Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a picturesque hill station located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is famous for its lush green landscapes, mesmerizing tea gardens, and pleasant weather throughout the year. Being a popular tourist destination, travelers often wonder if there are direct flights available to Ooty. In this blog post, we will explore the options for reaching Ooty by air and help you plan your trip accordingly.
When it comes to air connectivity, Ooty does not have its own airport. However, the nearest airport to Ooty is the Coimbatore International Airport, which is approximately 88 kilometers away. Coimbatore Airport is well-connected to major cities in India and also caters to international flights.
Several domestic airlines operate regular flights to Coimbatore from cities like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Some popular airlines that serve this route include Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir, and Vistara. The flight duration from major cities to Coimbatore generally ranges from 1.5 hours to 3 hours.
Once you reach Coimbatore Airport, you have multiple options to reach Ooty. Let's take a look at them:
The most common and convenient way to reach Ooty from Coimbatore Airport is by road. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from outside the airport to Ooty. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the route chosen.
The road trip offers stunning views of the Nilgiri Hills and allows you to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Tamil Nadu. Make sure to keep your camera handy to capture the beautiful scenery along the way.
If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from Coimbatore Airport to Coimbatore Junction Railway Station. From Coimbatore Junction, you can catch a train to Mettupalayam, which is the nearest railway station to Ooty.
The train journey from Coimbatore to Mettupalayam is approximately 1 hour. Once you reach Mettupalayam, you can board the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as the toy train, which takes you on a scenic ride through the mountains to Ooty. The toy train journey is a unique experience and is highly recommended for its breathtaking views and old-world charm.
While there are no direct commercial flights to Ooty, you also have the option of booking a private chartered flight to Coimbatore. Many private aviation companies offer chartered services from major cities in India. This option is ideal for those who prefer luxury and want to reach Ooty in a shorter amount of time.
However, it's important to note that chartered flights can be quite expensive, and the cost may vary based on factors such as the size of the aircraft, distance, and duration of the flight.
Although there are no direct flights to Ooty, reaching this beautiful hill station is still convenient and hassle-free. By flying to Coimbatore International Airport and then opting for a road trip or a scenic train journey, you can experience the best of both worlds – air travel and the natural beauty of the Nilgiri Hills.
So, pack your bags, book your flight to Coimbatore, and get ready to embark on a memorable journey to the charming hill station of Ooty. Happy travels!
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