Older than the Himalayas, influencing the Indian monsoons every year, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spread across a stretch of a whopping 1,600 Km, the whimsical Western Ghats is a mountain range that displays nature in a wild and welcoming way. Nilgiri Hills, one of the most beautiful parts of the Western Ghats, touches the three South Indian states – Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. And Ooty, which has made its mark in globetrotter's travel calendars, lies on Tamil Nadu’s side of Nilgiri Hills.
About Ooty, it is simply one of India’s most loved hill stations. Once the British summer resort, it is now the odyssey of the discerning travellers from worldwide. Here, you are welcome to the kingdom in the clouds, where forests, tea plantations, gorgeous gardens, and conical hills await their exploration. The awe-inspiring sunrises incept nature’s symphony, and the breathtaking sunsets begin the sweet medley of bonfire and chills. No matter what time of the year, Ooty sightseeing and the overall vibe of the place keep the visitors intrigued and in awe. However, if you are looking at the best time to be in Ooty, you need to consider things like Hot and Cold climate preferences, the number of days of your visit, the purpose of your visit, etc. Veena World has summarised travel seasons in Ooty with minimum and maximum temperatures for your ease.
- March–May is a pleasant season with Min/Max hovering between 15-30 degrees.
- June – September witnessed heavy rainfall under 12-25 degrees temperatures with humidity.
- October–February is cold and windy in Ooty, with temperatures dropping to 5 degrees.
Setting up your base at the right place in Ooty is as important as visiting this elegant paradise. Despite being a raw and charming hill station, there is no dearth of places to stay in Ooty. You can find gorgeous hotels, resorts, homestays, villas, cottages, and even tent stays in Ooty. Below is a list that answers:
Best Places to Stay in Ooty
- The Frame Resorts, Greater Ooty
- Savoy – IHCL SeleQtions
- King's Cliff
- The Tamarillo
- Sterling Fern Hill, Ooty
The Frame Resorts, Greater Ooty
If you are travelling with kids and the elderly, The Frame Resorts is the best place to stay in Ooty. Their care towards the kids and families makes this place sell the memories and experiences you look for in a vacation. With 40 luxury villas classified under Classes A, B, C, D, & F, choose your abode selectively.
Each villa is positioned perfectly with amazing views of the mighty Nilgiri hills. At the centre of the property lies its heart in the form of a multi-cuisine restaurant, offering a 360-degree view of the hills, pleasing the eyes along with the colon! Managing the property and serving the visitors are women who constitute 75% of the staff. Another thoughtful aspect of this marvellous property is that it is run mostly on solar energy, showcasing nature conservation and eco-friendliness. Kids-and Family-centric resort stay option in Ooty, carry your memories in a frame at The Frame Resorts.
Location: 14 Km from Ooty Lake, in Greater Ooty
The price per night starts at INR 3000* for a couple
Savoy – IHCL SeleQtions
A hotel par excellence, the stay at Savoy IHCL SeleQtions is for the discerning and those who don’t wish to leave the cosiness of their hotel. A 190-year-old colonial architecture is surrounded by the tea estate and 6 acres of gardens. Deposit yourself in the cottage-styled rooms, which have vintage fireplaces and private patios. You will find yourself spoilt for choices when it comes to the activities here. Fill the pleasant afternoons learning the art of letter writing in the workshop to ignite the romantic in you, feed the ducks and rabbits, take kids for a pony ride or let them indulge in a large toy and game room. While you take a nature walk, go fishing and boating, or heal yourself naturally in Jiva, the property’s spa place, and end the day by the common bonfire.
Food at Savoy has its own story. Satiate your senses with delectable Baduga and Anglo-Indian cuisines, preparing it fresh from the local produce. The hotel welcomes pets as well and serves them dishes like chicken kedgeree, rice & lentils before they run away to play with pet toys in a dedicated area. A stay at Savoy IHCL SeleQtions in a charming place like Ooty is sure to enhance your experience of hill vacations.
Location: 2.5 Km away from Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Central Bus Stand, in Monterosa Colony
Price per night: On request at their official website
King's Cliff
The imposing stay option in Ooty lives up to its name and offers an expansive mansion-like hotel. King’s Cliff is located at an elevation that offers breathtaking views of the Blue Hills. If you are someone who wants to withdraw from all the noise of the world and indulge in quiet communion with your partner, King’s Cliff is the place to stay in Ooty. No wonder it is regarded as one of the best stays in Ooty for couples.
The interiors perfectly blend traditions with luxury, where spaces are neatly occupied with polished wooden furnishings and each room is warmed by the old-fashioned fireplace. Wake up to bright mornings, look out the window, and all you see are clouds playing over cliffs while birds chirping away. Next, experience white-glove hospitality for breakfast in bed. Step out of the property for a stroll, and you will find yourself exploring undiscovered Ooty. Their dining space, Earl’s Secret, has walls of glass, surrounded by plants and shrubs and serves tempting food and mood inside. Indulge in many activities like Fishing, Horse Riding, Trekking, etc., or better, laze around in the idyllic setting; King’s Cliff is sure to make your stay amongst the hills of Ooty interesting enough!
Location: Only 2.5 Km from Charing Cross, the centre of Ooty, towards Havelock Road, Police Quarters, Pudumund
The price per night starts from INR 6000 (with breakfast) for a couple
The Tamarillo
Nestled amid lush greenery and windy tea plantations, The Tamarillo is your answer to ‘Where to stay in Ooty for serenity and quietness?’ This Bed and Breakfast, boutique homestay in Ooty is best for couples or a group of friends. Choose from neat cottages, each having glass windows from bottom to ceiling, overlooking lush greens outside. Start your day with a special, South Indian breakfast, set up on the table outside your cottage on windy corridors. Experience a slice of nature in front of your eyes and nutrition on your plate. If you are on a budget and looking for cottages in Ooty for a group stay, this is the place to be.
Location: 5 Km away from Rajeev Gandhi Circle towards Elk Hill, Ooty
The price per night starts at INR 3100* per person
Sterling Fern Hill, Ooty
Often covered in the mist, Fern Hill by Sterling Holidays is an exceptional resort perched at 7350 feet above sea level and spread across 7 acres. The property houses the main building with reception, restaurant, bar, coffee house, conference halls, and offices. As you enter the gates, you witness a neatly manicured lawn with a garden bursting forth with colourful flowers, maintained by their award-winning old gardener. Another point of interest in the lawn is a small mud hut of the local Toda tribe, indicating Sterling’s stance on promoting their local ethnicity.
Sterling Fern Hill is an expansive place with a whopping 185 rooms categorised to accommodate 2, 3, 4 and 6 people. Each room is adorned with French Windows offering breathtaking views of hills around and equipped with a kettle, fridge, and microwave. The Fern is the main restaurant where magician Chefs at work will serve you the best food in Ooty. For kids, there is a special children’s activity centre, an adventure sports area and a spa for adults. Only 19 Km away from iconic Emerald Lake in Ooty for a memorable picnic and around 42 Km away from Madumalai Tiger Reserve, Sterling Fern Hill is one the most preferred and best places to stay near Ooty.
Location: 4 Km away from Rajeev Gandhi Circle towards Fern Hill, Ooty
The price per night starts at INR 8000* for 2 people
Where hills are covered in the mist, and the weather demands a sweater, pleasant afternoons draped in yellow sunlight while green tea plantations wrapped in the dew; that’s Ooty for you. No wonder it is called ‘The Queen of the Indian Hills’. And now that you also know the best places to stay in Ooty, there is no point waiting anymore. Book your Ooty tour package at the earliest!
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