Mahindra Homestays » Tamil Nadu

Places in Yercaud

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:31:07 +0000

Weekend destinations provide that timely respite from hectic schedules at work! Yercaud is one such destination which serves this purpose both from cities like Bangalore and Chennai. It is a small hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu and one of the few top spots for a summer break.

Located in the Shevaroys range of hills of the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud boasts of an altitude of almost 5000 ft above sea level! It is known as the jewel of the South. Yercaud provides plenty of relaxing and adventure activities given its vast forest cover and abundance of flora and fauna.

Some of the places in Yercaud to see:

1. Boating in the Yercaud Lake – The centre of the lake is adorned by a lake which is a fascinating spot for children. One can do boating in the evenings or just take a walk around it. The pleasant weather adds to the charm.
2. The National Orchidarium and Botanical Garden – Both a learning and tourist experience, the Orchidarium was established in 1963 and is home to more than 4000 species of plants.
3. Lady’s Seat – A wonderful viewing point, the Lady’s seat provides wonderful sights of the plains below and is great for sun rise and sun sets.

4. Silk Farm – Not too far from the Lady’s Seat, a silk worm unit is open to visitors to see the entire process of silk making. Worms are bred on mulberry bushes and then taken through the process of spinning and weaving.
5. The Servaroyan Temple – This is the highest point on the Shevaroy hills and is dedicated to Lord Servaroyan. There is an annual festival held in the month of May here.
6. Hiking Trails – Given the proximity of nature and meandering trails in the region, one can go for short hikes with a local guide.
7. Fairholme Cottage – An old colonial bungalow which has been converted into a heritage hotel is also popular with the tourists to make a short stop.
8. Heaven’s Ledge – Aptly named Heaven’s Ledge, a scenic cliff stands atop the Gowri Estate and provides ethereal views of the valley below. The place also has camping options and is pleasantly out of the main town, almost 15 kms from the outskirts.
9. The Grange - Presumably the oldest building in Yercaud, this was built in 1820 as a summer resort for Robert Clive, a general in the East India Company.
10. Killiyur Falls - An impressive 90-foot (27 m)-high waterfall, Killiyur, makes for a fun picnic spot near Yercaud. One can pack a snack and some board games to spend a day near the falls.

Find out more about sights and attractions in Yercaud or check out our Yercaud homestay collection to start planning your own hill station break!

Best places to enjoy India nightlife

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:45:40 +0000

After battling whole new stimuli of smells, sounds and sights of India, one can do with a break at the end of travelling to temples and monuments. Most visitors pass through or enter India through the major metros, where most of the night life exists. India is not counted as one of the top party destinations, but its colonial past has left some remnants of clubs and nightlife. We pick out the top seven spots for a fun urban evening where you can enjoy India nightlife!

1. Mumbai
The vibrant city of Mumbai is certainly one of the few destinations in India, which can claim to have nightlife at all. Safe for women to travel even late at night, Mumbai has a burgeoning pub and live gigs culture. Some of the places that one must visit are Totos in Bandra for an old school feel of grabbing a beer with a friend, amidst loud thumping music from the 70s and 80s. Bandra has a bustling nightlife with a few pubs strewn in the area. This is probably where one can hop from one place to another; else the distances in Mumbai are long to traverse in the middle of the night. Blue Frog and Jazz by the Bay are some other options for live gigs and karaoke nights. Stand up Comedy is high on the list of things to do for the younger generation. Catch some fresh Indian talent at the Comedy Store and Cafe Goa, and some alcohol to go along with.

2. Goa
Goa has always been the destination of deliverance where nightlife spots are concerned. Usually when the season in bustling with foreign internationals, so are the party spots of Goa. This is between October to March. For the rest of the year, it is not worth your while to go looking for a spectacular nightlife here. While Titos and Mambos were the stalwarts of nightlife for many years, now newer names like Butter Lounge and Shiros rule the roost. On Saturday night, join the party goers at Anjuna Beach to catch some trance and psychedelic music. Image credit by Berno

3. Delhi
Apart from the mainstream drink and dance places in Delhi, there is a whole new breed of underground music artistes who are bringing a fresh dimension for people who always want to be surprised. Catch B.L.O.T, Sifar and others who are hitting some new genres in Delhi. Shalom, Djinns, Mirage, Sahara, Mezz and Ministry of Sound are some places where you can catch some action on the music and dance scene in Delhi. Be careful as to be escorted by known people only and book your cab ahead if everyone in the group is drinking.

