Travel to Ooty
Surface
More commonly known as the Tamil Nadu route, people arriving in Ooty mostly travel on the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty road. Leaving from Coimbatore, it takes approximately 3 and a half hours to arrive in Ooty on this well-maintained highway. Ooty is also connected by bus services that service Bangalore, Mysore and Coimbatore.
If you’re seeking more “adventure,” the Mysore-Bandipur-Ooty route is suggested, taking about 5 worthwhile hours to arrive in Ootacamund. This trip includes driving through the Bandipur national reserve and up winding hills that features 36 thrilling hairpin bends. Please note that the entry to Bandipur is closed at 5:30PM due to being a wildlife reserve. It is encouraged to bring your own water and food as restaurants are few and far between.
Train
Ooty is favorably reached by train by many tourists, available from Chennai to Coimbatore, where you can continue by road to reach Ooty. Another option–the most recommended route–is via the Nilgiri Express Train #2671 from Chennai.
Arriving first at Mettupalayam, the train connects from there to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (as Ooty is a hill station with a narrow railway). The connecting train leaves Mettupalayam at 7:10AM. Please book your tickets in advance in order to assure seats during last minute rushes.
Air
The nearest airport can be found in the city of Coimbatore, located 100 kms from Ooty. It takes approximately 3 and a half hours to reach the airport by road from the surrounding hill stations. The road trip to and from the airport is considered very scenic with picturesque views.
Flights arrive at Coimbatore from cities such as Singapore, Sharjah, and Colombo. The majority of domestic travelers come from various parts of India, such as Bangalore, Mumbai (via Air Deccan, Indian Airlines, Jet and Go Air) and Chennai (via Air Deccan, Paramount, Indian Airlines and Jet).