20 Most Stunning Places To Visit In Ooty In 2024: Complete Travel Guide

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For all of us burrowed in the neverending grind of city life, the alluring sound of ‘vacationing in the mountains’ can be music to the ears. If the bitter cold of northern India is too much for you, I suggest you head South to the queen of hill stations — Ooty, Tamil Nadu. 

Trekking the rolling Nilgiris, boating until sunset, breathing in the aroma of Eucalyptus forests, and enjoying the mild chill that enwraps you in an endearing embrace, Ooty offers enough for nature lovers, making it one of the best holiday destinations to travel to in south India. 

My last trip to Ooty marked my 5th visit to this tourist hotspot. From traveling with family on a fixed itinerary to going on a solo trip to simply soak in the natural beauty, I have done it all. 

So plan your trip with me as I chalk out a detailed guide with the best places to visit in Ooty, luxurious and budget-friendly hotels, top restaurants to dine in, and the most thrilling adventure activities to indulge in. Let’s begin.

Top 20 Ooty Tourist Places To Visit In 2024

Here’s a list of the best tourist places in Ooty curated just for you. I’ve also included a few lesser-known spots that are absolutely stunning but often less crowded.

1. Government Botanical Garden Ooty

Located 800 m from Charring Cross, the main market area of Ooty, the Government Botanical Garden is one of the main tourist attractions in Ooty. This 55-acre expansive garden is home to over 650 species of rare trees and plants worldwide. 

While April to September offer you the best blooms, there were exquisite flower arrangements even in winter. The garden also features nurseries, plant conservatories, lush undulating lawns, and a crystal-clear pool making it an ideal picnic spot amidst pristine nature. 

Location: Google Maps

Timings: 7 am-6.30 pm on all days

Entry Fees: INR 50 (adults), INR 30 (children).

2. Ooty Lake

A visit to Ooty is incomplete without a scenic boat ride on the serene waters of the Ooty Lake. A must-inclusion in your Ooty itinerary, this enchanting boat ride offers you stunning vistas of the Nilgiris and lush flora bordering the lake. 

In my case, the December mist added an enigmatic charm to the whole experience. The slow, theatrical reveal of the natural scenery was mystifying as we silently glided over the dark waters.

The lake is easily accessible through the Tamil Nadu Tourism Ooty Boat House, which is a perfect place for children and couples to spend time indulging in lip-smacking food, adventure activities, and fun rides. There are also many shops selling trendy clothes, woolens, souvenirs, plants, and herbal products.

As for the boat ride, there are animal-shaped pedal boats, row boats and 15-seater motor boats that you can choose from, depending on the size of your travel group. 

Location: Google Maps (Tamil Nadu Tourism Ooty Boat House)

Timings: 9 am – 6pm

Entry Fees: INR 10

Boat Ride Tariff Per Person : INR 100 – INR 300

3. Ooty Rose Garden

Planning a romantic stroll with your loved one? Stop by the famous Government Rose Garden. One of the most Instagram-worthy places in Ooty, the Rose Garden has a cinematic ambiance with rose creepers twining over tunnels and bowers. 

This terraced garden is spread over 4 hectares of land and boasts a breathtaking collection of over 3,000 varieties of roses. To experience the complete charm of the seasonal blooms, visit the Rose Garden in May during the annual Rose show in Ooty.

Location: Google Maps

Timings: 7.30 am-6.30 pm (Mon- Sat), 9 am-6.30 pm (Sun)

Entry Fees: INR 50 (adults), INR 30 (children).

TWT Trivia: Every year in May, the Department of Tourism and Department of Horticulture Tamil Nadu jointly organise the Ooty Summer Festival. The festival features a variety of floral shows, spice shows, and boat races, making it a huge tourist attraction. 

4. Stone House or Government Museum Ooty

The Stone House was the residence of John Sullivan, the founder of the British settlement of Ootacamund or Ooty. Now a government museum, this magnificent two-storey stone mansion was the first bungalow that was built in the hill station. 