4. Bangalore
With a legacy of being the ‘beer and pub’ city of the country, Bangalore might have lost some lustre where the nightlife is concerned, but its easy paced fun is contagious. Still a great place to get a beer and enjoy the weather, Bangalore has a number of places to enjoy the evenings, except that one must wrap up by 11.30 p.m Jayamahal Palace for a slice of royalty, 13^th floor for the old timers and Toit, the latest addition, are all great places to catch up with friends. Places like Dewers, the first pub of Bangalore, are sorely missed by the locals. Another great pub for which many eulogies have been written but it still appeals to many, is Pecos. Known for its esoteric choice of music with jazz and blues, people still like Pecos for its impressive collection of cassettes. Try another classic place called Styx for some heavy metal. Though dancing is not allowed in Bangalore, Mynt is the only reasonable place where one can shake a leg. The central M.G Road area is known to have over 40 pubs in a radius of 1 kilometre.

5. Chennai
Unlike its image of a largely middle-class lifestyle, Chennai’s nightlife has been on an upswing for the last 5 years or so. Names like Dublin, Zara (an old time favourite), Hell Freezes Over, Bikes and Barrels and Geoffrey’s are names the young lot reckon with. Be at any of these for a fun filled evening.

6. Hyderabad
10 Downing Street, Bottles and Chimneys, Touch, Liquids, N, Ahala, Excess and Torque are some of the places which are worth your while in the ever growing pub scene of Hyderabad. The music sometimes can be a disappointment, but the number and variety of places in Hyderabad that make the nightlife more exciting, are in plenty. Try some ‘Famous’ ice-cream after you are done for the night.

7. Varkala
A surprise entry on the nightlife sector, but Varkala certainly owns a special spot here! The calm beaches on the edge of a cliff are the perfect backdrop for a couple of drinks in the months of October to March.

If you would like your next trip to include some of our top picks for India nightlife then get in touch and we can help you plan a fantastic itinerary.

For accommodation in India take a look at our homestay collection. Your hosts will be happy to help you find the best places locally for a good night out!

Beaches of India: East Coast Beaches

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:47:04 +0000

India as one of the largest peninsular countries enjoys the advantage of having vast stretches of some pristine beaches. Coastal states of Goa and Kerala have already established themselves as ‘must go to’ beach destinations across the world but the beaches in east India are also well worth exploring.

The French colony of Pondicherry is the perfect place to get a slice of history and beach time on relatively remote locations. Apart from traversing the cobble stone streets of this quaint town, head north for some quiet and beautiful beaches. A pleasant departure from shop lined beaches on the western coast, all you might get here is a lone shack, serving simple but tasty food and a few beverages. The Serenity beach is one of the most popular but with this increase in popularity it is also getting increasingly busier.

If you travel towards Chennai to the north from Pondicherry, there are small lanes on your right that lead up right to the sands. Finding a lone spot for yourself is easy! If you are looking for some comfort, the resorts on the coast have private beaches with all the luxury or for a more authentic experience of the place, stay at a homestay and hire a bike or cycle for the day and explore on your own. October to March is a great season to visit Pondicherry and soak in all the sun!

Another coastal destination which has not yet arrived on the radar for travellers is the state of Orissa. Close to the Bay of Bengal on the North Eastern side of India, Gopalpur is one of the popular beaches to visit. Clean white sand, palm lined stretches, water sport activities and street food are available on this beach.

Most people visit Orissa for the famous Jagannath Puri Temple. Once finished with the spiritual part of the journey, explore the beaches for some relaxation. Sailing and surfing under expert guidance can also be thrilling experiences.

