Best Hilltop Homestays in Ooty

Mudumalai National Park and Bandipur National Park are like two sides of the same coin. Separated by the border, Bandipur Park lies in Karnataka while the neighbouring, Mudumalai lies in the Kongu Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. The area is rich with rare species that include 50 types of fish, 34 species of reptiles, 266 species of birds, and 55 types of mammals. Some of the rare wildlife you’ll find here are vultures, Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards and golden jackals. The flora includes dense tropical forests, exotic climbers and creepers, bamboo trees, Indian rosewood and much more! If you’re a nature enthusiast, Mudumalai’s sense of serenity and extravagant beauty is sure to leave you spellbound!Location: NH 67, Gudalur NH 67, Gudalur, Devarshola, Tamil NaduBest Time to visit: The most ideal time to visit this park is from February to June.Entry fee: INR 15/ USD 0.23 per personTimings: The opening hours for visitors is from 7:00 am to 9:00 am in the morning and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the evenings.Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is approximately 90 kilometres.

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a meter-gauge railway line 1000 mm long that passes through the queenly hill station of Ooty in Tamil Nadu. The fleet of steam locomotives running on this line is aptly nicknamed ‘the Toy Train’ and is greatly popular among children. The train covers a total distance of 46 km over a span of 5 hours, meandering by the rolling hills, green meadows, and view of the forested slopes. Localities bob up from within the greens with their red-tiled roofs and the train stops every once in a while at quaint little hill stations. You will be waved through Mettupalayam, Kellar, Coonoor, Wellington, Lovedale, and Ootacamund on this ride, reaching the point of 4,363 ft at the maximum. There are a number of pitch-dark tunnels to cross through, sharp bends along the mountains, thickly forested stretches, and a wide panorama of verdant meadow highlands to enjoy from your window seat. It is not just the brilliant picturesque quality of this dream-like rail journey that makes it so special, but also the fact that the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is part of India’s heritage. The tracks were laid down by the British Indian administration in the year 1908.Also, the trains use locomotives from over 50 and 80 years back-- the specimens of the oldest x-class locomotives still in use. UNESCO declared the railway as a World Heritage Site in 2005, extending it to the greater heritage site of Mountain Railways of India.

The first building to be constructed on the lands of Ooty that marked a new beginning of a new phase in the city, Stone house is one of the most consequential pieces of architecture to be built in Ooty. The tales of how the edifice came into existence goes way back when John Sullivan, the Collector of Coimbatore, stumbled upon the mesmerizing beauty of Ooty and believing it to be an extraordinary tourist destination in the future built the very first English House (Stone House) as his residence. The Stone House has now become one of the greatest tourist spots in all of Ooty and visitors in large numbers visit the place every year and relish its sublime allure and magnificent construct. Encapsulated with lush green tropics, ravishing mountains and enchanting landscapes, the Stone House is also celebrated as a sightseeing spot for many travelers. If that wasn't fascinating enough, the house also homes an ancient Oak tree that, some belief, has stood there since Sullivan landed the first brick of Stone House in Ooty and hence, the tree is named Sullivan’s Oaktree. Although the Stone House is a part of the Government Art College, it doesn't stop you from visiting the place, visitors are always welcomed here. So, if you are looking for a fresh site to explore, the Stone House is the answer for you. Perfect for a weekend getaway with family and friends, Stone House in Ooty is the ideal destination for your next family outing. Remember to carry your camera to click some memorable pictures.