My Long-Awaited Trip to Ooty
For years, I had planned this trip to Ooty, and for years, something always came up — work, deadlines, or life itself. Finally, in November last year, one quiet night at the KSRTC bus stand in Thrissur, my long-awaited journey began. Ooty has always been a beloved hill station for Malayalis, a destination that generations keep returning to. There's something about its calm charm, cool air, and scenic beauty that never gets old.
KSRTC Bus Timings & Routes to Ooty
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates two daily bus services from Thiruvananthapuram to Ooty, passing through Kottayam and Alappuzha. Both buses stop in Thrissur at 1:00 AM and 2:30 AM, making it convenient for travelers from central Kerala.
💰 Ticket Price: ₹441 (weekends) / ₹341 (weekdays)
I booked a seat on the 1:00 AM KS053 Swift-Deluxe bus online through the KSRCT ticket booking site, and the bus usually reaches Ooty by around 5:50 AM, covering the route via Shoranur – Vazhikkadavu – Gudalur.
The Overnight Ride
The bus arrived about 30 minutes late, but once it started moving, excitement took over. The roads leading to Shoranur were smooth, but after that, the terrain became rough and winding. The driver was clearly an expert, smoothly navigating every hairpin turn from Nadukani to Gudaluras if he had done it a thousand times before. Sleep was impossible, but watching the night transition into the soft blue hues of the Nilgiris made it worthwhile. By 6:30 AM, we were almost there; the air was colder and the hills greener.
Reaching Ooty Town
At 6:50 AM, the bus arrived in Ooty town. The chill in the air was sharp and refreshing. I checked into my hotel, Hotel Maneck, which is a budget-friendly option conveniently located near the center. I had booked this hotel through Ixigo.com, and the cost was ₹1,000 per night. After a quick nap, I was ready to explore.
Walking to Ooty Lake
My first stop was the famous Ooty Lake, located just 1.5 km from town, which made for a pleasant morning walk. Along the way, I passed an amusement park called Thunder World, bustling with families and filled with laughter. Soon, the serene blue of the lake came into view, framed by eucalyptus trees. After a long walk, I finally reached the Ooty Lake. The entry fee for the lake is 20 rupees, and separate tickets must be purchased for boating.
A cool breeze skimmed the water, the air filled with laughter from people on pedal boats. Apart from boating, there are small food stalls and entertainment centers nearby — perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Late Lunch & Wrapping Up Day One in Ooty
By 4 PM, hunger struck hard—I hadn't eaten since the morning. So, I stopped by a small restaurant near the lake. The food was decent, but it was slightly expensive for the quality. After lunch, I returned to the road where I could enjoy one last peaceful view of the lake before heading back. I noticed that a new viewpoint is being built nearby; soon, visitors will be able to see the lake from an elevated perspective. As the sun set behind the hills, I walked back toward town, feeling tired but fulfilled.
That's how the first day of my Ooty trip came to an end — simple, quiet, and beautiful.