Though they are rapidly losing lustre, the Chennai beaches Marina and Besant Nagar beach are also frequented by many visitors. Infact Marina beach has an admirable record of being the longest in Asia with a sandy stretch running for 13 kms although after the Tsunami hit the coast in 2004, part of the beach has unfortunately shrunk. Marina beach is considered a great social establishment by the local community. Visit early in the morning or evening to see it bustling with locals busy with various activities – a game of football, local snacks being served, people strolling, vendors selling handicrafts – all great photo opportunities! Take an early morning visit to the fishing village side and see how the catch comes in the wee hours of the morning!

For the more adventurous in nature try skirting the east coast of India, right from the bottom most point at Kanyakumari and heading north. The trip allow you to experience a part of India which is relatively unexplored by tourists. The local flavours will be strong, situations memorable and the beaches in east India beautiful.

If you would like to include plan a trip to include the beaches of east India contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Best places to see traditional Indian dance

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 03:01:42 +0000

You will come across many cultural traditions and rituals in India long ago and for many visitors the energy and spectacle of Indian dance leaves them spellbound. There are many types of traditional dance in India, with each form representing the culture and ethos of a particular region. We discover some of the performances you won’t want to miss and the top regions to see them in.

Kerala
Imagine yourself in a small coastal town of Mahe, locked between two portions of Kerala, in a sultry afternoon by a small village temple. The villagers and visitors watch with rapt attention! The variety of the crowd somehow transforms in one awed homogeneous group – the performer breaks into an enchanting routine. A hypnotic Theyyam dance is performed everyday at noon in this small village on the outskirts of the erstwhile French colony, Mahe. Yet, everyday, the locals are spell bound by the energy and devotion and the travellers left in absolute amazement.

Like this inconspicuous temple, Kerala is dotted with many more which are hallmarks of Indian traditional dances. Look out for Kathakali, Theyyam, Koodiyattam, Aravanmuttu and many more to get your fix of traditional dances in India. Since Kerala is almost synonymous to tradition and culture, many places like Fort Kochi have auditoriums where daily shows are performed with an interpreter to really understand the dances.

Tamil Nadu
Like Kerala, its neighbour Tamil Nadu is also known to harbour great traditional dance forms. Bharatnatyam, Kummi, Mayil Attam or Bommalattam are often made accessible in places like Chennai in dance and music seasons. During festivals like Pongal in January the streets are filled with dance making this a perfect time to visit.

Nagland
While the South has established itself strongly on the dance platform, another direction where you may want to venture is the North Eastern states of India. The cluster of Seven Sisters is extremely rich in tribal and folk dances. Infact, Nagaland also has a festival to bring together all tribes to showcase their traditional dances – the Hornbill Festival. In this region, it is advisable to stay with a local family, as the context and references in dances can be understood more clearly.

Also visit …
India has such a vast variety of traditional dances, that every state throws up a ‘must see’ list. Rajasthan is famous for its Kalbelia, while Punjab exults in the Bhangra – the list is truly endless. No matter which part of the country you decide to visit you will be sure to find your foot tapping in time to the music and dance of India.

If you would like to include a visit to some Indian dance performances on your next trip get in touch and we can help you plan a fantastic itinerary.

For accommodation in India take a look at our homestay collection. Your hosts will be happy to talk to you about the local culture and traditions and can help you find authentic dance recitals to enjoy.

National Parks of India – Mukurthi National Park

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 22:46:00 +0000

The Nilgiris plateau of the Western Ghats of India is one of the richest in bio-diversity making it an important area for national parks. The area offers rolling hills, wide forest cover and favourable weather, plus there seems to be relatively better conservation proclivity amongst the people of the region. Mukurthi National Park is a protected area located in the south-eastern corner of the Nilgiris Plateau

About Mukurthi National Park
The Mukurthi area was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in August 1982 and later upgraded as a National Park in October 1990 to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, a stocky goat which is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. Mukurthi National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site. The Mukurthi peak at above 8000 feet above sea level provides great fascination with its odd shape of a sharp acute angle and is a grand imposing edifice to the region around.

