Ooty Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ooty featuring a city
Ooty showing forest scenes
Ooty which includes a garden
Ooty
Ooty showing markets

This hillside town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu is known for its mountainous scenery, stunning views and outdoor recreation.

Ootacamund has botanical gardens, lakes, forests and plateaus swathed in tea plantations. The upland town is more commonly known as Ooty and is surrounded by the eucalyptus-covered Nilgiri Mountains. This area of outstanding natural beauty was once a popular holiday spot for the British during colonial times. Today, it appeals to visitors from all over the world who come to experience its natural and cultural attractions.

Ooty’s gardens are among its biggest draws. Walk along the terraces of the Ooty Botanical Gardens on the slopes of the Doddabetta Peak. More than 600 species of exotic and indigenous plants are spread over 54 acres (22 hectares). They include a fossilized tree that is believed to be 20 million years old. You can smell the fragrant Government Rose Garden long before you see it. This is one of the largest rose gardens in India.

Ooty is popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Go for long walks among the mountains and trek to the top of Doddabetta Peak. This is the highest point in the area, with an elevation of 8,650 feet (2,623 metres). From the summit, enjoy superb views of Ooty and the valley below. Rent a boat for a ride across Ooty Lake, then enjoy a picnic on the lake’s shores.

See more of Ooty’s scenery with a trip aboard the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. One of the steepest rail journeys in Asia takes passengers through forests, along valleys and up hills, pulled by a steam locomotive.

Ooty has more to offer in addition to its scenic splendour. Tour the early 19th-century St. Stephen's Church and see effigies of historic Indian personalities inside the wax museum. Look out for the Todas huts in the hills above the botanical garden. These oval-shaped bamboo dwellings are where a pastoral community known as the Todas live.

Despite its remote location, Ooty has good transport connections. Bangalore, the third-largest city in India, is approximately 165 miles (266 kilometres) away, and regular bus services operate between the two locations. In and around Ooty, you can enjoy a vigorous or relaxing time among nature.

Where to stay in Ooty

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Fern Hill

While visiting Fern Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Cairn Hill and Second World War Memorial Pillar.

Fern Hill
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Upper Bazar

While visiting Upper Bazar, you might make a stop by sights like Mudumalai National Park and Upper Bhavani Lake.

Upper Bazar
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Kandal

3/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Kandal, Arranmore Palace and Government Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Kandal
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Stone House Area

Stone House Area might not have many top sights, but Government Botanical Gardens and Ooty Rose Garden are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Stone House Area
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Mani Vihar

While Mani Vihar may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ooty Lake and Mudumalai National Park.

Mani Vihar
Fortune Resort Sullivan Court, Ooty - Member ITC Hotels' Group
Fortune Resort Sullivan Court, Ooty - Member ITC Hotels' Group
4 out of 5
123 Selbourne Road, Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu
The price is £74 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
£74
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Ootacamund. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Muniswarar Temple and Ooty Rose Garden ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (84 reviews)
"Very cozy property."

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2025

Fortune Resort Sullivan Court, Ooty - Member ITC Hotels' Group
Sterling Ooty Elk Hill
Sterling Ooty Elk Hill
4 out of 5
25, Ramakrishna Mutt Road,Elkhill, Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Ootacamund. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Government Museum and Upper Bhavani Lake ...
6.8/10 (50 reviews)
"Good food, friendly staff. B-wing of the hotel is very old. You have to change elevators and walk long corridors to access this side."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Sterling Ooty Elk Hill
Mango Hill Central Ooty
Mango Hill Central Ooty
3 out of 5
Blue Mountian School Road, Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Ootacamund. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Second World War Memorial Pillar and Lady ...
"Nothing in the property was right . The breakfast was terrible ! The tv don’t work . The doors don’t open . The bathroom are smelly . Please don’t visit the property"

Reviewed on 7 Nov 2024

Mango Hill Central Ooty
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
CozyVillas
CozyVillas
3 out of 5
Road, Ootacamund, TN
Stay at this 3-star villa in Ootacamund. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and a garden. Popular attractions Government Museum and Nilgiri Mountain Railway ...
CozyVillas
Grand Cairo
Grand Cairo
3 out of 5
No. 45 Udupi Cottage, Dunmere, Fernhill Street, Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Ootacamund. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions St. Stephen's Church and Union Church ...
Grand Cairo
Bon Sejour Ooty Hill View Resort & Hotel
Bon Sejour Ooty Hill View Resort & Hotel
4.5 out of 5
108, Bon Sejour, Yantra Resort Cliff Top, Snowdon Rd, next to Gem Park, Marlimund, Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Ootacamund. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Raj Bhavan and Raj Bhawan are located ...
Bon Sejour Ooty Hill View Resort & Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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