About Ooty 

Ooty is also referred as Udhagamandalam is a fascinating hill station which is located in the Nilgiri hills of Tamilnadu and is also known as the Queen of hill station. Ooty is famous for its pleasant and cool climate which offers the stunning landscape and the charm of the old colonial Era with the rolling hills, dense forest and sprawling tea gardens. It offers a perfect escape from the busy city life and also the heat of plane areas. Ooty was founded during the 19th century by the British and hence there are colonial styles of architecture that can be seen in bungalows, Churches and also the most famous Nilgiri mountain railway. Ooty is like a magnet and has various attractions from beautifully maintained Botanical gardens to the tranquil Ooty Lake to the most panamic Doddabetta peak. It is a perfect blend of historical significance with marvelous environment and natural beauty and is one of the most loved destinations that is mainly visited by honeymoons, Nature lovers, photographers or anyone else who are in search of a peaceful retreat in the hills.

 

Places to visit in Ooty

Ooty Lake

Ooty lake is one of the prominent tourist attractions of Ooty which is an artificial lake that was constructed by John Sullivan in the year 1824. This lake is stretched in the area of over 65 acres. One can enjoy a leisurely activity like boating in the Ooty lake which is surrounded with the beautiful eucalyptus trees and different shrubs located all around the lake. This place is also a perfect spot that can be explored with children as there is a mini train ride and small amusement park where one can spend a quality time with their children and can create a perfect memory of a family holiday.

 

Botanical Garden

The Botanical garden of Ooty is spread in the area of around 55 acres and was established in the year 1847. In this Botanical garden you can get different varieties of trees, plants, flowers and also some of the rare species of plants. This Botanical garden of Ooty is divided into different sections which includes Italian garden, lower garden, New garden, conservatory and nurseries. Here one can also get a 20 million year old tree trunk which is like a fossil and is one of the most prime attractions of this botanical garden. One can also enjoy the annual flower show which is held during the month of May each year.

 

Doddabetta Peak

Doddabetta peak is one of the highest points of Nilgiri hills and is preached at an elevation of 8650 feets above the sea level and from here one can get the best phenomic view of surrounding hills and valleys. This peak is located in the proximity of 10 km from the city center of Ooty and has a well connected road from Ooty. At this peak one can also get access to a telescope in the telescope house from where you can get a closer view of the scenic landscape of Ooty. This place also attracts adventure lovers as it is an ideal place to enjoy tracking and nature walks.

 

Rose Garden

The Ooty Rose garden is also referred as Jayalalitha Rose garden and is spread in the area of around 10 acres. This rose garden is one of the largest Rose gardens in India and has more than 20000 varieties of roses. Here one can witness a variety of roses like hybrid rose, miniature rose and many other different varieties. It is one of the most fascinating places to be explored where one can admire the diverse collection of different varieties of rose. The best time to explore the Rose garden of Ooty is during the month of March till the June month as during this period of time there is high bloom in rose flowers.

 

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The Nilgiri mountain railway is one of the most prominent attractions of Ooty and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This railway station is famous for its toy train that runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty and covers the approximate distance of 46 km. On this toy train journey you will be passing through the lush green forest, magnificent valleys and astonishing tea plantation. While being on this journey you will experience some adventures thrill as this toy train goes through valleys having steep curves and tunnels. The toy train journey of Nilgiri mountain railway is truly an ultimate experience that offers some fascinating views of Nilgiris.

 

St. Stephen’s Church

St. Stephen's Church was constructed in the year 1829 and is one of the oldest churches located in Nilgiris. The architecture of this ancient Church is a mix of Gothic and colonial style. There are various stained glass windows and also wooden beams that were imported from Tipu sultan's palace. This Church holds an important historical significance and also a scenic ambience which make it a top most destination to be explored by history lovers and architects.

 

Pykara Lake & Waterfall

The Pykara lake and waterfall is located in the proximity of 21 km from Ooty and is a prominent attraction of the region. This beautiful waterfall flows through the Mukurthi National park in the form of a Pykara river and later on it transforms into a beautiful waterfall. This is an ideal place for enjoying different activities like photography, boating and picnic as this place is highly surrounded by dense forest and has a heart melting landscape where one can spend quality time with their family members. If you want to explore this place then the monsoon months will be the best time as during this period of time the waterfall flows in the full speed and enhances the view of this place.

