Before the arrival of British colonialists, the Nilgiri region, including what is now Ooty, was inhabited by indigenous tribal communities such as the Todas, Kotas, Kurumbas and Irulas. These tribes had their own distinct cultures, traditions, and ways of life, and they lived in harmony with the natural environment.

The modern history of Ooty began in the early 19th century when the British East India Company established a presence in the Nilgiris. The cool climate and picturesque landscapes of the region soon caught the attention of British officials, who saw it as a potential retreat from the heat of the plains.  In 1821, John Sullivan, the then British Collector of Coimbatore, discovered the Nilgiri plateau and recognized its potential as a hill station. He is credited with founding Ooty and developing it into a British colonial hill station. The name "Ooty" is derived from "Ootacamund," a local Toda name for the area.

After India gained independence in 1947, Ooty continued to thrive as a tourist destination and hill station retreat. It has undergone significant development and modernization while still retaining its old-world charm and natural beauty.