Best time to visit
March to June for cool summers; September to November for clear skies. Winter nights are cold.
Ideal duration
2 days
How to reach
Nearest airport is Coimbatore (88 km). Mettupalayam is the railhead for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train. The Coonoor ghat road has 36 hairpin bends; an experienced hill driver is recommended.
Ooty: Queen of the Nilgiri hills. Book a comfortable cab or a curated tour package with experienced local drivers.
Places to see
Top attractions
- 1
Ooty Lake
boating with hill views
- 2
Doddabetta Peak
highest point of the Nilgiris
- 3
Government Botanical Garden
terraced gardens and flower shows
- 4
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
heritage toy train to Coonoor
Travel tips
- Book toy-train tickets well in advance in season
- Carry a light jacket even in summer
- Morning departures avoid ghat-road fog in the evenings