Ooty is such a common destination for South Indians that it is no more “cool” to go there for your honeymoon or wedding anniversary. However, for our third anniversary, we decide to take off to Ooty. During my school days, a trip to Ooty from Madras was a must every summer. However, I had not visited Ooty for more than ten years and anniversary was an excuse to relive my childhood memories. Let me not irritate you with anymore details about myself and instead let me share information that should make your Ooty trip more interesting. 

Toy Train: Just as in good old days, we decided to reach Ooty by the toy train. For those in Chennai, the toy train is pretty convenient option. Nilgiri Express leaves Chennai at night reaches Metupalaiyam by 6 AM and the toy train starts from Metupaliam at 7:10 AM. A far as I can remember the train timings have stayed more or less the same over all these years. (Agreed Niligiri Express has marginally been speeded up). Ooty Mountain Train timings can be read from here

For those reaching Ooty from other places and those who prefer to drive down, please click here for details

Toy train journey was nostalgic. The magic of toy train is still pretty much well preserved. I could see and hear children screaming with joy at every turn. If you are planning a trip to Ooty with your children, then a toy train journey must be added to your itinenary. The train chugs past coffee plantations, areca plantations and offers excellent view of the misty mountains. It is quite an amazing experience to be in the train as it navigates sharp turns and makes a great effort to climb the steep hill between coonoor and Fern hill stations. The toy train takes a good four and half hours to cover a distance of 46 kms. The ride is so enjoyable that you will regret why the train cannot be slower than what it is!

Accommodation: Ooty has always been a hot tourist destination. There are hotels and resorts across all budgets. Since, this travelogue is going to be published at travelpaisa which maintains a detailed listing of Accommodation options at Ooty, let me not waste my breath. 

Travelpaisa.com- Budget Hotels and Resorts in Ooty

Ooty Sights:
Ooty Lake: As with most travelers to Ooty, lake was our first destination. Ooty lake is an artificial lake built during British regime. It has a unique irregular shape (like “L”) which s impossible to see in any natural lake. Boating at Ooty Lake is a must and I personally prefer the rowboats. It might take some time for you to get used to rowing, but it becomes extremely pleasurable once you get a hang of it – especially if your significant half is the only other passenger on the boat. You can hire the boat from the boathouse (Open from 8 AM to 6 PM).

It appears that the lake was “cleaned” up as it was relatively devoid of weeds and appeared to be in better health now than what it was ten years back.

Horse Riding 

Ever since childhood, I have associated ooty with horse riding. This trip, I coaxed my wife to try horse riding and it was an experience she cherished the most. There is a standard "horse circuit" which lasts for an hour. It is pretty exciting for amateur horse riders

Government Botanical Gardens

From the Ooty Lake, we headed to botanical gardens. This huge garden was originally built to grow European vegetables, but was later converted into a garden and is currently maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticultural Department. In olden days, it used to be common to see film shooting in progress at botanical gardens. However, I am told that Government has banned film shooting in Botanical gardens. The garden is sprawling at 55 acres and is divided into various sections. At the eastern end of the garden is the Toda Hill, where the exhibits of Toda tribe, the original inhabitants of Ooty are in display. My wife and myself went for long leisurely walk to Toda Hill. Most tourists just visit Botanical garden as if it were a monument of some sort and not really enjoy the garden.

St . Steven’s Church Though, we did not visit this landmark this trip, I thought I need to add it as it is a key attraction at Ooty. This little church which is very reminiscent of the Victorian era. Near to the church is the tomb of John Sullivan, who is considered as the father of Ooty.

Doddabetta and Kotagiri

Just 10 Kms from the lake, off Kotagiri road is Doddabetta, which literally means “Big Mountain”. True to its name, it is the highest peak (at 2623 Meters) in the Niligiri range and is the point where Western and Eastern Ghats meet. Dotta Betta offers amazing view of the forests and the valley. Luckily, this time around, it was a clear day and we could see upto Mysore and this is not an exaggeration! There is a telescope house at Doddabhetta and the view from the telescope is worth many a rupee you would have spent to reach Ooty.

From Dodabetta, we headed to Kotagiri. The road to Kotagiri is pretty scenic with lot of estates all around. Kotagiri was popular with Europeans, thanks to its Mediterranean climate. The Kodanad point at Kotagiri offers excellent view surrounding hill ranges and Bhavani River. We also visited the old bunglow of John Sullivan. In all my previous trips, this was never a part of the itinerary as the house was not open to public. It is only recently that this majestic bungalow has been restored and thrown open to public.

Coonoor

After two days at Ooty, one tends to get a feeling that Ooty is too commercialized and crowded. When my wife started complaining about the crowd, I decided it is time to pack our bags and check into a hotel at Coonoor. It is just17 Kms from Ooty and much less crowded. There are not many popular tourist attractions in Coonoor. Sim’s park, a botanical garden and Pasteur institute opposite Sim’s park are the only two attractions that I am aware of. That said, Coonoor is my personal favorite as it managed to retain the old charm of a hill station better than Ooty. 

Avalanche Dam

Just 28 Kms from Ooty, the lake formed owing to the dam is an excellent spot for spending endless hours in solitude or in company with loved ones. 

When to visit: Summer is the peak season at Ooty but it is now a year round destination. I particularly like Ooty during the rains because of the mist and lack of crowd.

My Tips:

1. If you are a budget Traveller, complete the sight seeing thru' the day trips organized by most hotels. It is not the most enjoyable way, but it is definitely the most economical way. Once you are done with"sight seeing", then please head to not so popular destinations like Kotagiri and Avalanche dam

2. If you can afford stay in some of the boutique resorts like Fernhill. Experience is worth the premium. If you really want to avoid the crowd and still enjoy the charm of Nilgiris, I would recommend resorts at red hills (28 Kms from Ooty)

3. Youngsters should ignore all the popular circuit and instead plan a trek in consultation with forest department. The trek to Doddabetta is popular and there are many other trekking routes near Avalanche Dam. For deatils, one can walk into Forest Department Office at Charing Cross, Ooty

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