The museum has a wide collection of Toda and Badaga Tribal artifacts such as Toda huts, weaponry, traditional attire, and jewelry. Other curios on display include antique stone and metal sculptures, old photographs, and taxidermy mounts. 

Location: Google Maps

Timings: 9.30 am-5 pm

Entry Fees: INR 25

5. St. Stephen’s Church

This 19th-century, Gothic-styled, colossal church is one of the most famous churches in Ooty. The foundation of St. Stephen’s Church was laid in 1829 and opened to the public in 1831. Surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees, the tranquil ambiance of the church is ideal for self-reflection. 

The church features beautiful arches, and windows adorned with glass paintings that portray Jesus’ stories. One such stained glass that caught my eye had a stunning painting of Mother Mary cradling Baby Jesus, surrounded by Apostles. The depth of colors illuminated by the misty morning light had a spectacular mystic effect, which evoked a profound sense of spirituality and reverence. 

The church also has an interesting bell set-up, which uses hammer-shaped structures to strike inverted ‘V-shaped’ planks that produce a musical effect.

Location: Google Maps

Timings: 9.30 am-5.30 pm (Monday to Saturday) 9 am-2.30 pm (Sunday)

Entry Fees: Free entry

6. Toda Temple

My visit to the Toda Village Temple was a unique experience I’d recommend to all fellow travelers. The Todas are an indigenous tribe of the Nilgiris who have inhabited Ooty for thousands of years. 

The Toda huts and temples have a unique oval or inverted U-structure with a small entrance. The front wall is adorned with distinctive engravings that resemble ‘X’s, a buffalo’s head, and other floral motifs that symbolize the Toda community.

However, with the modernization of these tribes, very few Toda homes still adhere to the old design. Hence, this specific Toda Temple site is one of those rare tourist spots in Ooty that offers you a glimpse into the rich culture and heritage of the Todas.

There are altogether 2 temples perched atop a small hillock set against the scenic backdrop of a coniferous forest. Since the site is sacred to the community, visitors must walk up barefoot to pay homage to the Gods. However, the path to the temples was blanketed in soft grass, which made it a comfortable trek. And the surprise that awaited me was a mesmerizing view of the hill station from above.

Location: Google Maps

Timings: 10 am-5 pm.

Entry Fees: Free entry

7. The Tea Factory & The Tea Museum

The aromatic Nilgiri tea carpeting the steps of the craggy mountains not only makes for a scenic delight, but also contributes to about 7% of the country’s total tea production. Tea cultivation and export is one of the main sources of income in the Nilgiri region. So, where better to know about its rich history than The Tea Factory & The Tea Museum in Ooty? 

Located at an altitude of 6033 ft., on Dodabetta Road, The Tea Factory offers you an insightful glimpse into the journey of tea-making. The tour concludes with a glass of hot cardamom tea offered at the end, perfect for the chilly weather of Ooty. 

You can also purchase a wide variety of teas, spices, herbal oils, and souvenirs. I got myself 2 large packs of cardamom tea, a bottle of olive oil, spices, and pure eucalyptus oil from their stalls. 

The exit leads you to The Chocolate Factory, where you can indulge in a range of mouthwatering homemade Ooty chocolates and pack them as souvenirs for your friends and family. 

Location: Google Maps

Timings: 9 am-6.30 pm

Entry Fees: INR 10

8. Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden

Among all the gardens that I visited in Ooty, this was my favorite. A paradise for professional photographers, the Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden is a man-made wonderland that bewitches you with stunning natural beauty and intriguing architecture. 

What was most enchanting about the place was that the entire layout of the garden kept changing with every few steps. Tall hedge mazes resembling the Triwizard Maze in Harry Potter opened up to hand-crafted Italian gardens with marble sculptures and animal topiaries. There were small pools that teemed with multi-colored fish, bridges, tree-covered avenues, orchid gardens, nurseries, and sections showcasing stunning displays of floral artistry. 

Did You Know?

This 38-acre picturesque garden was once the property of the ruler of Madras who gifted the land to the government of Karnataka. The Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden was inaugurated in the year 2018 and is listed as the 2nd largest garden in Ooty.

