Nestled at the very heart of Udhagamandalam is the Ooty Municipal Market, which functions as the main trading centre for the entire Nilgiris district. The Ooty Municipal Market, which is more than 150 years old, is one of the biggest markets in the country, housing all sorts of items that come from the hills such as handicrafts, spices, local produce and hill products amidst a maze of covered pathways.
The market traces its history back to the mid-19th century. The plans for the permanent market complex were sanctioned by Lord Tweeddale, who was then the Governor of Madras, in 1847. Trading commenced in 1848 when construction was completed in no time. The management of the market was handed over to Udhagamandalam Municipality, which was established in 1866. Various compartments have been created in the past for selling fresh vegetables, native meats, cold-weather crops and spices. Currently, more than 1,500 permanent shops and hundreds of temporary pushcarts operate through 15 entrances.
The rich soil and cool mountain breeze make the Nilgiri plateau an excellent choice for agriculture. Every day, fresh vegetables come directly from nearby hill farms and are made available at the market stands.
Spice stalls offering newly harvested spices line Upper Bazaar Road and the aisles within:
Around Commercial Road and the primary government structure can be found numerous bakeries and teahouses that sell locally made products from the mountains.
Fresh batches of confectionery are made every day. Examples of popular types are:
Since this is one of the prominent tea-producing areas, the farms around here manufacture some famous blends:
A popular traditional food with a Geographical Indication (GI). It consists of wheat flour, semolina, sugar and fat. This crumbly, layered cookie is usually eaten with hot Nilgiri tea.
The markets and stalls extend far from the primary structure to the adjoining roads as follows:
Fortune Resort Sullivan Court (near Rose Garden Road) and Sterling Ooty Elk Hill are places that offer quietness and comfortable rooms along with mountain views, close to the market.
Hotel Preethi Classic Towers, Hotel Silver Oak and Sun Park Grand Hotel located at Commercial Road can be chosen for a stay right by the market.
There are various budget places like Aakash Rooms and Cottages in Upper Bazaar and Zostel Ooty hostel near the market area.
Ooty Market is where locals do their daily shopping, and the stalls are full of Nilgiri spices, fresh fruit, eucalyptus oil and handmade goods. A cottage close by lets guests walk to the stalls in a few minutes and carry tea and homemade snacks back after an afternoon outing.