Bangalore to Ooty: Travel Guide

Ooty is a great destination for a holiday almost all year round. But there are various activities in Ooty that you can undertake vary according to the season. There are 3 seasons in Ooty- the summer season from March to June, the monsoon season from July to September, and the winter season from October to February.

Generally, Ooty receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon and the rains, while romantic, can disrupt sight-seeing plans. This might not agree with many travellers. The winters are not harsh though the weather can fall to 5C too.

The chilly nights add to the romance because winters mean bonfires and cosy beds. And summers in Ooty are light and bright. Summer and winter seasons are equally popular with tourists because the weather is pleasant and ideal for visiting the scenic sights in and around Ooty. Ooty is one of the best place to visit around Bangalore during monsoon.

Travelling to Ooty by bus is one of the most economical options available for tourists. There are many buses plying on the Bangalore-Ooty route, with various seating options available.

Buses take approximately 8 hours to reach Ooty and some providers also take into account food and beverage stops. Most buses ply at night which is convenient because you reach Ooty in the morning and have the whole day ahead of you to settle into your accommodation and go sight-seeing in Ooty.

Depending upon your comfort as well as the timing of the bus journey, you can choose between sleeper and non-sleeper buses as well as between AC and non-AC buses.

Types of Buses and Names: Sam Tours and Travels- AC SEATER

 SRS Travels- NON-AC SLEEPER

Mayura Bus- AC SLEEPER

K.P.N-NON-AC SLEEPER

Ebenezer Logistics- AC SLEEPER

Starting Point (Bus stop):

1. Madiwala

2. Majestic

3. Marathahalli

4. Indiranagar

5. BTM Layout

6. Kalasipalyam

7. Domlur

8. Satellite Bus Stand

Timings of Buses: These buses usually begin after nightfall. Approximately, the boarding timings are from 7pm to 11pm.

Number of Hours journey: Approx. 6-8 hours

Approx. Fare: 600 to 900 INR

Checkout: Ooty Tour Packages From Vadodara

Driving to Ooty is another great transport option. Many tourists prefer to do so because the drive from Bangalore to Ooty is very scenic, which makes driving a pleasure.

You have to on-road travel options- you can either hire a taxi or you can travel by your own car or bike. Driving to Ooty gives tourists more flexibility with their timings in comparison with taking a bus or train. If you take your own vehicle, you have the additional comfort of privacy.

The route you wish to take depends upon your personal preference- you can either take the direct routes via the National Highways or the Mysore-Ooty road. Packing your own food is always a good option though there are several food and beverage joints along the way too.

The economics of road travel change depending upon whether you hire a taxi or take your own vehicle. Taxi services charge approximately Rs.10 to Rs.15 per kilometer and Rs.250 for the driver.

You only have to pay for petrol when travelling via your own vehicle. Travelling by road also involves state entry charges and toll booth charges.

No. of Hours to reach by Car: 4-6 hours

A train journey from Bangalore to Ooty is the fastest and most economical travel option. There are many trains running from Bangalore to Ooty, and you can pick one which suits your convenience.

The usual route taken by the trains is Bangalore City – Bangalore Cant. – Hosur – Dharmapuri – Omalur – Salem Junction – Erode Junction – Tiruppur – Coimbatore Junction - Mettupalayam - Coonoor - Ooty. Some trains stop at all the stops, so if you are in or near one of these stops, you need not travel all the way to Bangalore to catch the train.

Once at Mettupalayam, travellers can also take the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train to Ooty. This is a great option because the toy train takes you through the curves and slopes of the mountains, reveals delightful views and over all gives you a great mountain travel experience.

Nearby Railway Station: (Bangalore) Bengaluru City Junction Railway Station

(Ooty): Mettupalayam Railway Station

From nearby Railway station to other transport means: The bus and taxi junctions are close to the Mettupalayam Railway Station.

This means that you can simply exit the station and pick a bus or taxi to transport you to Ooty. You can also pre-book the bus or taxi for convenience.