Exploring Mukurthi National Park
The easiest way to get to Mukurthi is by road both from bigger cities like Bangalore and Chennai. The best way to explore this haven of natural resources is by foot. Ooty being the nodal point, it is the starting place for some fascinating treks into the reserve – though this can be done only with prior permission. Ooty is a good place to base yourself, homestay hosts in the area can give you handy tips for the treks and advise you on some special trails too.

Wildlife of Mukurthi National Park
Initially set up for the conservation activities around the Nilgiris Tahr, it is home to many other species of animals, namely leopards, deer, otters, small Indian civets, wild dogs, jackals, black nape hare and a plethora of avian diversity. It’s a treat for wildlife and bird watching enthusiasts.

Things to do in Mukurthi National Park
There are a number of trekking routes which are listed on the Tamil Nadu Forest Department website.

The Mukurthi peak is a trekker’s delight, don’t miss Parson’s peak, Pykara falls and extensions into Devabetta, Silent Valley and Mudumalai National Park. After roughing it out in the wild, give yourself a rest in Ooty to enjoy beautiful gardens, visit a tea factory and relax with a picnic in the numerous green spaces.

When to go to Mukurthi National Park
Avoid the monsoons if you are not enthusiastic about leeches. For those who do not get flustered with weather, the rains are unbelievably beautiful to watch. The favourable season to visit Mukurthi is between February and May and then again in September to November. This is when you will see clear skies, the best of weather to trek in and robust waterfalls along the way.

Read our Ooty destination guide.

If you are interested in visiting Mukurthi National Park then our reservations team can help you plan a trip based on your interests. Get in touch to find out more!

Things To Do in Yercaud, a near-pristine hillstation in Tamil Nadu

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:22:34 +0000

Yercaud is a quiet and near-pristine hillstation in Tamil Nadu. It is perched at an altitude of 1,500 m above sea level and is located in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats. Yercaud is an enchanting and picturesque hill station and there are plenty of things to do in Yercaud for visitors.

1. FLORA: Much like the rest of the region, Yercaud is known for its coffee plantations. But here people can also find densely laid out orange trees. In Yercaud don’t miss the delightful orchidarium with a large collection of native orchids.

2. FAUNA: Wildlife loves will enjoy spotting bison, deer and more. Partridges, kites, swallows and more will thrill birdwatching enthusiasts. Trekking is one of the top things to do in Yercaud and offers good opportunities for wildlife spotting.

3. SERVARAYAN TEMPLE: Set at a height of 5326 feet, this is Yercaud’s highest point. So, it attracts people for more than its spiritual value. The view from here is a photographer’s delight, particularly at sunset.

4. THE YERCAUD LAKE: This usually uncrowded and clear lake is surrounded by greenery and thick woods. In May, Anna Park, the Lake’s beautifully manicured garden is the venue of a popular Summer Festival. Near the Lake you can find the Deer Park, where spotted deers are housed.

5. KILLIYUR WATERFALLS: This beautiful, 300 feet high waterfall is found in the Eastern ghats. Guests can join a visit to this waterfall along with a trip to the lake as they are merely 3kms apart. The final 500m stretch to the waterfall is steep and trying, but it is worth the effort.

6. THE LADY’S SEAT: This popular tourist site is shared by many nearby hillstations like Coonoor and Ooty. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the ghats around. At night, the bright lights of Salem town are a sight to behold. With a clear sky, it almost feels that there are stars both above and beneath you.

7. PAGODA POINT: This is also another popular viewpoint in Yercaud. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama here. But it is mostly an attraction for those looking for scenic vistas of the region.

8. ANNA PARK: This lovely Park is a favourite amongst families. It is located near Yercaud Lake and has activities which cater to children such as slides. Inside make sure you don’t miss the Japanese park, where flora is grown in traditional Japanese style.

Find out more about Yercaud and search for homestays.

If you are interested in trying some of these things to do in Yercaud then get in touch with our reservations team who can help you plan a fantastic itinerary.

