Ooty’s Commercial Road During British Era, 1930 Postcard

This rare 1930 postcard captures Commercial Road in Ooty during the British era. The bustling heart of Ooty, Commercial Road, is seen here in its early days—quiet and pristine, with shops lining only one side and without traffic. This rare early postcard captures the street in a remarkably untouched state: unhurried, unruffled, and just as a hill station ought to be.

Today, the street is lined with shops on both sides, teeming with holidaymakers and choked with traffic. Ooty now ranks among the most visited and busiest hill stations in India. Commercial Road leads directly to the iconic Charring Cross Junction, a landmark that serves as a central hub in Ooty. Click on photo to enlarge. 

To see the busy street today, go to Changing face of Commercial Road in Ooty.

Did you know – a procession called Santa Comes to Town is held each year on Commercial Road during the Christmas season.

Past posts – VT Railway Station Printed In Ravi Varma Press Bombay, 1899 PC., Government House Road In Chepauk Madras, 1910., Motor Cars In Colonial Era Kolkata’s Cityscape.