Distance from nearby railway station to Ooty: 40 kilometres

No. of hours journey: Approx. 4 hours

Approx. cost: Rs. 400

Travelling by air is not such a popular option with tourists. Not only does it cost more but it is also quite inconvenient. The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore approximately 88 kilometres away.

Once in Coimbatore, travellers can take a bus or a cab to Ooty. The taxi services can be found close to the airport while the bus station is some distance away.

You can either pre-book or hire a service when you reach Coimbatore.

No. of hours in flight: 1 hour approx.

Approx. Cost: Rs. 4000

Also Checkout: Ooty Tour Packages From Surat

Nanjangud is a small town on the route from Bangalore to Ooty, about 23 kilometres away from Mysore. It lies on the banks of the Kapila River, and is best known as a pilgrimage town.

The main pilgrimage attraction here is the Srikanteshwara Temple, a temple dedicated to Shiva. The temple is very old and has been a major centre of Shiva worship for centuries. For all those who are planning to go on a Bangalore trip should definitely take some time to visit this place near Bangalore.

The ancient temple is a serene and peace-giving place. Even though you might have to go a little out of your way to reach Nanjangud, it is worth the detour. The town can be a place to stop at after your tour of Mysore, or simply a place you visit on the way to Ooty.

The river is also lovely and you can spend some time resting by the riverside before continuing on to Ooty. If you are travelling with children, they will absolutely love dipping their feet in the cool, gentle river water.

Book & Checkout: Ooty Tour Packages From Chandigarh

The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is a reserve which shares a boundary between Karnataka and Kerala. The reserve is divided into five ranges- Masinagudi, Theppakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.

Despite its name, it is home to many endangered animal species including the critically endangered Indian white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture.

The reserve is densely populated with tigers, and is an important landmark in the tiger conservation project. There are approximately 570 tigers in the reserve alone- one of the biggest tiger populations in a single place in the world.

It is a picturesque spot too, full of delightful trees which perfume the air with their presence. If you are visiting Ooty during the winter months, you should stop by this reserve on the way from Bangalore. The reserve is often closed in the summer months due to fire threats and the rains make it an uncomfortable place in the monsoon season.

Checkout: Ooty Tour Packages From Lucknow

Tamil Nadu is famous for its Nilgiri Tea Plantations, so if you are on your way from Bangalore to Ooty, you should stop for some hours in Masinagudi, which is a small hilly district in Tamil Nadu next to the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. This place is perfect for a 2 day trip from Bangalore.

The area is a great natural location filled with rich deciduous forests. The Nilgiri tea plantations found here are a great tourist attraction. You can walk through the plantations and explore the process which results in the production of delicious tea. Masinagudi is also very well-known for its bird population.

The deciduous forests give a home to many species of birds which makes Masinagudi a favourite destination with bird-watchers. There are resorts here which offer safaris and guided tours.

If you are in the mood to enrich your visit by stopping for some time in Masinagudi, you can book a room at one of the resorts and enjoy the nature here.

Checkout: Ooty Tour Packages From Jaipur

Everyone who visits Ooty should visit the Government Rose Garden. It is an unforgettable experience. The Rose Garden, located on Elk Hill in Vijayanagaram,Ooty, the largest rose garden in India, and contains almost 20,000 varieties of roses.

Roses on the sidewalks, roses on the walls, roses next to the seating areas, roses everywhere. And where you have roses, you also have the delectable perfume of roses. The heady scent of rose perfume mixed with the scents and smells of the evening makes the Rose Garden a romantic paradise.

The wonderfully kept garden is a beautiful way to spend some hours in Ooty. The best time to visit the garden is in the early morning or late evening. Unfortunately, the roses are not in bloom all year round. As a result, tourists who visit in the off-season may find themselves disappointed.

Visit the garden from January to March to see the flowers in all their rich blossom. Spend several hours here simply sniffing your way around the roses which include Miniature Roses, Ramblers, Hybrid Tea Roses, Yakima, Polyanthas, Papagena, Floribunda and roses of unusual colours like green and black.

