The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the steam/diesel rack railway that climbs from Mettupalayam to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) through forests, tea estates and numerous tunnels and bridges. The steep Mettupalayam–Coonoor stretch uses a rack-and-pinion system. The ride is a highlight in itself and tickets sell out in season, so book ahead.
How to reach Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Board at Ooty or ride up from Mettupalayam via Coonoor; the classic ascent is Mettupalayam to Ooty.