Ooty

Ooty, India

Ooty

Ooty, India

Situated in the Western Ghats, this southern hill-station is nothing less than a picturesque postcard, one that reminds you of mesmerizing views and irreplaceable memories. Once the summer capital of the Madras presidency, the place should be on your must see list in order to fully experience the tranquility of nature. Often referred to as ‘India’s Switzerland’, it was strategically promoted as a tourist destination right after independence because it offered everything for a perfect vacation be it scenic splendour, diversity of birds and wildlife matched with the expanse of tea and coffee plantations.Located within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, many witness the delicate and rich ecosystem that the government is making best efforts to retain and protect. This part of Western Ghats was also

Eye-Catching Places to Visit in Ooty

While there are many hill stations down South and especially up North in our country, truly every destination offers its own charm and scenery. So if you are exploring the best destinations in Tamil Nadu don’t miss out on visiting Ooty. Here are the top attractions that can conveniently fit your itinerary.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway was inaugurated in 1899 and since has continued to attract many tourists from all over the world due to its scenic route. Popularly known as the ‘Toy Train of Ooty’, it was assigned the UNESCO World Heritage Site tag in 2005. The Toy Train covers a total distance of 46 kilometres in 5 hours taking passengers on a magical journey along the luscious slopes, weaving woods and twisting tunnels. It is said that the locomotive is almost 50 years old yet makes up for a memorable journey as people prefer to sit by the window throughout the

Ooty Lake

A destination packed with fun filled activities and refreshing moments is what makes Ooty Lake a must see. The majestic lake founded in 1824 by John Sullivan, then collector of Coimbatore is spread over 65 acres. Surrounded by Eucalyptus trees you can see numerous streams running through the slopes. It is an ideal spot to see the beauty of the hills and capture them in your camera. A tiny train for kids offers a quick tour around the lake. Many Bollywood movies have also been shot here due to its picturesque scenery.

Botanical Gardens

Covering the slopes of Doddabetta Peak these gardens are truly a sight to behold. Spread over 22 hectares, the garden is divided into various sections that are very well maintained adding to the beauty of the place. The landscaping and beautifully trimmed grass makes it an ideal place to sit back and relax. Foreign and local visitors have flocked to the beautiful green lawns of the garden for over 160 years, marvelling at the stunning array of flowers, ferns, and orchids on display. You will be enthralled by the scenery as you spend more time at the garden.

Emerald Lake

Located in Emerald Village about 22 kms from the heart of the city, Emerald Lake is part of the Nilgiris District's Silent Valley National Park. The lake and its environs are much cleaner and give a fantastic area to have a leisurely time in the vicinity of nature and quietude because they are serene and distant from the maddening crowd. You can plan a picnic here with friends and family or simply walk soaking in the serenity of the place.

St. Stephen's Church

Located on the Club Road to Ooty, it is another fine example of colonial architecture that transports you back to old times. The British Government had constructed the tower in the nineteenth century which coincided with King George IV's birthday. Being one of the earliest churches in the district, many visit for its historical significance and architectural brilliance. The pale yellow structure attracts the attention from outside and as you walk in some beautiful paintings capture your attention. One representing the scene from The Last Supper is surely a testament of its grandeur

Government Museum

In order to maintain and preserve the culture of Ooty, the government established this museum in 1989. Housing artefacts from 18 different tribes of the region, it represents the lifestyle of local people long before the East India Company conquered the Nilgiris. With a large collection of Udhagamandalam's culture, history, tribes, tribal artefacts, sculptures, paintings, handicrafts, nature, ecology, it is worth seeing to understand the history of this state. As you explore, you shall learn more about the Nilgiri District, its people and their core value system. Best for family outings and history lovers, it is a destination for one and all.

Activities Not to Be Missed in Ooty

Trekking in Ooty

Ooty is the starting point for a number of thrilling treks suitable for both amateurs and professionals of varied levels of difficulty. You will pass through stunning landscapes, meandering streams, gushing waterfalls, and lush green deep woods while on these excursions. In the backdrop of the majestic hills and valleys, you can also see the picturesque Mudumalai Sanctuary.

Enjoy the views from Dolphin’s Nose

The unique shape of a mountain roughly 1500 metres above the sea level has given it the name Dolphin’s nose. One of the most popular attractions in the Nilgiris District, visitors from Ooty as well as the nearby Coonoor come here. On both sides of the destination, there are massive canyons, and there is a clear view of the Catherine Falls, another major tourist attraction with a continuing current several thousand metres below, which is only a short distance from the Dolphin's Nose.

Ooty Rose Garden

Located in the heart of the city, it is yet another fine example of what a blessing nature is to mankind. The well kept garden simply amplifies the beauty of the place. There are segments dedicated to roses and their unique varieties. Apart from adding a splash of color to your visual palette, it also teaches one a lot about botany. Many nature enthusiasts will be happy exploring the further ends of this garden.

Doddabetta Peak

Highest mountain in the Nilgiri range, Doddabetta Peak is situated at a height of 2623 metres, offering the most majestic views in the valley. It is a visual delight and perfect spot to experience nature in its true essence. Another way to best experience the peak is through trekking routes that give you fresh perspectives of the surroundings. The dense forests and clear skies will deepen your thoughts and enlighten your soul. On a clear day, one can see as far as Mysore from the top of the peak. The top, or Doddabetta viewpoint, is accessible by car as well as on foot, making it a great place to visit whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure.

First Stone House in Ooty

The very first home in this district, the Stone House in Ooty gets many visitors due to the same reason. The house was constructed in the 19th century by John Sullivan, an Englishman who served as the first Collector of Udhagamandalam and the founder of the British Settlement in Ooty. It earlier belonged to the Toda Tribe of Udhagamandalam and was taken over by John Sullivan with the purpose of creating a British settlement. Still retaining the old world charm, many visit to simply witness its beautiful appeal from outside. The residence is currently occupied by the Principal of the Government Arts College. As a result, it cannot be explored from the inside, although tourists may certainly see it from the outside.

