Lucknow To Ooty Tour Package: A Firsthand Experience

Last Updated: May 3, 2025

Introduction to Ooty: The Queen of Hill Stations

Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Ooty (officially known as Udagamandalam) stands proudly as one of South India’s most cherished hill stations. Known for its sprawling tea gardens, pine forests, serene lakes, and pleasant climate, Ooty has earned its reputation as the “Queen of Hill Stations” for good reason.

Having recently explored this charming destination through booking Lucknow to Ooty tour package from Tourotindia, I am excited to share my firsthand experience navigating through Ooty’s picturesque landscapes and hidden gems inside ooty destination. This travel blog covers everything like- how to reach Ooty to the best places to visit, accommodation options, seasonal considerations, and your budget planning to ensure you have a memorable trip.

How to Reach Ooty

Every traveller’s have one important question before booking lucknow to ooty holiday package that how to reach ooty? Well, Ooty is well-connected to major cities in South India, with three primary access points:

From Bangalore

Distance: Approximately 270 km
Options:

• Direct buses (AC and non-AC) are available from Bangalore to Ooty.
• Train to Mettupalayam followed by the iconic toy train to Ooty (reservation recommended).
• Flight to Coimbatore followed by road journey to Ooty.

From Mysore

Distance: Approximately 120 km
Options:

• Regular bus services connect Mysore to Ooty.
• Private taxi/cab services are available.

From Coimbatore

Distance: Approximately 85 km
Options:

• Direct buses from Coimbatore to Ooty bus stand.
• Taxi/cab services.
• Train to Mettupalayam followed by toy train journey.

Insider Tip: The bus journey from Bangalore or Coimbatore offers stunning views of the Nilgiri mountains, but if you want the most scenic journey, take the toy train from Mettupalayam to Ooty. Though it’s a slower option (approximately 3.5 hours), the experience of traveling through tea plantations and tunnels is unmatched.

Best Time to Visit Ooty

Ooty welcomes tourists throughout the year with its generally pleasant climate, but each season offers a unique experience:

October to March (Peak Season)

• Pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 21°C.
• Clear skies perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Ideal time for photography and nature walks.
• Higher tourist footfall and accommodation rates.

April to June (Summer)

• Moderate temperatures between 10°C to 25°C.
• Perfect escape from the scorching heat in the plains.
• Rose Garden in full bloom (especially from April 15 onwards).
• Popular among family tourists during school vacations.

July to September (Monsoon)

• Rainfall creates misty, cloud-covered landscapes.
• Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C.
• Waterfalls (like Pyakara Falls) are at their majestic best.
• Less crowded with occasional rain disruptions.
• Lush green landscapes offer exceptional photography opportunities.

Seasonal Experience: During my March visit, I noticed the Rose Garden was not in full bloom yet. The blog mentioned April to August is when you will see it at its colorful best. However, the advantage of visiting in March was experiencing pleasant weather without the summer vacation crowds.

Day-by-Day Ooty Itinerary

Based on my personal journey, here’s a recommended 3-4 day itinerary to make the most of your Ooty trip:

Day 1: Exploring Ooty Town

Morning

• Start with Botanical Garden (opens at 7:00 AM, entry fee: ₹50).
• Explore different sections and the iconic glass house.
• Enjoy the landscape and vibrant flower displays.

Afternoon

• Visit Ooty Lake & Boat House (entry fee: ₹10).
• Experience boating: pedal boats (₹50 per person) or motor boats (₹950).
• Enjoy the garden space and family-friendly atmosphere.

Evening

• Explore Rose Garden (entry fee: ₹30).
• Capture panoramic views of Ooty town.
• Shopping at the Upper Market area for chocolates and souvenirs.

Insider Tip: The Botanical Garden gets crowded by midday. Arriving early ensures you can peacefully enjoy the landscape and take uninterrupted photos. The garden has several levels – don’t miss exploring all sections as each offers unique flora.

