Ooty is rightly called the “Queen of Hill Stations”. Having been there 4 times already, we are still surprised to discover a new side of Ooty with every trip we do here. After our most recent trip to Ooty this time, we decided to pen down for our readers a perfect 5 days Ooty trip itinerary. This 5 days Ooty trip itinerary will include not only the usual touristy places to see in Ooty. But many others beyond them, which we have actually discovered on multiple trips that we have made to Ooty so far. Obviously this 5 days Ooty trip itinerary is not the one that we have followed. But, if we were to combine all our 4 Ooty trips together and come up with one plan, this would be the itinerary for us. Having said that, let me delve right into the itinerary.

I hope that this 5 days Ooty trip itinerary will have something for everyone. If you are a nature lover and want to stay far from the hustle and bustle of the main town, feel free to use the parts of the itinerary which are more suited for you. On the other hand, if you want to stay in the main town and visit it’s attractions, feel free to do so. Basically, if you don’t have 5 consecutive days at hand or if all the parts of this itinerary don’t suite you, feel free to customise it for your needs. By dropping few days or activities here and there. Before delving into the itinerary, let me give a brief overview of Ooty. And other important things required to plan your 5 days Ooty trip itinerary.

How to reach Ooty

From most of the major cities around including Bangalore, Mysore and Coimbatore, regular buses ply to Ooty. One can also drive down to Ooty from these cities and towns. If using train, one can go upto Coimbatore which is the nearest town. And then take a bus or taxi from there to Ooty. Also, one can hire a taxi or drive down on their own. On our trips to Ooty from Bangalore, we have used overnight bus, hired a taxi and also drove on our own. The nearest airport is Coimbatore. So, one can also fly in there and then reach Ooty from there.

What is the best time to visit Ooty

To be honest, Ooty is a year round destination. I myself have visited Ooty during the monsoons in the month of August. And then in summer in the month of April. My next two trips to Ooty were in February and January respectively. And I enjoyed my visit to Ooty in all these seasons. During the monsoon season, the crowd is least. And most of the attractions are empty. Plus, if you are like me, you are going to thoroughly enjoy the clouds hanging low. Actually, they will literally hug you. There are occasional bouts of rain now and then. But these are not very long spells. So you have to just stay somewhere in a shade for a while when it rains. And then continue on your trip after that.

While in the winter months, the sky is clear. And there is warm sunshine in the day. While the air is chilly. So it gets really cold by evening. In fact, on my most recent visit to Ooty one morning we woke up to see the whole meadow covered with a thin layer of ice crystal. Which means the temperature must be dropping to freezing cold during the night at times! So, if you enjoy the winter sunshine and the chilly evenings then visit Ooty between November to February. This season is also not very crowded.

In the month of May, the flowers in Nilgiris are in full bloom. There is even a flower festival held in the Botanical Garden of Ooty. The whole valley is fresh and green after bouts of monsoon showers. The days are warm and nights are comfortably cold during this month. But then it is also the peak season. So, you will find a bit of crowd at the usual tourist spots. So, book your accommodation in advance.

Where to stay in Ooty

We have stayed at different locations during our stay in Ooty on different occasions. And from our experience, we recommend the following accommodations:

• Sterling Elk Hills, Ooty – This is located around 4km from the main town. Not very far, yet tucked in a beautiful secluded corner. The rooms have views of the valley. And the icing on the cake is that they have family suites with kitchenette. Which families are sure to enjoy. Apart from that the food is amazing. And so is the hospitality. We particularly loved staying here with our parents and kids because of the suite room, which reminded us of our similar experience while staying in Bangkok, Thailand. Although the kitchenette is equipped with a microwave. And a sink. Plus basic cutlery. I do wish that it had an induction cooktop or a gas cooktop and some basic pots and pans as well. Nevertheless, it is totally worth a short stay. As, it has all other facilities like wifi, strong network and proximity to the town etc.

