8 Best Tourist Places in Ooty

An inevitable spell casted by the mystic hills of Western Ghats that has taken through lands of lush green forest cover with a lavish sprinkle of charming streams of water that has added its dose of beauty to the Queen of hills, Ooty. For years Ooty has always been playing it really hard for travelers to curate a list of tourist places to check out as there are many. Well now we got it simplified and curated a list of 8 best tourist places in Ooty to check out this summer with your family or friends.

1.Avalanche Lake

Starting off the list with the show stealer, Avalanche Lake. Avalanche, in every angle, would eventually sum up to be one of the most beautiful places in Ooty and also the most sought after tourist places as well.

It is located at 27kms from the center of Ooty and is widely applauded for its rustic beauty coupled with lush green range. Well the star obviously here is the lake which is adorable and pristine beauty in every way possible.

Rating

4.3

2. Ralliah Dam

The odds of seeing a raw and beautiful dam like Ralliah dam that looks like it’s straight out of a movie is unarguably zero. No we haven’t really gone overboard with that statement as Ralliah is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful looking tourist places near Ooty.

The access is restricted in the evening, citing the safety issues as this one is less connected with the main city roads. It is approximately 26kms away from Ooty and is one of the hidden gems in Ooty without a doubt.

Rating

4.5

3. Botanical Garden

Did you just feel any nostalgic wave Just hitting you right now? Well that’s possibly because of the Ooty botanical garden making it to the list of tourist places in Ooty. It’s oddly an absurd task ahead to pile up a list of places in Ooty without having the Botanical garden taking the prime spot.

The 63K+ ratings might sum it up better now as this is the most beautiful and one of the oldest well known tourist places in Ooty, hands down. With Summer around the corner, the garden is all pumped up to come back to its glorious form with people flocking in hundreds.

Address

Vannarapettai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643002

Rating

4.3

4. Doddabetta Peak

Fancy some exquisite aerial shots of Ooty? Then head straight to Doddabetta peak, one of the highest peaks in Ooty at an astounding altitude of 2623 metres above. Doddabetta follows in the footsteps of Botanical garden in terms of the oldest known tourist destinations in Ooty.

The entry fee is quite cheap and there is a never ending list of shops and snack outlets near that can add up to the fun elements here. It is around 10kms away from Ooty that shows some breathtaking views of the valley amidst the melodic clouds passing through.

Address

Ooty

Rating

4.3

5. Pykara waterfalls

A pristine looking waterfall hidden on the beautiful layers in Western Ghats that adds to the mystic charms of the Ooty in a different dimension. At around 20kms from Ooty, Pykara waterfalls is under a 40 minutes drive from the center of the junction.

The view gets exquisite with a nice panoramic effect during the winter season or during heavy rainfalls while the summer falls short of the wow factor much to the traveler’s dismay indeed. But overall a stunning experience awaits at the Pykara waterfalls.

Address

Pykara, River, Tamil Nadu 643224

Ratings

4.3

6. Catherine Waterfalls

Guess it’s the season of waterfalls. Second entrant making it to the list of best tourist places in Ooty, while we are definitely not complaining especially with summer around the corner ready to unleash the rage, calls for the perfect time to include Catherine falls in the list.

Located at Kothagiri, it is around an hour drive from Ooty. The roads through the valley from Ooty to Kotagiri makes it all worthy with the chilling climate and breezy waves of fresh air. The free entrance and the waterfalls hidden in the deep valley makes up for a perfect weekend getaway.

Address

Tamil Nadu 643201

Rating

4.1

7. Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Ooty

Remember those iconic Bollywood songs back in the 90s? Well you guessed it right, most of those were shot at Wenlock Down that is sprung across an impressive 80 acres of lush green grassland proving as a feast to the normal eyes.

The bird chirping sound amidst the tall looking trees adds to the soothing factor here which elevates the overall experience here. You can even buy the popular carrots from the fresh farms here which adds up really a charm to the expedition.

Address

Coimbatore-Ooty-Gundlupet Hwy, Tamil Nadu 643005

Ratings

4.4

8. Mudumalai tiger reserve

Just incase if you are done exploring the blissful nature of Ooty and want to explore something wild and untamed, step on the gas for a solid 2 hours to reach the harrowing roads of Mudumalai, the undisputed tiger reserve forest of Tamil Nadu that is just kilometers away from sharing its border with Karnataka.