Location: Google Maps

Timings: 7 am- 7 pm

Entry Fees: INR 50

9. Doddabetta Peak

The route to Doddabetta Peak captured my heart way before we reached the destination. Enshrined in pine and eucalyptus forests the winding trail allows you to experience the breathtaking beauty of Ooty that remains untouched. 

Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiri range standing at a height of 8652 ft. At the summit, there is a watch tower with a telescope that offers a panoramic view of the entire hill station of Ooty.

Also, the advantage of Doddabetta is that you can drive right up to the entrance from where the summit is a 5-minute walk. This makes it easily accessible to travelers of all ages. 

And like most other tourist spots in Ooty, Doddabetta Peak too, has multiple food stalls. From pani puris, Quail eggs, fresh Ooty carrots, corn, and beetroot, to hot Maggi, masala omelette, and tea, you will never run short of food options here. Other stalls sell woolens, caps, handmade jewelry, and souvenirs. 

Note: The Telescope house may remain closed during bad weather (rain/mist) conditions.

Location: Google Maps

Timings: 8 am-5 pm

Entry Fees: INR 10

10. High Hill Tea Garden

Visiting the High Hill Tea Garden was one of the most enchanting experiences in my entire Ooty trip. A lesser-known tourist spot in Ooty, this expansive tea estate offers you a rare opportunity to trek amidst lush tea shrubs and pose for Insta-worthy photos adorned in the vibrant attire of the tea workers.

And it’s not just the trek that’s ecstatic, but the panoramic view of Ooty and a nearby Golf course from the top that is a feast for the city-deweller’s eyes. 

TWT Tip: After the trek, you can get a refreshing glass of tea upon displaying the entry ticket. So make sure you don’t lose it.

Location: Google Maps

Timings: 8 am-6 pm

Entry Fees: INR 10

11. Nilgiri Mountain Railway 

There are only a few places in India where you can enjoy a toy train ride and one of them is in Ooty. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was constructed during British rule in India. 

You can take the train from Mettupalayam at 7.10 am and travel to any of the 6 destinations namely — Coonoor, Wellington, Aruvankadu, Ketti, Lovedale, and Ooty. 

The little blue train chugs up the blue mountains and passes through the breathtaking wilderness, making it a one-of-a-kind experience that you simply cannot miss. The train again departs from Ooty at 2 pm and reaches Mettupalayam at 5.35 pm. 

The Ooty toy train has a first class and a general class compartment. You can easily book your tickets in advance from the Indian Railways Online Booking Website. 

 Location: Google Maps

12. Emerald Lake

Located about 19 km from the main town of Ooty, Emerald Lake is the perfect destination that lands you in nature’s lap away from the noise of the city. The lake’s crystal blue waters reflecting the surrounding tea plantations and the faraway Nilgiris is a sight that can bewitch any nature lover. 

Apart from being one of the popular places to see in Ooty, the lake serves as a major source of freshwater for the hill station. Emerald Lake forms a part of the Silent Valley and offers many trekking and photography opportunities.

If you are looking for stay options near Emerald Lake, check out our article on Emerald, a luxurious B&B that gives you stunning views of the lake.

Location: Google Maps

Timings: Not applicable 

Entry Fees: Free visit

13. Avalanche Lake

The Avalanche Lake, located about 5.4 km from the Emerald Lake, is part of the Avalanche Reserve Forest. Enveloped by the undulating Nilgiri hills and lush tea plantations, the Avalanche Lake is one of those rare tourist spots in Ooty where you can immerse yourself amidst pristine nature. 

The forest surrounding the lake is also home to a wide variety of endemic birds, making it a treasure trove for wildlife photographers and birdwatchers. There’s a lot of scope for adventure activities around the lake such as trekking in the wilderness and camping. 

Location: Google Maps

Timings: Not applicable 

Entry Fees: Free visit

14. Pykara Lake & Pykara Waterfalls

The Pykara Lake Boat House, along with the Pykara Waterfalls, is a major tourist attraction near Ooty.  Around 20 km from Ooty, the Pykara Falls allows you to immerse yourself amidst tranquil nature away from the crowds. 