Day 2: Coonoor Route and Toy Train Experience

Morning

• Catch the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (toy train) from Udagamandalam (Ooty) station to Coonoor.
• Cost: Approximately ₹50 one-way (advance booking recommended).
• Enjoy the scenic 20 km journey through tunnels and tea plantations.

Afternoon

• Explore Coonoor’s tea gardens and viewpoints.
• Visit tea/chocolate factories for tours and purchases.
• Experience the less crowded atmosphere of Coonoor.

Evening

• Return to Ooty by bus (₹50) or taxi.
• Relax at your accommodation and enjoy the cool climate.

Insider Tip: While the complete toy train journey from Ooty to Mettupalayam takes 3.5 hours, the shorter Ooty-Coonoor segment (approximately 1 hour) offers the same scenic beauty without being too time-consuming. If traveling with family, consider hiring a taxi for the return journey as the buses can be crowded.

Day 3: Pyakara Route Expedition

Morning

• Visit Pine Forest (8 km from Ooty).
• Explore the tall pine trees where many 90s Bollywood films were shot.
• Enjoy horse riding near the lake adjacent to the forest.

Afternoon

• Visit Sixth Mile Shooting Point (4 km from Pine Forest).
• Explore Van Lock Hills (2 km further, entry fee: ₹30).
• Experience the panoramic “wallpaper-worthy” views.
• Capture memories among the rolling green meadows.

Evening

• Visit Pyakara Waterfall and Boat House (7 km from Van Lock Hills).
• Explore St. Monica Lake (less crowded alternative to Pyakara Lake).
• Return to Ooty town by evening.

Insider Tip: While most tourists turn back after Pyakara Lake, continuing just a bit further to St. Monica Lake rewards you with similar views but far fewer crowds. It’s perfect for peaceful nature photography.

Day 4 (Optional): Wildlife Experience at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Morning

• Early departure for Masinagudi (approximately 35 km from Ooty).
• Book a morning safari (6 AM to 8 AM) at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
• Safari costs range from ₹700 to ₹5000 depending on the package.

Afternoon

• Explore the reserve with an experienced guide.
• Spot elephants, deer, various birds, and if lucky, tigers.
• Learn about local flora and fauna.

Evening

• Return to Ooty or continue your onward journey.

Insider Tip: Summer months offer better wildlife sightings as the dry season means animals gather near water sources. Early morning safaris (6-8 AM) or evening safaris (4-6 PM) provide the best chances of animal sightings. The reserve has around 165 tigers, though spotting one requires patience and luck.

Must-Visit Ooty Tourist Places

1. Botanical Garden

Established in 1848 by William Graham, this garden showcases meticulously arranged flower beds, rare trees, and a distinctive glass house. The multi-level garden offers beautiful views and is ideal for leisurely strolls.

• Location: Heart of Ooty town.
• Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
• Entry Fee: ₹50 per person.
• Time Required: 1-2 hours

2. Ooty Lake & Boat House

A man-made lake offering boating facilities and a serene environment perfect for families and couples alike.

• Location: 3 km from Botanical Garden
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
• Boating Charges:
  • Pedal boat: ₹50 per person
  • Motor boat: ₹950
• Time Required: 1-1.5 hours

3. Rose Garden

Home to thousands of rose varieties displayed across terraced slopes that also offer panoramic views of Ooty town.

• Location: Ooty town
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
• Best Time to Visit: April to August (for full bloom)
• Time Required: 1 hour

4. Pine Forest

Tall pine trees create a magical atmosphere reminiscent of many 90s Bollywood films shot here.

• Location: 8 km from Ooty town (towards Pyakara)
• Timings: Open all day
• Entry Fee: Free
• Activities: Photography, horse riding
• Time Required: 30-45 minutes

5. Van Lock Hills

Offering panoramic views of rolling green meadows and distant mountains that resemble classic computer wallpapers.

