Hello fellow travellers!
I’m Titli, a solo traveller with a penchant for exploring the serene and scenic beauty of our diverse world. My recent escapade took me to the picturesque hill stations of Ooty and Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. If you’re a nature enthusiast or just seeking a peaceful retreat, join me as I recount my three-day adventure through these charming destinations!
The total budget for the 3-day journey was approximately ₹12,000-15,000 per person, covering transport, stay at Zostel, entry fees, and dining at premium cafes.
Travel and Accommodation Details for Ooty and Coonoor Trip
For travel, I took an AC sleeper bus from Bengaluru to Ooty for ₹1,993 with Streamline and returned for ₹1,260 with Greenline. During the trip, I used a local cab for sightseeing in Ooty and Coonoor, costing ₹3,600 in total. Additionally, I travelled between Ooty and Coonoor by train, with second-class fares at ₹168 and first-class at ₹385.
Upon arrival, I headed straight for breakfast, finding a few places open that early. I decided on Nahar’s Garden Restaurant, located just off the main market and a short walk from Nahar’s Sidewalk Cafe, where I enjoyed a delicious Podi Dosa and chocolate tea.
For accommodation, I stayed at Zostel Ooty: on August 3rd, the 6-bed mixed dorm with a shared washroom was ₹782 per night, and on August 4th, the 6-bed ladies’ dorm with an attached washroom was ₹894 per night.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration in Ooty
The day’s itinerary included exploring iconic spots in Ooty. I started with the Botanical Garden and Rose Garden. While the gardens were pleasant, many flowers had dried up, but they were still worth a visit for the classic Ooty experience. I visited Dodabetta Peak next; though crowded, it offered a nice spot to relax and enjoy the view.
The Tea Factory, known as the highest-elevated tea factory in South India, was a highlight. Nestled in the hills, it provided a fascinating glimpse into tea-making, along with a complimentary cup of Cardamom chai. Adjacent to it was the Chocolate Factory, where I enjoyed seeing the chocolate-making process and sampled delightful treats like orange and coffee truffles.
The Wax Museum was underwhelming, and I wouldn’t recommend it. However, the Thread Garden, located just across from Ooty Lake, was a hidden gem. This unique garden features intricate hand-embroidered flowers and offers charming souvenirs.
I wrapped up the day with a stroll around Ooty Lake, taking photos at various selfie points.
Day 2: Scenic Delights in Coonoor
The highlight of my day was the Ooty-Coonoor Toy Train ride. Known for its scenic beauty and feature in the song “Chhaiya Chhaiya,” the journey was memorable. I boarded the train at 9:15 AM and reached Coonoor by 10:20 AM.
In Coonoor, I visited Lamb’s Rock, a popular viewpoint requiring a short hike through a forest. Despite the thick fog from the rain, it provided some great photo opportunities. At the Strawberry Farm, I enjoyed a tour and explored organic strawberry products, including lotions and wine.
The Singara Tea Garden was my choice for experiencing the lush tea gardens and capturing some green-filled photos. I spent a good hour exploring SIMS Park, a large garden park with various attractions. Due to heavy rain and fog, I skipped the dolphin’s nose and other viewpoints.
I took the 4 PM toy train back to Ooty, arriving at Zostel around 6 PM.
Day 3: Café Hopping and Relaxation
My final day was spent relaxing and exploring Ooty’s local cafés. I enjoyed the cosy Birdhouse Cafe in Coonoor, known for its charming ambience and butterfly pea flower tea. In Ooty, I visited Hill Town Cafe for a relaxing afternoon with filtered coffee and a view of the market. Kurinji Cafe was perfect for refreshing strawberry ice cream.
Hidden Gem in Ooty:
During your visit, be sure to explore these hidden gems. In Ooty, check out the Thread Garden located right across from Ooty Lake. In Coonoor, visit The Birdhouse Cafe for a charming and cosy experience, though watch out for monkeys. Lastly, in Ooty, Earl’s Secret (King’s Cliff) offers a delightful British-era ambience and stunning views, perfect for a memorable meal or stay.
To reach these hidden gems, I used a cab for all locations. You can choose to walk, take a cab, or use public transport, but fares will vary.
Top Dining Spots and Their Delicacies in Ooty and Coonoor:
During my trip, I enjoyed various dining spots:
- At Nahar’s Garden Restaurant in Ooty, breakfast costs around ₹200 for dosa and chocolate tea.
- Nahar’s Sidewalk Cafe, also in Ooty, offered sandwiches and coffee for about ₹350.
- In Coonoor, Birdhouse Cafe served a delicious breakfast with butterfly pea flower tea for around ₹300.
- Moddy’s Cafe, in both Ooty and Coonoor, was a must-visit for their signature hot chocolate, strawberry with chocolate, and assorted chocolate packs.
- Earl’s Secret (King’s Cliff) in Ooty offered tea and noodles for ₹700.
- Hill Town Cafe provided a relaxing afternoon with filter coffee at ₹95 and a view of the Ooty market.
- Finally, Kurinji Cafe in Ooty was perfect for their signature strawberry ice cream at ₹100.
Essential Packing List for Ooty Trip:
- To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, it’s important to pack wisely.
- Firstly, be prepared for unpredictable weather by bringing an umbrella or raincoat.
- Additionally, hiking shoes are ideal for exploring trails and rugged terrain.
- Furthermore, packing dry food will provide you with convenient snacks during your travel.
- Moreover, don’t forget to protect your skin from sun exposure by including sunscreen in your bag.
- For cooler temperatures, light clothing such as coats, sweaters, caps, and scarves is essential.
- Equally important, essential medicines like Paracetamol should be included, as availability might be limited in some areas.
- In addition, aim to travel light to avoid the hassle of overpacking, which will make your journey more comfortable.
- Lastly, consider opting for a window seat on the Ooty-Coonoor train to enjoy scenic views, which can be selected through the booking website.
Travel Tips for Ooty:
- For Toy Train Tickets, book in advance, especially on weekends.
- Also, be cautious with cab drivers, as they may try to reroute to their preferred shops. Stick to your plans to avoid unnecessary purchases.
This trip to Ooty and Coonoor was a delightful mix of exploration, relaxation, and adventure, offering stunning views, unique experiences, and cosy cafés. Ooty is generally safe for solo female travellers.Discover exciting travel stories at https://sowl.in/stories. Let your daydreams turn into reality with our captivating adventures!