Ooty, the delightful hill station located in Tamil Nadu, offers a wonderful retreat surrounded by picturesque views, verdant gardens, and refreshing temperatures. We chose to spend three days discovering this lovely town and immersing ourselves in its stunning scenery and exciting experiences. Here’s a recap of our family trip to Ooty over three days, detailing our destinations, activities, and the enjoyment we experienced!
Day 1: Settling into Ooty’s Heartbeat
Arrival and Check-in:
We journeyed from Bangalore to Ooty, a distance of 275 km that took us about 6-7 hours by car, and checked into Sterling Ooty Fern Hill. This lovely resort is situated only 3 km away from Ooty Lake, providing stunning views of the Nilgiris. The price for a family room was ₹5,000 per night, which was quite reasonable considering the location and amenities offered.
Evening at Botanical Garden:
We concluded our day at the Ooty Botanical Garden, located 2 km from the Rose Garden, one of India’s oldest botanical gardens. The children played freely in the expansive lawns while we strolled through the meticulously kept gardens. The entry fee was merely ₹20 per person, and we were quite impressed by the diverse collection of plants and ancient trees.
Discovery of Ooty Lake and Boating Adventure:
Post-lunch, we went directly to Ooty Lake (2 km from the hotel). It was a sunny afternoon, ideal for a leisurely boat ride. We boarded a pedal boat, paddling around in the tranquil waters as the children enjoyed trying their hand at steering. The boat ride was a mere ₹200 per person for a 30-minute journey.
Rose Garden Stroll
After boating, we proceeded to the Rose Garden (3 km from there), which is an actual flower paradise with more than 20,000 species of roses. The entrance charge was ₹30 per head, and the scenery here made it completely worth it!
Dinner:
For dinner, we dined at Earl’s Secret, set inside the historic Fernhills Palace, offering a cozy ambiance and delicious food. A family meal here cost us around ₹1,200, and it was the perfect way to unwind after a busy day.
Day 2: Nature, Adventure, and Wildlife
Doddabetta Peak – A Spectacular Start:
We woke up early on Day 2 and drove up to Doddabetta Peak (10 km from the hotel), the highest point in the Nilgiris. The panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys were absolutely breathtaking. We spent some time enjoying the cool breeze and taking in the views. The entry fee was just ₹10 per person, making it a super affordable spot for families.
Mudumalai Wildlife Safari – A Wild Adventure:
After lunch, we drove for about 1.5 hours (60 km) to the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The safari tour cost ₹400 per person, and we were lucky to spot wild elephants, deers, and colorful birds! The kids were absolutely thrilled to see elephants up close, making this one of the highlights of the trip.
Evening at the Tea Gardens:
On our way back to Ooty, we stopped by the famous Tea Gardens (around 5 km from Ooty). It was lovely to take a walk through the lush green plantations, enjoying the fresh air and the gorgeous scenery.
Dinner:
For dinner, we went to The Place To Be, a cozy restaurant in Ooty town offering a variety of cuisines. The cost for a family meal was around ₹1,500, and the food was delicious and satisfying.
Day 3: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Exploring More
Morning at Pykara Waterfalls:
We started Day 3 with a visit to Pykara Waterfalls (22 km from Ooty). The sound of the cascading water amidst the thick greenery was mesmerizing. We spent an hour enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the kids even dipped their toes in the cool water. It’s a lovely spot for families looking to connect with nature.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway – A Train Ride Back in Time:
After the waterfall, we headed back to Ooty for the much-anticipated Nilgiri Mountain Railway ride. The train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes. The 45-minute journey from Ooty to Coonoor cost ₹300 per person. It was such a fun experience, with the train chugging along the hills, passing through tunnels and offering jaw-dropping views of the valleys below. The kids loved the adventure, and it was the perfect way to wrap up our trip.
Shopping at Ooty Market:
Prior to our departure, we went to the busy Ooty Market (1 km from the hotel), where we purchased local chocolates, homemade cheese, and a few souvenirs to bring home. The market is lively and has a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and handicrafts.
Departure:
By the afternoon, we had checked out of our hotel and started our return journey home, with memories of a wonderful family holiday in Ooty.
Last Thoughts
Total Estimated Cost for a Family of 4 came to about ₹32,000. In short, from boating on serene lakes and spotting wildlife to riding the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, this 3-day trip was packed with fun and adventure. With stunning viewpoints, vibrant markets, and charming hotels, Ooty is a must-visit destination for families looking for a memorable vacation!