 

Emerald Lake

Emerald lake of Ooty is situated at a distance of 25 km from the city center and is one of the tranquil spots of Ooty. This lake is located in the silent valley and is also the part of silent valley National park which is famous for its silent and calming atmosphere. The beauty of this place gets enhanced by the tree plantations and the lush greenery that surrounds this beautiful lake and make it more attractive and a perfect place for nature lovers or for those who want to spend some quality time in the lap of nature. If you want to witness the spectacular sunset view then this lake is one of the perfect spots for you to do so.

 

Avalanche Lake

Avalanche lake is a beautiful location which is in the proximity of 28 km from Ooty and is famous for its clear Blue water and the beauty of this place is enhanced by surrounding lush forest. This place was formed during the early 19th century at the time of an avalanche or massive landslide that had happened and hence the lake is also named as Avalanche lake. This place can be an ideal spot for one who are interested in activities like fishing, trekking and camping and also one can witness different variety of flora and fauna at this place because it is attached to Avalanche Forest reserve which is home to different species and hence this place proofs to be a great spot for nature enthusiast.

 

Mukurthi National Park

Mukurthi National park is at a distance of 40 km from Ooty and is also a part of Nilgiri biosphere reserve which is a park that houses different endangered species that includes Nilgiri Tahr. The pristine beauty of this place gets enhanced by wonderful grasslands, green forest and rolling hills and make it an ideal place for different activities like bird watching, trekking and wildlife photography. Also one can enjoy their alone time and get connected to nature. The only restriction of this place is that you need to have prior permission from the forest department and only after that you will be allowed to enter the park premises.

 

Catherine Falls

The Catherine waterfall is located at a distance of 20 km from Ooty near kotagiri which is a beautiful double cascade waterfall which falls from the height of around 250 feet. This is truly a mesmerizing waterfall as the water descends from the rock formation and plays a sweet melody while falling. This area is surrounded by magnificent greenery and one can also witness this marvelous waterfall from dolphins nose view point of Ooty, if you are someone who want a perfect spot for enjoying your day out with your family then this waterfall is a perfect place for you also this place attracts photographers and nature lovers, giving them various opportunities to capture nature at its best.

 

Dolphin’s Nose

The dolphins' nose view point is located at a distance of 12 km from Ooty and is one of the most prominent viewpoints which is located near Coonoor. This place offers the view of the Catherine waterfall, valleys and tea estates which will surely make you in awe. This place is named as dolphin snows due to its Rock formation that resembles the shape of a dolphin's nose and the drive towards this place is really scenic as you will be moving through bending roads having lush green tea gardens on its side and also some beautiful small villages on your way where you can also learn about the local culture of this place.

 

Ooty Golf Course

The Ooty golf course is spread in the area of around 193 acres and is located in the Wenlock area and it is also one of the oldest Golf Courses of India. The Ooty golf course was established in the year 1891 and it is surrounded by a beautiful green forest of oak, eucalyptus and rhododendrons trees. You will be witnessing a scenic backdrop at Ooty golf course and it also has 18 holes that are really challenging one and attracts golf lovers from all around the world. This place also attracts non-golfers too, who are interested in exploring nature and appreciating the marvelous surroundings of the golf course and also let them enjoy the pleasant and calm environment.

 

Toda Huts

The Toda huts house the ancient tribe of Ooty that is the Toda tribe. This tribe is indigenous people that belongs to Nilgiri and they designed their Hut in a unique way and constructed their huts using bamboo, grasses, and rattans. These Toda hurts are in the shape of a semi barrel and can be seen at Toda village where one can also learn about the traditional culture of this very place and can learn about the daily life routine of the local people of Toda community. At this place one can also get some local handicraft as a souvenir which is constructed by the local people of Toda community.

 

Kalhatti Falls

Kalhatti waterfall is located at a distance of 13 km from Ooty and is yet another beautiful waterfall which is a competitively less crowded one. The height of this waterfall is around 120 feet and has a beautiful surrounding of dense green forest. This area of Ooty is like a home to different wildlife where one can also spot various flora and fauna. This place can be an idol for wildlife photographers as here one can get opportunities to click pictures of different varieties of birds and animals. Other than this it is also an ideal place for enjoying activities like hiking and picnic with the family.

