HOME DESTINATIONS Ooty
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.
Built by the British in 1908, the Blue Mountain Express was added to the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2005. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one of the four narrow gauge railways in India and the only functional “rack railway”. It is also commonly called the “Toy Train” because of its toy-like appearance.
It travels from Mettupalayam to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) and uses the rack and pinion system from Mettupalayam up to Coonoor. From there on, an engine switch from steam to diesel is made. The uphill journey takes around an hour, and the view along the way is worth the time spent. The downhill journey takes a little lesser time. This entire track laid out along the slopes of the Nilgiri Mountain, is the steepest track in Asia.
The ticket prices are nominal, and the experience is worth every penny spent. This is truly a train journey like never before, complete with picturesque landscapes, making it a memorable experience.
Good to know :
Timings: The train plies throughout the week and the first train starts from Mettupalayam at 7:10 am. The service for the day for uphill trains ends at 12 noon. Trains for the downhill journey starts from 2:00 pm on the same day and ends at 5:30 pm.
You need to book tickets in advance.
Other Attractions
On Toda Trail - Glimpses of the Earliest Inhabitants of the Nilgiris.
3hrsThe 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.
Mudumalai National Park- Step Into The Wilderness
3hrsMudumalai 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.
Mukurthi Trek: Nature's Balancing Act
3hrsDiscover the treasures of the Shola Forest in Mukurthi National Park. Trek up to a stunning view of the peaks in the Nilgiris.
The Stone House and the Oak Tree: John Sullivan's Legacy
3hrsJohn 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.
Cairn Hill: Reminiscence of the British Era
3hrsThe forests of Cairn Hill are spread over 168 hectares and have a few of the original surviving cypress plantations from the British era.
To Shoot a Mocking Bird: A Must Feat for Birdwatchers
3hrsThe 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.
St. Stephen 's Church: A Reminder of Colonial Heritage
3hrsMade 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.
Rose Garden: A Wonderland of Roses
3hrsThe 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.
Jain Mandir: Soul and Solace
3hrsThe Nasiyan Jain Temple, greatly revered by the Digambara sect of Jains, is dedicated to the first of the 24 Tirthankaras, Lord Rishabhdev.
History Trails of Ooty: Colonial Era and Beyond
3hrsJohn 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.