If you are looking for best Places To Visit In Ooty then you are in right place, Ooty, also known as Udhagam Mandal, is a picturesque town located on the Nilgiris in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Often referred to as the “Queen of Hill Stations”, Ooty is known for its greenery, beautiful gardens and tranquil lakes.
Located 86 km northwest of Coimbatore, Ooty lies as the capital of the Nilgiris region, boasting an altitude of 2,240 meters from this beautiful seaside town is a haven for nature lovers and honeymooners, a sky conditions are cool and pleasant , serving as the winter capital of the Madras Presidency Tourism is the heartbeat of Ooty, whose economy is booming in the hospitality sector.
Tourists come to admire the natural beauty of this hill station, which includes the famous Ooty Lake, botanical gardens and Doddabetta Peak, the highest point of Ooty A unique blend of Colonial charm and natural splendour makes it the place to go. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds to the charm, offering a scenic drive through the mountains. Be it blooming flowers, fragrant tea plantations or mist covered mountains, the breathtaking beauty of Ooty is the jewel in the crown of tourist destinations in India.
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The Overview of Places To Visit In Ooty
Places To Visit In Ooty is a treasure trove of natural beauty and has many must-see places that capture the essence of this hill station. One of the biggest attractions is the Ooty Lake, an artificial lake that offers peaceful boating. Surrounded by eucalyptus trees on a railway line on one bank, it offers a scenic setting for visitors. Another attraction is the Botanical Garden which is spread over 55 acres and has a variety of plants, shrubs, ferns and trees. Several sections of the park are organized, including a fossilized tree believed to be 20 million years old. Official website of ooty
For those who want to see all the places, Doddabetta Peak is the place. It is the highest point in Ooty and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Nature enthusiasts will also enjoy Catherine Falls, the second waterfall in Kotagiri area, which is a place to see. These places are not only a feast for the eyes but also provide a peaceful atmosphere to relax and rejuvenate away from the hustle and bustle of city life
Places To Visit In Ooty 01. Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake is a beautiful artificial lake located in the heart of Ooty, a famous hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. Built by John Sullivan in 1824, the lake was originally designed for fishing. Today, it has become a major destination for tourists seeking leisure and entertainment. The lake is surrounded by lush eucalyptus trees and greenery, adding to its natural beauty and making it an attractive place for tourists Spread over 65 acres, Ooty Lake has a variety of activities to enjoy.
Sailing is the most popular option, with choices ranging from rowboats, rafts and motorboats. These features can be found in the boathouse near the lake, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery at a fast pace. For those looking for more fun, the lake area has an amusement park with a mini train, a 7D cinema and other fun rides. Whether you want to relax by the water or just want some relaxation, Ooty Lake is the perfect place to experience the beauty and tranquility of ooty, this is a one of the best Places To Visit In Ooty is
Ooty Lake Visitor Information:
Boating Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
Boating Fee: ₹ 160 for 2 seater pedal boat (30 mins), ₹ 200 for 4 seater pedal boat (30 mins), ₹ 450 for 8 seater motor boat (20 mins).
Best Time to Visit: October to May, with May being particularly vibrant due to the Summer Festival.
Things to Do: Enjoy boating, explore the mini-train and amusement park, experience horse riding, rent a cycle for a lakeside ride, and indulge in nature photography.
How to Reach Ooty Lake:
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand is approximately 1.6 km away.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, around 87.8 km from Ooty.
- By Train: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station is just 2 km away, offering a scenic route to the lake.
- By Road: Ooty Lake is well connected by road and can be reached by taxi or auto from the city center
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Boating Timings | 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily |
| Boating Fee | ₹ 160 – ₹ 450, varies with boat type and duration |
| Best Time to Visit | October to May, Summer Festival in May |
| Activities | Boating, Horse Riding, Cycling, Mini-train, Amusement Park |
| Location | Ooty, Tamil Nadu |
| Accessibility | Bus Stand (1.6 km), Railway Station (2 km), Coimbatore Airport (87.8 km) |
| Nearby Attractions | Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Thread Garden |
02. Botanic Gardens In the Ooty
The Botanic Gardens of Ooty, also known as the Government Botanic Gardens, is a splendid green space, spread over 55 acres on the slopes of Doddabetta Peak Established in 1848, the garden is a fascinating landscape garden patios and plants. Divided into several sections, each offers a unique experience with a collection of plants, trees and flowers. The park is not only a feast for the eyes but also a storehouse of knowledge, showcasing the environmental diversity of the region.
