Ooty is a scenic hill town in southern India. It is surrounded by the Nilgiri Hills and is popularly known as the Queen of Hills. But when is the best time to visit Ooty?
Climate (if any) is the only serious deterrent which might spoil your travel plans to Ooty. But regarding climate too, Ooty has something different to offer all throughout the year. The summer is perhaps the best time to visit the place, if you are planning to visit all the tourist spots, including some adventurous treks and hand gliding.
Be it summer, monsoon or winter, Ooty will enthral you with the natural grandeur of the mountains and the hospitality of its residents. Being a cherished tourist destination for many, Ooty has got excellent connectivity with the cities and towns in the neighbourhood. And hire one of the best car rental companies in Ooty to ensure a comfortable ride with in Ooty.
Ooty in Summer (March – June)
The summer season is perhaps the best time to visit Ooty hill station. With the average temperature ranging around 25°C, days can be a little hot though, especially during the afternoon. But at other times, the heat is bearable. The occasional rains also sweep away some heat to keep Ooty enjoyable. And it even gets cold enough at night for you to put on some warm clothes.
With only the occasional warmth of the sun there to remind you that it is actually summer, you can comfortably visit any place you have in mind in and around Ooty, without having to fear the dreaded heat. It will also be a good way to escape the scorching heat, that will be burning the other parts of the country, at least for a few days. Besides it actually gets chilly during the night.
One can go out to witness the mesmerising views from Wenlock Downs or check out the intoxicating tea estates along the slopes. Avalanche Lake, Ooty Lake and Ooty Botanical Garden are the few other places to visit in Ooty during a summer evening.
Ooty is also the host of the famed flower show, which is usually organised around mid-May. Vegetable show in Kotagiri, fruit show in Coonoor and the spices show in Gudalur are other events around Ooty that are held in the same month.
Ooty in Monsoon (July – October)
If you plan to visit as many tourist spots as possible, monsoon season isn’t the best time to visit Ooty with family. The monsoons can be a real party crasher, if you are planning on covering maximum tourist spots in Ooty during your visit. But if you are at Ooty just as a nature enthusiast, then monsoon is the best time.
The mountains are filled with a new life, with, once dry waterfalls flowing wild and mountain rivers running fearlessly. A whole new range of flora reveals itself in the Nilgiris encouraged by the monsoons and you are surely in for a treat.
Never before seen plants and flowers fill the mountain slopes and valleys and the sheer wildness and beauty of these flowers will leave you in awe and screaming for more. But travelling from one spot to another can get real nasty during the monsoons, as mountain roads get slippery and visibility decreases due to heavy fog.
One of the pros of visiting Ooty in monsoon though, is that you won’t encounter a lot of tourists. Thus, you can enjoy some tranquil moments whether at Doddabetta Peak or Ooty Lake. Also, you can watch Pykara Falls and Kalhatti Falls in their full vigour. But because of the slippery rocks and muddy trails, trekking your way up to them might not be an option during monsoon.
The weather remains pleasant throughout. The temperature hovers between 15°C and 23°C and the heavy rains turn Ooty fresh and green. So, this is the best time to enjoy the views along with cups of freshly made masala tea.
Ooty in Winter (November – February)
Winter is a totally different ball game in Ooty. Though the treks and adventure sports have a high probability of being closed due to visibility and safety issues, you can visit all other popular tourist places. With the temperatures in between 5°C and 17°C and low visibility, adventure in Ooty isn’t a viable option in the winter season. The misty mountains and the chilling cold will definitely bring out the lover in you if you are travelling to Ooty for your honeymoon or if you are with your special person.
There will not be anyone who would not wish a morning walk through the misty winter roads of Ooty with the one you love. So, the concept of Best time to visit does not actually apply to Ooty because it is wonderful to visit during anytime of the year depending on your needs.
The days remain sunny, but the winds can make you shiver. So, you must carry warm clothes with you. Click some pictures at the famous shooting points in Ooty or take a ride on the Toy Train, it will be a lifelong memory for you. And winter also is the harvesting season for many tea estates. So, you might get to buy some fresh tea varieties from the local shops.
Tamil Nadu Tourism Department also organises a 3-day Tea and Tourism Festival in January. Rows of tea stalls with a range of tea varieties and flavours are up for tea-tasting sessions. You can also buy from them. Through cultural shows and performances, the festival also gives you an exclusive opportunity to witness local traditions.
How many days are enough for Ooty?
With plenty of parks, museums and lakes around, you will need ample time to soak in the views. So, if you want to enjoy a leisure holiday in Ooty, you will have to set aside 3-4 days. Checkout our all-inclusive Ooty tour packages for a memorable trip. You can visit the most popular tourist spots in 1-2 days. If you plan to be there for a weekend, or looking for a time-efficient trip to Ooty check these 1 day trips in and around Ooty.
Top Places to Visit by Duration
Below are the best places to visit in Ooty depending on the duration of your visit:
How to reach Ooty?
Now that you know about the places to see in Ooty and also which is the best time to visit Ooty in India, plan your upcoming vacation there. You can reach Ooty by road, rail and air.
By road – NH67 connects Ooty to other cities in India. Buses and private cabs are available from Bangalore (300 km), Coimbatore (88km), Chennai (555 km) and other nearby cities.
By rail – The nearest railway station is at Ooty, which is connected to Mettupalayam (40 km) by the toy train.
By air – Coimbatore airport at 88 km is the nearest to Ooty. It connects Ooty to Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad and other major cities in India.
Besides the large number of hotels and resorts present for accommodation and the extensive connectivity to neighboring cities and towns through road and rail is an added advantage. And don’t forget to opt for the Ooty Toy Train from Nilgiri Mountain Railway and take an exceptional journey to the foothills of the Nilgiris. You can just pack your bag, leave your normal, mechanical life behind, board a bus or a train and just leave for Ooty.
The onus is on you to get out of your couch and pack your bags and walk out of the front door. Because Ooty is one place that will keep calling you back once you have visited it. Be it summer, monsoon or winter, Ooty will enthrall you will the natural grandeur of the mountains and the hospitality of its residents.