Timing: Mon-Fri: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sat-Sun: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entrance Fees: (Adults)Rs. 30/person (Children 5-10 years old) Rs. 15

Camera Fee: Still camera- Rs. 50

Video Rs. 100

Book & Checkout: Ooty Tour Packages From Indore

Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a toy train that runs from Mettupalayam Railway Station to Ooty. Every Bangalore to Ooty travel package will have a trip on this train as an offering.

In operation since 1899, the toy train is a tourist’s delight. It runs through the scenic hills, valleys, pitch-black tunnels, and dense moist forests on its way to Ooty. It is a little steam-powered train which presents an almost nostalgic picture as it chugs through the hilly greenery, hooting daintily at intervals.

The journey to Ooty takes nearly 5 hours, making the experience a good way to get introduced to the hills near Ooty. The route is extremely steep and therefore the train takes a long time to cover it.

The trail is picturesque and will leave you peaceful and excited about your stay in Ooty. However, a word of caution. Seats for this train tend to run out very quickly, so book them well in advance if you want to experience the journey. Tickets can be booked on the IRCTC site.  

Pykara Lake and Waterfalls are situated approximately 21 kilometres away from Ooty. The place is a wonderful natural setting that everyone travelling to Ooty must experience.

The lake is a scenic, clean waterbody with two waterfalls rushing down at one end. The forest surrounding the lake adds to its beauty as does the silence that surrounds it. The drive from Ooty to the lake is also very pleasant and is best taken early in the morning.

There are many things to do on the lake. You can go boating on the lake- various options like group boating and speed boating are available. Unfortunately, the falls are not always at peak performance and burst into beauty only in the monsoon season. Though active year-round, their pressure reduces in the summer.

The lake and its environs are extremely photogenic so make sure to carry your camera along. There are eateries around the lake too if you wish to catch up on breakfast or lunch.

Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiris, and one of the most spell-binding sites in Ooty. It is a magnificent trekking spot, 2,637 metres high, and only 9 kilometres away from Ooty.

The area around the summit is covered in dense forests and is a very peaceful and scenic setting. The trek is not difficult but if you prefer, you can take a car up to the top. If you decide to trek in Ooty up to this place, you will be able to observe and absorb the sights and sound of Doddabetta and the surrounding mountains better.

Once on top, the view is spell-binding. The entire vista of the Nilgiri Ranges along with the little villages cuddled inside the mountains is revealed from the top of Doddabetta. There is a Telescope Observatory at the summit too.

Through the telescope, you can experience the sights around the mountain ranges with more ease and intimacy. The entire journey is a fun-filled adventure that people of all ages and fitness levels can indulge in. Dress suitably in warm clothes and wear sturdy walking shoes in order to have a good experience.

A small entry fee is required to start the journey up to the summit.

Tickets: Rs. 10

Timings: 7am to 6pm

Checkout: some of the amazing trekking trails near Bangalore.

Approximately 24 kilometres from Ooty and 8 kilometres from Coonor, the Echo Rock is a magnificent natural location. It is also known as Lamb’s Rock.

It is a spot which offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding area even as it looks down a steep precipice. Vast stretches of forests extending as far as Coimbatore can be seen from Echo’s Rock. A very pleasant sight to behold from this spot is the Nilgiri Toy Train as it chugs up the mountain to Ooty.

Echo’s Rock is a favourite with tourists though there is no fear of its becoming over-crowded. To the right, there is the Hulikal ravine featuring the Coonoor river- another picturesque location.

Thought the location is popular with tourists, there are no eateries here. This requires visitors to make their own food and beverage arrangements. The Tea gardens and Chocolate Factor are attractions located close by.

Rs.10/person (Indians)

Rs. 560/person (Foreigners)

Rs. 30 (Still Camera)

Rs.125 (Video Camera)

Rs. 200 for 4-seater pedal boat for 30 minutes

Rs. 160 for 2-seater pedal boat for 30 minutes

Rs. 180 for 2-seater row boat for 30 minutes

Rs. 450 for 8-seater motor boat for 20 minutes

Book Now: Ooty Tour Packages From Rajkot

Ooty Lake, which spans an area of 65 acres, is a popular tourist attraction in located inside Ooty. It is an artificial lake which was constructed in 1824. A long line of Eucalyptus trees lines one side of the lake, and a railway line cuts across the other end.

