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Planning a family trip to Ooty on a budget? With its scenic beauty, pleasant weather, and kid-friendly attractions, Ooty is the perfect getaway— and with the right tips and smart planning, you can enjoy a memorable vacation without overspending.

Nestled in the misty clutches of the Nilgiri hills, Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is the most visited hill station in South India.

Often dubbed as the “Queen of Hill Stations,” Ooty’s rolling hills, speckled with vibrant gardens, dense forests, and sprawling tea estates, mesmerized me on a family trip I undertook with my elderly parents, husband and 1.5-year-old son.

We covered the main attractions of Ooty and Coonoor in an extended weekend trip and had the most amazing experience on a ridiculously cheap budget.

If you are planning a budget family trip to Ooty, this Ooty Travel Guide has all the information you will need to plan your awesome trip.

Is Ooty Safe to Travel with Family?

Ooty is generally a safe tourist destination for families with low crime rate and negligible incidence reported by tourists. Ooty is safe for women, solo, couple, and family travels.

When it comes to safety in Ooty, it is the weather that you should looking at. Between July and September, Ooty receives torrential rains. This often causes landslides leading to damages to lives and properties. Roads may get blocked due to large boulders or trees falling onto them. Landslides are very common in July and so I would suggest refraining from travelling to Ooty in this month.

Late October to early November is yet another time when the Nilgiris get drenched. Although not as severe as the July rains, November too sees episodes of landslides. In fact, when we visited Ooty in November, our Ooty Toy Train ticket got cancelled due to a landslide incident between Mettupalayam and Coonoor that left a large boulder blocking the train tracks. We then had to rebook our tickets to travel just the distance between Coonoor and Ooty so as not to miss out on this UNESCO Heritage experience.

So, to give you the short answer, yes, Ooty is safe to travel, but the long answer is, to exercise caution with regards to the weather and landslide alerts in the Nilgiris region, especially if you are traveling between July and November.

Ooty Travel Regulations and E-Pass

Ooty, being the most visited hill station in South India, faces certain challenges in its peak seasons due to over-tourism. Since May 2024, the government of Tamil Nadu has imposed certain travel regulations for visiting Ooty, and introduced an e-pass system for all tourists visiting from outside the Nilgiris district.

If you are traveling to Ooty by a vehicle NOT registered in the Nilgiris district, you will need to obtain an e-pass from this website after submitting personal details like the number of visitors, duration of stay and the purpose of visit.

You don’t need to worry as everyone would be issued an e-pass free of cost! After you registered, you will get a QR code which will need to be scanned at the entry and exit points to Ooty. However, if you are entering Ooty by public transport like the toy train or the state bus, then you don’t need the pass.

Another regulation, which was introduced for April-May in 2024 and that may be continued in the coming years is peak season traffic regulation. May is the month of Annual Flower Show in Ooty, which sees a massive tourist inflow. In 2024 May, vehicles going to Ooty from Mettuplayam were allowed to take only the Coonoor Road, while vehicles returning from Ooty were allowed to travel by Kotagiri route only.

Furthermore, all medium to heavy vehicles like tourist buses and tempo travelers were banned from entering Ooty from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. These traffic regulations may be reinforced every May to tackle traffic and vehicular pollution in Ooty.

Where to Stay in Ooty with Family on a Budget

Where you stay in Ooty on your family trip can significantly affect how much money you spend on getting around in Ooty. So, for a budget stay in Ooty, I recommend finding a place close to the city centre like Commercial Street or Charring Cross. The best thing about staying close to the city centre is that you have access to budget restaurants, auto stands, and shopping streets at walking distance. Here are some of my recommendations for a budget stay in the Ooty city centre for family:

BN Tourist Home

Astoria Residency

Another budget option for a comfortable family stay in Ooty would be somewhere close to one of the tourist attractions like the Botanical Gardens or Ooty Lake, where you can get restaurants and connectivity at walking distance, with the additional advantage of maybe a room woth a great view. Here are my recommendations for a budget family stay in Ooty close to tourist spots:

Richfields

KTDC Sudarshan

Bethany Stay

Places to Visit in Ooty with Family

Here are the best places to visit in Ooty with family, with pro budget tips:

Ooty Lake

A must-see in Ooty, Ooty Lake is an artificial lake created over 200 years ago by damming water from streams through the mountains. The lake and the tourism facilities surrounding it offer a great deal for you to spend a couple of hours here. Here you can have different types of boating experiences, such as paddle boating, rowing, and motor boating.