Destination of the month: January in Tamil Nadu

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:30:04 +0000

In the second week of January, when the whole world is recovering from the New Year hangover, the state of Tamil Nadu begins preparing for Pongal. This is a festival of prosperity, family and new beginnings. And here is all you need to know about it.

What is it?
Pongal is a four day harvest festival. It is primarily a Hindu festival and it is celebrated in temples with bells and drums. Rice, the staple of Southern India is prepared on a large scale, prayer ceremonies are performed in temples and in homes, Kolam designs are made and tributes in the form of vegetables and spices are offered to the Gods. This tribute is then offered to devotees as prasadam.

Kolams are thought to bestow prosperity to homes.

When is it?
The annual festival is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar and falls on the 16th of January.

Where is it?
The festival is specific to Tamil Nadu and guests can participate in the festivities that take place in any local, Hindu homestay.

Wood fires used for cooking during Pongal

The four days in detail
The first day is called Bhogi when old clothes and materials are burnt to mark a new beginning.

The second day is Pongal when fresh milk is boiled at dawn and is allowed to spill over. The social aspect of the day involves preparation of traditional delicacies and visiting homes of friends and family to offer greetings.

The third day is Mattu Pongal when cattle is thanked and celebrated for ploughing the lands and providing people with food.

On Kanum Pongal, which is the last day of Pongal, the family goes out together for a picnic.

Where to stay
Staying in a family homestay is the best way to observe and even participate in the Pongal festival. Find out more about our homestays in Tamil Nadu.

Related articles about Tamil Nadu
Things to do in Tamil Nadu
Enjoy an easy weekend break from Chennai

Enjoy an easy weekend break from Chennai

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 10:31:28 +0000

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and a bustling city and a popular hub for travellers. Just a few hours from Chennai are some exceptional hill stations and cities where you can enjoy divine scenery, weather and history. We bring you six locations that are convenient and beautiful weekend getaways from Chennai.

Coorg: Nestled in south-west Karnataka lies Coorg, a small hillstation that’s often called ‘The Scotland of the East’.

Ooty: Ooty is known as ‘the queen of the Blue Mountains’ and is a beautiful hill station located in the Nilgiris. It is known for its beautiful gardens, wooded rolling hills, pine and eucalyptus forests, coffee and tea plantations, ancient tribes and monuments.

Coonoor: Coonoor is the second highest hillstation in Nilgiris and it is perched at a height of 1,856 meters above sea level.Coonoor is a haven for bird lovers; it’s home to songbirds like nightingales, babblers, larks and robins.

Yercaud: Located near Salem in Tamil Nadu’s Servarayan range at an altitude of 1,500 meters is Yercaud. The hills here are rich with fauna and flora, which includes bison, deer, rabbits, hares, and many others. The Yercaud Lake is surrounded by well-groomed gardens and thick trees.

Bangalore: This young city boasts of a rich history. From ancient temples to popular nightclubs, Bangalore has it all. Some of the most important temples here are the dravidian Bull Temple, the ISKCON Temple and a Hanuman Temple. Houses of meditation and spirituality such as the world renowned Art of Living Foundation have an ashram here.

For the family ideal parks are Cubbon Park, a green oasis apread in over 300 acres. For wildlife lovers the Bannerghatta National Park is a great place to spot migrating elephants, bison, wild boar and if one is extremely lucky, the elusive leopard as well.

Mysore: Mysore is known as the ‘city of palaces’ and here one can find the Ambavilas Palace also known as the Mysore Palace, the Jaganmohana Palace, the Jayalakshmi Vilas and the Lalitha Mahal. Chamundeshwari Temple, which is perched on the Chamundi Hills is a revered shrine.

Staying in a homestay is the perfect way to enjoy these destinations. Our reservations team will be happy to help you with planning a perfect getaway, feel free to leave us a comment or request more information and we will get in touch with you.

Places to visit and things to do in Tamil Nadu

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 03:00:23 +0000

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu, a bustling state which offers many unusual wonders to travellers. From exceptional hill stations to historic cities there is plenty of things to do in Tamil Nadu. Discover our top things to do and see in this exceptional Southern Indian state.