 

Book Sterling Elk Hill Ooty here at booking.com

Book Sterling Elk Hill Ooty here at Agoda.com

• La Montana TGI (Previously Sagar Resort), Ooty – This one is special to us. As, this was where we stayed on our first trip. And loved every bit of our stay here. The usp of this place is the big balconies attached to each room. And uninterrupted breathtaking views of the valley from these villas. You can also see the toy train crossing from the valley. Although, it is almost 8km away from the main town. So, if you want to enjoy some peaceful time and beautiful natural views, and don’t mind staying a bit far from the main town, don’t give a second thought to this place. They also have excellent food and service. While staying here, we had hired cab from the hotel for sight seeing. And the charges were very reasonable. Read my complete review of our stay at Hotel Sagar Resort here. 

Book La Montana Ooty here at Agoda.com

• Accord Highland Hotel, Ooty – Hotel Accord Highland is located at a very high altitude, only 3km from Dodabetta Peak, the highest peak in Ooty. Again, it is a bit far from the main town. But it is very conveniently located on the Ooty-Kotagiri Highway. I stayed here on one of the recent visits, just for the mesmerising views of the valley and the Nilgiris mountain ranges from here. The rooms have beautiful views. And there is a big lawn also for kids to play and elders to relax.

Book Accord Highland Ooty here at booking.com

Book Accord Highland Ooty here at Agoda.com

 

• Destiny Farmstay Ooty – This one is very far from the main town, almost 28km. But it is a completely different and unique experience. If you are following our 5 days Ooty trip itinerary, we recommend you stay here for one night. Read my blog post to destiny farmstay, emerald lake and the unique experience that it offers. Along with the description of Emerald Lake – the huge turquoise blue lake . Which is one of the most beautiful lakes I have visited in India. And why staying here at the banks of Emerald Lake at Destiny Farmstay is a very unique experience. We highly recommend staying here for once.

 

Book Destiny Farmstay Ooty here at booking.com

Book Destiny Farmstay here at Agoda.com

 

5 days Ooty trip Itinerary

The 5 days Ooty trip Itinerary is carved assuming you drive to Ooty on your own. So, a lot of time on day 1 and day 5 is reserved for driving. If you are taking an overnight bus or other public transport, you might have a little extra time at hand than what I have put in this 5 days Ooty trip itinerary. So, if that is a case, leave me a comment and I will let you know what you can do for your itinerary as per your arrival and departure schedule.

Day 1: Arrival in Ooty & some sightseeing on the way

Assuming you are driving from Bangalore, Mysore or other such city. Start early in the morning. And then drive down via this route:-

Bangalore->Mysore->Bandipur->Mudumalai->Gudalur->Ooty

 

This route is around 30km longer than the other route via Masinagudi that google maps shows you by default. But, it is much more scenic, one of the best road trips in India! First of all you get to enjoy spotting the wildlife in Bandipur National Park and the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. We spotted herds of deer freely grazing near the highway, some elephants, peacocks, apes and lots of groups of monkeys on our most recent drive through Bandipur and Mudumalai.

Plus you can do some sight seeing while on your way to your accommodation. As, it passes through Pykara Lake, 9th mile shooting point and 6th mile. So, if you start by 5:00am in the morning, from Bangalore, you can reach Pykara Lake by 1:30pm. Even after taking ample breaks on the way. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by forests. You can enjoy a boat ride in the lake. And also visit the Pykara Waterfalls right besides the lake.

From here, you can go to 9th Mile, which is a beautiful green plateau. Perfect to enjoy the scenic green mountains around. It is a perfect spot to have your lunch. Assuming you are carrying it from home or can get it packed on the way. Also, it is a famous shooting place where several scenes from different Bollywood movies are frequently filmed. From 9th mile, proceed further towards the Ooty town. On the way, visit 6th mile. 6th mile is another shooting spot amidst pine forests. You can trek down the mountain slope here, crossing the pine trees. And finally reach on the bank of a scenic lake below. Again, another perfect spot to take some awesome pictures. After all this, you can reach your accommodation in town or near Ooty town by 5:30pm to max 6:00pm.

