Explore the Ooty scenery by visiting the major locations in this city at one go. The beautiful valleys, captivating landscapes, lakes, and other locations will win your heart in no time. Ooty is a popular tourist spot to visit and spend their holidays here. Put a break on the hustle-bustle of city life and book your flight to the popular retreat in the Nilgiri Hills that offer a wide variety of amazing wonders like the beautiful scenery, lush garden, various species of birds tea factories, and coffee plantations that are sure to leave you to fall in love with the visual treat in front of you.
1. Upper Bhavani Lake
About: It is a prime tourist place which is still less explored by the people visiting Ooty. You require a permit from the forest department of Ooty to visit this place. You are also not allowed to touch the waters of the beautiful lake. Enjoy an adventurous car ride to the Upper Bhavani lake along the Ketti Valley and Mudumalai.
- Location: Garden Road, The Nilgiris
- Fees: Free
- Timings: 10.30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Shopping nearby: Commercial Complex
- Where to eat nearby: Hotel Junior Kuppanna
2. Emerald Lake
About: The splashing blue waters and the natural landscape around Emerald Lake are mesmerizing to watch. It is surrounded by the Nilgiri Mountains, which provide scenic views of the entire landscape. The lake has boating services like paddle boats are available for tourists throughout the year. Visit during the summers to opt for the best rides here. It is also a popular picnic spot amongst families visiting Ooty.
- Location: Emerald Village
- Fees: Free
- Timings: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Shopping nearby: Kothakandi Stop Balithala Road
- Where to eat nearby: Place to Bee
3. St. Stephen’s Church
About: It is a popular religious place in Ooty, which also provides stunning, unparalleled views. There is a garden and a cemetery adjacent to the church, which is important sightseeing locations here. The serene atmosphere, along with the exquisite architecture, is sure to catch your attention instantly. It is among the best places to visit in Ooty, especially for a calm atmosphere.
- Location: Club Road, Ooty
- Fees: Free
- Timings: Timings from 10:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m. and from 03:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m. Closed on Sundays.
- Shopping nearby: PSR Center, Chocolate Market
- Where to eat nearby: Ooty Coffee House
4. Pykara Lake
About: Surrounded by the Shola forest on all sides, Pykara Lake is a popular tourist destination in Ooty. Enjoy boating, jeep tour, hiking, and other activities with your family here. You can also opt for a van ride around the lake for panoramic views. It will enable you to admire the natural beauty of Ooty in every way possible.
- Location: Pykara, Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- Fees: INR 150 ( for van ride)
- Timings: Open all-day
- Shopping nearby: Jaya Traders
- Where to eat nearby: Le Cafe
5. Ooty Botanical Garden
About: Spread across a vast area of 55 acres of land, the Botanical Garden in Ooty is a haven for nature lovers and enthusiasts. There are innumerable species of flora and fauna, divided into three separate horticulture in the lap of nature.
- Location: Vannarepettai
- Fees: INR 30
- Timings: 7 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
- Shopping nearby: The Garden Shop
- Where to eat nearby: Earl’s Secret
6. Pykara Falls
About: It is a sacred place for the Todas, especially magnificent for its picturesque landscape. Photographers and nature enthusiasts will have a fulfilling time by visiting the Pykara Falls. Enjoy the splashing waters and clean meadows of the beautiful waterfall.
- Location: Pykara, Sholur, Tamil Nadu
- Fees: INR 175 for boating
- Timings: 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Shopping nearby: Bismillah Stores
- Where to eat nearby: Ascot
7. Rose Garden
About: Situated on the slopes of Elk Hills, the Rose Garden is a treat to watch, especially for botany students. It ranks among the best Ooty tourist places to visit. There are numerous varieties of roses and other flowers which are cultivated here, which you can witness during the Ooty flower show. Do not forget to buy a bouquet for yourself while you visit this place for sightseeing.
- Location: Horticulture House, Bombay Castle
- Fees: INR 20
- Timings: 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Shopping nearby: Commercial Complex
- Where to eat nearby: Angaara
Various Activities to Try in Ooty
Everyone loves the excitement attached to various adventurous activities and sports. Ooty will provide you with the best activities to try so that you can have a pleasurable and fulfilling trip ahead.
Trekking
About: Trekking is an important adventure sport in Ooty, which is completely safe and secure for tourists. With effective guidance, you can hike and trek along the trails with ease. Choose the best Ooty places to visit and trek along the mountainous region.
