Top Nine Places to Visit in Ooty - Queen of hill stations, Nilgiris

Located in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is one of the most popular hill stations in India that is frequented by thousands of tourists every year. Also known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is called the Queen of hill stations. The picturesque scenic beauty and the beauty of the Nilgiris make it a favored tourist resorts in India. During the colonial period, Ooty was considered as the summer getaway for the Britishers.

Best time to Visit ooty

The best season to visit Ooty is during April to June and September to November. It is because of the ideal climatic condition that people visit this city every year from all around the world. There are several tea estates, which are sprawled all over the mountains. The forested mountains and grasslands make this hill station all the more beautiful. Tea and tourism festival is held every year that draws in thousand of tourists to this beautiful place. Eucalyptus trees are commonly found in this place.

Ooty has some cottage industries that contribute to the economy of this hill station. Chocolate, pickle and carpentry are largely popular. Tea cultivation is done at the slightly lower altitude of the mountains.

Coming to Ooty, you can not miss out the various tourist attractions. There are several tour operators who arrange for the sightseeing in and around Ooty. Some of the popular tourist hotspots are as follows:

Places to see in Ooty

• Ooty Botanical Gardens:
• Doddabetta Peak
• Ooty Rose Garden
• Ooty Lake/ Boat House
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway
• Pykara Waterfalls/ Boat Club Ooty
• Emerald Lake
• Sims Park in coonoor
• Dolphin’s Nose

 

Ooty Botanical Gardens:

 

 

The most charming pick among the Ooty tourist places list, this botanical gardens is a treat for all the nature lovers. It bears some amazing plants that attract the gardening lovers from all over the country to the place only to view the rare species of plants. The botanical gardens were laid out in 1848 and are maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. Replete with various stunning varieties of flowers, ferns, and orchids, the gardens are a sight to behold. It is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for all the nature lovers.

The foundation of Ooty Botanical Garden was laid down in the year 1848 and was designed so as to have a terraced terrain. The slopes of the hill lie at an ascent of 2500 metres above mean sea level, as a result of which the garden enjoys a temperate climate ideal for a number of plants and shrubs to grow. The Botanical garden in Ooty is home to many rare species of trees, chief among them being the cork tree, the only one of its kind in India. The paper bark tree, the monkey puzzle tree and an old fossilized tree estimated to be 20 million years old round out the other rare species. The monkey puzzle tree has been named so because even monkeys fail to climb it. In addition to these, a number of exotic and indigenous vegetation of plants, shrubs, ferns, trees, herbal and bonsai plants are found here as well.

Doddabetta Peak

 

 

At 2,623 mts above MSL, Doddabetta is the highest Peak in the Tamil Nadu and is about 10 kms. from Ooty bus stand. The name Doddabetta literally means ‘Big mountain’ in the Badugu Language, which is so in reality. It is at the junction of Western and Eastern Ghats and offer beautiful vistas of Nilgiri Hills range. It is surrounded by dense Sholas. One can have a magnificent panoramic view of landscape and the whole of the District and even beyond through the Telescope House run by T.T.D.C., which is an added attraction . The Sunset is spectacular from this view point.

One of the most impressive choices among the Ooty tourist places list, the Dodabetta peak breathes fresh air into your body, making you feel amazing from the tip of its peak.

Try to go in early morning so you can visit other places in the afternoon, Awesome view. The highest in south India. You can enjoy some carrots, corn cob, some mangoes and some peanuts and chill fresh air

Abounding 360 degrees of beauty.
Ooty City on one side.
Kotagiri on the other side (far away).
You can spend an hour easily in the surroundings.
The atmosphere is simply beautiful and refreshing.
You get to see Gods own Art as Clouds array themselves in formations and the Sunrays peek into valley thru clouds.
you get a 360 degrees Horizon of peaks & valleys below you.
You observe that the Nilgiris are truly Blue Mountains.

Dodabetta is strategically located between the Western and Eastern Ghats, thus it is an ideal vantage point for the entire Nilgiris. The peak, or the Dodabetta viewpoint, can be accessed via a vehicle as well as on foot, this feature makes it a perfect destination to visit whether you are seeking leisure or adventure.

Ooty Rose Garden

Ooty Rose Garden is a mesmerizing garden in the heart of the town of Ooty, in Tamil Nadu. It is also known as the Jayalalithaa Rose Garden, the Nootrandu Roja Poonga and the Centenary Rose Park. Nature lovers are drawn to the Rose Garden like bees to honey. The view of the lush green garden with areas dedicated to captivatingly fragrant roses is a sight to remember. The flowers add more than just colour and attract visitors from all age groups, especially those who are interested in the study of Botany. You are bound to feel like you have entered a different world as you stroll leisurely across the beautifully landscaped garden.

