Excursion Overview
The famous Blue Mountain Railway, otherwise known as The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, is a 46 km long metre gauge single-track railway. It has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list and climbs up from Mettupalayam via Coonoor to Ooty, through glorious mountain scenery and tea plantations. The entire line includes 13 tunnels, 19 bridges and 11 stations. The line was built between 1891 and 1908, with the section below Coonoor being one of the oldest and steepest rack and pinion systems in the world. The train along this section is hauled by a Swiss steam engine with speeds reaching little more than walking pace. Because of this the entire journey can take five or more hours. The shorter ride between Coonoor and Ooty (and vice versa) is the most practical option for most visitors staying in Ooty or Coonoor. A diesel locomotive pulls the train through this section, travelling through eucalyptus and tea plantations as well as subtropical vegetation. The views are spectacular and we feel this is a real highlight in South India.
At the time of writing the train times were as follows:
Ooty to Coonoor (09:15 – 10:25)
Coonoor to Ooty (10:30 - 12:00)
Ooty – Mettupalayam (14:00 – 17:45)
Coonoor to Ooty (16:30 – 17:45)
Excursion type:
- Outdoor
- Indoor
- Adventure
- Culture
- History
- Nature/wildlife
- Relaxation
“
First time clients of Holiday Architects and what a memorable trip they planned and delivered for us. Lisa and Clare put together 5 weeks of criss-crossing Sri Lanka and Rajasthan in India, whilst their excellent partners on the ground made sure we had the best experience possible. What made it so special were the quirky places we stayed, the unique experiences scheduled just for us and above all the generosity of our drivers and the many guides willing to share their personal insights on local customs and culture. It goes without saying we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Holiday Architects if you are planning that special trip and thank you Lisa and Clare, we loved it all!
Debbie O'Shea,
”
“
We recently booked a holiday to India; we were helped all the way by Clare, who put together a wonderful itinerary for us. Whilst in India, we were really well supported by the local team. Our driver was fabulous and really looked after us. India is a truly amazing country with so much rich history, culture, wildlife and scenery. Above this, the people we met were friendly, interesting and interested, and a joy to meet. Thank you for a truly memorable trip.
HA India client,
”
Meet our India expert
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Clare is dedicated to all things India and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Clare Burkey
Destination Manager
Clare’s travelled all over India and loves nothing more than planning holidays that reflect you. Whether it’s temples, tea, trains or tucked-away towns, she’s got the experience (and enthusiasm) to make it unforgettable.
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