• Location: 14 km from Ooty (towards Pyakara)
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
• Time Required: 30-45 minutes

6. Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a mesmerizing journey through tunnels, bridges, and tea plantations.

• Route: Mettupalayam to Ooty (complete journey) or Ooty to Coonoor (shorter segment)
• Journey Time: 3.5 hours (complete) or 1 hour (shorter segment)
• Ticket Cost: Approximately ₹50 (Ooty to Coonoor)
• Reservation: Advance booking recommended

7. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Located near Masinagudi, this reserve offers wildlife safaris to spot elephants, tigers, and various other animals in their natural habitat.

• Location: 35 km from Ooty
• Safari Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Safari Cost: ₹700 to ₹5000 depending on package
• Time Required: Half day to full day

8. St. Monica Lake

A less crowded alternative to Pyakara Lake offering serene views and peaceful surroundings.

• Location: Beyond Pyakara Lake
• Timings: Open all day
• Entry Fee: Free
• Time Required: 30 minutes

Accommodation Options in Ooty

Ooty offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to various budgets and preferences:

Luxury Resorts (₹5,000-₹10,000 per night)

• Tea garden resorts offering panoramic views.
• Full-service amenities including restaurants, activities, and premium experiences.
• Often located slightly away from the town center for more privacy and natural surroundings.

Insider Experience: I stayed at a resort situated within a tea garden, offering double bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the plantations. The serenity and wake-up views were worth the premium price.

Mid-range Hotels (₹2,000-₹5,000 per night)

• Comfortable accommodations with basic amenities.
• Located closer to or within Ooty town.
• Convenient for sightseeing.

Budget Hotels and Hostels (₹1,000-₹2,000 per night)

• Basic accommodations.
• Perfect for solo travelers or budget-conscious groups.
• Centrally located for easy access to transport and attractions.

Accommodation Tip: For the best experience, consider staying at least one night in a tea garden resort. While it’s more expensive than town accommodations, the experience of waking up to misty tea plantations is unparalleled and quintessentially “Ooty.”

Local Transport in Ooty

Renting Vehicles

• Renting scooters/bikes: Limited availability in Ooty (consider renting from Mysore or Coimbatore).
• Car rentals: Available for approximately ₹2,000-₹3,000 per day.

Public Transport

• Local buses: Connect major tourist spots but can be crowded and uncomfortable.
• Shared taxis: Available for popular routes.

Private Transport

• Taxis/cabs: Most comfortable option for families.
• Auto-rickshaws: Available for short distances within town.

Transport Tip: Public buses in Ooty are not very comfortable for tourists, especially when traveling with family. Consider hiring a taxi for sightseeing, or if on a budget, rent a scooter from a nearby city before arriving in Ooty as rental options in Ooty itself are limited.

Food and Dining in Ooty

North Indian Cuisine

Despite being in Tamil Nadu, Ooty offers several North Indian restaurants catering to tourists from across India.

• Average costs:
  • Dal Fry: ₹160
  • Malai Kofta: ₹180
  • Roti: ₹40-70

South Indian Cuisine

When in Ooty, don’t miss trying authentic South Indian dishes that offer a different flavor profile from what you might be used to.

Chocolate & Tea Shopping

Ooty is famous for locally-made chocolates and tea:

• Homemade chocolates: Available in various flavors (mango, pineapple, cashew, fruit & nut)
• Tea varieties: Direct from factories offering freshness and authenticity

Food Tip: The Upper Market area in Ooty town is the best place to find a variety of restaurants offering both North and South Indian cuisine at reasonable prices. For the freshest chocolates, visit the small chocolate factories rather than tourist shops.

Navigating Indian Street Food in Ooty

While Ooty isn’t as famous for street food as some other Indian destinations, you can still find some local specialties:

What to Try

• Varkey: A crispy, sweet baked good unique to the Nilgiris.
• Ooty Varki: A local biscuit that pairs perfectly with Nilgiri tea.
• Fresh juices and fruit chaat: Available at small stalls throughout tourist areas.