The scene is naturally beautiful, and adds to the lovely beauty of Ooty. If you visit Ooty in the summer, you will find the lake alive with boat beauty pageants and boat races.

While you can simply hang out at the shores of the lake, the main attraction is the boating house which allows tourists to take a tour of the lake.

Prices vary according to the type of boat and the time to be spent on the lake. A detailed chart has been provided below for your reference.

The Governmental Botanical Garden in Ooty is a great place to visit not only for its overwhelming variety of flowers and ferns, but also because of its manicured lawns which are perfect for lounging and simply soaking in the sun.

The gardens are spread over 55 acres and divided into 5 areas. The Lower Gardens house ferns of various varieties and the Upper gardens are made up of the rose garden, a lot of natural floral carpets and natural ponds.

The Italian Garden was laid down by Italian Prisoners of War from the First World War and the Conservatory has lots of groups of flowering plants. The Nurseries are a great attraction containing a series of glass houses which contains innumerable varieties of exotic plants.

The Fossil Tree Trunk, which is 20 million years old, cannot be missed either.

Timings: 7am to 7pm

Tickets:

Rs.15/ person for Children

Rs. 30/ person for Adults

Rs. 50 (Still Camera)

Rs. 100 (Video Camera)

Planning a trip to Bangalore, check out this beautiful places in Bangalore.

This quirkily named spot is so named because of its uncanny resemblance to a dolphin’s nose. It is the tip of a mountain in the Nilgiris, approximately 10 kilometres away from Coonor, at a height of 1000 feet above sea level. You can go for camping in Ooty around this place.

The location is a great sightseeing spot which reveals amazing views of the surrounding mountains and the Catherine Falls. The journey up to Dolphin’s Nose is a major part of its tourist appeal because it is wonderfully scenic, and full of hairpin turns and tea plantations.

A visit to Dolphin’s Nose can be combined with visits to the tea plantations and Echo Rock. Spend 30 minutes to an hour at Dolphin’s Nose simply taking in the view and the sounds of nature.

Emerald Lake is located near the Emerald Village in the Nilgiris, in a region known as the Silent Valley. An appropriate name, because the only sounds which disturb the silence are the natural sounds of birds and the breezes swishing through the trees.

Emerald Lake is a must-visit tourist destination. The lake is huge and covered all around by rich green trees. There are varieties of fishes and birds in and around the lake which add to its picturesqueness.

Not only should you spend time on the shores of the lake, but you should also try to trek up to the higher land around the lake in order to get a sweeping view of the lake and its environs.

The area does not have many food and beverage options so carry your own material. There are tea plantations near the lake where tourists can take a tour and also buy tea.

When you are in Ooty you can try out fishing in the city at various venues.

The Kamraj Sagar Lake is a popular tourist destination. It is a dam lake on the way to the Pykara Falls. The lake is surrounded by thick forests which add to the silence and stillness around the lake.

It can tend to get crowded during the popular tourist months, especially if you visit at peak hours. The best time to visit the lake is early in the morning. If you visit early enough, you might even be in time to see the mists enveloping the lake, and then dispersing as the sun comes up.

There are eateries near the lake where you can have breakfast or lunch. They specialise in rice and fish dishes. The Kamraj Sagar Lake is also a great picnic spot so you can choose to carry your own food and have it while soaking up on the lake view.

A small but scenic spot, it can be visited when en route to Pykara Falls. 30 minutes to an hour spent relaxing here make for a pleasant experience.

Tickets: No fee

Mukurthi National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, and should be visited at least for some hours by every person visiting Ooty. The national park is located in the Pykara district and is easily accessible by road.

It is part of the Nilgiri Bio Reserve and is home to many endangered plant and animal species. Trekking in the reserve is a great way to explore it. Trekking in Ooty is a highly popular activity.

The hills and valleys covered in rich wildlife and lush green grass make trekking here a wonderful experience. Exotic parrots, eagles and vultures swoop around the hills, while Barking Deers, Indian Elephants, jungle cats, wild dogs and panthers skulk around the thick tree cover.