Actually, we visited these spots on our second trip to Ooty. And the day after arrival in the town. Only to realise that you can cover them right on your way to Ooty!! Thats why we have included these on the first day of this 5 days Ooty trip itinerary.

Day 2: Ooty town sightseeing

If you have not been to Ooty before, it is totally worth it to visit the lovely tourist attractions spread around the town. The top ones include –

Ooty Lake

A beautiful manmade lake in the centre of Ooty town. You can do boating in the Ooty lake.

Or, cycle around the lake. And shop from the numerous shops around the lake.

Dodabetta Peak

This is the highest peak of Ooty. There is an observation deck here. From where you can see far and wide into the plains beyond the Nilgiris. Also, it is mostly chilling and cold here. Because of the high altitude. It is located around 6km from the centre of the main town.

Botanical Garden Ooty

One of the best gardens in India is the botanical garden of Ooty. It includes a huge variety of flora, a glasshouse, a small nursery and vast lawns where one can sit and enjoy nature. This is one spot that I have visited thrice while on my trips to Ooty. Totally love the different shades of green and the different species of plants here.

Deer Park Ooty

Located almost 2km from Ooty Lake, the deer park is a small wildlife sanctuary right in the heart of Ooty town. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts are very likely to love this place. However, I have personally never been here.

Toda Tribe Huts

The Toda Tribes in Ooty are mostly farmers and cattle herders. They live in very unique huts. (Which sure will remind you a bit of Hobbiton!). Although I am sure these tribes have never seen Hobitton. So, do visit these huts and drive the parallel yourself while in Ooty.

Rose Garden Ooty

The Rose Garden of Ooty houses 20 thousand varieties of Roses!! They are mostly in full bloom in the month of May. Where a flower show is also held in the garden. The Rose Garden is another beautiful spot to visit in Ooty town.

Apart from the above, if time permits, visit a chocolate factory. Here you can see the process of making the famous Ooty chocolates.

Day 3: A half day tour of Coonoor & Toy Train Ride

After covering all the Ooty town attractions on the second day of your 5 days Ooty trip itinerary, head for a half day trip to Coonoor from Ooty. Coonoor is another beautiful Nilgiris gem of a place, situated right next to Ooty. Self drive or hire a cab from Ooty, And visit the following attractions in Coonoor.

Tea Garden, Coonoor

Coonoor is famous for it’s tea garden. So, why not visit one on your way there. Many of these tea gardens also have adjoining tea stalls from where you can enjoy freshly brewed tea. And they also have small shops from where you can buy tea leaves. My own memory from my first trip to Ooty is standing in the middle of tea garden. And hugging the monsoon clouds.

Sims Park

What Ooty Botanical Garden is to Ooty, Sim’s park is to Coonoor. It is a very beautiful, large, manicured botanical garden that consists of several varieties of plants & trees. Also, it has a beautiful landscape. With flower beds, small ponds and fairytale bridges across those ponds. Do visit here when in Coonoor.

Dolphin’s Nose

A viewpoint high up that gives 180 degrees view of the surroundings. On a clear day, you can see as far as the town of Coimbatore from Dolphin’s Nose. Another must visit while in Coonoor. The name is “Dolphin’s Nose” because the viewpoint is pointed at the edge just like a dolphin’s nose 🙂

Lamb’s Rock

This is a unique rock which you can climb with a short trek involving intermittent stairs. And then you can trek back another path. There is a small view point at the top. And again, you get to see beautiful views of the plains stretching in all directions. And the Nilgiri mountains standing guard around these valleys.

After visiting these spots in Coonoor, head to Coonoor railway station. And catch the Coonoor Udagmandalam MG Passenger Toy Train (56138) on your way back to Ooty, At the time of this writing, the train leaves Coonoor around 4:30pm and reaches Ooty railway station by 5:45 pm. Meet your cab here and drive back to your accommodation. The toy train is a heritage train of Nilgiri Mountain Railways. Just like the Toy Train in Shimla & the Darjeeling toy train. It passes through beautiful valleys and mountain terrains. Some of the views that it offers are very picturesque and breathtaking.