Street Food Safety Tips

• Opt for freshly cooked, hot food rather than pre-prepared items.
• Look for stalls with high turnover and locals eating there.
• Carry your own water bottle to stay hydrated.

Street Food Insider Tip: The small bakeries around Upper Market offer fresh Varkey and Ooty Varki at better prices than tourist shops. The aroma of freshly baked goods is impossible to resist!

Ooty Festival Calendar

• Tea & Tourism Festival (January): Showcasing Nilgiri tea culture with exhibitions and cultural programs.
• Summer Festival (May): Featuring flower shows, boat races, and cultural programs.
• Ooty Mariamman Temple Festival (March/April): Traditional Tamil cultural celebrations.
• Winter Festival (December): Year-end celebrations with food festivals and cultural events.

Ooty Travel Budget Breakdown

Budget Trip (₹5,000-₹8,000 per person for 3 days)

• Accommodation: Budget hotels/hostels (₹1,000-₹1,500 per night).
• Transportation: Public buses, shared taxis.
• Food: Street food, budget restaurants.
• Activities: Selective paid attractions.

Mid-range Trip (₹8,000-₹12,000 per person for 3 days)

• Accommodation: Mid-range hotels (₹2,000-₹3,000 per night).
• Transportation: Mix of private and public transport.
• Food: Restaurant meals, some specialty dining.
• Activities: Most major attractions.

Luxury Trip (₹12,000+ per person for 3 days)

• Accommodation: Tea garden resorts (₹4,000-₹6,000 per night).
• Transportation: Private car/taxi for sightseeing.
• Food: Fine dining, specialty experiences.
• Activities: All attractions plus premium experiences.

Budget Tip: If traveling as a group of 4, sharing a car rental (₹3,000 per day) and accommodation costs significantly reduces per-person expenses while enhancing comfort.

Shopping in Ooty: What to Buy

Tea

• Direct from factories for the freshest varieties.
• Nilgiri black tea is particularly famous.

Homemade Chocolates

• Available in various flavors.
• Specially packaged for gifting.

Eucalyptus Oil

• Known for medicinal properties.
• Locally produced and authentic.

Tribal Crafts

• Toda embroidery.
• Handmade artifacts.

Shopping Tip: For authentic products at better prices, venture slightly away from the main tourist areas. The tea and chocolate factories often offer factory tours where you can see the production process before purchasing.

Practical Tips for Ooty Travel

Language

• Tamil is the local language.
• English is widely understood in tourist areas.
• Hindi is understood by many in the hospitality sector.

Packing Essentials

• Warm clothes (even in summer, evenings can be cool).
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Sun protection (the mountain sun can be intense).
• Rain protection (weather can change quickly).

Mobile Connectivity

• Most major networks have good coverage in Ooty town.
• Coverage might be patchy in remote areas and wildlife reserves.

ATM & Payment Options

• ATMs are readily available in Ooty town.
• Major hotels and restaurants accept cards.
• Carry cash for smaller establishments and entry fees.

Practical Tip: Download offline maps of Ooty before your trip, as network connectivity can be inconsistent in some areas, especially along the Pyakara route.

FAQ About Ooty Travel

Conclusion: The Ooty Experience

Ooty offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, colonial charm, and adventure activities that make it a must-visit destination in South India. From the misty tea gardens to the majestic pine forests, from the toy train journey to wildlife experiences, Ooty caters to a wide range of travel preferences.

My personal journey through Ooty was filled with memorable moments—waking up to views of endless tea plantations, capturing the “wallpaper-perfect” landscapes at Van Lock Hills, and enjoying the serenity of less-explored spots like St. Monica Lake.

Whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, Ooty welcomes you with open arms and promises an experience that will stay etched in your memory long after your visit.

This travel blog is based on my personal experiences during my visit to Ooty. Prices and timings mentioned are subject to change, so I recommend confirming the latest information before planning your trip.

Source – Tamilnadu Tourism

M K