Nilgiris district

A cool highland retreat in the Western Ghats, known for the hill station of Ooty, rolling tea estates and the World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

Nilgiris district lies in northwestern Tamil Nadu, in the Nilgiri Hills where the Western and Eastern Ghats meet. Its high elevation and cool climate made it a favored hill retreat in the British era. The signature destination, Ooty (Udhagamandalam), has a botanical garden, a lake and Doddabetta Peak, and tea estates blanket the area around Coonoor; the World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway connects Mettupalayam, at the foot of the hills, with the highlands. The district also includes Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. March to June and September to November are the better times to visit; the transport gateway is Coimbatore Airport.

Destinations

• Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

Itineraries

• Bengaluru, Mysuru, Ooty & Coorg – Loop from Bengaluru to see the royal city, ride the mountain toy train, and stay in the coffee hills.