Visiting Ooty Tea Factory

The Tea Museum or Ooty Tea Factory is located on Doddabetta Road. The museum very beautifully defines the journey of tea plantations in our country. Surrounded by emerald green plantations, you will learn about the variety of tea grown through the preserved tea leaves at display. There are also many souvenir shops where you can first try and purchase all various kinds of tea.

Seeing the majestic Falls

Set in the Western Ghats amidst dense forests and lush green plantations, Ooty is also blessed with numerous waterfalls. Pick one or pick all, it is truly a sight to behold. The Pykara Falls, approximately 19 kms from Ooty, are considered sacred by the locals. A series of waterfalls formed by the Pykara river surely make up for a picture postcard memory. Then there are the Katara Falls, the third largest waterfall in the Nilgiris. The silvery water streaming down to form a pool at the base of the mountain, which rises to a beautiful height of 180 metres, is also a favourite picnic location in the area. There are also the Halasana Waterfalls where you see the majestic silver waters falling from 150 feet above the sea level. Elk, Catherine and Laws Falls are also in the area that you can explore for more scenic views. Close to the cities of Coonoor and Ooty, the waterfalls can be added to your itinerary as you explore further in Tamil Nadu. There are many small hotspots and landmarks that make Ooty a favourite among families and couples equally. It becomes a refuge for everyone, with its tea plantations, tranquil waterfalls, winding country lanes, and attractive colonial architecture. Apart from the places mentioned above you can also see the Deer Park, Kamraj Sagar Dam, Needle View Point, Toda Huts, Wax Museum, Wenlock Downs, Mudumalai National Park, Tiger Hill, Thread Garden, Mini Car Museum, Ooty Boat House among others based on your interest and vacation time.

Excursions from Ooty

Coonoor

Coonoor is another vibrant destination offering some breathtaking views of the hills. Tamil Nadu is blessed with natural diversity that can be experienced through its different destinations. Known for unique trekking routes, the destination sets a perfect base to sit back and soak in what all nature has to offer. Many visit the Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s view point,

Coimbatore

Coimbatore just 85 kms away from Ooty. The second largest city in Tamil Nadu after Chennai, this city is known as the ‘Manchester of South India’. Popular for its historically rich temples, mesmerizing waterfalls and delectable cuisines, it is visited by many. The Eachanari Vinayagar Temple, the Thirumoorthy Malai Temple, the Maruthamalai Murugan Temple

Mouthwatering Meals of Ooty

As you indulge in endless cups of teas and coffees, don’t miss out trying the delicious offerings of this town. So as you step out to see the attractions you may experiment with street food and local restaurants. From conventional South Indian dishes to international cuisines, there are all kinds of varieties available for both domestic as well as international tourists. Ooty is specially known for its local made chocolates that many also purchase to carry back home. From continental food to street chats, classic sandwiches to Indian parathas, there is a lot that you can try here.

Shopping at Ooty

Being a popular tourist attraction, there are numerous offerings from winter apparel, handwoven scarves among other locally produced materials like cheese, tea, essential oils and chocolates. The very well known Tibetan Market is located right next to the Botanical Gardens and largely shops are owned by the Tibetans community. They sell the best woolens and shawls in various colors and prints. You can also buy local beaded jewellery and embroidered bags from this market. Then there is the Upper Bazaar Road where you have some great restaurants and traditional markets offering local spices. There is a wide variety of Indian spices like jeera, chilli, pepper and nutmeg

When to visit Ooty

The hill station is best experienced from October to June, but otherwise pleasant weather makes it ideal to enjoy nature’s abundance. Throughout the year, the temperature swings from 5 to 15 degrees, with cooler nights. If you don’t mind the rain, visit Ooty during the monsoons, when the newly cleaned surroundings lend Ooty an ethereal charm. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival draws large audiences who come to see the sights and have a good time in this beautiful location.

How to reach Ooty

The nearest airport is Coimbatore situated about 100 km from the hill station, while the nearest railway station is Mettupalayam about 47 kms away. The Coimbatore airport is the closest to the hills at 3.5 hours by road. On the other hand the Mysore airport is about 4 hours away. Ooty is well connected to other southern cities by road as well. The road towards the hill station is quite scenic and makes up for a memorable road trip. The Nilgiri Express leaves from Chennai at night and reaches Mettupalayam, a small town at the foothills of the Nilgiris early next morning. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway leaves Mettupalayam at 7.10 am. Many state buses are also available bringing you in from nearby cities. It is best to reach Ooty by rail or road to enjoy the scenic beauty as one leaves the concrete jungle and enters a wild one.

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Ooty

Ooty

Eye-Catching Places to Visit in Ooty

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Ooty Lake

Botanical Gardens

Emerald Lake

St. Stephen's Church

Government Museum

Activities Not to Be Missed in Ooty

Excursions from Ooty

Coonoor

Coimbatore

Mouthwatering Meals of Ooty

Shopping at Ooty

When to visit Ooty

How to reach Ooty

Want To find out more about Our Popular Tours ?

Get in touch one of our destination specialists.

Other Popular Tourist Places

Punjab

Andhra Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh

Telangana

Karnataka

Jammu and Kashmir

Kerala

Leh Ladakh

Lakshadweep

Madhya Pradesh

Delhi

Pondicherry

Rajasthan

Tamil Nadu

Uttar Pradesh

Uttarakhand

Maharashtra

Gujarat

Goa

Bihar

Odisha

West Bengal

The Seven Sister States Of India

Andaman And Nicobar

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