Tamil Nadu · Best October to June

Ooty

The queen of hill stations, with the toy train, the lake and the Nilgiris.

The destination

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. 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.

Stay

Sterling resorts in Ooty

Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Sterling Ooty Fern Hill

Journey through the Colonial Era

Places to visit

Around Ooty

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.