Udagamandalam commonly known as Ooty is one of the highest hill stations in India. With an altitude of about 2,200 meters above sea level, the weather here is always pleasant. It is very common to find NO FANS here because they are not needed at all! Summer in Tamil Nadu, especially in Chennai, is known to be one of the worst seasons in the country. In such a season, just 500 km away, the weather in Ooty makes you just want to wrap yourself in a blanket! It was the weather when we visited Ooty in May.

The most affordable way to get to Ooty from Chennai is by TNTC bus which can be booked online. The fare is around INR 400/- per ride and the travel time is 12 hours.

We arrived in Ooty early in the morning. We found this place called "Villa TeeStay" online where we booked our accommodation for the first two days. The third day was booked at a hotel facing Ooty Lake. We strongly recommend Testay Villa to anyone looking for a peaceful time in nature.

The town has grown well thanks to its status as a tourist hotspot, but at the same time it has lost its nature as a hill station unlike Kodaikanal, which has remained relatively untouched by tourism. However, the suburbs of Ooty remained the same. It's fun to try it out here.
The first day we went to Lake Pykara, about 40 km from the city. There are public transport buses so you can get to the lake.

Lake Pykara:
This is a well developed tourist spot where one can see Pykara Lake as well as Pykara Falls. The waterfall is not a waterfall but the high flowing water creates a beautiful scene for you to see. There is a hill beside the falls where one can lie down and enjoy the view.

From Pykara Falls, we approached the Needle Rock Lookout about 40 miles away. Afterward. State Transit Buses are available from Pykara Falls to Needle Rock Lookout for around INR.50/-.

Needle Rock Lookout:
This lookout offers superb panoramic views of the surrounding valley. The whole area is green and one can only see the trees until their eyes can take them.
Day 2

Mornings in Ooty are foggy and cold. The fresh air and walks among the fields are something you should definitely try.

Thank you for reading