Ootacumund or Ooty as it’s popularly known is a serene yet breathtaking hill station in South India. This beautiful city situated over 2200 meters above sea level, offers some spectacular views of the Nilgiri mountain range.
Ooty is famously called the “Queen of the Hills” for the amazing sights and sounds it offers. Ooty’s quaint bungalows and well-crafted gardens are remnants of a bygone era. The British loved Ooty’s cool and temperate climate that officers of the British Raj made it their summer capital during their stay in India.
Ooty comes to life in vibrant color during the summer when the punishing Indian summer stresses everyone living on the plains. Honeymooners, nature lovers, photo enthusiasts, trekking aficionados, and adventure freaks all want a bite of this verdant hill station.
A 20km stretch of road from Coonoor to Ooty offers a riveting view of nature at its best. The sharp hairpin bends while on an ascent to the hill station makes people wanting to come back for more.
A Bangalore to Ooty road trip can be planned with U-Taxi a taxi rental company based out of Bangalore that has been helping people to enjoy wonderful hill station holidays with family and friends. U-Taxi’s outstation Taxi Service offers low-cost taxi rental services to any destination in South India.
It provides the best outstation taxi service in Bangalore. This affordable outstation taxi service in Bangalore is sure to keep everyone happy with safe, efficient, and pocket pocket-friendly taxi rates.
17 places to visit in Ooty in 2021
Here is a delightful list of 17 tourist places in Ooty any traveler should not miss. These recommended places to visit in Ooty are easily accessible by road and do not tax the pocket. The best time to visit Ooty is from March to June when events like the famed flower show in Ooty are organized.
1. Ooty – Nilgiri Mountain Train
The famous Nilgiri Mountain train from Mettupalayam to Ooty traverses through 208 curves, 16 tunnels, and chugs over 250 bridges. The train ride offers some of the most fantastic views of the Nilgiri Mountains. The trail ascends about 4,000 feet in 40 minutes and is the steepest slope of any rail system in Asia.
The old steam train in operation is a reminiscence of the British years in India. The rare sight of the blue-and-white locomotive chugging over a bridge is sure to lift anyone’s spirits.
2. Ooty – Boat House
Ooty Lake is one of the famous tourist places in Ooty and the first tourist hotspot travelers go to. The stunning lake is spread over an area of 65 acres while being surrounded by eucalyptus trees and greenery everywhere. It is a great place to experience the beauty of the hills. Besides, the ducks and migratory birds frequenting the lake make it look exquisite.
The mini-train for kids near the lake takes children on a quick tour around the lake. A boat ride is a must for all visitors, travellers can hire either paddle boats or rowing boats for a long ride at the lake. The boathouse is open throughout the year from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The ticket counter makes buying the tickets for the boat ride easy.
3. Ooty Botanical Garden
The Ooty Botanical Garden lies on the lower slopes of the Doddabetta peak. The Botanical Garden is a splendid tourist attraction for the city. The Garden is built over an area of 22 hectares and is 160 years old. The sprawling garden is crafted meticulously to enable visitors to enjoy a beautiful view of the park.
Visitors are greeted with astounding color and natural beauty the moment they enter through the gates. The vivid collection of plant varieties offer some eye-catching views and is truly a sight to behold.
There are 127 varieties of fern species, hybrid roses, orchids, cacti, and many exotic flowering plants on display. The paperbark tree, monkey puzzle tree, and an old fossilized tree estimated to be over 20 million years old make for some intriguing views.
The monkey tree found here is distinct for even monkeys fail to climb her branches. The garden is open all days from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM; the entrance fee is Rs 30 for adults and Rs 10 for children.
4. Ooty Rose Garden
The Ooty Rose Garden is a mesmerizing garden in the heart of Ooty. It is located on the Elk Hill slopes and attracts elders and children alike. Nature lovers will be amazed at the floral varieties exhibited including Ramblers, Hybrid Tea Roses, Polyanthus, Floribunda, Green Roses, Black Roses, and Miniature Roses. The flowers add more than just colors; visitors of all age groups are bound to feel like they have entered a magical world.
A long stroll around the beautifully landscaped garden is highly recommended. Families prefer visiting the garden over a picnic, while couples love spending time together to soak in the romantic ambiance. The garden is open all days from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM; the entrance fee is Rs 20
5. Ooty Tea Factory & Museum
The Ooty Tea Factory & Museum is a sprawling facility in the outskirts of the city. The Tea museum has sections depicting the history of Tea, Tea cultivation in India, and the development of Tea in the Nilgiris. Travelers can learn how tea developed as a beverage and as a trade commodity.
Visitors can learn how tea has made a social, economic, and cultural impact on the world. The Tea Museum sells exquisite and specially crafted Tea souvenirs for visitors to take home for family and friends. The museum is open all days from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The factory and museum do not charge an entrance fee.
6. Ooty Doddabetta Peak
The Dodda Betta Mountain is the highest peak in the Nilgiris mountain range. The slopes of the Doddabetta are covered in thick shola trees. Sholas are a unique tropical forest that grows in high mountainous regions. Travelers can enjoy a spectacular view of the broad-leaved forests interspersed with grasslands. Doddabetta satisfies the desire of every avid trekker eager for that adrenaline-filled adventure.