The park adjoining the lake also has an in-house amusement park with games and activities. When we visited Ooty Lake, we had the most fun paddle boating as a family. There is also a place in the Ooty Lake park where you can go horse-riding. The garden and the many eateries in the vicinity offers a great place to relax and chill with your dear ones.

We found several boating spots in Ooty, but Ooty Lake offers the cheapest rates.

Thread Garden

If you are someone who appreciates art and handicraft, Thread Garden should be on your list of places to visit in Ooty.

Thread Garden houses a landscape, complete with flowers, lawn, and a Toda hut, entirely made of thread, wire, and glue. The artifacts are created using a technique called “four-dimensional hand wound embroidery.” The specialty of this technique is that no machine or even needle is used to make them.

Thread Garden is the brainchild of Mr. Antony Joseph that was executed with the support of skilled workers and took about twelve years to fruition. Through the guide at the Garden, I came to know that Thread Garden is mentioned in India Book of Records, Tamilnadu Book of Records, and Unique World Records as a unique and the first thread garden in the world.

If you want to explore Thread Garden, you can spot it right outside and opposite to the Ooty Lake entrance. You need to pay an entrance fee to enter the exhibition hall and can expect to spend about thirty minutes inside.

What I liked the best about the place was that the in-house guide explained in detail about the meticulous techniques involved in making of these craft. After listening to it, I developed a strong sense of appreciation for the craftswomen behind this art. Thread Garden also sells these handmade thread crafts, so if you are looking to buy a souvenir in Ooty, Thread Garde is one of places to get them.

Botanical Gardens

One of the most renowned and talked about places to visit in Ooty, the Government Botanical Gardens is a 55 acres expanse of plants, herbs, and trees of many indigenous and exotic varieties. It has been around for almost two hundred years now and has only gained in charms over these years.

The place houses brilliantly colored flowers all throughout the year, making it a year-round destination. Botanical Gardens is open from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm and you need to pay an entrance fee to visit the place. Expect to spend a good 2-3 hours in the Botanical Gardens.

Every year, the Tourism Department conducts a two-day flower show in the Botanical Gardens in the month of May. This is the time for you to flock to Ooty to behold the splendid sight. We visited in November, post monsoon rains, and even then the garden painted a beautiful picture in front of us.

Ashley’s Tip: Government Botanical Gardens is a must-see on an Ooty trip. This means that every tourist and students from schools and colleges come in large numbers to visit the garden. It is best to get there by 7:00 am or after 2:30 pm. Otherwise, chances are high that you will end up spending a considerable amount of time waiting in queue for your entry tickets. We got in after 2:30 pm when most school trips were concluding and so we got to pose in front of beautiful landscapes.

If you are planning a 3 day trip covering Ooty and Coonoor, here is a practical and budget-friendly itinerary.

Doddabetta Peak

Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiris, is 2637 meters from the sea level. This is a great place to visit in Ooty with family as it is accessible by road and does not require hiking. The view from the top is breathtaking with a view of the valley and mountain ranges through the mist.

Ashley’s Tips: Doddabetta Peak may be closed during the monsoon season due to heavy rain, slippery roads, and occasional tree fall that can block the road. Always check with the locals before heading to the place.

Wenlock Downs

Famously known as “shooting point,” Wenlock Downs is a favorite spot among the Bollywood filmmakers. Wenlock Downs is a meadow on a vast expanse of land and a sight to behold. The summer camp you see in the Bollywood movie, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, was shot here. You can also take horse rides here.

Ashley’s Tips: Two things you need to watch out for in Wenlock Downs are horse droppings and slippery grass. So, inspect the area before sitting down and avoid uncomfortable footwear when visiting the place. While the meadows look spectacular, we were forced to look at the ground while walking out of fear of stepping on horse droppings!

Pykara Waterfalls

Pykara Waterfalls and Pykara Lake are two attractions in Ooty that are  just 3 km apart. These are on the same route as Wenlock Downs and can be easily clubbed together. Pykara Lake offers boating facility but can be pricey compared to Ooty Lake.

The entry to the Pykara Waterfalls viewing area is through a village. After paying the nominal entry fee, you have to walk down on a concrete lane for about 700 meters to react the viewing area. You can also hire a battery car operated from the ticket office area for a per person charge to reach the waterfall.

Do note that you cannot enter the falls as it is dangerous and hence properly barricade. It is safe to take children to view the waterfalls.

If I could change one thing about my Ooty trip, I would have skipped Pykara Waterfalls from it. There is a lot of walking required to reach Pykara Waterfalls. I was traveling with my one-year old son and elderly parents, it was not so comfortable or exciting.

Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake, situated about 25 km from the town center, is part of the Nilgiris Forest Reserve. Here you will find nothing but nature in its wild and raw state. A splendid lake, a safari to the forest reserve, and an opportunity for fishing in the lake are the main attractions of the place. Avalanche Lake is a must-see in Ooty for nature lovers.

You can reach Avalanche Lake checkpoint by private vehicle, which is a one-hour drive. From here you need to get permits for the bus or jeep safari. Try to reach early in the morning to avoid wasting your time standing in queue for the permits.

The drive to Avalanche Lake checkpoint can be a bumpy one as the roads are not in their best state for the most part of the year.

Ashley’s Tip: If you are visiting Ooty between July and September, do visit Avalanche Lake for some trout fishing.

Other Places to Visit in Ooty

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is a serene and picturesque spot located about 25 kilometers from Ooty, nestled in the Silent Valley. It is an ideal place for a peaceful day out, offering scenic views of the surrounding tea plantations and crystal-clear waters. The calm environment makes it perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Needle Rock Viewpoint

Needle Rock Viewpoint, also known as Oosi Malai, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys, with the landscape appearing needle-shaped from a distance. Situated near Gudalur, about 40 kilometers from Ooty, this viewpoint provides a stunning vantage point for sunrise and sunset. The breathtaking view and fresh mountain air make it a must-visit for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Rose Garden

Ooty’s Rose Garden is a vibrant attraction, spread over 10 acres and home to more than 20,000 varieties of roses. Located on the slopes of Elk Hill, the garden features terraced landscaping with lush green surroundings, offering a visual treat for visitors. It’s an ideal spot for leisurely walks, photography, and enjoying the colorful blooms.

Tribal Research Centre

The Tribal Research Centre, located about 10 kilometers from Ooty, is a museum and research institution dedicated to the indigenous tribes of the Nilgiris. Visitors can explore artifacts, cultural exhibits, and historical information about the tribal communities that inhabit the region. It offers a unique cultural experience, providing insight into the heritage and traditions of the local tribes.

Wax World

Wax World, situated near Ooty Lake, is a small museum that showcases life-sized wax statues of famous Indian personalities. The museum also features displays depicting scenes from rural village life in India, making it an interesting and educational visit for both adults and children. It’s a quirky stop for those looking to explore something different in Ooty.

Famous Temples to Visit in Ooty

1. Elk Hill Murugan Temple
2. Mariamman Temple
3. Toda Temple

Famous Churches to Visit in Ooty

1. St Stephen’s Church
2. Holy Trinity Church
3. Sacred Heart Cathedral

If you have a day or two to spare, make sure you visit Coonoor to make the most out of your trip.

Things to Do in Ooty with Family

Here are some fun family-friendly activities to do in Ooty.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The most exciting thing we did as a family on our trip was riding the famous heritage train. Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a meter gauge rack railway that runs from Metupalayam to Udagamandalam (Ooty railway station). In 2005 UNESCO declared Nilgiri mountain railway a World Heritage Site.

You can book the ticket on the IRCTC website and head on an out-of-the-world journey through the valleys and hills in the Nilgiri mountain range.

 The Railway Museum at Metupalayam station can give you a good idea about the history and evolution of the Nilgiri mountain railway. You can also get down at Coonoor and explore the place.

The train ride is, according to me, the best tourist attraction in Ooty.

The journey uphill from Metupalayam to Ooty is 5 hours long. There are no toilets in the train. Make use of the station toilets before you get on.

Read my detailed article on Nilgiri Mountain Railway for all the information you need.

The Tea Factory and the Tea Museum

The Tea Factory and the Tea Museum is a great place for you to learn about the history and evolution of tea. Did you know that The Tea Factory and Tea Museum in Ooty is the highest elevated tea factory in southern India? 

At a nominal fee of ₹10 you can take a peek into the tea making process of “cut, twist, and curl,” and taste a few varieties of teas.

Ashley’s Tip: There are a couple of tea factories in Ooty, but there is only one tea museum situated at the highest elevation. So, take a long look at the photo of The Tea Factory and the Tea Museum below, and save it on your phone so that you can show it to your driver and ask him to take you to that exact place, if you are particular about it. I am saying this because our auto driver took us to another tea museum instead and we got scammed.

Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai National Park is a part of the Nilgiri biosphere with hundreds of species of animals, birds and fauna. You can have jungle safari, elephant safari, or hiking in the National Park. Here, you can even spend a night as there are various accommodation options available.