The sacred Pykara River meanders through the Nilgiris and cascades from a height of 55 and 61 meters to create the Pykara Falls. You can either walk down the scenic trail or opt for a battery car to view the falls.

Next head to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Pykara Boathouse for an enjoyable boat ride in the serene waters of Pykara Lake. You can choose between 8-10 seater boats or opt for a speed boat for a more adventurous ride. 

Location: Google Maps (Pykara Waterfalls)

Google Maps (Pykara Lake Boat House)

Timings: 8.30 am-5.30 pm (Pykara Waterfalls)

8.30 am-5.00 pm (Pykara Lake Boat House)

Entry Fees: INR 30

TWT Tip: If time permits, stop by Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point, a cinematic tourist spot in Ooty that is unknown to many. Rolling meadows framed by the distant mountains stretch to the horizon, creating a mesmerizing vista that is reminiscent of the scenic beauty of Gulmarg (Kashmir). Here, you can engage in adventure activities like trekking or simply enjoy a picnic with your loved ones. Wenlock Downs is also one of the best places in Ooty where you can watch a magical sunset that lingers in the mind.

15. Cairn Hill Reserve Forest

Just 5 km from the main town of Ooty lies the Cairn Hill Reserve Forest, a rare gem for trekkers and wildlife lovers. It is one of the oldest eco-tourism centers developed during the British rule. Cairn Hill is also home to some of the oldest cypress trees in Ooty.

This eco-awareness center also features a hanging bridge and a watch tower that adds to its scenic allure. There’s also an interpretation center, an orchidarium, a museum and simple lodging options for those who wish for a calm stay amidst pine and cypress forests. 

Location: Google Maps

Timings: Best visited before evening

Entry Fees: INR 20

16. The Madras Regiment Museum

This super cool modern museum in Wellington was suggested by a local gentleman from Ooty. And I was absolutely taken aback as soon as I stepped in through its massive wooden doors. Dedicated to the heroic saga of the Madras Regiment, the museum takes you on an enlightening journey right from the formation of the Regiment in 1758 to the current day valors of the Madras Thambis (Madras Sappers). 

From backlit exhibition walls, life-size cutouts, ancient weaponry, guns, armor, uniforms, and badges to original flags, the museum has a unique visually appealing display that is well documented and would interest both children and adults. 

Location: Google Maps

Timings: 9 am-1 pm, 3pm-5 pm

Entry Fees: INR 50

17. Ketti Valley (Ketty Valley) View Point 

I came across this breathtaking viewpoint en route from Ooty to Aruvankadu. Equipped with a telescope, the viewing tower offered panoramic views of the entire Ketti Valley. 

A young guide adjusted the telescope and pointed out faraway Ooty tourist spots such as St. Michael’s Church (featured in the famous 1997 Tamil movie Minsara Kanavu starring Kajol, Prabhu Deva & Arvind Swamy), the Ooty toy train track, and clusters of Toda and Badaga villages dotting the verdant landscape. 

Location: Google Maps

Timings: 9 am-6.30 pm

Entry Fees: INR 10

TWT Trivia: The Ketti Valley is one of the largest valleys in the world and boasts a depth of 7,000 ft. The valley is not only home to the local Toda and Badaga tribes, but also to wild animals such as the barking deer, elephants, Indian gaur, and bears.   

18. Sim’s Park

Sim’s Park, Coonoor, located about 21 km from Ooty is a unique combination of a park and a botanical garden. Crafted within the depths of a ravine, this botanical spectacle stretches over 12 hectares and hosts several exotic plant species. 

While parts of the park are decorated with bowers and man-made rose gardens, the rest resembles a forest, with trails meandering under dense canopies, and giant creepers and orchids growing in their natural habitat. There is also a boat house and a children’s park within the Sim’s Garden and lots of spots that form perfect backdrops for Insta-worthy photos.