- Where to try: Mudumalai, Mukurthi National Park
- Fees (approximate): INR 3800
Jungle Safari Ride
About: Explore the dense forests and jungles in Ooty, along with your family and other tourists. You can opt for a jungle safari on foot, as well as use the jeep safari rides. You will be able to witness an amazing collection of flora and wildlife in Ooty.
- Where to try: Mudumalai National Park, Katari Falls
- Fees (approximate): INR 900 (for jeep safari)
Cycling
About: You can also choose rented bicycles for touring around the small town of Ooty. Explore the amazing natural landscape along with beautiful views in and around the Ooty tourist places. You will be able to experience an exciting adventure in an eco-friendly manner.
- Where to try: Colonial Mansion, Stone House Area
- Fees (approximate): INR 850 per day
Horse Riding
About: Adventure lovers will be able to enjoy the cool breeze and natural beauty of Ooty with the help of horse riding. It is a popular adventure ride in Ooty where you can explore Ooty’s famous places in detail.
- Where to try: Pykara Lake, Ooty Boat House
- Fees (approximate): INR 500 (full-ride)
Angling
About: Angling is an old-fashioned method of fishing that is still practiced in Ooty. You can enjoy the splashing waters with the added excitement of catching fish all by yourself. Explore the various methods of angling under expert supervision in Ooty.
- Where to try: Kamraj Sagar Lake, Bhavani Lake
- Fees (approximate): INR 500
5 Weekend Getaways from Ooty
If you have some time to visit the scenic beauty in and around Ooty, you can explore the amazing getaways from Ooty. they are located close to the city, making it easier for you to travel.
1. Bangalore
About: Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka and the center seat of India’s high-tech industrial setting. You will be able to explore formal royal residences of the princely states and British architecture in Bangalore. It is a highly developed city attracting tourists almost throughout the year.
- Must-see places: Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore Palace
- Distance from Ooty: 265 km
- Best time to visit: October to February
2. Coorg
About: Madikeri or Coorg is a popular hill station in South India. It features the Raja’s Seat, a simple monument that is a popular tourist destination. The cool breeze along the Western Ghats reaches Coorg almost throughout the year. Visit Coorg from the Ooty best places to get a glimpse of the tea gardens and South Indian heritage at its best.
- Must-see places: Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple
- Distance from Ooty: 239 km
- Best time to visit: October to March
3. Mangalore
About: Mangalore is an important commercial center in Karnataka. It is a major Arabian Seaport, dealing with major trade processes. You can also visit various tourist places in Mangalore from Ooty, as it is easily approachable by train or car rides.
- Must-see places: Kadri Manjunath Temple, Tannirbhavi Beach
- Distance from Ooty: 383 km
- Best time to visit: October to February
4. Munnar
About: Situated in Kerala, Munnar is a popular hill station, which used to be the summer resort of ancient British raj in India. It is famous for its lush green meadows along with the numerous tea plantations. Visit Munnar from Ooty to explore the pleasant scenery all around.
- Must-see places: Tea Gardens, Rajamalai National Park
- Distance from Ooty: 242 km
- Best time to visit: March to May, December to February
5. Madurai
About: It is the third-largest city in Tamil Nadu, located on the banks of the Vaigai river. Madurai is famous for its exquisite temples of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. You will get a clear glimpse of South Indian culture here, as and when you visit Madurai from Ooty.
- Must-see places: Meenakshi Temple, Vaigai Dam
- Distance from Ooty: 285 km
- Best time to visit: December to February
FAQs
Q: How many days are needed for an Ooty trip?
Ans: If you want to enjoy a detailed trip to Ooty, Coonor tea estate, and the adjacent places, you will need at least 5 to 7 days.
Q: Which are the best areas to stay in Ooty?
Ans: Places near Stone House area, Kamraj Sagar Dam, Ooty Coffee House, and Upper Bhavani have the best hotels and resorts in Ooty. You can have a peaceful vacation by staying at one of these places.
Q: Does it snow in Ooty?
Ans: Ooty has a cool and favorable climate, but it doesn’t snow here. It lies far away from the cold zones in India.
Q: What are the famous street foods to try in Ooty?
Ans: Kebabs, momos, and south-Indian delicacies are the famous street foods to try in Ooty. You can try them in shops near Bee Museum and Adames Fountain.
Q: Where to shop in Ooty?
Ans: Charing Cross Road, Upper Bazar Road, and Tibetan Market are some of the places to shop for exquisite items in Ooty.
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