Mudumalai National Park is more accessible to someone taking the Mysuru-Ooty road. And while you are there you can visit, Masinagudi, a small and beautiful hill station that is a part of Mudumalai National Park.

Ashley’s Tip: If you want to spot animals, the best time to visit is during the summer months of February to May when animals and birds frequent the lakes to cool themselves down. This is also a great time to sport migratory birds

How to Reach Ooty on a Budget

One of the reasons why Ooty gets so many tourists is its accessibility. I explain here how you can reach Ooty on a budget.

How to Reach Ooty By Road on Budget

If you are traveling from north of Ooty, such as Mysuru (Mysore) or Bengaluru (Bangalore), the Mysuru-Ooty Road is the way. Ooty is about 7 hours from Bengaluru by road.  Masinagudi and Needle Rock Viewpoint are bonuses on the way to Ooty, in this route.

If visiting Ooty from Mangalore or north Kerala, it is best to travel via Mananthavady. However, from anywhere else in Kerala, Ooty can be reached via Coimbatore-Metupalayam Road. 

You need to reach Mettupalayam to go to Ooty by road, if you are traveling to Ooty from anywhere in Tamil Nadu. The cheapest way to reach Ooty by road is to take the state bus. State bus services ply from major cities across Tamil Nadu, Mysore, and Bangalore to Ooty.

If you are planning to arrive at Ooty in own vehicle, it is still a budget option as you would not need to incur additional expenses for local travel.

How to Reach Ooty By Train

The train is definitely the cheapest means of transport to reach Ooty on a budget. Unlike most hill stations, Ooty has good connectivity to major cities in Tamil Nadu, such as Chennai, Madurai, and Thirunelveli.

If you want to reach Udagamandalam, Ooty’s railway station, you need to reach Mettupalayam railway station first.

You can reach Mettupalayam by train from Chennai by the Nilgiri Superfast Express. Similarly, from Tirunelveli or Madurai, you can reach Mettupalayam by Tirunelveli Mettupalayam Express, which starts from Tirunelveli every Thursday. There are also many passenger trains running between Mettupalayam and Coimbatore.

Best Time to Visit Ooty with Family

While Ooty is considered a year-round tourist destination, April to June and September to November are considered the best time to visit Ooty, especially if you are traveling with family. Depending on the time you plan your trip, the Nilgiris can give you different experiences.

Budget Tip for Best Time to Visit Ooty with Family: The only expense that gets affected by when you visit Ooty based on season is the hotel booking charges, so plan and book your stay well in advance to avoid peak season charges on your family stay in Ooty.

April to June

April, May, and June are the summer months when the average temperature is about 25 °C. It is cool, the view up on the mountains is spectacular, and it is a great time for hiking. The major attractions in Ooty like Botanical Gardens and Rose Garden look their best in the summer season.

This is also the time for summer vacation in schools, so brace yourself for peak season hotel charges, large crowds, and heavy traffic.

July and August

These are the monsoon months when the Nilgiris can get quite drenched. If you want to avoid the crowd or intent to spent most of your trip in a tea plantation or a resort with in-house activities, this might be the best time as hotel charges are the cheapest at this time.

September to November

September to November is the time when the rains start making way for a chilly and misty weather in the Nilgiri hills. You can see nature bloom in front of your eyes with new fauna of different colors and shape. 

The valleys look beautiful and green. The lakes and waterfalls are at their fullest and mightiest. There could be occasional drizzle here and there

This is the second peak season in Ooty, which definitely brings in the crowd. You can cover most of the tourist places in Ooty, however, this may not be the best time for hiking or visiting places like Doddabetta Peak as the roads may get too slippery.

December to March

The winters in Nilgiri can be between 5 °C to 18 °C. If you are planning to visit mostly the top tourist spots in Ooty and not planning for any adventure, this is a great time. As visibility is quite low during the winter season, driving may get challenging during early morning and evening.

Ashley’s Tip: If planning to spend most of the time in a resort and not planning on touring the famous spots, choose off-season months to get the cheapest deals on your stay.

How to Get Around in Ooty on a Budget

Hiring a private car is the most convenient way to get around in Ooty, but not the best budget option. But if you are visiting as a larger group, booking an Innova through your hotel will be the most practical solution to get around in Ooty.