1. Monuments of Mahabalipuram: These stone creations were made way back in the 7th century and are invaluable historic sites. They are located near Chennai and taxis to the sites are easily available from the capital. The monolithic temples were created by the Pallavas. The caves and temples of Mahabalipuram are one of the most popular attractions in the state.

2. Brihadeswarar Temple: Southern India is most famous for the art and architecture of its temples. And one of the most famous temples in the region is this grand creation. It is located in Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu and was the world first granite temple. It was made by the Cholas in 1010 AD and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Chennai: The capital of Tamil Nadu has many attractions for people of all ages:

The Vivekananda House and Museum is dedicated to the life and teachings of the great Swami Vivekananda.
Seventeen kilometres outside of Chennai are The Gudiyam Caves these prehistoric natural caves demand a testing 4 km trek from visitors.
Marina Beach and Elliot Beach are Chennai’s most famous beaches. The former is 12 kms long and is the world’s second longest beach.
The Anna Zoological park was created in 1855. But in 1979, it was shifted to its current 510-hectare location. The park is one of the largest zoos is Asia and houses over 170 species of animals and birds. Elephant rides and safaris are popular amongst visitors.
Sri Parthasarathy temple is one of Chennai’s oldest surviving temples. It was built in the 8th century and is dedicated to Lord Krishna.

4. Ooty: Ooty is known as ‘the queen of the Blue Mountains’ and is a beautiful hill station located in the Nilgiris. It is known for its beautiful gardens, wooded rolling hills, pine and eucalyptus forests, coffee and tea plantations, ancient tribes and monuments.

Ooty’s Botanical Gardens has developed over the last 150 years, and offers over 2,000 species of flowering plants.
A popular spot amongst families is the Ooty lake. This is an artificial lake, which was constructed in the early 1800’s.
Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and it stands at a height of 8,640 ft above sea level. It is accessible by road offers panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and valleys.
Ten minutes from the Ooty Market is a Toda Village. The Todas are one of the oldest tribes to inhabit this region. There are beautiful Toda temples here and handicrafts can be purchased right from the village at great prices.

5. Rameshwaram: The temple on this island is considered to be one of the most sacred of all temples amongst Hindus. The temple is important due to its legendary connections with Lord Rama and the Ramayana. It is even located near the venerated Ram Sethu. To reach the temple, cross the grand Pamban bridge, which has 36 Theerthams.

6. Kanyakumari: Also known as Cape Comorin, this is the southernmost tip of India. This is also the point where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet. It is also an important Hindu pilgrimage center. The sunsets and sunrises of Kanyakumari are simply breathtaking and a photographer’s delight. The beach of Kanyakumari is multicolored sand and the land is enveloped by majestic hills, swaying trees and rice fields.

7. Madurai: Madurai is known as the Temple city as it houses some very important temples. The venerated Meenakshi Temple, which is located on the banks of River Vaigai is prime amongst them. Madurai’s rich culture and history is over 2500 years old. It was once the capital of the Pandyas. Today, Madurai is famous for its fine textiles and jasmine flowers.

8. Kodaikanal: This sleepy hillstation is also known as Kodai. It is located in the Palani Hills and is perched at a height of about 2,133m. The hillstation offers many beautiful sites to its guests such as waterfalls, a quiet lake and many viewpoints. Juicy citrus fruits are grown in many orchards of Kodaikanal. Mount Perumal, which is an extinct volcano can be seen from here.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Weather: The state depends heavily on its monsoon rains to recharge its water resources. June to September brings in the south west monsoons. The north east monsoons are experienced from October to December. January to May is normally a dry season.
Getting around: With so much to offer, Tamil Nadu undoubtedly enjoys an excellent infrastructure. All parts of Tamil Nadu are well connected by road and rail. Most of the cities in this state are also accessible by air.
Find out more about Tamil Nadu and search for homestays in Ooty, Yercaud and Coonoor.

The best places to visit in Ooty

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:30:34 +0000

Ooty or Udagamandalam is a beautiful hillstation in south India. It is carpeted by lush greenery and fairly untouched landscapes. Often referred to as the Queen of Hillstations, Ooty draws a large number of tourists every year, attracted by it’s natural beauty and perfect picnic spots. We discover some of the best places to visit in Ooty.

