Ooty or Udhagamandalam is a favourite Indian hill station. It is a beautiful location located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and is renowned for its picturesque tea gardens, beautiful lakes and cool weather. In case you are planning your next vacation, this Ooty travel guide will assist you with all the information required to know how to get to Ooty, what is the best mode of transport to use, and some of the travel tips to make your travel comfortable.
How to go to Ooty
Travelling to Ooty is an adventure. Being a hill station, the town has no direct airport and railway station. Nevertheless, there are transport hubs close to the place that connect the area to the major cities.
By Air
Coimbatore International Airport is the closest airport that is approximately 87 km away. You can either get a cab or a bus to Ooty starting at the airport. Coimbatore is well connected by flight to Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi cities.
By Train
It has the nearest major railway station which is Mettupalayam, 40 km away. Travelers can also take a ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway (one of the most scenic train rides in India) starting at Mettupalayam. Alternatively, you may also take taxis or travel in local buses to Ooty.
In case you are on a long distance trip via train, then you can easily arrange meals on the trip. Online Food Order in Train and IRCTC Food Order in Train are such services which make it easy to deliver hot meals to passengers to their seats. Jain Food in Train also has the option of pre-order with trusted food delivery partners to the followers of dietary restrictions.
Also Read: Plan Your 4 Days Jagannath Puri Trip
By Road
Ooty is also connected well through roadways. It is possible to travel by taking state-run buses, privately operated luxury coaches or even drive yourself in adjacent cities. Popular routes are:
- Bangalore (approx. 270 km, 6 7 hours drive)
- Mysore (approx. 125 km, 4 hours drive)
- Coimbatore (85 km, 3 hours drive, approx.)
The highway to Ooty is scenic and it is filled with curvy roads, green scenery, and misty hills greeting you everywhere.
Transport in Ooty
After you reach Ooty, you will have Ooty transportation options:
The Taxis and Cabs
Sightseeing tours can be easily obtained by taxis. One can reserve them per hour or a complete day, depending on schedule.
Auto-Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are a pocket friendly mode of transport when travelling short distances within the town. Always bargain the price prior to taking the ride.
Local Buses
There is a system of local buses in Ooty linking various tourist spots and other towns. It is cheap mode of transportation but will consume more time.
Toy Train
Nilgiri Mountain Railway is not just a mode of transportation but a tourist attraction too. The train moves along Ooty, Coonoor, and Mettupalayam and gives a spectacular view of the hills.
Also Read: Monsoon Train Journeys: The Best Snacks and Beverages to Enjoy
Tips on Ooty Travel
These are some useful tips to make your Ooty trip more pleasant:
When to Go
Ooty enjoys a good weather all through the year, however the ideal time to visit Ooty is between October and June. The summers are not very hot and winters may be chilly.
Pack Wisely
Bring warm clothes in summer, because the nights are cold in hills. Don not leave comfortable walking shoes that can be used to explore tea gardens and views.
Pre-Book
It is a tourist destination and thus it is prudent to make your hotel and train reservations early and particularly during the peak season.
Eating On The Road
In case, you are travelling by train, do not bother about your food. Online food delivery services such as IRCTC Food Order in Train are hygienic and prompt in delivering food. There are also available personalized foods such as Jain Food in Train, which does not use onion and garlic at all and is based on religious grounds.
Local Cuisine
After reaching Ooty, you should not fail to taste the local delicacies, such as homemade chocolates, freshly brewed tea, and South Indian delicacies in traditional style.
Sightseeing Essentials
Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak and Tea Museum are the famous places of attraction in Ooty. There are also nearby short trip plans to Coonoor and Kotagiri.
The Benefits of Train Travel in the Online Food Services
The train routes to Ooty through Mettupalayam or Coimbatore are memorable as they make you enjoy the beauty of Nilgiri Hills. Nowadays with services such as Online Food Order in Train you no longer have to sacrifice on the meals when travelling. You may decide to have North Indian, South Indian, Chinese or even Jain Food in Train, depending on your choice.
Also Read: 5 Reasons to Choose Food Delivery on Trains Instead of Pantry Food
Conclusion
Ooty is an ageless hill station that keeps on drawing the attention of travellers within and beyond India. How to reach Ooty, the most convenient Ooty travel, and the best Ooty travel tips, whatever be the reason, planning before you visit makes the journey easy and enjoyable. And with the ease of booking online food in train with Traveler Food, call us at 7004841409 or 7827998877 for food order in train and special Jain food in train services, we will make your travel comfortable.
Then just start packing, buy your tickets and be prepared to experience the magical beauty of Ooty!