For a more budget option, an autorickshaw or even the stae buses (for longer distance) are affordable options. Ride apps like Ola and Uber do not work in Ooty. We used an autorickshaw for a day trip to cover Pykara, Wenlock Downs, Pine forest and then back to Ooty for an affordable rate. The autodrivers quote ridiculous charges when you approach but put your negotiation skills to good ue and you can get a reasonable deal.

Where to Eat in Ooty

Chocolate: King Star, Moddy’s Chocolates

Tea: High Hill Tea

Café: Earl’s Secret, Cocoapods, Willy’s Coffee Pub

South Indian: Hotel Junior Kuppanna (non-vegetarian), Adayar Ananda Bhavan (vegetarian)

North Indian: Kailash Parbat (vegetarian), Pankaj Bhojanalaya (Jain options available)

Continental: Earl’s Secret, Place To Bee, Angaara

For a more detailed review of the best restaurants in Ooty, check this blog.

Where to Shop in Ooty

Whatever you need to buy in Ooty, you can find it in the two-and-a-half kilometers stretching from Udagamandalam railway station to Botanical Garden. The street is rightly called Commercial Road.

Here you can get anything from woolen (Tibetan Market), to handicrafts, spices, homemade chocolates, essential oils, and the famous Ooty varky. An evening stroll through Commercial Road is all you need to complete your Ooty shopping.

What to Pack for Ooty

What to pack for Ooty depends significantly on when you are visiting.

Clothing: If traveling in the winter months from November to February, carry heavy woolens; at any other time of the year, light woolens will do. Polyester jackets are great for the time between July to November as there may be rains and your woolens may not dry quick enough if it you were to get drenched. If you are visiting in April to June, you will only need a light jacket for night as days are quite warm.

Footwear: Some of the major tourist attractions in Ooty require you to walk on uneven terrain. Carry your comfortable walking shoes.

Umbrella or Raincoat: If visiting in the monsoon months from July to September, a raincoat is a must. Nilgiris receive rain 9 months a year, so it is best to carry an umbrella with you for any unanticipated rain. We visited in November and it rained a couple of times.

Skincare: Sunscreen is a must in Ooty as you will be out in the sun with very little shade most of the time. I like to carry separate body sunscreen and separate noncomedogenic sunscreen for my face.

The cold weather may be harsh on your skin, so carry a nourishing body lotion, hydrating lip balm and face moisturizer. If you are visiting Ooty in the winter months of December and January, I would recommend a ceramide-based face moisturizer.

Ooty Trip with Babies and Kids

I visited Ooty when my son was 1.5 years old. He was running a fever so he was extra cranky. If you are planning to visit Ooty with a baby or little kids, here are some things you need to know.

First, kids and hill stations make the perfect combination for motion sickness. Keep additional clothing handy in the diaper bag just in case you will need to change them.

If you are visiting in own car, use a baby car seat. This is not only safer but considerably reduces the baby’s movement on the zigzag hairpin roads.

One baby gear that made my Ooty trip a breeze with my little one was my baby carrier. I could carry him around hands-free and comfortably while I explored the meadows of Wenlock Downs and the valleys of the pine forest in Ooty.

For your baby’s skincare, I would recommend a good baby lotion and a baby-safe sunscreen.

Carry sufficient snacks and water with you to keep your little one satiated. They may not be used to all the walking they would have to do to explore Ooty’s attractions.

The best things to do in Ooty with kids are Toy Train ride, exploring rides and boating at Ooty Lake, taking a stroll in Botanical Garden, Jungle Safari at Mudumalai National Park, and trout fishing at Avalanche Lake. I would recommend NOT visiting Pykara Waterfalls with kids as there is a lot of walking involved and we didn’t find it worth it.

Wrapping Up: Budget Ooty Trip with Family

To conclude, the best places to visit in Ooty on a family trip are Ooty Lake, Thread Garden, Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Wenlock Downs, Pykara Lake, and Avalanche Lake. If you are visiting Ooty from Bangalore or Mysore, do add Masinagudi and Needle Rock Viewpoint to your Ooty itinerary.

The best things to do in Ooty with family are experiencing Ooty Toy Train, visiting a tea factory, and exploring nature at Mudumalai National Park. Taking a cab is the best way to get around in Ooty.

I hope my guide on budget Ooty trip with family helped you plan your trip better. Happy Travels!

Did you find this Ooty Travel Guide useful in planning your budget Ooty family trip? How was your Ooty trip? Did you find or experience anything that I should mention here? Let me know in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you.

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Pondicherry Travel Guide

Coonoor Travel Guide

Image Credits: Avalanche Lake, Ooty Tea Factory  and Tea Museum