On the third day of our journey, we set out for Ooty in the early morning. Despite the map indicating a distance of only 125 km from Mysore, we had to take a longer route of approximately 160 km due to some state border issues.
During our journey to Ooty, we had the opportunity to pass through the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, situated in Karnataka. This reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is a significant part of the Western Ghats Mountains Biogeography Zone. It is bordered by the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu to the south and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala to the southwest.
Places to visit in Ooty :
Ooty, officially known as Udhagamandalam, is a charming hill station nestled in the Nilgiris district of the Tamil Nadu state in India. It is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, cool climate, and lush tea gardens.
1. Nilgiris
As you approach Ooty, you’ll encounter a picturesque stretch lined with Nilgiri trees, and it’s an absolute must to pause your car here, soak in the beauty of the forest, and capture some stunning photos of the surroundings.
2. Pykara waterfalls
The Pykara Waterfalls in Ooty are a captivating natural attraction, known for their serene beauty and the soothing sound of cascading water.
3. Rose garden
The Rose Garden in Ooty is a splendid horticultural attraction, showcasing a vibrant collection of roses and various other floral species, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and garden lovers.
Other places to visit in Ooty :
- Ooty Lake
- Pine forest
- Shooting Point
- Needle View Point
You can find more details about Ooty tourism on the official Tamil Nadu Tourism website : Ooty Tourism
This is how we concluded our third day in Ooty, opting for a light and relaxing itinerary.
Coonoor :
On the fourth day of our trip, we began our journey to Coonoor, which is approximately 20 km away from Ooty, starting early in the morning. Coonoor is a charming hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India.
Places to visit in Coonoor :
1. Hidden Valley
On our way to Coonoor, we stumbled upon Hidden Valley, a tranquil spot where we parked our car by the roadside, enjoyed the soothing sounds of water, and took a leisurely morning walk under the gentle rays of the sun.
2. Sim’s Park
Sim’s Park in Coonoor is a picturesque botanical garden that showcases a stunning collection of exotic plants and offers a delightful escape into nature.
3. Tea garden
As you head towards Dolphin’s Nose Point, don’t miss the chance to visit the beautiful tea garden, where you can enjoy tea with mountain views, explore the fresh tea aromas, and shop for unique tea flavors – a delightful stop for tea lovers and nature enthusiasts.
4. Dolphin Nose Point
Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint is a popular attraction in Coonoor, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
We conclude our day in Coonoor with a captivating journey on the toy train, as it takes us on a scenic ride to Ooty, providing a truly unique and mesmerizing experience.
Other Details :
- Khana Khazana Pure Veg Indian Restaurant : We had a satisfying and soothing lunch experience here. You can find the restaurant at this location : Khana Khazana Restaurant Location
- Royal Serene Villas : This is our chosen accommodation for our stay in Ooty. You can locate Royal Serene Villas at the following location : Royal Serene Villas Location
Note*
In my personal opinion, I find Coonoor more appealing than Ooty for its food, city vibe, culture, and overall tourism experience, making it a preferred choice for those planning a visit to the hill stations.
When returning from Ooty to Mysore, consider the jungle safari in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, but be mindful of the season. We chose the safari, but the timing was not ideal and we saw few animals. Otherwise,you can spot wildlife from your car as well.
On the following day, we returned to Pune, bringing our 4-day journey through Mysore, Ooty, and Coonoor to a delightful conclusion.
Feel free to reach out if you need any further details or information about this trip.
