How to Travel to Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu

Ootacamund, or Ooty as referred to by locals, is a hill station in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. At a 7,350 foot elevation, it offers many opportunities for the outdoors enthusiast and the tourist intersted in seeing small towns which still retain a feel of the British (Ooty was a popular town for the British to escape to from the heat of the plains.)

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet Access
• Local mailing address in India

1. The Nilagiri Express leaves every night from Chennai and arrives in Mettupalaiyam, which is at the foot of the Nilagiris Hills (of which Ooty is a part of).
2. Go to http://www.indianrail.gov.in/
   Click on "Internet Reservations" on the top menu bar. You will need to register.
   Once you have registered, you will need to book yourself on the Nilagiri Express, which is train no. 2671 and leaves every night at 9:00pm.
   It will arrive in Mettupalaiyam, the next morning at 6:15 am. This train is generally on time.
   If you can provide an Indian address, the train tickets will arrive within the next day or two for a minimal additional charge.
3. If you are travelling between the months of October-February, the nights on the train can be cold. If you are travelling on the air-conditioned cars, you will be provided with blankets. However, if you are travelling 3-tier non-ac (which is also comfortable) you will want to bring something warm for the night.
4. Once you arrive in Mettupalaiyam, it is another journey to Ooty. If you exit the train and walk to the front the small station, there will be many taxis waiting to take passengers to Ooty. This is around a 90-120 minute ride on a winding road. The ride will cost around Rs. 600-800 ($15-20).
5. A different option is to take the small steam-operated "toy train" which departs from the same Mettupalaiyam station. It can take up to 5 hours to reach Ooty at a speed of 33 km/hour. However, it is a scenic ride and one worth taking. This train can be booked at the same time you book the Nilagiri Express.
6. Enjoy your ride up! Monkeys will be in sight in the trees and on the road. If the water has been plenty that year, waterfalls will dot the hillside on the way up. If you have chosen to travel by taxi, there are many small tea stalls along the way, and places to eat for breakfast.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have packed clothing for rain, as Ooty weather is unpredictable.
• If you are prone to motion sickness, be prepared for this as this is highly likely if you decide to take a taxi to Ooty.