1. Coonoor
Less than 20 kilometers from Ooty, Coonoor makes a great day trip. Coonoor is a very laid back place where most activities are centered around nature and its appreciation. This is the ideal place to feel one with Mother Nature and indulge in some rest and relaxation.

“Tea estate in Ooty”

2. Niligiri Toy Train Ride
Nilgiri’s famous Toy Train is a great way to reach Coonoor. The charming train started operating over a century ago and considering the terrain of the region it is rightfully considered an engineering marvel. The blue-cream train oozes old world charm with delightful wooden coaches and large windows that provide enchanting views. It’s called a toy train because it’s so slow that you can high-five the children outside. It stops every hour and so you can easily hop in and out for a short photo session. A ride of the usually crowded train should be considered as a rare experience as well as a functional mode of transport.

“Ooty Toy Train”

3. History of Nature
Ooty is a feast for those interested in horticulture. Many varieties of fruits and flowers are grown at the Government Botanical gardens, which were opened in 1847. The Gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old.

“Government Botanical Gardens”

4. Lake Ooty
If you like the outdoors you will love the Ooty lake. It was built in 1825 and is almost 3 kms long. Boating, angling, strolling around the perimeter are popular activities here. This is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for families who want to spend time together. Fishing permission is required ahead of time.

“Ooty Lake”

5. The Dodabetta Peak
Perched at an altitude of 2,623 meters, this is the highest point in the district, and the best place to visit in Ooty for a spectacular vantage point. It is located 10kms from Ooty and is a great place for photographers and nature lovers. On a clear day you can see as far as Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore.

6. Lamb’s Rock
This is another vantage point that’s shared by Coonoor and Ooty in terms of distance. It serves as a lovely picnic spot and offers splendid vistas of the plains of Coimbatore and the region’s tea states.

“A beautiful scene on the way to Lamb’s rock, Ooty”

7. Kodanadu
16kms from Kotagiri is Kodanadu. It is situated on the eastern edge of the Nilgiris. This is also a good viewpoint, which offers enchanting views of the Moyar river and endless tea estates. The Rangasamy peak is visible from the watchtower here.

8. Festivities
In January, you can enjoy a Tea and Tourism Festival. But other important regional festivals are Thaipoosam in Elk Hill Murugan Temple (February), Bookkapuram Mariamman Annual Festival (February), Ooty Mariamman Temple Festival (April), Coonoor Mariamman Temple Festival (April), Boat Races and Boat Pageantry in Ooty (May), Flower show in Ooty (May) and Fruit show in Coonoor (May).

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The nearest airport is in Coimbatore, 100 km away. You can catch a direct flight to Coimbatore from Chennai, Kozhikode, Bangalore and Mumbai. Ooty is a 3 to 4 hour drive from Coimbatore, depending upon traffic and weather conditions.
Nearest broad gauge railway head is Mettupalayam (46 kms). The major broad gauge railway junction is Coimbatore. It is connected with all major cities.
Mettupalayam to Ooty is connected by a Mountain Railway which is a scenic 4 hour journey. The ‘Nilgiri toy train’ connects these two destinations, at the foot of the Nilgiris.
Ooty is well connected by good roads. It is 535 km from Chennai (via Salem), 89 km from Coimbatore, 18 km from Coonoor (via Gudalur), 155 km from Mysore, 187 km from Calicut, 290 km from Bangalore, 281 km from Kochi (via Coimbatore and Palakkad), 236 km from Kodaikanal (via Coimbatore and Palani).
Ooty enjoys superb weather all year round. December and January are its winter months. The temperature in winter hovers around 5C. In summer, the temperature can go up to 25C.
A homestay offers the perfect accommodation for a trip to Ooty. A mere five minute drive from the main Ooty town Aarani Cottage makes an ideal base to stay.
Many visitors opt to stay in Coonoor and take day trips to Ooty. Check out our wide range of Coonoor homestays.