 

Thread Garden

The thread garden is one of the most unique and different attractions as at this place you will be witnessing different plants and a complete ecosystem which is formed using thread. It took around 12 years of regular work by Antony Joseph and his team to make the garden as it can be seen in the current time. Here one can get to see the different techniques that are used to create these life-like plants and flowers using a simple embroidery thread. This place displays excellent creativity and craftsmanship and also the hard work of local people.

 

Wenlock Downs

Wenlock downs is located at a distance of 8 km from Ooty and is a green meadow which is spread in a vast area. It is one of the most popular picnic spots where one can spend some quality time with their family members or you can also enjoy nature walks and horse riding at this place. This green meadow is also like a home to Hindustan photo film factory and also the Gymkhana club and at this place one can get lost in the rolling green hills and can also inhale the cool fresh air which make it a perfect spot for enjoying some leisurely activities and enjoying nature while relaxing.

 

Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai National park is located at a distance of 50 km from Ooty and is also one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries which is located in India. This National park has a wide variety of animals which may include elephants, different species of deers, leopards, tigers and also a variety of birds. This please can be explored in the best way by going on a safari where one can explore different parts of this national park and can spot a variety of wildlife species that are present in this National park. National park is part of Nilgiri biosphere reserve and is a must visit place for adventure lovers as well as for wildlife photographers.

 

Glenmorgan

Glenmorgan is located in the proximity of 25 km from Ooty and is a beautiful village which is known for its tea estate. This place is also famous for Glenmorgan power house and is a pictorious place having lush green forest and beautiful view of Maya valley. It is also a perfect place for photographers as well as nature lovers who want to enjoy some quality time in the lap of nature. If you are an adventure lover then you can also enjoy a ropeway ride from Glenmorgan to Singara which will let you witness the magnificent landscape of the surrounding areas and you will be having the birds eye view of this place.

 

Things to in Ooty

 

Take a Ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway

You can enjoy your toy train ride at Nilgiri mountain railway which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. In this strain journey you will be enjoying some of the fascinating views of Ooty. The duration for this toy train journey is of around 5 hours and during the time period it covers the distance of 46 km from metro plan to Ooty. For booking the tickets for this train ride you can get it in advance as this will reduce your hassle especially during the tourist season.

 

Climb to Doddabetta Peak

If you are an adventure lover then you can also enjoy your trekking to Doddabetta peak which is preached at an elevation of 2637 m and is one of the highest peaks in the Nilgiri. While being on the trek you will be witnessing some of the breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding hills and also the pristine view of the majestic valley. one can also enjoy the closer view of this magnificent place using the telescope that is placed in the telescope house on the top of this hill. This is one of the perfect places where one can enjoy photography as you can see the plains of Coimbatore from this peak.

 

Explore Tea Plantations

Since Ooty is famous for its tea plantation, one can enjoy a guided tour to the tea estate at Ooty where you can learn about the different processes involved in tea making. One can learn each and every step from plucking to the processing of a tea. These tea estates will offer you a perfect place where you can roam around the lush green tea gardens and can enjoy some leisurely walks with the fresh Aroma of tea. One can also explore the tea museum in Ooty which will tell you about the deep history and culture of this place and why it is related so much to tea. You can also get some samples from here which can be bought back from your trip.

 

Visit Rose Garden

Ooty has one of the largest Rose gardens of India which is located on the slope of Elk Hill. This rose garden is spread in the area of approximately 10 acres and has more than 20000 varieties of roses. This is one of the perfect places where you can enjoy your leisurely scroll as this garden has the well maintained walking path and also beautifully maintained Rose gardens which can be captured in your memory forever. To get the best view of this place you need to visit it from April till this June month as during this time the roses are in full bloom.