Location: Google Maps

Timings: 7 am-6.30 pm

Entry Fees: INR 40

19. Elk Hill Murugan Temple

The ancient Lord Murugan Temple, nestled on the slopes of Elk Hill, is home to one of the tallest (40 ft.) Murugan statues in the world. This gorgeous statue closely resembles the 140 ft. golden statue of Lord Muruga situated at the entrance of Malaysia’s Batu Caves.

The temple is a must-visit for all tourists not only because of its religious significance, but also due to the enchanting panoramic view of the hill station that awaits you at the top. 

In case you are visiting the temple during the Thai masam (January-February) according to the Tamil calendar, you’d be able to witness the festival of Thai Poosam Thiruvizha, which celebrates the victory of Lord Muruga over the demon Surapadman.

Location: Google Maps

Timings: 8 am-5 pm

Entry Fees: Free entry 

20. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is a must-visit during your trip to Ooty. Located about 54 km away from Ooty, the reserve shares its boundary with the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. 

If you’re planning a wildlife safari, it is advisable that you book your tickets online in advance from their official website. While tiger sightings are a matter of luck, you can easily spot elephants, Indian Gaur, Chital Deer, Sambar, Langur, and over 260 species of birds. The reserve also has a variety of accommodation options if you wish to experience the thrill of staying amidst wildlife. 

You can also visit the Theppakadu Elephant Feeding Camp in the Mudumalai National Park for an enchanting experience. Here you can get close to the elephants and watch them enjoy their meal times.

Location: Google Maps 

Timings: 6 am-6 pm

8.30 am-9 am and 5.30 pm-6 pm (Theppakadu Elephant Feeding Camp)

Entry Fees: INR 30

Jeep Safari: INR 5400-6000 (Indian) INR 6500-8400 (Foreigner)

Other Hill Stations Near Ooty

• Coonoor

Known for its verdant tea gardens and wildlife, Coonoor still manages to preserve the untouched beauty of the Nilgiris. 

• Aruvankadu

A quaint hill station enveloped in lush tea plantations and located about 14 km from Ooty, it is a less-crowded place to stay in during the peak season in Ooty. 

• Kotagiri

This is a beautiful hill station located about 29 km from Ooty and offers a pristine view of the Nilgiris. Kotagiri translates as a mountain that belongs to the Kotas, an indigenous tribe of the Nilgiris. Far less crowded than Ooty, Kotagiri serves as a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Ooty especially during the peak seasons.

• Masinagudi

A fan of wildlife adventures? Then plan an overnight stay in Masinagudi. Stay at a wildlife B&B such as Wild Pastures by Nature Resorts and later visit the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, located just 13 km away. Encounters with wild animals such as Indian gaurs and elephants are quite common in the area. 

5 Things To Pack For Your Ooty Trip

Apart from basic essentials such as clothes, electronic gadgets, chargers, adapters (foreign tourists), ID cards, and medicines, these are the 5 things you must pack while traveling to Ooty:

1. Winter Wear: Pack in a couple of sweaters and jackets. Don’t overload, you can always buy the rest at the Tibetan Market, Ooty.

2. Trekking Shoes: Shoes with a good grip are a must for long walks amidst the untouched greenery of the Nilgiris. 

3. Rainwear: Since Tamil Nadu experiences winter rain from the Northeast Monsoons, you may see occasional drizzles from October to December. If you’re traveling around this time of the year, carry an umbrella or raincoat along with a cap. You can also buy umbrellas in most of the popular tourist destinations in Ooty. However, they are often sold at very high rates there. 

4. Water Bottle: Ooty has been trying to minimize plastic waste for a cleaner environment. Thus, many tourist places in Ooty have banned plastic bottles. Hence, it is better to carry a small water bottle and refill it at the drinking water facilities available in most tourist spots. 

5. Cash: While most vendors in Ooty accept payments through cards and UPI Apps, during my recent trip, I was informed at a couple of entry points that digital payment options were not available due to bad network connectivity. In such situations, carrying small changes of INR 50/100 can help you make payments easily. 

Ooty Weather

Ooty experiences mild chilly weather throughout the year. The peak season in Ooty begins from March to May when the hill station sees a large influx of tourists who wish to escape the summer heat. However, the winter season (October to March) is the best time to visit Ooty if you want to avoid large crowds. 