The animals are not dangerous unless provoked and seldom come out to encounter human beings. There are plenty of watchtowers around the park which make for good bird-watching places.

Timings: 9.00 am to 5.30 pm (Tuesdays Closed)

Tickets:

The Gem Park Resort is a 3-star hotel in the main town of Ooty. It is a well-maintained hotel which overlooks the Nilgiris mountains. Waking up in the morning to the view from the hotel is a delightful experience.

Their services are known for being good, and their location is a major advantage to tourists. Gem Park Resort is located close to the main tourist spots in Ooty. You can easily explore the markets in the evening without worrying about the distance you have to cover to reach your hotel. It is among the most beautiful resorts in Ooty to stay.

If the evening is too cold to venture out, you always have the option of indulging in a social game of darts or table tennis in the game room.

They also have a variety of in-house dining options you can look into. End your evening with a relaxing ayurvedic spa and top it off with some relaxing sleep to get you into the mood for another adventure filled day.

Location: Sheddon Road, Pudumund, Ooty

Price: 5000 INR approx.

Amenities: Swimming Pool

Concierge

Internet facilities

Bakery with homemade chocolates and cakes available

Conference Rooms

Safari Land Resort is a great budget option resort with great facilities to keep you comfortable and entertained throughout your stay. The resort is made up of several neat and compact huts which come with amenities like a kitchenette and the toiletries which are necessary for a convenient stay.

The rooms are well-appointed with soft and clean beds and linen. They are not “luxurious” but if you are in search of a home-like place away from the touristic rush of the accommodations in central Ooty, this resort is a good place for you. 

They have many indoor and outdoor activities including safaris and camp fires which set up an adventurous vibe around the resort.

The services they provide are good though not the same as the ones provided in hotels. There are in-house dining options available too, but you can also go to the restaurants around Ooty since it is just a short drive away.

Location: Masinagudi

Price: 3000 INR approx.

Amenities: Tree House

Swimming Pool

Jungle Safari

Barbeque and Camp Fires

Others: If you want to stay in resorts around Bangalore here are some of them.

A cosily decorated restaurant located on the gentle slopes of Fern Hill, Curry and Rice is a good restaurant for a rice and noodle based meal. Their food is prepared well and their service is good.

The ambience of the restaurant will remind you of the old days of balls and royalty since the restaurant is located in an old ballroom which boasts elaborately decorated walls and ceilings. They have a large menu but most options come with a side of rice or noodles.

They have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.

Location: Fern Hill, Ooty

Timings: NA

This bhawan is a great one-stop place for all sorts of cuisines. The bhavan is always crowded, and justifiably so- their food is excellent and their prices are low in comparison to other restaurants around Ooty.

The crowds do not impact their services which are quick and efficient. Adyar Ananda Bhavan is a great place to eat some good food and experience a fast-paced culinary atmosphere.

Their naans and curries are reckoned to be delicious while their dosas served with a generous quantity of ghee, sambhar and chutney are very appetizing.

Location: Commercial Road, Upper Bazaar

Timings: · 7:30AM–10:30PM

Favourite Eats: Topi Dosa

       North Indian Food

       Pongal

        Idli-Sambhar

A good vacation is incomplete without a well-packed travel bag. Your travel bag is an extension of you and your needs. A properly executed travel bag will ensure that you have all the things that you cannot function properly without right next to you.

It may not seem so to you right now, but having all the essentials along on your vacation, no matter how short or long it is going to be, can mean the difference between a good trip and a spoilt one.

But as packing can be a hassle in our hectic city lives, we are going to help you out with a handy packing guide that will get you through your trip from Bangalore to Ooty, and might also come in useful on other trips that you take.

You will always want to carry daily essentials. Don’t depend upon the shops in the place you are visiting; they might not carry what you need or might not keep the specific brands or items you desire.

The daily essentials include:

• Toothbrushes and toothpastes

• A small travel sized face wash and shampoo. Shampoo packets can also be carried.