The beautiful Ooty Rose Garden is located on the Elk Hill slopes in Ooty and was established in 1995 to commemorate the Centenary Flower Show. The garden is also known to be one of the most famous botanical gardens maintained by the Horticulture Department of Tamil Nadu. It occupies a vast expanse of over four hectares on the hill slopes. Here one may find a variety of roses in different colours and sizes. Families prefer visiting the garden over a picnic with their kids while couples find this place a romantic and quick getaway from a busy schedule. If you are visiting during the peak flowering season in summer (March to June), one may catch the flower show at the Ooty Rose Garden. The flower show is the time the country has the highest production of colourful and fragrant roses. Visitors can purchase saplings or buy bouquets for their loved ones. It is well Known for Top Places to see in Ooty The Nilgiris

Ooty Lake/ Boat House

 

 

If you are fond of gaiety lake rides, then Ooty has got your back. Home to some wonderful and glistening lakes, Ooty is a hub for all the water lovers. The most famous among them, being the Ooty Lake, it is an artificial lake in the shape of an irregular ‘L’. It was artificially formed by the founder of Ooty, John Sullivan by damming the streams flowing through the hill station. Definitely a gem in the Ooty places to visit, this lake is the most famous among the tourists as the best place to visit in Ooty.

Ooty Lake is one of the most refreshing and beautiful places to visit in Ooty. It lies at a distance of approximately 2 km from Ooty city in the green hills of the Nilgiris district. The stunning lake is spread over an area of 65 acres, and its foundation was laid down by John Sullivan who was the collector of Coimbatore in 1824. Ooty Lake is surrounded by Eucalyptus trees and greenery all around and is a great place to experience the beauty of this hill station. One can also spot numerous streams coming out through the hills. This is a perfect place to capture people who are genuinely interested in photography. The lake is filled with beautiful water birds with the exotic Nilgiri mountain ranges in the background.

The boat house offers boating facilities with Paddle boats, Row boats, and Motor boats. It also features a garden, a mini train and an amusement park. Ooty lake is an artificial lake constructed by John Sullivan, in 1824.

The water flowing down mountain streams in the Ooty valley was dammed to form the lake. The lake was originally intended to be used for fishing with ferries being used to travel across the lake. It gradually shrunk from its original size giving place to the current bus stand race course, and the lake park.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

 

 

Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as Toy Train in Ooty, is one of the key attractions of the popular hill station Ooty. Such is the train’s popularity and history that it was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005. Started in the year 1899, it has continued to charm its visitors over the past many years winding its way through the best of nature. The Toy Train covers a distance of total 46 km in a span of 5 hours and takes one through a truly spectacular journey filled with picturesque views en route. Another fascinating feature of the train is that its youngest X class locomotive is over 50 years old and the oldest is 80 years old.

The ride starts from Mettupalayam; a small place on river Bhavani. The first 5 miles are plain, but in the next 12 miles engine pushes the coaches upwards to a height of 4,363 feet. Covering Mettupalayam, Kellar, Coonoor, Wellington, Lovedale and Ootacamund on its way, this is the best means to discover the pristine treasures of the Nilgiris. Weaving amidst the forests, dark snaking tunnels, sharp bends and amid the mist and fog, the Nilgiri Mountain Train will take you on a spectacular trip up and down the green and verdant slopes. As the train passes through the stunning gorges, the dancing sunlight above and dream-like drizzling makes it the experience of a lifetime. Apart from offering a beautiful journey, the uniqueness of the trip lies in the fact that the rail system is the steepest in Asia and worth a visit.

Pykara Waterfalls/ Boat Club Ooty

 

 

Originating in the Mukurthi peak, Pykara River and the waterfalls the river produces as it negotiates the curves and heights of the mountains is one of the most beautiful and majestic sights that you will get to see in Ooty. Located 20 kms away from Ooty in the Ooty-Mysore road, the lake has been developed into a thoroughly enjoyable picnic spot by the addition of a boat house and restaurant.

The dam and power house built across the river also ensures hydro electricity to the population. Declared a heritage site, the Pykara lake is one of those “must see” sights in Ooty. As the river flows down the mountains it forms two majestic waterfalls the first one fifty five meters in height and the second one even higher at sixty one meters. To bask in the summer sun by the side of the lake or go boating in the lake are the favorite pastimes of people who visit there.

The surroundings of the Pykara are famous for the Toda settlements and these are one of the very few placements where you find the Todas in their natural habitat. It is advisable to take some warm clothes with you even during summer as it can get pretty chilly during the evenings. It is preferable to stay away from the lake and falls during the monsoon. Especially, the falls are very unpredictable during the monsoons as the level of water might rise suddenly without any forewarning and can result in catastrophe for any tourist caught unawares.

