Nestled among the Nilgiri Mountains, the Queen of Hills, Ooty, is often considered the number one hill station in South India. Because of its pleasant weather, tea estates and British influence, Ooty attracts travellers wanting to enjoy nature or spend their honeymoon. You’ll find here a complete list of great places to see in Ooty that will make your trip memorable.
1. The Ooty Lake area is famous for boating trips, but there is more to discover too
Ooty Lake is a popular and recognisable spot for visitors to this town. Within its 65 acres, the lake gives visitors the opportunity to see the scenery from a boat or pedal boat.
You can enjoy horseback riding as well as peddling your bike along the lake’s paths. An amusement park is right beside the lake which is surrounded by eucalyptus trees, so families love it here. Next to the farm, Lake View Park and the Thread Garden make this area even more attractive. Those travelling to Ooty in the summer should be sure not to miss the regatta and festivities at the Ooty Summer Festival.
2. Going Through the Botanical Gardens
The Government Botanical Garden, overseen by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department, has about 650 different types of plants and trees on its grounds. Out of all the top things to see in Ooty, it’s popular for its peaceful paths.
You shouldn’t miss the fossilised tree that dates back millions of years and take the time to walk through each of the gardens. Thousands of guests flock to the area every year for the beautiful summer flower show on display here. There’s a hill named after the Toda tribe and its culture.
3. Doddabetta Peak is Found at Ooty’s Greatest Height
Because it is 2,637 metres high, Doddabetta Peak gives a wide view of the Nilgiri hills. Anyone interested in excellent views or breathtaking photos should go here.
If you want to try something new, trek to the top or just take the easier option and drive up. On the summit, telescopes in the house let you have a clear view of the hills and valleys around you. It’s wise to wear warm layers, because the weather can still be chilly in the daytime.
4. Ooty is Home to Some of India’s Best Tea
There are plenty of tea gardens scattered across the hills in Ooty. Stop by the Tea Museum and Factory and find out how Ooty tea is created and how it’s brewed, then taste the fresh tea.
The estates are a great place to walk or take pictures. On the popular list are Glenmorgan, Doddabetta Tea Factory and Highfield Tea Factory. There’s tea tasting and you can see how the plants are raised and actually pick some tea leaves, too.
5. A Wonderful Garden Made Up of Roses
There are more than 20,000 varieties of roses on the 10 acres that make up the Ooty Rose Garden. A top Ooty tourist attraction and a favourite for those who love flowers, too.
Five separate terraces create the layout, offering a wonderful look at the flowers all through the hill station. Go during spring to enjoy the flowers in their brightest colours. To see something from every angle, guests can use the Nila Maadam or check out the themed Harry Potter flower arrangements.
6. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway was recently honoured by UNESCO with the Heritage Ride label
Part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, the toy train travels in Ooty and lets you enjoy tunnels, bridges and hills. Don’t forget to visit this site, recommended by UNESCO.
The Ooty Nilgiri train starts in Ooty, goes to Mettupalayam and lets you enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a quiet, peaceful or romantic trip. Making the trip from Coonoor to Ooty is pleasant and far quieter than the popular roads near town.
7. The falls at Pykara and Lake Pykara
Situated just 20 km from Ooty, Pykara Lake and Waterfalls give visitors beautiful views of nature. Boating and picnicking here on weekends is peaceful and Ooty nature enthusiasts say it’s one of the best places to go.
Pykara is held sacred by the Toda community, the original people of the Nilgiris. Waterfalls are often the main draw for visitors in the monsoon season and the lake stays beautiful and calm all year long. People can visit by motor boat or walk through the nearby forests.
8. Avalanche Lake Is a Great Place Few People Know About
If you prefer being alone in a place that’s not yet spoiled, Avalanche Lake should definitely be on your list. You’ll find lush forests there, so it’s excellent for getting outdoors and camping, fishing or taking walks.
Since a major landslide took place around the early 1800s and gave it its name, Avalanche has always stayed untouched by development. If you’d like, head to the Avalanche Sanctuary which has lots of nature to explore. A trek in the area gives you an exciting way to explore nature.
9. You will find the Wax World Museum at MGM Park
Wax statues of Indian icons and freedom fighters are on display at the Wax World Museum near Ooty Lake. Hollywood doesn’t miss the family crowd.
It’s not a big book, yet it has lessons and amusement thanks to Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose and Mother Teresa. It’s great for those travelling by and have only a quick visit. Visitors can take pictures—so you can enjoy making memories.
10. Emerald Lake is Quiet and Lands you out of the Crowd
As Emerald Lake is not as busy as Pykara, it is the perfect spot for both photography and taking it easy.
It’s really wonderful to see the sunrise and sunset from here. You’ll find tea plantations around the lake and you might see lots of birds when you visit. Take some food and spend a few hours outside enjoying your surrounding nature. It’s ideal if you don’t want to deal with the traffic at other lakes you might visit.
11. Thread Garden: An Exhibition of Artistic Beauty
On the other side of Ooty Lake is the amazing Thread Garden. All the plants and flowers are embroidered using thread wound with my hands. It can be made by hand and took over a dozen years without requiring anything mechanical or sharp.
You’ll never find anything quite like it and it reveals how passionate local artists are. You’ll learn on a guided tour how flowers are made with such remarkable accuracy.
Where Should You Stay in Ooty
- If you’re visiting Ooty, you can stay in a luxury resort, a bed and breakfast or a homestay. You can find many travellers staying at Savoy – IHCL SeleCtions, Fortune Resort Sullivan Court and cute cottages offering special views of the valley.
- If you’d like a different kind of vacation, think about staying at a heritage bungalow or on a plantation. They have a traditional feel and are very close to natural sights. Since summer is the busiest time, it’s best to reserve your place ahead of time.
Ooty should be visited at the best time.
- The best months to go to Ooty are March, April and May since it’s most comfortable then. For people who enjoy the monsoon, July to September is a great time to find greener views and fewer travellers.
- From October to February, the weather in Southeast Asia is cool enough for honeymooners and gives travellers sunny days and misty mornings.
The Best Ways to Go to Ooty
- People can fly into Coimbatore Airport which is located about 90 km away.
- Trains on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway reach Ooty.
- The route can be travelled by bus or taxi from Bangalore, Mysore or Coimbatore.
- For those driving, choosing Bandipur National Park between Mysore and Ooty will give you beautiful sights and an opportunity to see some wildlife.
Final Observations about a Trip to Ooty
Enjoying the silence mixed with nature and history, Ooty is home to both serene lakes and great rail rides. If you’re looking for excitement, nature or a place to share with your partner, you can find it in the top spots in Ooty.
Pack a sweater or jacket, remember to bring a camera and allow yourself to change your plans as you go along, so you’ll get the most pleasure from the hill station.