Day 4: Drive to Avalanche Lake & Emerald Lake from Ooty town

We have reserved the best for the last. For an offbeat experience from the main town of Ooty, visit Avalanche Lake & Emerald lake. These are two huge and beautiful lakes almost 28km from the main town of Ooty. Unspoilt, natural, beautiful! These lakes are located in reserve forest area. And the whole region is called “Silent Valley”. The name is completely justified given the tranquility of this region. They are a must visit. Alas, I didn’t know about them on my first two trip to Ooty. before the third trip, I was looking for something offbeat and beautiful. And that is when I stumbled upon these lakes. Although, I couldn’t plan to stay nearby or spend a good amount of time by these beautiful lakes. But I did return with that burning desire in my heart.

So, on my fourth trip, I planned to spend a night at Destiny Farmstay, on the banks of Emerald Lake. And every moment spent here was totally magical. So, we highly recommend you don’t just drive to these lakes, but rather stay somewhere on the banks or near the lakes. So that you can take a walk or a trek alongside these beautiful lakes. Accommodations like Destiny Farmstay even arrange for camping and picnic by the side of the lake. Here’s my writeup on our Destiny Farmstay Experience! 

Please note that although these lakes are situated just 28km from the main Ooty town. But it takes nearly one hour to reach them. Because of the ghat roads and hairpin bends. So, plan accordingly. As you leave the town, and reach the Avalanche area, you get to a viewpoint from where you can see the whole reserve forest and the lake in the middle of it.

Afterwards, you can further cross the Emerald Dam. And reach the Emerald lake viewpoint. From where you can catch a wider and closer glimpse of the lake. It really looks like an emerald sea in the middle of the beautiful green mountains. Drive further down and you reach the banks of the Avalanche lake. You can actually get down to the lake from here. And have a picnic by the banks.

A little further from here, you reach the Destiny Farmstay Parking. So, if you have booked an overnight stay with them, you can park your car here. And then reach the farm stay in their vehicle. As the last 3km to the farm stay is a narrow mud road that most of the regular cars can’t ply. All the rooms in the resort have beautiful view of the lake. And they also arrange for walking and camping by the lake. So, enjoy your overnight stay near the lake here.

Day 5: Drive back from Ooty

Today being the last day of your 5 days Ooty trip itinerary. Post breakfast, checkout from your accommodation. And start your drive back home. Don’t forget to pack your lunch from Ooty town. Because most probably, during lunch time you will be crossing the forests of Mudumalai and Bandipur. Where you can’t find any restaurant. Neither are you allowed to stop your vehicle. If you pack something for lunch from Ooty, you can conveniently stop anywhere on the way and have it on time.

Last but not the least, don’t forget to stop by a chocolate factory outlet on your way back to buy some homemade, mouthwatering Ooty chocolates. Below is a an Ooty Chocolate Factory Outlet location pinned for your reference. We bought chocolates from here on our last two visits to Ooty. They have large variety and reasonable cost. Also, they have Nilgiris tea in different flavour, essential oils, spices and dry fruits as well.

Tips on doing the 5 days Ooty trip itinerary

• Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking and trekking on the hills.
• No matter which season you visit Ooty in, the nights get chilly. So, carry one thick jacket for the night time.
• Carry more woollen cloths like sweater, cap, muffler when visiting end of December or January and February.
• Also, carry an umbrella when visiting in the rainy season (April – September).
• If you are visiting Ooty during the covid times, you need to e-register at the TN government website and carry a printout of the same. It will be checked at the border while entering Tamil Nadu.
• Also, if you have more days at hand, you can consider staying overnight at Bandipur. It will be a nice break. Plus you can take the safari at Bandipur National Park.
• The town of Ooty is very adequately stocked with all essentials that you need. You can always shop from there for anything and everything while there.

 

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