About St. Stephen's Church

Constructed in 1830, St. Stephen's Church stands as one of the earliest churches in Tamil Nadu & continues to serve as a place of worship. Its wooden craftsmanship and imposing pillars lend a majestic touch to the architectural style.

Situated near the city center and under the care of the Coimbatore District Diocese, this church is a must-see when visiting Ooty, particularly for its vintage charm and serene atmosphere. The detailed carvings on the walls, coupled with the exquisite stained glass window paintings, enhance its allure.

Behind the church lies a cemetery where you'll find tombs belonging to military personnel and their families. Insights into their lives can be garnered from the epitaphs on these tombstones. This site is certainly worth dedicating half a day to while exploring Ooty!

How to Reach St. Stephen’s Church

• By Air: The nearest airport to St. Stephen’s Church is Coimbatore International Airport, located about 85–90 km from Ooty. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Ooty. The journey usually takes around 3  to 4 hours through scenic hill roads. Once you reach Ooty town, the church is only a short drive away.
• By Train: The closest railway station is Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station, which is part of the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The train ride from Mettupalayam to Ooty offers spectacular views of tea plantations, tunnels, and forested hills. From Ooty railway station, St. Stephen’s Church is located about 1–2 km away, making it easy to reach by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or even on foot.
• By Road: Ooty is well connected by road to major cities such as Coimbatore, Mysuru, and Bengaluru. Regular government and private buses operate frequently to Ooty. After arriving at the Ooty Bus Stand, visitors can hire a local taxi or auto to reach St. Stephen’s Church, which is situated close to the town center.

Local Transport in Ooty
Many travellers prefer to explore Ooty by rented car, taxi, or two-wheeler. Since the church is located near other attractions like the Government Botanical Garden and Ooty Lake, it can easily be included in a half-day sightseeing itinerary.