Overview
Nestled in the picturesque Western Ghats mountains of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is a beautiful hill station that perfectly blends nature with colonial charm. Known as the Queen of Hills, Ooty has been a popular tourist destination since the British Raj and still retains its old-world colonial ambiance. My recent trip was Bangalore to Ooty with friends was an unforgettable experience filled with scenic vistas, delectable food, and cultural sights.
We began our trip by taking the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Mettupalayam to Ooty. The toy train ride which took around 5 hours was an incredible experience in itself as the train slowly chugged up the mountains, offering stunning views of the forests, tea estates, hills, and valleys. The hundred-year-old steam loco grinding its way up the slope with its quaint wooden coaches is something every traveler to Ooty must experience at least once.
Upon reaching Ooty, we checked into our hotel – a lovely colonial-style bungalow with manicured lawns and charming old-world decor. After freshening up, we set out to explore the town. We began with a visit to the beautiful Ooty Lake, which was brimming with boating activities. We enjoyed a relaxing paddle boat ride on the serene lake with its calm blue waters and picturesque surroundings. For lunch, we headed to a local South Indian restaurant and feasted on piping hot dosas, vadas, and flavorful curries.
Ooty’s Botanical Gardens
Post lunch, we visited the immaculately maintained Ooty Botanical Gardens established in 1848 housing thousands of exotic and indigenous plant species. Strolling through this lush green paradise with its rolling manicured lawns, flower beds, and towering trees was a sublime experience. No trip to Ooty is complete without visiting the 143-year-old Ooty Rose Garden, home to over 20,000 varieties of roses in vibrant hues of red, pink, yellow, and everything in between. I was mesmerized by the myriad colors and sweet fragrances of the roses.
We also enjoyed visiting several picturesque viewpoints like Dolphin’s Nose and Lamb’s Rock which offered stunning panoramic views of the Nilgiri hills and tea estates. The next day, we embarked on a scenic bus tour to Coonoor and Kotagiri. The winding hilly roads took us through sprawling tea estates and charming villages. In Coonoor, we visited tea factories and learned about tea processing methods. The tea estate tours gave us insight into the lives of tea pickers and allowed us to sample fresh teas right from the source.
Dodabetta Peak
No trip to Ooty is complete without a visit to Dodabetta Peak for an unforgettable view of the Nilgiris. At 8,600 feet, it is the highest point in Ooty. We trekked up to the summit and were rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of verdant hills and dense forests. The lovely toy train meandering across the hillside looked picture-perfect from the peak.
Unique Culture and Traditions
A highlight of our Ooty trip was a visit to a Toda tribal village to get a glimpse of the unique culture and traditions of this indigenous community. The thatched huts with their distinctive bamboo and barrel vaulted roofs were very fascinating. The Toda embroideries and their simple way of life gave us an enriching cultural experience.
Wenlock Downs Trail
Ooty offered plenty of options for enjoying nature’s bounty. We spent an entire day hiking the beautiful trails around Ooty like the Wenlock Downs Trail. The fresh and revitalizing mountain air rejuvenated our spirits. We worked up quite an appetite on the hikes which we satisfied by gorging on Ooty’s famed snacks like vegetable puffs, kebabs, homemade chocolates, and more.
The wooded forests around Ooty offered great spots for picnics. Our group packed a delicious lunch of sandwiches, cutlets, juice, and chocolate cake and drove up to the tranquil Emerald Lake where we spent the afternoon lounging on the grass and marveling at nature’s beauty, feasting on our food amidst a serene setting. It was one of the most memorable meals of the trip.
We made time for some souvenir shopping at the bustling Charring Cross Market where we picked up delicious homemade chocolates, aromatic teas, pretty wall hangings, and more. The vendor stalls at the market were brimming with local handicrafts and tasty food items.
Our trip concluded with a tour of important landmarks that stand testament to Ooty’s colonial past like the old Stone House which is a relic from the British era and St Stephen’s Church noted for its intricate stained glass windows. We also stopped by the Ooty Miniature Train Museum housing a fascinating collection of steam locomotives and carriages that once plied the mountain railways.
Ooty’s natural splendor, gorging on delicious foods
As our vacation in Ooty ended, we were filled with bittersweet emotions. The past few days spent reveling in Ooty’s natural splendor, gorging on delicious foods, absorbing its rich history, and soaking in its laidback ambiance had been truly unforgettable. Ooty’s old-world charm has endured the passage of time. The Queen of Hills remains one of India’s most alluring and captivating destinations for travelers seeking a tranquil escape from city life. Our visit to this South Indian gem nestled amidst the Nilgiris left us with a kaleidoscope of vivid memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.
After an incredible few days exploring Ooty, we decided to extend our trip by a couple of days to take in more of the surrounding sights. One place high on our list was a visit to the historic town of Mysore, located about 150 km from Ooty.
We booked a cab and set off early in the morning to make the scenic 3-hour drive from Ooty to Mysore via the Bandipur National Park. The drive was breathtaking as we passed through dense forests, spotted some wildlife like deer and elephants, and caught glimpses of local villages along the way.
Reaching Mysore by noon, we headed straight for a delicious lunch at one of the many restaurants serving Mysore’s iconic dish – Mysore Masala Dosa. The vast, crispy crepe made of rice and lentils delectably stuffed with a flavorful potato masala was simply outstanding. After this appetizing meal, we were ready to explore Mysore!
The Magnificent Mysore Places
Our first stop was the magnificent Mysore Palace, one of the most famous attractions in Southern India. The grand indoor palace is an architectural marvel, adorned with intricate carvings, colorful motifs, and lavish decor. The dazzling Amba Vilas Durbar Hall with its ornamented gilded pillars and stained glass ceilings took our breath away. We were enthralled by this palace’s royal opulence and spent nearly 3 hours marveling at its beauty.
Next, we visited the expansive Brindavan Gardens, famed for its meticulously designed symmetrical gardens and musical fountains. Taking an evening stroll in this sprawling oasis with fountains dancing in harmony to music was a magical experience. We ended our day with some shopping at the bustling Devaraja Market, where we picked up Mysore silk saris, sandalwood products, and antiques.
The next morning, we drove 45 km from Mysore to visit the magnificent Shravanabelagola, a sacred Jain pilgrimage town perched atop a hill. We climbed up 700 steps to reach the 57-foot monolithic statue of Lord Gommateshwara, which was installed nearly 1,000 years ago! This statue, carved from a single block of granite, was awe-inspiring in both scale and craftsmanship. Mesmerized by its beauty, we spent some quiet moments in contemplation at this serene site.
Before driving back to Ooty, we stopped at the Somnathpur Temple on the banks of the Cauvery River, remarkable for its Hoysala architecture dating back to the 13th century. The elaborate stone carvings on the temple walls depicting various Hindu myths were incredibly detailed and gave us a glimpse into ancient craftsmanship.
Conclusion
Our detour from Ooty to visit Mysore and surrounding areas provided us with greater insight into the cultural heritage of South India. The architectural marvels, lively bazaars, delectable cuisine, and tranquil temples we experienced in just a couple of days added immense depth to our trip. Heading back to Ooty, we were glad we took the time to explore beyond the Queen of Hills and discover more of South India’s rich history and natural wonders.
