A quick getaway is all you need to escape from the humdrum of life. What can be better than escaping from the sophisticated urban world into the bliss of nature’s beauty? One such blissful place is Ooty-The queen of hills. While Ooty itself is gorgeous, the view of the journey is equally so.
Coimbatore to Ooty is a distance of approximately 90 Km, and it takes 2 hours and 50 minutes to reach Ooty. You can travel by bus or car or book a flight according to your convenience and comfort. But it should be remembered that there is no direct route for both trains or flights from Coimbatore to Ooty.
Ooty has no airport, and the closest airport to Ooty is in Coimbatore. Therefore, commuting by car is one of the most suitable alternatives. You can either drive yourself, book a Taxi from Coimbatore to Ooty or even get a car to rent for the trip.
Views in the Journey
The lush green ambience of the view is very therapeutic and calming. Although the route had plenty of hairpin bends, you can savour the view of Banana plantations, gorgeous Nilgiri hills and valleys from my seat. There are numerous dhabas where you can stop for tea breaks and witness gorgeous skylines.
Places You Can Visit On The Way.
While the views are majestic, there are a plethora of theme parks, old temples, and amusement rides that can be visited on the way.
Ramayana Theme Park
Ramayana Theme Park has many amusement rides which carry the storyline of Ramayana. The beauty of this place is all the informative stories from Ramayana presented through majestic sculptures. This place is perfect for a family day out, as children can empirically learn a lot while simultaneously having fun.
The tickets are economical, and the place is also very well maintained. If you’re an automobile geek, then you will not regret visiting the GD Naidu Museum, which has a wide range of automobiles on display.
Karamadai Ranganathar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Karamadai Ranganathar Temple is one of India’s oldest and largest temples. Having a seven-tiered raja gopuram, this temple is extremely peaceful and clean and has immense historical relevance since it was built by the Chola empire during the 10th and 11th centuries. This is not the only time that you will find such classic temples on the way; there are numerous temples like Chennimalai Murugan Temple, Arulmigu Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple etc.
Mettupalayam
Visiting the Black Thunder Water Theme Park is usually one of the most awaited parts of the trip. You can get a first-hand experience of all the endless fun and thrill of the water rides. Even if you’re not a fan of water rides, there are numerous dry rides and attraction sites. The tickets range from Rs 550 to Rs 850, depending on your age.
Coonoor
When it comes to Coonoor, being beautiful is just an understatement. One of the most loved places in TamilNadu, Coonoor is famous for its viewpoints, waterfalls, lakes, gardens and tea estates. This route has comparatively better and wider roads, making the journey more comfortable. The delicious chocolates that can be bought on the way will make it even more delightful.
Things To Keep In Mind While Travelling
While the journey can be mesmerising, several things should be kept in mind while travelling from Coimbatore to Ooty. Some of them are mentioned below.
- Unpredictable weather: This region has weather fluctuations; you never know whether it will rain or there will be clear skies. It is always advisable to pack thermals and woolens with you, irrespective of what season you’re travelling in. A raincoat and umbrella should also be carried just in case it rains.
- For Trekking or Hiking: If you’re planning to trek or hike, please do not forget to carry a wooden stick and a torch. Wear comfortable tracksuits and enjoy the adventure in the Nilgiris.
- Best time to plan the trip: While the journey is beautiful throughout the year, it is usually advisable to go there in the summers because the weather is pleasant and the temperature ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. It is advisable not to plan the trip in the rainy season because this region is subject to heavy rains.
Food options on the way
The journey from Coimbatore and Ooty satisfies not only your aesthetics but also your appetite. There are numerous dhabas and restaurants on the way, serving a wide range of food, from south Indian to continental to Chinese. The food is delicious, and the services are also friendly. If you’re new to the city, you can explore numerous restaurants and markets on the way.
Places to visit in Ooty
Ooty is as gorgeous as it looks in pictures. From ambience to comfort, Ooty is beyond perfect for a weekend getaway. Lakes like Avalanche Lake, Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, and Pykara lake and waterfalls like Kalhatty and Pykara Waterfalls are a must-visit if you’re a nature lover.
And how can we forget about the famous toy train, which gives you a majestic travel experience? The toy train trip was the most memorable with its lush green tea estates, thick forests and panoramic view. Also known as the slowest train in India, this train will give you all the relaxation and momentum you need for the vacation.
Final words
The popular adage that the journey is better than the destination stands true for my trip to Ooty. Road trips on cars are more comfortable and personalised as compared to public transport. With all the sightseeing and amusement rides, it is important that commuting is comfortable and hassle-free.
You can book a cab service or car rentals in Coimbatore for a comfortable and memorable trip. If you’re looking for a weekend escape with your family or yourself, Ooty-The queen of the hills is the place to go.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