Five years ago, when I visited Ooty in April, we were held up in a heavy traffic jam for hours! 

The scenario was completely different last year (2023) when I visited Ooty twice, once in October and again in December. Being off-season, I was finally able to enjoy the true charm of the Nilgiris.

Note: You may experience occasional mild rains from October to December. 

Major Highlights Of My Ooty Trip

1. I’ve been to Ooty several times. However, the last solo trip in 2023 was the most memorable one. And I owe it mainly to Ramesh Anna, a local driver who suggested visiting some of the offbeat tourist destinations in Ooty. One such place was the High Hill Tea Garden. The enchanting experience of trekking up the slopes of the tea plantation and the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains is still etched in my mind. 

2. Digging into a mouth-watering pot pie at The Culinarium amidst the panoramic vistas of the Ketty Valley was another highlight of my recent trip to Ooty. Being a die-hard foodie, I always check out the best places to eat before a trip and The Culinarium had some of the best reviews. It’s a fine dining restaurant and bakery located at Bicketty, just 8 km from Ooty. Known for its lip-smacking Continental cuisine, it had some of the best French pastries, Vegan ice-creams, and pot pies I’ve ever tasted. 

3. One of the best decisions that I made during my Ooty trip was a quick getaway to Aruvankadu. About 13 km away from Ooty I stayed in a beautiful nature stay called the Sleeping Beauty by Nature Resorts. Here I got a chance to explore the neighbouring tea plantations bordering the stay and spotted wild bison and a variety of endemic birds flirting around the tea bushes. Amidst a busy Ooty itinerary, this offbeat stay gave me plenty of time to bask in the beauty of the mountains. 

Best Hotels In Ooty

Some of the best places to stay in Ooty include Willow Hill by Nature Resorts, Rosewood by Nature Resorts, King’s Cliff, Sterling Ooty-Fern Hill, Sterling Ooty- Elk Hill, Sleeping Beauty (Aruvankadu), Fortune Resort Sullivan Court, Ooty, and Emerald (near the Emerald Lake), Teanest Coonoor. 

Best Restaurants In Ooty

The Culinarium, Kailash Parbat, Le Cafe, Buddies Cafe (Tea Cafe), Earl’s Secret, Savoy, and Angaara Restaurant Ooty.

What To Eat In Ooty?

• Ooty Varkey
• Kaima Idli
• Homemade Ooty Chocolates
• Dak Bungalow Chicken
• Kozhi Varutharachathu
• Preparations with fresh Ooty mushrooms and carrots
• Nilgiri Tea and Filter Coffee 
• South Indian Thali
• Continental cuisine
• Pot Pie

Top Shopping Destinations In Ooty

• Tibetan Market
• Charring Cross
• Tribes India (tribal handicrafts)
• The Tea Factory & Tea Museum (teas, spices, and herbal oils)
• King Star Chocolates (best homemade Ooty chocolates)
• Buddies Cafe (artisanal teas) 

What To Buy In Ooty?

• Toda community woven banana leaf shawl
• Tribal handicrafts
• Nilgiri tea
• Herbal oils (especially pure Eucalyptus oil)
• Homemade Ooty Chocolates
• Woollen shawls, ponchos and cardigans
• Ooty Varkey
• Herbal soap (sandalwood, charcoal, saffron)

Things To Do In Ooty (2-Day Ooty Itinerary)

Here are the places to visit in Ooty in 1-2 days: 

Day 1

• Take a stroll with your loved ones in the Government Botanical Garden and admire the fascinating display of seasonal flowers.
• The Tibetan Market is just a minute away from the Botanical Garden and a perfect place to shop for some extra woolens.
• Visit St. Stephen’s Church and admire its grand Gothic architecture.
• The Stone House is just 1.6 Km from the church and is a great place to learn about the rich history of the Toda and Badaga tribes of the Nilgiris. 
• Now head to Toda Temple to see the real huts of the Toda and experience their rich ancient culture. 
• Before breaking for lunch visit the Rose Garden and the Murugan Temple on Elk Hill located at a distance of 900 m.
• Craving for some post-lunch chai (tea)? Visit the Tea Factory & Tea Museum for an interesting tea journey and earn your free glass of piping hot cardamom tea at the exit. Don’t forget to check out their tea and herbal store and obviously the chocolate factory next door.
• End your day with a mesmerizing boat ride on Ooty Lake and some mouthwatering snacks at the Tamil Nadu Tourism Boat House.

