Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point in Tamil Nadu

Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point is a lovely place near Ooty, Tamil Nadu. It is perfect for enjoying nature and relaxing. Also called “Shooting Medu,” it’s a famous spot where many Indian movies have been filmed.

In this guide you will understand where it is, why it’s special, the best time to visit, and how to reach it.

Where is Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point Located?

The 9th Mile Shooting Point is in Wenlock Downs, about 15 km from Ooty town, on the Coimbatore-Ooty-Gundlupet Highway toward Pykara Lake.

It’s in the Nilgiris district, surrounded by green grasslands, hills, and Shola forests, making it a calm and scenic place for a day out.

Why it is famous?

This place is famous because of its stunning views and its use as a movie shooting spot. Many Tamil and Bollywood films, like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Sajan, and Raja Hindustani, were shot here because of the green meadows, hills, and forests.

It’s also called “Shooting Point” or “Shooting Medu” because of this. Visitors love it for picnics, photography, and horse riding.

The 360-degree view from the hilltop is breathtaking, and the cool breeze makes it a great spot to relax. It’s a favorite for families and kids who enjoy running around the grassy slopes.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit is from December to April when the weather is cool, dry, and perfect for enjoying the views without rain or heat.

Early mornings (8:00 AM) or early afternoons are great for clear skies and fewer crowds. Avoid rainy days, as the slopes can get muddy and slippery.

How to reach there?

Located 15 km from Ooty on the way to Pykara Lake, the 9th Mile is easy to reach by road, rail, or air from nearby cities like Coimbatore, Bangalore, or Mysore. Here are the ways to get there:

1. By Car (Your Own or Taxi)

• Route: From Ooty, drive on the Coimbatore-Ooty-Gundlupet Highway toward Pykara Lake. The 9th Mile is 15 km from Ooty, near the Mysore Road. From Coimbatore (88 km), Bangalore (270 km), or Mysore (115 km), follow NH-181 or NH-275 to Ooty, then head toward Pykara.
• Travel Time: About 30-40 minutes from Ooty, 2-3 hours from Coimbatore, 3-4 hours from Mysore, or 6-7 hours from Bangalore.
• Parking: There’s parking near the entrance, but it can get crowded on weekends.
• Road Condition: The highway is good, but the last stretch may be narrow. Drive carefully in fog or rain.

2. By Train and Taxi/Auto-Rickshaw

• Nearest Station: Mettupalayam Railway Station (40 km from Ooty) is the closest major station. Ooty Railway Station (15 km from 9th Mile) is connected by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
• Train Details: From Coimbatore or Chennai, take a train to Mettupalayam (2-6 hours). From Mettupalayam, take the toy train or a taxi to Ooty, then a taxi/auto to 9th Mile.
• Taxi/Auto-Rickshaw: From Ooty, a taxi costs ~Rs. 300-500 or an auto-rickshaw ~Rs. 100-200 for a 20-30-minute ride to 9th Mile.
• Note: The walk from Ooty is too far, so a taxi or auto is needed.

3. By Bus

• State Buses: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses run from Ooty to Gudalur or Mysore, stopping at 9th Mile (Rs. 18 ticket). Buses also connect Coimbatore (3 hours), Mysore (3-4 hours), or Bangalore (7-8 hours) to Ooty.
• Private Buses: Private AC/non-AC buses from Bangalore, Coimbatore, or Mysore drop off at Ooty. From Ooty, take a local bus or taxi to 9th Mile.
• Booking: Book private buses on RedBus or local travel agencies.
• Tip: Ask the driver to stop at “9th Mile Shooting Point.”

4. By Taxi or Cab

• App-Based Cabs: Book Ola, Uber, or local taxis from Ooty (~Rs. 300-500, 20-30 minutes), Coimbatore (~Rs. 1,500-2,500, 2-3 hours), or Bangalore (~Rs. 5,000-7,000, 6-7 hours).
• Tip: Confirm the destination as “Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point.”

5. By Air and Road

• Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (88 km, ~3 hours by road) is the closest. Bangalore Airport (270 km, ~6-7 hours) is another option.
• From Airport: Take a taxi or bus from Coimbatore to Ooty, then a local taxi/auto to 9th Mile. From Bangalore, take a bus or taxi to Ooty, then continue to 9th Mile.
• Tip: Book airport taxis in advance for convenience.

6. By Two-Wheeler

• Route: Ride from Ooty toward Pykara Lake via the Coimbatore-Ooty-Gundlupet Highway. From Coimbatore or Mysore, follow NH-181 or NH-275 to Ooty, then to 9th Mile.
• Travel Time: 30-40 minutes from Ooty, 2-3 hours from Coimbatore, or 3-4 hours from Mysore.
• Safety: Wear helmets and warm clothes, as it can be cold or foggy.
• Tip: The scenic ride is enjoyable, especially in dry weather.

Tips for Visiting Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point

• When to Go: Visit early morning (8:00 AM) for fewer crowds and clear views. Avoid rainy days, as slopes are slippery.
• Clothes: Wear warm clothes (jacket, shawl) as it’s cold, especially at the hilltop. Comfortable shoes are good for climbing.
• Food: Outside food is allowed, but pack a picnic as only snacks (tea, corn, Maggi, peanuts) are sold near the entrance (~Rs. 20-50).
• Entry Fee: Rs. 10 per person, Rs. 30 for cameras. Horse riding costs Rs. 300-1,000, depending on the ride.
• Activities: Climb the hill for a 360-degree view, enjoy horse riding, or relax on the grass. Not ideal for elders or people with knee/breathing issues.
• Photos: Great for photography, but follow local rules.
• Nearby Places: Visit Pykara Lake, Pykara Falls, Pine Forest, or 6th Mile Shooting Spot for more scenic views.

Also Check: Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple Sri Kshetra Ganagapur

Why You Should Visit

Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point is a must-visit for nature lovers and movie fans. Its green meadows, cool air, and stunning views make it a perfect picnic spot near Ooty.

Whether you want to relax, take photos, or ride horses, this place is great for a fun day out. Choose your travel option—car, bus, or bike—and enjoy the beauty of this famous shooting point.