Ooty

Ooty, in the Southern Indian State of Karnataka, is called the "Queen of hill stations" and is the capital of Nilgiris district. Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, Ooty used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days.. It is now one of the most popular hill resorts in India. Ooty is set, pictureously, in the Nilgiris, called the "Blue Mountains" of India. An added attraction for tourists to Ooty, is the mountain train journey (also called the toy train) on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers.

Getting to Ooty

• By Air – The nearest airport is Coimbatore, 100 kms away. The airport most frequently used by visitors to Ooty is Bangalore, 290 kms away.
• By Rail - The nearest mainline railhead for Ooty is Mettupalayam (46 kms) from where one can take the picturesque toy train.
• By Road - Ooty is connected to Bangalore (290 kms), Mysore (150 kms) and Cochin (295 kms)

Best Places to Stay in Ooty

Taj Savoy

A landmark of this picturesque hill town, the Savoy Hotel , sprawls over six acres of landscaped gardens, offering colonial style cottages that were built between 1829 and 1865. Rooms and suites are elegantly furnished, complete with fireplaces etc. Leisure facilities include here are 24 x 7 fitness centre, Ayurvedic centre, children's playground etc.

The Gateway, Coonoor

In the heart of rolling mountains and drifting mists, the hotel with its old-world charm, offers  panoramic views of the Nilgiri's. Ten minutes from the lovely Sim's Park and the Golf Course.  All rooms at the Gateway, Coonoor are furnished in Old colonial style, and are  elegantly appointed, with telephone facility, channel music, colour television with in-house movies and satellite programmes.  Leisure facilities here include a Tennis court, billiards table, table tennis and other indoor games.