Ooty is a place that is known for quite a few things. Starting from the misty waterfalls and streams, you will find beautiful forests and botanical gardens here. The main attractions in Ooty however, include the Doddabetta peak, Ooty Rose Gardens, Annamalai Temple, the tea factory, and several other tea plantations. Ooty is also very famous for its chocolates. So if you have a weekend off and you are in Bangalore, looking for a fun-filled yet relaxing getaway, this is where you should be.
Now there are a lot of ways to reach Ooty from Bangalore. You can take your own self-drive car, book a cab online, or even take a bike trip. Either way, it is sure to be an exciting trip. The distance you have to cover takes about 6 to 7 hours, depending on road conditions. There are also KSRTC and other private bus options which run from Bangalore on a regular. Tickets for such trips will cost you about 900 INR, but you can get discounts if you book online.
This is the most commonly taken route from Bangalore to Ooty. It uses the National Highways 275 and 766 covering an overall distance of 280 km. There are quite a few sights you can stop to look at on this route. Some include:
Although this is a minor detour from Ramanagara, it is a place you must visit, especially if you are going in a car or bike. It is an artificial lake that is surrounded by green pastures and is quite a sight to see, especially during sunrise.
Only a few kilometres away from Ramanagara, you should definitely add trekking here to your itinerary. This can be a fun detour, especially if you are with your friends.
Famously known for its open-air museum, this is another exciting place you can stop at to experience the beauty of the route. In the museum, you will find a folk-type ambience showcasing art and crafts.
This is another route that is often used to travel from Bangalore to Ooty. This route takes you about 7 hours by car or bus and uses the National Highway 948. The distance covered in this is 290 km. More often than not, public transports choose this route to reach Ooty. Much like the formerly mentioned route, this too has quite a few sights you cannot miss out on. Some of them include:
If you are looking to find a relaxing spot to rest a bit on your journey, this is the best place you can stop at. Take a boat ride on the fresh and clean water near Kanakpura and rejuvenate for the rest of the trip.
Another amazing stopover you will find on the Kanakpura road is Chunchi falls. This place is famous for the waterfalls. However, don't forget to carry your camera, when here. You would not want to miss the chance to take pictures of the scenery here.
A small detour from Malavalli will drop you here at a marvellous waterfall. You will surely be amazed by its natural beauty. This place is a must visit and quite a sight to see.
Yet another scenic route from Bangalore to Ooty, the Salem-Coonoor Route route is often times called the 'road not taken'. This route is not much of a favourite but can help you click some amazing pictures. The main reason why people do not want to take this route is that it takes a little longer than the other ones, anywhere between 8 to 9 hours. It uses the National Highway 44, and the trip is quite pleasing to the eye. Some of the stopovers you can visit while on this route are:
This is the perfect place to take some time off from your journey. Enjoy the cool breeze near this dam and take some amazing pictures of this man-made marvel.
Located in Salem, this hillscape is a treat to the eyes. The fresh forest air packed with green landscape and narrow paths make for the perfect stopover here.
This place is mainly known for the extremely beautiful valleys it is surrounded by. You can take some amazing pictures from here on your way to Ooty or whenever you are coming back to Bangalore.
