48 hours in Ooty

Udagamandalam aka Ooty Station. PC: Sonia

Cool breeze caressing my face, lips numb with cold and thankfully hair done in a bun. Windows were down as we climbed up through the hairpin bends towards Ooty. Sun had already set, and twinkling stars in the sky and the twinkling lights from the houses up on hills were mirror image. Everything was so soothing and I was loving my ride even though I was on the road for more than 6 hours. I was traveling from Kodaikanal, the princess of hill stations to Ooty, the queen of hill stations.

[Read here about this amazing place (Mistycove) I stayed at and what to do while in Kodaikanal here: Mistycove: A misty-erious charm of Kodaikanal]

I reached Ooty at dusk, settled in my room at Colonel's Inn and waited for dawn, to begin another chapter in my travel life.

Surrounded by greenery, hills at the back of my room and open space out front, the villa; my morning started with nature's music which I seldom experience living in a metro city where we, the metro people are surrounded by tall buildings. It was a beautiful, cold morning and after a full breakfast early morning, my friend and I started our day in Ooty. 

Here are the top things to do in Ooty

(my 48 hours in Ooty, the queen of hill stations)

Day 1

Doddabetta Peak

Doddabetta Telescope

Around 9 km from Ooty, Doddabetta is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri mountains at 2637m. Nestled among the reserved forest, you can view Ooty city, Coonoor, and Coimbatore side from the telescope house. This telescope house was opened on 18th June 1983 and is owned and maintained by Tamilnadu Tourism Department. 

View from Doddabetta Peak

Doddabetta is quite popular among tourists and has road access to the summit. It is the fourth highest peak in South India after Anamudi, Mannamalai and Meesapulimala.

Entry: Rs.6 per adult. No fee for children below 5 years.

Tea and Chocolate factory

Tea Factory Ooty

Chocolate Factory Ooty

This was a first for me, the aroma of tea in the former and feeling of being in the likes of Willy Wonka's factory in latter, the experience was delightful (I probably should not compare this chocolate factory to Willy Wonka's but you get the idea, being in a chocolate factory, right?)

I absolutely loved the tea aka chai factory. It is quite a simple set up but I was blown. I had never seen a tea factory before and seeing the whole process was really a nice experience. At the end of the tour, there is tea tasting as well. 

It is also the highest elevated Tea factory in South India as claimed by them.

Tea Plantation. PC: Sonia

There is also a tea plantation near by and a small portion open for tourists where you can also get dressed in fancy clothing and get your pictures done.

Entry: Rs.20 per person.

Elk hill Murugan Temple

Elk hill Murugan Temple, Ooty

Not very known among tourists, Elk hill Murugan temple is thus not very crowded on any given day, much to my amusement, even when it is one of the very beautifully located, stunning temple. It also has a tall statue of Lord Murugan in the temple complex. I am so grateful that I could visit this beautiful and captivating temple especially when it was nearly empty with only 4 to 5 local visitors present at that time.

PC: Sonia

Highlight of the temple after being itself a big highlight was the panoramic view it offers. Again, Lord Murugan's 40 feet (approx) tall golden statue took my heart away. I was in awe of the beauty in and around. One can spend all day here, at least I could.

Entry: Free

Ooty Lake

Ooty Lake

You come to Ooty and don't visit Ooty Lake is a shame. It is a beauty and you can enjoy not just boating here but also many entertaining activities. It is also a paradise for foodies. Although it can get a little crowded owing to its tremendous popularity. I suggest visiting it on weekdays and during off season. 

Entry: Rs.10 per person. Separate charges for photo-videography and boating. Entertainment activities and food cost will vary from stall to stall.

St. Stephen's Church

St. Stephen's Church Ooty

More than 100 years old, St. Stephen's Church is known for its age and the precious glass stained painting it has boastfully maintained. This church is also not very known among tourists.

When we reached the church, there was not even a single soul present, so, my friend and I had whole place to ourselves to explore at our own slow yet steady pace.

Entry: Free

Botanical Garden

The most famous attraction of Ooty, the Botanical Garden is a splendid example of amazement. You need almost half a day here, it is so vast. This 55 acre garden which was established in 1848 has innumerable variety of flora. We spent good 2 plus hours here and time just flew.

Entry: Rs.15 per person.

Day 2

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Toy Train, Ooty

Come to Ooty and not enjoy a joy ride in the Toy Train? It indeed is a must. Wanna enjoy it to the fullest? One way up to Coonoor in General and way back in first class, just do it and you will know. I had an amazing time during my ride, I was beaming with glee. 

During our ride back to Ooty, we met this amazing couple from Leeds (Europe), both above 60 and were backpacking through South East Asia. We talked a lot and it made me see through the difference in the lifestyle which a senior citizen adopt in India and abroad. There is uncanny difference, and I really wish our people who on the way of aging just forget about having fun, the excitement, and that there is 'no age limit to experiencing new'; should be able to take up what they always loved at any point of their life. The couple we met, Linda and Dean, live their family life when at home, spend time with their kids and grand kids whereas travel their heart out the remaining time; the idea is quite heart-warming. To add they were quite impressed with us too when they came to know that my friend and I are Civil Engineers, they told that they haven't seen many girls pursuing Civil Engineering. (I needed to boast a little, here. 😛 #justlikethat) 

Here is a picture with new friends.

With Linda and Dean. PC: Sonia

Ticket: General and First class tickets have huge difference, also the fare depends upon the distance you are traveling (please check railways site). 

Exploring City on Foot

From railway station you can pretty much walk towards the city. We wandered on foot and had pizza along with delicious coffee at Willy's Coffee pub. It is like Old World's charm, has a small library in one corner with a lot of books and the collection includes story books, novels, illustrative books, travel and lifestyle magazines etc. 

PC: Sonia

From here we walked to our stay and visited the church opposite to Colonel's Inn. The church bell rang filling my ears with heart soothing music. No better way to conclude our 48 hours stay in lovely Ooty with the final trance like experience.

Then the wait began for our final leg of journey and we woke up the next morning super early to leave for the charming Coimbatore, a beautiful amalgamé of culture, spirituality, religion, food and art. [Read here on Top 5 things to do in Coimbatore]

Happy Travels.

Yours truly,

Me and My Suitcase

P.S. All pictures are taken by me unless otherwise mentioned.