 

Stroll Through Sim's Park

The Sim’s park is located at a distance of 20 km from Ooty at Coonoor and it is a beautiful garden which is constructed in a natural ravine. This garden is spread in the area of 12 hectares and has more than thousand species of plants. One can also get some of the unique species of plants such as Rudraksha and Queensland karry pine at this place. Since there is a small Lake located in this garden one can also enjoy boating and can spend some leisurely time at this place. It is truly a natural Paradise for photographers as you will be getting a lot of opportunities to get the pristine beauty of this place captured in your camera.

 

Trek to Avalanche Lake

If you are an adventure lover then you can enjoy your trip to Avalanche Lake which is located in the proximity of 28 km from Ooty and is one of the lesser known destinations which can be a perfect place for nature lovers. While trekking towards the Lake you will be witnessing some dense forest, tall trees and pristine landscape. This lake is surrounded by rolling hills and green forest which enhances the beauty of the lake. Here one can also enjoy activities like fishing if you have a sufficient permit. One can also enjoy camping near the Avalanche lake where you can enjoy the peaceful retreat in the lap of nature.

 

Explore Tribal Museum

One can explore the tribal museum which is located in the proximity of 10 km from Ooty. Here one can get the highlight of local life, culture and tradition of the tribes that are living in the Nilgiris. This museum exhibits the traditional weapons, costumes, tools and other artifacts that were used in the old time period by the older generation of these tribes. You can also have a collection of photographs which depicts the early life of the tribal peoples of Nilgiri. It is one of the best places to get yourself educated about the history and anthropology of this region.

 

Shopping in Ooty

If you want to get some artifacts as souvenirs for your loved one then you must explore the Ooty market which is a busy area where you can get some local products. One can buy products like handmade chocolate, essential oil, woolen cloth and aromatic spice in the Ooty market. If you are in Ooty you must not forget to buy some tea for the ones who are really addicted to tea. You can also get some Tibetan handicraft in the Tibetan market of Ooty which includes products like clothing, jewelry and home decor items.

 

Visit the Wax World Museum

The wax world museum is located in the proximity of 2 km from Ooty which can be visited by the person who spends quality time with their kids. This wax museum houses the statue of famous Indian personalities, historical figures and other statues which depicts the local lifestyle of rural India. The statues that are in this wax world museum feel so real and lifelike and provide a unique experience to the visitor. There are different sections where one can get to engage oneself in interesting activities which are also educational.

 

Try Local Cuisine

Some of the famous local cuisines of Ooty include varkey which is a crispy biscuit, hot masala tea and also not to forget about the South Indian meals. There are different bakeries in Ooty which are famous for homemade cakes, chocolates and also pastries. You can also enjoy your dining at King star confectionery which is famous for its chocolate and also one can visit Earl’s secret for getting a fine dine experience.

 

Enjoy a Scenic Drive to Coonoor

If you just want to stroll around Ooty and spend some leisurely time then you can enjoy your drive from Ooty to Coonoor by covering the distance of 20 km and witnessing some magnificent views of Nilgiri hills. You will be driving through dense forests, mighty hills and tea gardens of Ooty. On reaching Coonoor you can also explore some prominent attractions like lamb’s Rock, dolphin’s nose and Sim’s park. Also one can enjoy some quality time with nature as Coonoor is much more peaceful than Ooty where you can get a more laid back experience.

 

Photography and Nature Walks

Ooty is like a Paradise for photographers and nature lovers where you can get some of the best pictures at different spots like Doddabetta peak, Avalanche Lake, botanical garden and also tea estates. Your nature walk can truly be a rewarding one where you will be witnessing plenty of spots where you get to see wildlife exotic plants and birds.

 

Adventure Activities

At Ooty one can enjoy different adventure activities such as trekking, mountain biking, horse riding etc. There are different trails to Mukurthi peak and the grasslands of Parsons valley where one can enjoy tracking. Mountain biking can be perfectly enjoyed in the undulating terrains of Ooty.

