Ooty Tourism: Tourist Places, Things to Do & Where to Stay

KNOW THE CITY

About Ooty

Ooty (Udhagamandalam), the "Queen of the Nilgiris", sits at roughly 2,240 m in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu. Known for its colonial charm, tea gardens, botanical gardens, Ooty Lake and the UNESCO Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train, it enjoys a pleasant climate year-round.

WHY GO

Why Visit Ooty

The UNESCO Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train, rolling tea gardens, the Government Botanical Garden, boating on Ooty Lake, and a trek to Doddabetta Peak — South India's best-known hill station.

MUST SEE

Top Tourist Places & Things to Do in Ooty

The Ooty tourist places and things to do that most travellers plan their visit around.

01 Nilgiri Mountain RailwayExplore attraction →

02 Government Botanical GardenExplore attraction →

03 Ooty LakeExplore attraction →

04 Doddabetta PeakExplore attraction → 05 Government Rose GardenExplore attraction →

06 Pykara Lake & FallsExplore attraction →

See all places to visit in Ooty →

PLANNING TO STAY?

Planning to stay in Ooty?

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PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE

Plan Your Ooty Trip

Work out your budget, get free help from a Yatra Saathi, and read practical guidance for getting there, moving around and eating well.

Ooty trip cost calculatorEstimate stay, food, local travel and sightseeing for your days and group. Ask Yatra SaathiGet free personal help planning your Ooty trip, or build a day-by-day itinerary.

How to reachBy air: Coimbatore International Airport (~88 km) is the nearest airport. By train: Mettupalayam (~40 km) connects to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train up to Ooty; Coimbatore is the…Read transport guide →

Getting aroundLocal taxis and buses cover the town and nearby sights such as Doddabetta and Coonoor. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is both transport and an attraction between Ooty, Coonoor and…

Local foodSouth Indian meals are widely available, along with Nilgiri specialities, fresh local produce, homemade chocolates and tea. Coonoor and Ooty have cosy cafes.Explore local food → Suggested itineraryDay 1: Government Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake boating and Mall Road. Day 2: Doddabetta Peak and a Nilgiri Mountain Railway ride to Coonoor. Day 3 (optional): Tea estates and viewpoints…View itinerary → Travel tipsThe Nilgiri Mountain Railway sells out in season — book ahead. Weekends and summer holidays are busy; an early start helps at popular sights like Doddabetta and the Botanical Garden.Read practical tips →

ARRIVE WITH EASE

Railway, Airport and Bus Access in Ooty

Check the terminal on your ticket before travelling because major cities can have more than one arrival point.

Railway

Mettupalayam (~40 km) connects to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train up to Ooty; Coimbatore is the nearest major mainline junction.

Airport

Coimbatore International Airport (~88 km) is the nearest airport.

Bus

Regular buses from Coimbatore, Mysuru and other South Indian cities.

Read the complete How to Reach Ooty guide →

PLAN SMART

Best Time to Visit Ooty

Roughly October to June, with cool, misty weather. Summer (April–June) is popular but crowded; the monsoon brings rain. The Flower Show is usually held in May.

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SEE THE DESTINATION