Mudumalai has loads to offer on the table, for starters, there is the wildlife safari that’s so amusing and rustic while there are also elephant camps nearby alluring us into the world of tuskers. Apart from tuskers and tigers, there are also deers, Indian gaurs, peacocks etc.

8 Best Tourist Places in Ooty

Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a charming hill station in Tamil Nadu, India, located in the Nilgiri Hills. Known for its cool climate, scenic beauty, and lush greenery, Ooty is a popular tourist destination. Here are the 8 best tourist places in Ooty that you shouldn’t miss:

1. Ooty Lake

  • Why Visit: One of the most famous attractions in Ooty, the Ooty Lake is a serene man-made lake surrounded by lush greenery and hills. It’s an ideal place for boating and enjoying the tranquil environment.

  • Activities: Boating, cycling, and walking along the lake.

  • Tip: Visit during the early morning or evening to enjoy the misty views and avoid the crowds.

2. Doddabetta Peak

  • Why Visit: Doddabetta is the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills, standing at an elevation of 2,637 meters (8,650 feet). The peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and Ooty town.

  • Activities: Trekking, photography, and sightseeing.

  • Tip: Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the Nilgiri Hills.

3. Botanical Gardens

  • Why Visit: The Government Botanical Gardens in Ooty is one of the oldest and most well-maintained botanical gardens in India. It covers an area of 22 hectares and is home to a variety of plant species, including exotic and native flowers, trees, and shrubs.

  • Activities: Walk around, photography, and relaxing in nature.

  • Tip: The flower show during the summer months is a must-see for flower lovers.

4. Rose Garden

  • Why Visit: The Ooty Rose Garden is a vibrant and fragrant garden located on the slopes of the Elk Hill. It’s home to over 20,000 varieties of roses and other flowers, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

  • Activities: Photography, nature walks, and flower appreciation.

  • Tip: Visit during the blooming season (March to June) for a truly colorful experience.

5. Nilgiri Mountain Railway

  • Why Visit: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest mountain railways in India. The journey on the toy train from Ooty to Coonoor offers breathtaking views of the hills, valleys, and tea plantations.

  • Activities: Train ride, sightseeing, and photography.

  • Tip: Book your tickets in advance, as this iconic train ride is very popular with tourists.

6. Coonoor

  • Why Visit: Coonoor is a beautiful hill station near Ooty, known for its tea plantations, scenic landscapes, and charming atmosphere. It offers a more relaxed and peaceful vibe compared to Ooty.

  • Activities: Visit Sim’s Park, enjoy a picnic, and explore the tea estates.

  • Tip: The Catherine Falls near Coonoor is a great spot for trekking and photography.

7. Emerald Lake

  • Why Visit: Located in the Silent Valley, Emerald Lake is a lesser-known but breathtakingly beautiful spot. The pristine waters of the lake are surrounded by lush forests and hills, making it an ideal place for nature lovers.

  • Activities: Trekking, photography, and enjoying the serene beauty.

  • Tip: This is a relatively quiet spot, so it’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.

8. Pykara Lake and Waterfalls

  • Why Visit: The Pykara Lake is a serene, picturesque spot located about 20 kilometers from Ooty. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and hills, offering boat rides and a chance to relax by the water. Nearby, the Pykara Waterfalls is a stunning cascade that adds to the charm of the area.

  • Activities: Boating, sightseeing, and photography.

  • Tip: The waterfalls are especially beautiful during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its peak.

Bonus Tip:

If you have more time, consider visiting places like the Thread Garden, Ooty Golf Course, and St. Stephen’s Church. Each of these spots adds to the charm of Ooty and offers unique experiences.

Best Time to Visit Ooty

  • The best time to visit Ooty is during the summer months (March to June), when the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy the outdoor activities. Winter (October to February) is also great for those who enjoy cool, crisp weather.

Ooty is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone who enjoys cool weather and scenic landscapes. Whether you’re visiting for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous trip, these 8 spots will give you a glimpse into the beauty and charm of this hill station.

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