 

Ooty Tour Packages 

In your Ooty tour package you will be getting a chance to escape in the serenity of hills of Tamilnadu and its Nilgiri district. Ooty is also referred to as the “Queen of hill stations” as it is a perfect blend of colonial charm, nature's beauty and the rich culture. The Ooty tour package includes your visit to some of the prominent attractions of Ooty such as Botanical Garden, Ooty lake which offer the best panoramic view of nearby hills and you can also enjoy a ride on Nilgiri mountain railway which is the part of UNESCO World Heritage site and and is one of the prominent highlight of Ooty. In this Ooty tour package you will be visiting different landscapes in a laidback and nostalgic manner. Further this tour package also includes your stay in a cozy and comfortable resort or hotel of Ooty which will be like your base from where you will be exploring different destinations within Ooty. The Ooty tour package will also provide you an opportunity to explore the different tea plantations in the small villages of Ooty other than this one can also explore the mystic mountains and the vibrant markets of Ooty where you can get some local handicrafts. This Ooty tour package is designed to offer you a relaxing and a rejuvenating experience which will let you lose yourself in the tranquility of nature with the charm of a bygone era.

 

Where to Stay in Ooty

There are ample options for accommodation in Ooty for the people of different tastes and budget. These accommodations in Ooty offer a unique way in which one can experience the history of this tranquil hill station. If you want to experience the luxury and colonial heritage style then you can prefer hotels and resorts like the Taj Savoy, The Fern hill palace and other such prominent hotels which provide views of Nilgiri hills and also let you experience the touch of history with sight of a well manicured garden. There are different Boutique hotels which have themed or modern interiors and are perfect for a romantic stay. These categories of hotels include Sterling Ooty Elk hill, The Sherlock etc. there are different budget friendly options too, that are available in Ooty which will provide you a comfortable stay in a guest house or homestay. In these budget hotels one can experience the local hospitality with an intimate setting. If you are a nature lover then you can also prefer staying in a resort which is nested in the tea estates from where you can get the view of nearby lakes. Some of the prominent resorts of Ooty are Destiny farm stay which offers the impressive green surroundings where one can enjoy their stay in luxury style while being in the lap of nature.

 

Best time to visit in Ooty

 

During Summer

During the summer month that is from March to June month the area of Ooty experiences the summer season and is one of the prominent times where the area gets a lot of footfall from tourists as it is a perfect getaway where one can escape the heat of planes. During the summer time the weather remains relatively cool and pleasant which is perfect to enjoy the outdoor activities of Ooty such as trekking, boating and also exploring the local tea estates.

 

During Monsoon

During the monsoon season that is from the june month till the October month the weather of Ooty remains really pleasant and is an ideal time where you can enjoy the different sightseeings of Ooty. During the period of time the temperature of Ooty ranges from 15 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius and is one of the most comfortable atmospheres for exploring the prominent attractions such as gardens and lush green landscapes of Ooty. In the monsoon season the area experiences heavy rainfall that enhances the greenery of this place. And even in the rainy season one can have the experience of magical stay. You can see the landscape of this place coming alive with the vibrant greenery.

During Winter

During the winter month from October to the February month the area gets cooler and the Ooty becomes Crisp having a refreshing atmosphere. This period of time is perfect if you want to witness some winter blooms in the botanical garden and during this period of time one can also enjoy their cozy evening with a hot cup of coffee and sitting near to the fireplace.

 

How to reach Ooty

 

By Air

If you want to reach Ooty by air then the nearest airport is the Coimbatore international airport which is located in the proximity of 88 km from Ooty. This airport has a well connected network from the major cities of India such as Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore etc and it is also well connected from international destinations. From the airport you can hire the local taxi or bus to reach Ooty which will take around 3 to 4 hours and you will be driving through the scenic roads.

 

By Train

Ooty also has a well maintained railway network and the closest railway station to Ooty is Mettupalayam which is around 40 km from Ooty. On arrival at the railway station you can directly take the local taxi or can take the toy train ride of Nilgiri mountain railway which is also a UNESCO  Heritage site. On this right you will be passing through the breast taking views of hills, valleys and tea States and it will take approximately 5 hours for you to reach Ooty from Mettupalayam.

 

By Road

Ooty has well connected roads to prominent cities of India like Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu. The most prominent route to reach Ooty is from Bangalore which takes around 270 km to reach Ooty and from Mysore it takes 125 km to reach Ooty. Other than this you can also directly reach Ooty from Coimbatore by covering the distance of 88 km. There are different buses that operate from Ooty to the cities which makes your travel more flexible and comfortable. One can also hire the local taxi on which you can witness the magnificent views on both sides of your way while moving towards Ooty.