Visitors can get a bird’s eye view of Ooty from the mountain peak. The telescope house lets travelers a telescopic view of the Ooty valley. The medicinal plants and rich shrubs found here are used to make herbal teas and medicinal treatments. The mountain trek is open for visitors from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM while the entrance fee costs Rs 10 per person.
7. Ooty – Chocolates Honey & Eucalyptus Oil
Chocolate making is a British legacy that is carried out even till day. Travelers can purchase a variety of chocolate types like Chocolate with cashews, almonds, fruits, and nuts. Freshly harvested honey and eucalyptus oil from the nearby countryside is a big draw with travelers.
8. Ooty – Kamaraj Sagar Dam
The Kamaraj Sagar Dam is a picnic spot popular among tourists. It is frequented by nature lovers to catch a glimpse of rare migratory birds. The dam is easily accessible by road from Ooty town. It is open to the public on all days from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
9. Ooty – Dolphin’s Nose
The Dolphin’s nose Ooty is a tourist spot near Coonoor. This place is perched at over 1500 meters above sea level. The protruding rock in the shape of a dolphin’s nose offers a superb view of the Catherine Falls. The hairpin turns, tea plantations on the way to the spot offer some picturesque views of the Nilgiri hills.
10. Ooty – St Stephen’s Church
St Stephen’s church in Ooty dates back to the 19th century. It is an architectural marvel left by the British. The beams and timber from Tipu Sultan’s palace were brought here after his after Tipu’s defeat in the Mysore War.
The intricately painted stained glass windows, a portrait of the last supper of Jesus, and paintings depicting Christ’s crucifixion are a key attraction here. The church is open to travelers from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
11. Ooty – Pykara Lake
The Pykara Lake is a water embankment formed after the construction of a dam and power plant across the Pykara river. The lush green shola forest in the background offers a truly idyllic experience for travelers. It is highly recommended for people who like solitude and love being amidst nature. A boat ride on the lake costs ₹ 20 per person.
12.Ooty – Kalhatty Waterfalls
The Kalhatty Waterfalls is around 14km from Ooty. The raging waterfalls from a height of over 120 feet. Many wildlife like panthers, bison, wild buffalo, spotted deer, and monkeys have been spotted here. The gardens near the waterfalls grow cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, sandalwood, pepper, and rosewood makes for a superb view. The waterfalls are accessible from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm throughout the year.
13.Ooty – Higgin Bothams Bookstore
The Higgin Bothams Bookstore is a treat for all book lovers and is the oldest in Ooty. The store is modern though but still retains its rustic colonial charm. The books sold cater to all genres and age groups. It is open all days from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
14. Ooty – Government Museum
The Government Museum built-in 1989 portrays the culture of the indigenous tribes of the region. The exhibits include an extensive collection of artifacts depicting the culture, history, sculptures, paintings, handicrafts of the 18 tribes in Ooty. The museum is open on all days except on Fridays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
15. Ooty – Annual Flower Show
The Annual Flower Show in Ooty is a showstopper event that attracts florists and tourists alike. Visitors love the rich collection of indigenous and unique flower species. The event is organized from the 15th to 19th May every year. It is a visual treat for all gardening enthusiasts. It is organized to promote Ooty tourism and has shown no signs of stopping for the past 123 years. Many gardening competitions and promotional events on gardening and farming are organized.
More than 250 exhibitors including government departments, individuals, and voluntary agencies exhibit 50 varieties of potted plants, 150 varieties of cut flowers, and various types of tropical and temperate vegetables, fruits can be seen during the Flower Show.
16. Ooty – Deer Park
The Ooty deer park is one of the best tourist places to visit in Ooty. It is an enclosure to conserve a variety of deer. The commonly sighted animals are chital deer, sambhar deer, rabbits, hares, and birds. The park is open every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no entrance fee charged here.
17. Ooty – Black Thunder Theme Park
Black Thunder a water theme park is one of the important tourist places in Ooty for little children. It is a place where all the fun and games happen. The hot air balloon rides, bungee jumping, zorbing, a 5d theatre, video games, and lake rides are the most enjoyable.
The excitement is most with where water rides are. Children love riding the waves and splashing in a pool filled with crystal clear water. The tariffs start at Rs 790 for adults with special discounts offered for children and students.
Let the fun begin …
Hill stations are a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Ooty is unique as it gives travelers a holistic travel experience. The clean fresh air, picturesque surroundings, botanical gardens, theme parks, and fabulous scenery in Ooty make the place a must-visit destination. Here’s are the fun-filled exciting things to do in Ooty
- Take a tranquil escape at Ooty Lake; do not forget to hop on to a boat to enjoy a small boat ride.
- Enjoy a long stroll to enjoy the floral exhibits at the Rose & the Ooty Botanical Garden.
- Be captivated by the beautiful backdrop at the Doddabetta peak and indulge in a small mountain trek.
- Be mesmerized by the exhibits at the Ooty Government museum.
- Don’t forget to purchase different varieties of tea at the Ooty tea factory and museum.
- Shop for pepper, honey, eucalyptus oil, country spices, homemade chocolates & novelties at the Ooty spice markets
- Do remember to click a few photographs with loved ones at the wonderful places to see in Ooty.