How to Reach Ooty
Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is renowned for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, tea gardens, and British-era charm. This guide provides comprehensive details on how to reach Ooty by air, train, road, and bus.
Also Read: Things to Do in Ooty
How to Reach Ooty by Air
Although Ooty does not have an airport, it is well connected to nearby airports, making it accessible for air travelers.
Coimbatore International Airport (CJB)
- Distance to Ooty: Approximately 88 kilometers
- Flight Connectivity: Regular flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. International flights from destinations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
- Transportation to Ooty:
- Taxi: Prepaid taxis are available at the airport. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours.
- Bus: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and private buses operate from Coimbatore to Ooty.
- Train: Take a train from Coimbatore to Mettupalayam, then the Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Ooty.
Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (BLR)
- Distance to Ooty: Approximately 273 kilometers
- Flight Connectivity: Extensive domestic and international flight connections.
- Transportation to Ooty:
- Taxi: Available at the airport; the drive takes around 6 to 7 hours.
- Bus: Several private and state-run buses connect Bangalore to Ooty.
- Train: Take a train from Bangalore to Mettupalayam, then the Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Ooty.
Calicut International Airport (CCJ)
- Distance to Ooty: Approximately 141 kilometers
- Flight Connectivity: Domestic flights and international flights from the Middle East.
- Transportation to Ooty:
- Taxi: Available for hire; the journey takes around 4 to 5 hours.
- Bus: Buses are available from Calicut to Ooty.
How to Reach Ooty by Train
Ooty is accessible via the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers a scenic journey through the hills.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR)
- Starting Point: Mettupalayam
- Key Stations: Coonoor, Wellington, Lovedale, Ooty
- Duration: Approximately 5 hours from Mettupalayam to Ooty
- Attractions:
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills, dense forests, and tea estates.
- Historical Significance: The railway has vintage steam engines and charming, old-world coaches.
Mettupalayam Railway Station (MTP)
- Connectivity: Connected to major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bangalore.
- Transportation to Ooty:
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Directly from Mettupalayam to Ooty.
- Taxi: Available for hire; the journey takes about 3 to 4 hours.
- Bus: Regular buses from Mettupalayam to Ooty.
How to Reach Ooty by Road
Ooty is well-connected by road, making it a popular destination for road trips.
From Bangalore
- Distance: Approximately 273 kilometers
- Route: Bangalore – Mysore – Bandipur – Mudumalai – Ooty
- Duration: Around 6 to 7 hours
- Highlights: Scenic route through Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
From Coimbatore
- Distance: Approximately 88 kilometers
- Route: Coimbatore – Mettupalayam – Coonoor – Ooty
- Duration: Around 3 to 4 hours
- Highlights: Serene landscapes and picturesque views along the way.
From Chennai
- Distance: Approximately 555 kilometers
- Route: Chennai – Vellore – Krishnagiri – Dharmapuri – Salem – Erode – Coimbatore – Mettupalayam – Ooty
- Duration: Around 9 to 10 hours
- Highlights: Diverse terrain and changing landscapes.
Self-Drive
- Convenience: Flexible and comfortable, with the option to stop at various points of interest along the way.
- Road Conditions: Generally good, with well-maintained highways and scenic routes.
How to Reach Ooty by Bus
Ooty is well-connected by bus services from various cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. You can easily book Ooty bus tickets on AbhiBus and travel hassle-free.
From Bangalore
- Operators: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), private operators
- Duration: Around 7 to 8 hours
- Types of Buses: AC, non-AC, sleeper, and semi-sleeper options available.
- Bus Booking: To reach Ooty easily by booking Bangalore to Ooty bus tickets.
From Coimbatore
- Operators: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), private operators
- Duration: Around 3 to 4 hours
- Types of Buses: Regular and deluxe buses are available.
- Bus Booking: To reach Ooty easily by booking Coimbatore to Ooty bus tickets.
From Chennai
- Operators: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), private operators
- Duration: Around 10 to 12 hours
- Types of Buses: AC, non-AC, sleeper, and semi-sleeper options available.
- Bus Booking: To reach Ooty easily by booking Chennai to Ooty bus tickets.
Bus Terminals in Ooty
- Ooty Bus Stand: The main bus terminal in Ooty, well-connected to major cities and towns.
- Local Transportation: Autos and taxis are available for local travel from the bus stand.
Conclusion
Reaching Ooty is convenient and offers multiple options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you prefer the scenic charm of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, the flexibility of a road trip, or the convenience of air travel, Ooty welcomes you with its breathtaking beauty and serene ambiance. Plan your trip according to your preferred mode of travel and enjoy the enchanting journey to this hill station paradise.
