Ooty is unarguably South India’s most popular hill station, and one of the oldest too. Since its colonial days, the town has remained a must-visit mountain destination on the Nilgiris. And there are all the reasons for the same. The sprawling tea estates, the enchanting valleys, and the fragrant forests of eucalyptus, covered in a white veil of mist, throughout the year, albeit present a picture that you can’t get enough of! Whether you want some adventure, or a quiet respite from your urban grind, or a romantic escapade, these hills make all your travel desires come true. However, with every great and popular destination, there is the risk of becoming prey to the tourist traps. While you might not do so knowingly, it is better to know about the possibilities and how you can avoid them.
#1 Do not do a local cab booking.
Since there is no direct flight access to Ooty, most travelers would take a train or bus or a car rental from Coimbatore till Ooty, and hire another car for local travels. This is where most people get fleeced. If you must book a cab, it is better to book a direct cab from Coimbatore airport to Ooty and opt for tour packages, wherein you can choose the places of interest you want to visit, plan short trips to nearby locales, and most importantly, you wouldn’t have to worry about searching for local transport every day of your trip. This way, you will not only save more on your total travel budget but also be saved from being haunted by the local drivers.
#2 Do not book a car or any travel package from local agents.
Most first-time travelers to Ooty end up booking their trips through unauthorized agents, just to save money. But remember, what you save immediately can end up becoming a more expensive affair later. This also applies to book on the spot. Always do your research online about the hotel or homestay you are planning to stay at, read user reviews, and cross-check the cost by talking to the hotel/homestay authorities. From your accommodation to transport, it is always better to book with a trusted travel agent or vacation service and rest assured about a comfortable and peaceful holiday.
#3 Do not hire a tour guide.
Because you don’t need one! In a time of blogs, travelogs, and real-time travel videos, you don’t need to hire a conventional travel guide. You can easily explore Ooty in your individual way by reading up beforehand about some must-visit spots in Ooty and some lesser-known ones, make your itinerary, and with the right kind of travel option, you can make your Ooty trip unique and to your liking. This becomes easier when you have a local driver, who knows about the place, and is reliable, and yet doesn’t try to impose a tour plan on you.
Now, for a few dos.
One of the best ways to skip these traps is to avoid the typical touristy places of interests. For a richer experience of Ooty, do include these places, which are lesser-known, and yet, a sensory delight at every visit.
A different view point
You don’t have to snake through a bunch of tourists just to get a glimpse of the mountains, do you? There are better places to capture the panoramic views of the mountains and the valleys, other than Ooty View Point or Ketty Valley View Point. Head to Gudalur instead. The clifftop of Needle Rock offers the most exquisite views of the Nilgiris and at a slightly higher altitude. The place is still not as commercialized as Ooty town, so you can enjoy the pristine nature as much as you want, without anyone hovering over your shoulder.
Fresher lake views
Ooty boasts bigger and more scenic lake areas than Pykara, which is mostly packed with people trying to have a boat ride or lounge on the lakeside promenade. If you want a relaxing day, then ditch the town, and head to the Emerald Lake or the Avalanche Lake, overlooking tea gardens and quaint villages. Particularly in spring, these lake areas come alive with fresh foliage and wildflowers, making them the perfect spot for a day picnic. Swim, or hike the nature trails, or simply soak in the spring sun, as they brush through the grassy hills and soothe you inside out. You can also do a day trek through the hills and explore any of these sleepy villages for an entirely different perspective to the life of Ooty.
Time it right
Of course, if you are visiting Ooty for the first time, you would want to see its best. In that case, try to reach the sites, earlier or later than the peak hours. For instance, if you want to see the Droog Fort, Catherine Waterfalls, the Botanical Garden, etc. visit early morning, or just before they close for the day.
A vacation is meant to be relaxing or adventurous, as you want it to be, but, definitely memorable. And to build good memories, you need to absorb the place in its true essence. So, if you are planning a trip to Ooty anytime soon, book a cheap Coimbatore to Ooty taxi, and cut down on the unnecessary hassle of traveling, to enjoy a vacation that you would cherish forever!
Love traveling.
