The Gateway to the Niligris
The picturesque hill station of Ooty, short for Ootacamund and now officially Udhagamandalam, lies amidst four mountain peaks - Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk Hill, and Club Hill. Ooty's claim to fame dates back to 1819, when the place caught the fancy of the then British Collector of Coimbatore, John Sullivan.
With evergreen tea estates, silvery streams, rich flora & fauna, and dense forests, Ooty has everything it takes to make for a charming hill station. From quaint colonial bungalows and old churches to the huts of the Todas, one of the original inhabitants of Ooty, Ooty's culture is an amalgamation of many influences. From aromatic oils to handcrafted chocolates, from walking tours to mountain biking, Ooty has it all.
Our Resort(s) at OOTY
Important Information
State: Tamil Nadu
Destination Type: Hill Station
Destinations Nearby: Coimbatore 85 km, Bangalore 280 km, Kochi 300 km
Nearest Sterling Resort: Sterling Ooty - Elk Hill, Sterling Ooty- Fern Hill, Sterling Anaikatti
Languages: Tamil and English
Nearest Railway Station: Mettupalayam Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore
Summer: March to May. Temperature ranges between 12°C and 30°C.
Monsoon: June to September. Rainfall is heavy In this season the hills are lush green and serene.
Winter: November to February. Temperature ranges between 5°C and 23°C.
- Make sure to buy homemade chocolates, essential oils and Ooty carrots.
- Don't miss the charming Nilgiri toy train ride, the only rack railway in india & a UNESCO Heritage site
Gallery
Experiences
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On Toda Trail - Glimpses of the Earliest Inhabitants of the Nilgiris.
The Todas, an ethnic group who used to live in the Nilgiris, migrated here more than 2000 years ago. Anthropologists believe that they evolved in seclusion.
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Mudumalai National Park- Step Into The Wilderness
Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a recognised tiger reserve. Nestled in the Nilgiris, it is home to many endangered species and is rich in flora and fauna.
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The Blue Mountain Express: The Steepest Track in Asia
The charming old world steam coaches, huffing and puffing against the blue and emerald hills of the Nilgiris, are a magnificent sight. Its thrilling to ride in one.
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Mukurthi Trek: Nature's Balancing Act
Discover the treasures of the Shola Forest in Mukurthi National Park. Trek up to a stunning view of the peaks in the Nilgiris.
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The Stone House and the Oak Tree: John Sullivan's Legacy
John Sullivan, the man who designed Ooty, built this picture-perfect bungalow for himself. This charming building, about 150 years old, also has an oak tree of the same age for its companion.
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Cairn Hill: Reminiscence of the British Era
The forests of Cairn Hill are spread over 168 hectares and have a few of the original surviving cypress plantations from the British era.
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To Shoot a Mocking Bird: A Must Feat for Birdwatchers
The Nilgiri’s bird Laughingthrush is an artful dodger. Its mocking laughter challenges those in the vicinity. Though it is audible, it isn't easily visible.
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St. Stephen 's Church: A Reminder of Colonial Heritage
Made from wood stripped from Tipu’s Palace at Srirangapatna, St Stephen’s Church follows the Gothic style of architecture and has beautiful stained glass windows.
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Rose Garden: A Wonderland of Roses
The Rose Garden of Ooty is India’s most renowned garden, sprawling across 10 acres on the slopes of Elk Hill, housing more than 20,000 varieties of roses.
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Jain Mandir: Soul and Solace
The Nasiyan Jain Temple, greatly revered by the Digambara sect of Jains, is dedicated to the first of the 24 Tirthankaras, Lord Rishabhdev.
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History Trails of Ooty: Colonial Era and Beyond
John Sullivan, the then district collector of Coimbatore is credited to have discovered this beautiful hill town nestled in the Nilgiris. A drive on the old Mysore road is a journey through the history of Ooty.