The Queen of Hills, Ooty is snuggled in the lap of verdant Western Ghats. The serene hill station is one of the most beautiful places of South India. Set at 2240 m above the sea level, the Nilgiris are shrouded in misty clouds. The emerald landscape is fragrant with tea plantations. Trace the remnants of British colonial era. There are beautiful mountain trails to trek. The top things to do in Ooty keeps the visitors occupied. The salubrious climate throughout the year lures the nature lovers, honeymoon couples and relaxation seeker. The hill town is a favorite for visitors all time of the year.
Here are the top 14 things to in Ooty:
Visit the Botanical Gardens
One of the most popular gardens in Ooty, visiting the Botanical gardens is one of the top things to do in Ooty. Located at the lower slopes of Doddabetta Peak the gardens are delight for the nature lovers.
Built on a terraced layout, a precious collection of flowers along with other exotic species of plants are housed here. The establishment of the park dates back to the British rule in 1848. The gardens are divided into 6 separate sections named Lower Garden, New Garden, Italian Garden, Conservatory, Fountain Terrace and Nurseries. Walk through the gardens, it is a soothing feeling. Read More Information on the Botanical Gardens ,Ooty
Enjoy the buffet of fragrances at Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is spread over 10 acres is settled in in the heart of the hill town and is one of the most popular attractions in Ooty. If you want to experience a myriad variety of blooms and the charming fragrances, checking out the garden is one of the top things to do in Ooty. This is India’s largest collection of roses with over 3600 varieties. The miniature rose, hybrid tea rose, ramblers, floribunda, and roses in shades including green and black are the highlights.
Maintained by Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department, the garden has a fascinating layout. The World Federation of Rose Societies awarded ‘Garden of Excellence’ title in the year 2006. Read More Information on the Rose Garden ,Ooty
Marvel at views from the Dolphin’s Nose
The Dolphin’s Nose is basically a gigantic rock that resembles the nose of a dolphin. The viewpoint situated in Ooty is settled at an altitude of 1000 feet. There are ravines on either side of the viewpoint, including St. Catherine Falls and Coonoor stream.
Revel in the natural beauty, one of the interesting day trips in Ooty. Sunset and Sunrise views are wonderful. The route towards Dolphin’s Nose from Ooty, is scenic with thrilling hairpin turns. Treat your eyes to the lovely views of the lush plantations. Lamb’s Nose on the way is also a good place to see. Read More Information on the Dolphin’s Nose, Ooty
Learn about the secrets of Tea at the Tea Museum
A visit to Ooty Tea Museum is one of the top things to do in Ooty. Not just tea lovers, every visitor has something of interest. Located adjacent to the Doddabetta Tea Factory, surrounded by tea plantations, the museum enjoys splendid views of the Nilgiris.
Learn all about the evolution of tea at the museum. Here you will find three broad sections on the history of tea, mainly Origins of World Tea, Tea History in India and Evolution of Tea in the Nilgiris. Do not miss the souvenir shop where you can buy a variety of tea leaves, cups, plates and more.Read More Information on the Tea Museum ,Ooty
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Trek to Kalhatti Falls
Kalhatti Water Falls is considered to be an ideal destination for trekking in Ooty. The water fall is located at around 2,000 metres above the sea level and falls from a height of 40 metres.
Situated on the slopes of Kalhatti Mountains, the water fall has varied rivulets and other water bodies. The site is famous for bird watching, picnics and nature treks. Since the trekking trails run through wildlife reserves, take permission from the concerned Forest Department. The best time to visit is during the months of September through November. You can spot rare birds and wildlife. Read More Information on the Kalhatti Falls ,Ooty
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Attain divine blessings at Elk Hill Murugan Temple
The Elk Hill Murugan Temple is set amidst pleasing settings atop the Elk hill. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murgan and a revered site in Ooty. The 40-feet statue of the warrior God in a standing pose is a spectacular sight. Idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Shakti, Nava Kanikas and Navagraha sanithanams are also housed in the temple.
During the months of January and February the temple celebrates Thaipusam festival. Devotees’ present brass vessels filled with milk, kavadi, (palanquins) decorated with flowers, peacock feathers and brass bells. The Kavadi Attam, a dance performed by the believers is the highlight of this event.Read More Information on the Elk Hill Murugan Temple,Ooty
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A fun Toy Train Ride in Nilgiri Mountain Railways
The Nilgiri Mountain Railways is an UNESCO World heritage site. The railway system is unique as it is one of the steepest track in Asia. The train crosses through verdant beauty of the hills. Built by the British in the year 1908, the Toy Train ride is one of the top things to do in Ooty.