Emerald Lake

 

 

Emerald Lake is one of the important tourist places to visit in Ooty. It is Situated near Emerald village. The region of Silent Valley in the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu. Emerald Lake is about 25 km from the town of Ooty.

Emerald Lake is part of the Silent Valley National Park located on the way to Avalanche village Ooty. Lake is 34 km from Coonoor, 17 km from Ooty, It takes 40 minutes to travel.

Emerald lake is located in a region called Silent Valley. It is one of the favored spots in Ooty for picnicking and fishing. The lake is also surrounded by a plethora of tea plantations with amazing tea products. Another beautiful lake in the Ooty town, Emerald Lake holds the record for being the second best lake in the Ooty tourist places

Emerald Lake is a popular picnic spot for the locals, being a perfect place to spend a day with your family away from the city crowd and quiet, solitary place. The blue water of the lake and the woods around are home to a number of flora and fauna, and the most visible among them are the different types of domestic birds. Those who take interests in the avian part of the animal kingdom usually are in luck without much of a waiting. Tourists can also indulge in trekking and mountain-biking along the sides of the lake for a better experience of the place around. If you are not into all that excitement, then you can sit with a fishing rod or a book or simply in silence taking in the breathtaking view.

Sims Park in coonoor

 

 

Sim’s Park is in Coonoor, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. It is a critical vacationer place to visit in Coonoor, at a tallness of 1780 meters above mean ocean level. Here the most extreme temperature goes up to 30 degree Celsius and the base tumbles to 5°C. The normal rain fall of this garden is 150 cm. It stretches out finished a region of 12 hectares of undulating land and has ious normal points of interest. This is a characteristic garden. Inside the recreation center there are some excellent patio with beautiful blossom beds, yards and rockeries likewise there are some Naturally happening trees, bushes, creepers and numerous irregular types of plants that have been brought from an assortment of spots far and wide. The garden as some uncommon monetary trees like Rudraksh-globule tree, Cinnamomum, Queensland karry pine, a nice looking elaborate tree and effortless trees like Araucaria, Quercus, Phoenix, Magnolia, Pine, Turpentine, Tree greeneries, Camellia this is all are the same number of attractions in this stop. There is a glass house lodging distinctive fancy plants and blooms. On the opposite side of the recreation center rose garden are kept up. This stop has in excess of 1000 types of 255 generas having a place with 85 families broadly covering distinctive gathering of plants.

Dolphin’s Nose

 

 

A natural site, this is a protruding rock that looks like a dolphin’s nose. It is also a prize spot for trekking opportunities. You can capture some stunning shots from the tip of the Dolphin’s Nose, making it one of the best places to visit in Ooty for all the photographers and travellers alike.

Dolphin’s Nose Coonoor is one of the favourite places in Coonoor for families and honeymooners. Set amidst the rolling hills of the Nilgiris Hills or Blue Mountains of Tamil Nadu, Dolphin’s Nose View Point in Coonoor is a popular natural attraction for tourists. With an altitude of 1,550 metres, this stunning viewpoint in Coonoor allows a spectacular view of rolling hills covered with tea estates and morning mist stretching for miles and miles. The weather at Dolphin’s Nose is misty in the monsoons and clear in the summer season. It’s named so because the tip of its peak resembles a dolphin nose. Coonoor to Dolphin’s Nose distance of 10 km can be covered in about 20 minutes.

Dolphin Nose in Coonoor overshadows all other viewpoints in Coonoor. With an unobstructed view of Catherine Waterfalls in Coonoor, Dolphin’s Nose is an ideal spot to take in vast vistas of Nilgiri Mountains and quaint villages in the distance. Trek to Catherine Waterfalls begins near the Dolphin’s Nose. This huge rock outcrop is skirted by ravines on both sides and it’s an ideal spot to savour breathtaking views of the surrounding Nilgiri Hills.

The drive from Coonoor to Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint is particularly rewarding with aromatic tea estates and sharp hairpin turns. Dolphin’s Nose is about 12 km from the main centre of Coonoor. Along the road between Coonoor and Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, Lamb’s Rock is another popular tourist attraction. There are a few shops where tourists can enjoy tea and snacks while admiring the views. Dolphin’s Nose Coonoor timings are from sunrise to sunset.

Watching a sunset or sunrise from Dolphin’s Nose one of the best things to do in Coonoor. Dolphin’s Nose is located near Tiger Hills, Lamb’s Rock, Catherine Falls, and Kotagiri — other major tourist places in Coonoor.

Visit https://ootymade.com to shop for natural nilgiris ootymade products like homemade chocolates, tea/coffee powders, essential oils and more.