How to reach - Ooty, Tamil Nadu

By Air

Air Timing at Coimbatore The nearest airport is in Coimbatore, 100 Km away. You can catch a direct flight to Coimbatore from Chennai, Kozhikode, Bangalore and Mumbai. Indian Airlines flies Delhi-Kochi via Mumbai and Coimbatore.

By Train

Train Timing at Coimbatore
Train Timing at Mettupalayam

Nearest broad gauge railway head is Mettupalayam (46 Km). Major broadgauge railway junction is Coimbatore. It is connected with all major cities. Mettupalayam to Ooty, is connected by a Mountain Railway which is 4 hours journey.

At a height of 2,600m stands Udhagamandalam (Ooty) the Queen of Hill Stations. The 'Nilgiri toy train' connects Ooty to Mettupalayam, at the foot of the Nilgiris. The constructions of this line was a big challenge as the terrain is rather tricky. It was in 1854 that the first plans were drawn to built a mountain railway from Mettupalayam to the Nilgiri Hills. But it was a good 45 years later in 1899 that the first train chugged up this track. This railway is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. The train itself is a charming blue and cream with wooden coaches and large windows. It is hauled uphill by steam engines, designed and built by the Swiss Locomotive Works. Twelve of such locomotive engines survive even today.

The train covers the 46 Km to Udhagamandalam in four - and - half hours. There are five stations between Mettupalayam and Coonoor - Kallar, Adderley, Hill Grove, Runnymede and Kateri - and, at one time, there were five between Coonoor and Ooty too. Though Wellington, Aruvakadu, Ketti, and Lovedale are still functional, Fern Hill, the last one, was closed down a few years ago.

At a height of 2,600m stands Udhagamandalam (Ooty) the Queen of Hill Stations. The 'Nilgiri toy train' connects Ooty to Mettupalayam, at the foot of the Nilgiris.

The constructions of this line was a big challenge as the terrain is rather tricky. It was in 1854 that the first plans were drawn to built a mountain railway from Mettupalayam to the Nilgiri Hills. But it was a good 45 years later in 1899 that the first train chugged up this track. This railway is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. The train itself is a charming blue and cream with wooden coaches and large windows. It is hauled uphill by steam engines, designed and built by the Swiss Locomotive Works. Twelve of such locomotive engines survive even today.

The train covers the 46 Km to Udhagamandalam in four - and - half hours. There are five stations between Mettupalayam and Coonoor - Kallar, Adderley, Hill Grove, Runnymede and Kateri - and, at one time, there were five between Coonoor and Ooty too. Though Wellington, Aruvakadu, Ketti, and Lovedale are still functional, Fern Hill, the last one, was closed down a few years ago.

Extensive rice fields surround the 7 Km stretch between Mettupalayam and Kallar. Soon after is an impressive 21 Km section through truly rocky terrain. The track passes over 26 viaducts, and twists and bends through 13 tunnels. After a steep climb, the train enters Coonoor, the little hill station known for its tea plantations. From here, the track is uphill till you reach Fern Hill at a height of 2,218m, the highest point on the railroad. Shortly before Ooty, the line dips downhill. If you enjoy taking pictures, keep your camera ready for a few shots of the viaduct between Kallar and Adderley.

This ride is sure to turn the most hardened rail critic into an avid fan. You'll delight in the edge - of -the - seat twists and turns as the train runs cross tall grider bridges, and over green hills before gently meandering through rolling tea estates. The exhaust beat of the loco never falters, maintaining a defening staccato which can be heard for miles around. Truly a journey to remember.

By Road

Road Distance from Coonoor

Ooty is well connected by good roads. There is a regular bus service from Bangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore, Calicut, Kanyakumari, Thanjavur, Tirupathi and Cochin. Buses ply regularly to Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Kotagiri, Coonoor and Dodabetta.

Local Transports

City Bus, Taxi and Call Taxi Auto available.