Visitors to the botanical garden can explore a fern house with more than 127 species of ferns, another garden with a rose garden and natural ponds, an Italian garden established by Italian prisoners of war There is also a conservation area on flowers, combining flowers plants, filled with exotic plants In addition to glass houses and nurseries, the garden’s highlight is a 20 million year old fossil tree, standing there as a testament to the historical importance of the garden Whether you are a nature lover, photography enthusiast or just love tranquility, the Botanic Gardens of Ooty offers a tranquil and educational experience in abundant nature in the 1990s
- Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Complimentary (children under 3); ₹ 20 (children 3-12 years); ₹ 50 (adults)
- Best Time to Visit: October to March Things to Do: Boating, Bird Watching, Strolling through gardens
How to Reach:
- By Bus: Central Bus Station (1.5 km)
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (40 km)
- By Train: Central Railway Station (2 km)
Places to Stay:
- Budget: Hotel Green Park – ₹ 999 per night, includes breakfast
- Mid-Range: Lakeview Residency – ₹ 2,499 per night, with lake view rooms
- Luxury: The Royal Orchid – ₹ 4,999 per night, includes spa access and complimentary dinner
Feel free to adjust the details to better fit the location you have in mind
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Government Botanical Garden |
| Location | Nilgiris, Vannarapettai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, 643001, India |
| Area | 55 acres |
| Timings | 7:00 am – 6:30 pm (Open all days) |
| Entry Fee | Adults: ₹30, Children: ₹15 |
| Camera Fee | Still Camera: ₹50, Video Camera: ₹100 |
| Phone | 0423 244 2545 |
| Sections | Lower Garden, New Garden, Italian Garden, Conservatory, Nurseries |
| Main Attractions | Fern house with 127 species of ferns, Rose garden, Italian Garden, Fossil Tree trunk |
| Special Events | Flower show during the Summer Festival |
| Notable Features | 20 million-year-old Fossil Tree trunk, Toda mund |
| Flora | Indigenous and exotic species including rare paper bark trees, monkey puzzle tree |
03. Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta Peak is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Range in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It has an elevation of 2,637 meters (8,652 feet) and is a popular hiking spot. The hill is very close to Ooty and is just 9 km off the Ooty-Kotagiri road. It is part of a forest reserve, which means that native plants and animals are protected. People like to visit the Doddabetta Hill as there is a trail that leads up to the hill. This makes it easier for visitors to enjoy the scenery without having to wander around much.
At the peak of Doddabetta hill is a special building called Television House. It has two large televisions for people to enjoy the spectacular scenery. The Television House opened on June 18, 1983 and is run by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. Many people come from the mountain to enjoy the scenery, especially during the tourist season. The place is famous for beautiful plants like rhododendrons and surrounding meadows. The peak is a great place to take pictures and enjoy nature
- Timings: Doddabetta Peak is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. This allows visitors to experience the beauty of the sunrise and sunset from the peak.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for children, making it a family-friendly destination. Adults are charged a nominal fee of ₹ 6, which is used for the maintenance of the facilities.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Doddabetta Peak is from October to June. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the visibility is usually clear, offering the best views of the surrounding landscape.
- Things to Do: Visitors can engage in trekking to explore the natural trails around the peak. Photography is another popular activity due to the scenic views. Simply enjoying the scenic views is a peaceful way to spend time at the peak.
How to Reach:
- By Bus: The nearest bus stand is Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand, located approximately 8.3 km away from Doddabetta Peak.
- By Air: The closest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, which is about 90 km away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or bus to reach Ooty and then Doddabetta Peak.
- By Train: The Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station is just 2.6 km away, making it convenient for those traveling by train to visit the peak.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 2,637 meters (8,652 feet) |
| Location | 9 km from Ooty, on the Ooty-Kotagiri Road, Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu, India¹ |
| Parent Range | Nilgiri Hills |
| Timings | 7:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Entry Fee | Free for children; ₹ 6 for adults |
| Best Time to Visit | October to June |
| Activities | Trekking, Photography, Enjoying scenic views |
| Flora | Sholas, rhododendrons, sub-alpine shrubs and herbs |
| Telescope House | Observatory with two telescopes, opened on 18 June 1983 |
| Transport | Bus Stand: 8.3 km; Airport: 90 km; Railway Station: 2.6 km |
04. Catherine Falls
Catherine Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the Nilgiri Mountains in Tamil Nadu, India. The second highest waterfall in the Nilgiris comes from a height of 250 meters.The water of the Kallar River falls in two on inflow, hence the name Two Falls. The areas of Catherine Falls are filled with green vegetation and trees. It is located near a town called Kotagiri and is a popular destination for people visiting Ooty Coonoor region. The waterfall is surrounded by tea trees and forests, making it very beautiful.
If you want to see Catherine Falls, you can visit a special place called Dolphin’s Nose. At 1,000 feet above sea level, it looks like a dolphin’s nose. From here you can see the waterfall and all the lush vegetation around it. People also love to go to the waterfall. There are trails through the pine forest that take you there. Some people start walking from the small town of Aravenu. If you enjoy forest walks, you can also go hiking in the nearby Longwood Shola Forest. But remember, you have to ask the forest department if you want to walk.
FAQs on Visiting Ooty in 2024
Q: What are some popular places to visit in Ooty in 2024?
A: In 2024, you can visit the Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak, and the Rose Garden. For nature lovers, Pykara Lake and Emerald Lake are must-see destinations
Q: Can you recommend some hotels in Ooty for 2024?
A: Sure! You can consider staying at Savoy – IHCL SeleQtions, which is a 5-star hotel known for its great service and amenities². Another good option is Fortune Resort Sullivan Court, a 4-star hotel with friendly staff and good food³. For more options, you can check online hotel booking sites
Q: How do I book tickets for attractions in Ooty?
A: Tickets for various attractions can be booked online through the official horticulture department website or at the venue. For example, the Ooty Flower Show tickets can be purchased online or at the counter. For the Ooty Toy Train, bookings can be made on the IRCTC website or at the stat
Q: Are there any special events in Ooty in 2024?
A: Yes, the Ooty Flower Show is a significant event that will take place from May 17th to 22nd, 2024. It’s a beautiful display of flowers and cultural activities.
Q: What should I know before visiting Ooty?
A: If you’re planning to visit during a festival like the Ooty Flower Show, book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Also, remember that vehicles may be stopped 1 km before the garden, so be prepared to walk a little.
Q: Is there anything else I should prepare for?
A: Yes, it’s always good to check the weather forecast and carry appropriate clothing. Also, keep some cash handy for entry fees and other small expenses