the year and is also the most sought-after honeymoon destination in South India, owing to the various things to do in Ooty.

    Take a ride in the toy train

    Not only is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway century old but is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A ride on the train is only going to give you a glimpse of the lovely mountain range and postcard-worthy sites. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Nilgiri mountains and the diverse flora and fauna that the locale has to offer.

    Stroll through the Botanical Gardens

    The Botanical Garden in Ooty is famed for its 55 hectares sprawled meadow of flowers and trees. As the garden plays home to over 650 species of flowers and trees, the anthologist in you would be thrilled by the place's beauty.

    Selfies at Dolphin's Nose

    Located 1550 meters above sea level, Dolphin's Nose offers a Birdseye view of the green Nilgiris, aesthetically pleasing tea plantations and Catherine Falls. Plus, it plays the part of being a good background for a selfie!

    Visit Doddabetta Peak, the highest in the Nilgiris

    The minute you set foot on Ooty, you will be thronged by cabbies and tour guides, telling you about the famed Doddabetta peak. Known to be the highest peak in the Nilgiris, you can imagine the view would be just as fabulous as the hype goes. In fact, the Telescope house will actually leave you in a daze as you marvel at the green paradise. To live it up, you can simply browse through the property listings that we have on the InterMiles hotels platform. You'll be amazed with the gorgeous homestays, BnBs, luxury & budget hotels and more and the views they have to offer. And what’s more- you earn InterMiles on all your completed stays!

    Picnic by the Pykara lake

    The Nilgiri mountains have quite a few lakes to add more tranquillity and serenity to the ambiance. Pykara lake is one of them that you would totally enjoy. Pack some lunch and take your family to the lake for a nice quaint picnic.

    Check out the tea museum

    Interestingly, the Tea Museum at Ooty supports some interesting adventure sports such as ziplining, rappelling, rock climbing, valley crossing and more. You can find these activities right outside the museum.

    Marvel at the sight of Upper Bhavani Lake

    Although entering the Upper Bhavani Lake areas is going to be a tad bit tough since you'll need some department vehicles to take you around. But if you do manage to get around it, you will be grateful of the magic mother nature can bestow upon a mere human's eyes and soul. The serenity and quiet ambiance of the place will leave you elated.

    Rent cycles and ride around the city

    One of the fun things to do in Ooty is to simple rent a cycle and ride around the city. The hill station has some really cool spots that you can visit without having to follow a specific route. In fact, this could be your opportunity to explore the space more and find some lovely locales and even make friends!

    Camp near the Avalanche Lake

    For the adventure junkies who want the thrills of river rafting but the peace of fishing, the Avalanche Lake is your ideal spot. Located close to the Emerald dam, the lake is one of the best places to be in Ooty as it has a plethora of cool activities that one can engage in. Plus, it will all be in the midst of nature which only makes it more exciting.

    Hike to witness the Catherine Waterfalls

    Waterfalls to mountains are like butter to bread, they belong together! The Catherina Waterfalls is one of the best places in Ooty for folks who like to go for hiking and trekking. While it is a tough trek and many don't manage to reach the foot of this pristine waterfall, the hike offers some impeccable sights and backgrounds that is picture-perfect.

    Find peace at the Emerald Lake

    The surreal beauty and serenity of the sparkling Emerald Lake certainly personifies to be a jewel of the hill station. The areas surrounding the Emerald Lake is ideal for a family picnic, a nature's expedition and of course, to enjoy all the experiences that come with adventure activities in Ooty.

    Carry your binoculars and birdwatch

    Not many have an eye or a knack for birdwatching. However, if you have a keen interest in ornithology and carry a binocular with you at all times, birdwatching is one of the things you can do in Ooty. The lush greens of Ooty inhabits a plethora of bird species that won't just give you the calming effect with their chirping but will also play perfect portraits for pictures.

    Explore the Pine Forest

    Ever wanted to take a stroll amid a dense pine forest like they do in the movies? Wondered what it would be like or what you would witness while you casually walk around the forest? Well, your trip to Ooty can make thatv thought a reality! Exploring the pine forest could be quite the travel itinerary that would complete your Ooty wanderlust.

  • Q: Is Ooty worth visiting ?

    Ans:

    Absolutely! Ooty is the 'Queen of hill stations' for a reason. The romance in the air and serene ambience will make you understand why it is called India's most popular honeymoon destination. The plethora of activities available over here like paragliding and trekking make it a loved vacation spot for families. No matter what the nature of your trip, you’ll definitely love visiting this place.

  • Q: Is Ooty a good place to visit ?

    Ans:

    How do you describe the word ‘good’? If your idea of good is a gorgeous view with places to see, things to do and experiences to have, then Ooty is a lot more than just ‘good’. The Nilgiri hills will take your breath away, and the pleasant climate all year round will make you wish you could stay for longer. The lakes and dams will win your heart, and the waterfalls will make sure that you feel like you're at the top of the world.

  • Q: Ooty famous for ?

    Ans:

    Ooty is famous for a lot of reasons. The places to visit in Ooty like museums, parks, and reserves actually contribute to its fame. The tea gardens are bliss in its own, with diverse varieties of tea plantation that will make you feel excited to take home a few of them for a refreshing cup of tea. Ooty also is very famous as a honeymoon destination, with a large number of couples coming here every year to celebrate their love.