← Part of our complete Ooty Tourism Guide
Locals call it "Shooting Medu" — and once you stand on these endless rolling grasslands, you'll understand why Indian cinema keeps coming back. Wenlock Downs' 9th Mile, about 15 km from Ooty on the Pykara road, is the most cinematic landscape in the Nilgiris: open meadows, shola-fringed hills, big skies, and the Pykara backwaters shimmering in the distance.
🎬 Why "Shooting Point"?
The Wenlock Downs grasslands (named after Baron Wenlock, once a British hunting ground) have appeared in countless films — Roja, Dil Se, Deewana, Raja Hindustani, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Chennai Express and many more. The two famous filming spots are 6th Mile and 9th Mile, named for their distance from Ooty. 9th Mile is the more popular and better developed of the two.
🎫 Entry Fee & Timings (Indicative, 2026)
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Entry fee: roughly ₹20–₹50 per adult (recent visitors report around ₹30; children less) — small camera fee may apply
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Timings: roughly 8:00/9:00 AM to 6:00/6:30 PM daily
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Horse rides: available near the entrance, starting around ₹100 for short rides; longer guided routes cost much more — negotiate firmly and agree the route and price before mounting
- Snack stalls (tea, corn, bajji, Maggi) operate outside the gate — no restaurants inside
🥾 What to Expect
From the entrance, a steep 10–15 minute climb takes you to the top viewpoint with near-360° views: shola forests, rolling downs, and Pykara Lake in the distance. Kids love rolling on the grass slopes; photographers love the light in the early morning and late afternoon. Expect strong cold breeze after 3 PM even in summer — carry a light jacket.
🚌 How to Reach
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By car/taxi: 15–16 km from Ooty on the Ooty–Pykara/Gudalur road (~30 minutes); part of the standard "Pykara circuit" (Pine Forest → 6th Mile → 9th Mile → Kamaraj Sagar Dam → Pykara Lake & Falls)
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By government bus (budget option!): Any Gudalur/Mysore-bound bus from Ooty stops at 9th Mile — ticket under ₹20. Ask the conductor for "Shooting Point"
- Parking is available near the entrance
💡 Local Tips from OotyMade
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Morning visits win: clearest views, empty meadows, and the mist lifting off the downs is pure magic
- Fog rolls in fast — if the morning is misty, do Pykara first and return here by noon
- Watch for monkeys near the entrance; keep snacks zipped away
- Toilets exist but are basic — plan accordingly
- Combine with Pine Forest (right next door) and Pykara for the perfect half-day circuit
- Winter mornings (Dec–Jan) sometimes carry frost on these grasslands — one of the most beautiful sights in the Nilgiris (see our winter guide)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry fee for 9th Mile Ooty?
Around ₹20–₹50 per adult (recent visitors commonly report ₹30), with a small camera fee possible. Fees are set locally and change — carry cash.
What are Wenlock Downs timings?
Generally open from about 8–9 AM to 6–6:30 PM daily. Early morning offers the best light and fewest crowds.
Which movies were shot at 9th Mile?
Classics including Roja, Dil Se, Deewana, Raja Hindustani, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Chennai Express used these grasslands.
Can I reach 9th Mile by public bus?
Yes — any Gudalur or Mysore-bound bus from Ooty stops at Shooting Point for under ₹20.
Is the climb difficult?
It's a short but steep 10–15 minute walk to the top viewpoint. Elders can enjoy the lower meadows without climbing.
6th Mile or 9th Mile — which is better?
9th Mile has the bigger views and better access; most visitors pick it. If time permits, glance at 6th Mile en route.
Related Guides from OotyMade
Entry fees, timings and horse ride charges are set locally and change without notice. Figures verified from recent visitor reports as of July 2026 — carry cash and check the notice board at the entrance.
Written by OotyMade.com — the first e-commerce platform from the Nilgiris, based in Ooty since 1980. We ship authentic Ooty chocolates, GI-tagged Varkey, single-estate teas and essential oils PAN India.
