A Day Itinerary at Stone House Ooty

Morning:

1. Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation or any local restaurant in Ooty. You can enjoy some traditional South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, or a delicious English breakfast.

2. Visit the Stone House: Head to the Stone House, which is usually open during college hours (check the college schedule beforehand). While you may not be allowed inside the building, you can still appreciate its historical significance and take photographs of the exterior.

3. Botanical Gardens: After visiting the Stone House, make your way to the nearby Government Botanical Gardens. It’s one of the must-visit attractions in Ooty, known for its extensive collection of rare and exotic plants. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Afternoon:

4. Lunch: Grab a delicious lunch at a local eatery or restaurant. Ooty offers a variety of dining options, including South Indian cuisine, North Indian dishes, and even international fare.

5. Ooty Lake: Spend the afternoon at the famous Ooty Lake, located just a short distance from the Stone House. You can opt for a boat ride on the lake or simply relax by the water, taking in the scenic surroundings.

6. Doddabetta Peak: Next, head to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills. The drive to the peak offers stunning views of the valley below. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of Ooty and its surrounding landscapes.

Evening:

7. Tea Gardens: On your way back to Ooty, consider stopping by one of the tea gardens or tea estates. Ooty is famous for its tea production, and a visit to a tea estate allows you to witness the tea-making process and enjoy some freshly brewed tea.

8. Shopping: In the evening, explore the local markets and shops in Ooty. You’ll find a wide range of handicrafts, souvenirs, and locally produced items to take back home as mementos.

9. Dinner: End your day with a delectable dinner at a restaurant of your choice. Ooty has numerous dining options that cater to various tastes and preferences.

Optional: If you have more time and energy, you can consider visiting other attractions like the Pykara Lake and Waterfalls, the Government Rose Garden, or the Emerald Lake.

Reaching the Stone House in Ooty is relatively easy, as Ooty is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Here are the various ways to reach the Stone House:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), located approximately 88 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Ooty. The journey from Coimbatore to Ooty takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the mode of transportation.

2. By Train: The nearest major railway station to Ooty is Mettupalayam Railway Station, which is about 52 kilometers away. From Mettupalayam, you can take the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway (toy train) that connects Mettupalayam to Ooty. The toy train journey offers breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills and is a memorable experience. However, please note that the toy train has limited seats and requires advance booking.

3. By Road: Ooty is well-connected by road, and you can reach there by car or bus. The road network connects Ooty to major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. The most common routes are:

   • From Coimbatore: Ooty is approximately 85 kilometers away from Coimbatore. The drive usually takes around 3 hours.

   • From Bangalore: Ooty is around 270 kilometers away from Bangalore. The journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours.

   • From Mysore: Ooty is approximately 125 kilometers away from Mysore. The drive takes around 3 to 4 hours.

   • From Chennai: Ooty is approximately 550 kilometers away from Chennai. The journey takes around 10 to 11 hours.

Local transportation: Once you reach Ooty, you can hire local taxis, auto-rickshaws, or use public transportation to reach the Stone House. It is a well-known landmark, and most drivers will be familiar with its location.

Please keep in mind that road conditions in the hilly terrain of Ooty can be winding and narrow, so if you’re driving yourself, exercise caution and be prepared for the scenic but slower journey. Always check the weather and road conditions before traveling, especially during the monsoon season.