The Nilgiri Passenger train covers a distance of 46 km, navigating through lush beauty of the Nilgiris. The thrilling ride navigates through 16 tunnels, 250 bridges and 208 curves. The charming journey is covered in a duration of around 4.5 hours. The Nilgiris toy train connects Ooty to Mettupalayam. Treat your senses to a memorable train journey.Read More Information on the Nilgiri Mountain Railways,Ooty
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Trekking and Camping at Avalanche Lake
Avalanche Lake is an unmissable attraction in Ooty. Around 28 km from the main town, the lake is a good escapade. The lake was formed due to of a huge landslide in 1800s and therefore got its name from the incident. The lake and is surroundings are known for mountain trekking. The trekking trails are easy and any nature lover can embark on the adventure.
Avalanche Lake is surrounded by dense forest. Waterfalls stream the mountains to join the lake. During the monsoon months, trout fishing is allowed. Camping at the lake shores is a popular activity. Acquire permission from Ooty’s forest office, as the lake lies in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.Read More Information on the Avalanche Lake, Ooty
A revitalizing game of golf at the Golf Course
The Wellington Gymkhana Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the country and not just the Nilgiris. The history of the club goes back a century. Set at an altitude of 7200 feet, the golf course extends over 193.56 acres and comprises 18 holes.
The major lure of visiting the golf club is its scenic surroundings. The Blue Mountains dominate the background, the lush stretch of rhododendron, oak, aromatic eucalyptus, and fir revitalizes your senses. Enjoy a game of golf as the thin mountain air lets the ball move farther. Major championships have been played here. There are also accommodations available for a golfing vacation.Read More Information on the Golf Course, Ooty
Picnic at the Emerald Lake
The Emerald Lake is one of the best attractions of Ooty. The favorite spot for tourists, nature lovers and Ornithologists, spending time at the lake is one of the top things to do in Ooty. Emerald is a small village in Silent Valley of Ooty, which is about 23 kms from Ooty. It is a beautiful picnic spot one should not miss to visit.
Emerald lake is famous for a variety of fish and birds in the locale. Remarkable sunrise and sunset views mesmerize visitors. Mountain biking, bird watching, fishing and trekking are popular activities near the lake.Read More Information on the Emerald Lake, Ooty
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Pray at Nilgiris’ Oldest, St. Stephen’s Church
For folks visiting Ooty, a visit to the oldest church of the Nilgiris, St. Stephen’s Church will be a delight. St.Stephen’s Church dates back to the 19th century. The Governor of Madras, laid the foundation for the church late back in 1829. Captain John James Underwood was the architect in charge of the construction of the church. High quality wood looted from Tipu Sultans’ Palace was used here.
The painting of “Last Supper’ is a noteworthy sight . Marvel at the colored glass windows with scenes like the crucifixion of Christ and Mother Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms. Revel in the blissful ambiance, it is one of the top things to do in Ooty.Read More Information on the St. Stephen’s Church, Ooty
Escape to the scenic Kamaraj Sagar Dam
Kamraj Sagar Dam also known as the Sandynallah Reservoir, it is a favorite for the tourists and a wonderful picnic spot. One of the top things to do in Ooty, spend time at the scenic shores. It is an ideal place to visit with your family. Pack a picnic to make the most of your outing.
The dam is frequented by a lot of bird watchers. Spot different species of birds that frequent the reservoir for water and also fish for food. There are also many different varieties of fish in the reservoir, but mainly found are the trouts. Fishing is a popular activity. Revel in the soothing environs.Read More Information on the Kamaraj Sagar Dam,Ooty
Learn about Nilgiris at the Government Museum
Fun while you learn can happen at the Government Museum in Ooty. Visitors can learn about the tribal legacy of Nilgiris with few hours in the museum. Located on Mysore Road, it is a treasure house of interesting relics of tribal art and culture.
The Government museum showcases the culture and the remnants of the aboriginals of Tamil Nadu and, Andaman and Nicobar Island. Check out the collection of some rare artifacts that belonged to the tribes in the Nilgiris. Houses of Kota, Toda, Paniya, Kurumba and Kanikaran tribes are also on display here. A comprehensive display of art, handicrafts, pottery, jewellery, huts and every aspect of tribal living can be seen here.Read More Information on the Government Museum ,Ooty
Shopping in Ooty
Ooty is a nice place to indulge in shopping. The hill town is popular for many things and you can bring home knick-knacks during your holiday. Tea leaves, fresh spices, tribal art, handmade chocolates, aromatic oils, and cheese products are popular things to shop for. There are shops where you can taste tea, chocolates and cheese before you buy them.
Commercial Road is one of the best places to shop in Ooty. Here you can peruse a number of government shops, Kashmiri shops and Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan. The co-operative Super Market and Municipal Market also have amazing bargains. Take home wonderful remembrances of Ooty.Read More Information on the Shopping in Ooty
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Debashree Chakraborty
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Very nice, detailed.
Hey Shalini
Thank you for your kind words! Keep on following our blogs for more such posts in the future.