• Hand Sanitizer and Paper Soap

• Facial Wipes

• Shaving kits or trimmers

Once you have packed these basics, you need to decide what clothing you will take with you. This decision needs to be made in keeping with the weather of the place you are travelling to. Check the weather for the days you will be in the location and decide accordingly. Ooty has an ever-changing weather, it can rain any time in the hills, so one should go prepared. General rule of thumb- pack light for the summer and pack warm for the winter months.

Summer Essentials:

• Light clothing

• A light jacket (in case of temperature dips in the evening)

• SPF (the mountain sun can be harsh)

• Two pairs of sandals or slippers (one is a spare pair for emergencies)

Winter Essentials:

• Two to three sweaters (depending upon how long you stay)

• Plenty of pairs of warm socks

• An all-purpose shawl

Here is a list of things you must carry when heading over to Ooty, regardless of the season:

• A raincoat or umbrella

• Good walking shoes

• A hat, a cap or a visor

• Moisturizer (hilly areas tend to get dry)

• Essential medicines for emergencies

Unless you plan to cut out all the electronic disturbance from your life during your Ooty trip, do not forget to carry:

• Batteries and Chargers

• A handy mobile case

You should also carry some things with which you can entertain yourself during the journey from Bangalore to Ooty, and during the nights. These can include:

• A book you have been meaning to read

• Headphones and whichever music player you prefer

• Puzzles

• Magazines and newspapers

Also carry some snacks along on the journey to Ooty because not all travel mediums sell snacks and beverages.

Travelling from Bangalore to Ooty is a popular option with many people. The many Bangalore to Ooty travel packages testify to its popularity. Ooty is conveniently located just 370 kilometres from Bangalore which allows tourists to reach it in a matter of some hours.

The many transport options also add to the comfort of tourists. Travelling is a great way to experience new places and meet different people, and the relatively short distance of Ooty from Bangalore means that you can visit it on any long weekend you like.

But once you have decided to hit the road and visit Ooty, several responsibilities fall upon you, especially if you are travelling with a group or small children.

Getting ready for the trip while juggling your professional life can be hectic, so you might profit from some travel tips which will help you ensure that your trip passes in safety, comfort, and enjoyment.

It is easy to get stuck in the cycle of information that is easily available in internet age. With so many reviews and itineraries available, you might just end up visiting all the known tourist spots that you read about on the internet.

But travelling is about exploration, first and foremost. So, go off the beaten track, ditch the vehicles, and go hiking around the areas in and around Ooty. Take long walks, drink in the pollution-free air, and explore Ooty on your own terms.

Who knows what undiscovered gems you might end up finding?

If you are going to Ooty during the summer or winter in-season months, or even during a long weekend:

• Do your hotel research well in advance and book rooms beforehand

• Carry easy to handle snacks with you, especially if going with kids, since the extra crowds can mean delays in services that might make children grumpy.

The Bangalore to Ooty journey is a quick one and many people enjoy going solo. If you intend to go solo, always keep your safety a priority.

• Keep your phone on at all times

• Let people close to you know your approximate whereabouts. Confide the name of your accommodation to your family in case of emergencies.

• Carry essential medicines with you at all times

• Keep a water-bottle with you at all times in order to sustain yourself against fatigue

Taking children along to Ooty can be a good break for them but handling kids can be tough at times. Go prepared.

• Dress them in warm clothes at all times since children are more vulnerable to the weather changes that take place in Ooty.

• Keep them hydrated at all times

• Carry medicines in case of emergencies

• Children need to be entertained constantly and their idea of fun might not be soaking in the magnificent view. Take some board games along to keep them engaged. Cuddle down together at night and enjoy a family game that will be a good memory to look back at.

Some additional things everyone must do when in Ooty:

• Take a trip to Coonoor

• Take a stroll early in the morning, around 5 to 6 am on the Char Road, and munch fried vadas and piping hot tea. Nothing tops this combination on a chilly Ooty morning

• Take a stroll on the still and silent Ooty roads at night. This is a great experience, though slightly unnerving because of the stillness of the usually busy streets.