Day 2

• Pack your bags for an early morning trek at the Cairn Hill Reserve Forest. You can also view a variety of birds or have a chance encounter with a bison. 
• After a good breakfast, head to Doddabetta Peak and if the weather’s clear you can view the entire hill station of Ooty from the telescope house. 
• On your way back, visit the High Hill Tea Garden for a thrilling trek up the slopes of a tea plantation.
• Keep the 2nd half for an enthralling wildlife safari at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and end your day with a tete-tete with the elephants at the Theppakadu Elephant Feeding Camp. 
• If you didn’t book your safari tickets, then head to Coonoor and trek amidst the bewitching wilderness at Sim’s Park or enjoy a family picnic on the lush meadows of Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point. You can also go on a long trek amidst the dense tea plantations around Emerald and Avalanche Lake. 
• Wrap up the day with a visit to the Pykara Waterfalls and a sunset boat ride on Pykara Lake. 

How To Reach Ooty?

The nearest airport is the Coimbatore International Airport, located about 85 km away from Ooty. You can also take a train to Mettupalayam and then the toy train from here to Ooty. There are also direct buses to Ooty from Chennai.

TWT Summary

The magic of Ooty lies in its stunning natural beauty that still remains intact despite its overwhelming popularity. One of the most charming hill stations in south India, Ooty packs in a little something for all kinds of travelers. From sprawling gardens, pine and eucalyptus forests, and cascading waterfalls to lush tea gardens, Ooty has numerous tourist attractions that make for a fun-filled tour itinerary. So quickly pack your bags before the peak season begins. 

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding A Trip To Ooty

1. What are some of the popular outdoor activities that I can do in Ooty or Udhagamandalam?

• Eagles Dare Adventures is the best place for adventure activities in Ooty. They offer zip line, wall climbing, sky bridge, and many other activities for both children and adults. 
• The Tamil Nadu Tourism Boat House also has several rides, a mini toy train, archery, and more.
• Cairns Hill Reserve Forest, Dodabetta Peak, Emerald Lake, and Avalanche Lake offer good trekking opportunities. 
• You can also opt for wildlife safaris and forest stays at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. 

2. What are some of the popular things children can do during a trip to Ooty?

Ooty’s bountiful nature offers a variety of activities for children. These include bird watching, trekking, picnics, tea plantation walks, zip lining, museum visits, forest safaris, and wax museum visits. 

3. What is the cost of a tour package for Ooty?

A 2-3 day Ooty trip budget can be wrapped up within INR 20,000-25,000, especially if you choose to travel by bus (from Chennai) or train, and settle for mid-range or budget stays. 

4. What is the best way to commute within Ooty?

In Ooty, auto rickshaws and cabs are easily available from their respective stands. You can also hire a car through your hotel or the Make My Trip App for all your sightseeing activities. 

5. What are the best waterfalls that I can visit in Ooty?

Some of the best waterfalls near Ooty are Pykara Waterfalls, Kalhatty Falls, Laws Falls, and Catherine Waterfalls. 

6. What to see within 3 days in Ooty?

You can spend 2 days visiting all the local tourist attractions in Ooty and keep one day to check out other nearby hill stations like Coonoor or Kotagiri. 

7. Is Ooty (Udagamandalam) truly worth visiting?

Ooty is often called the ‘queen of hills’ for its boundless natural beauty. Lush tea plantations, eucalyptus and cypress forests, and verdant valleys are all enwrapped in the loving embrace of the mountains (Nilgiris) here. This beautiful hill station was once meticulously developed by the British, owing to its lush greenery and still remains one of the country’s most stunning destinations that attracts thousands of tourists every year.

 

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