Ooty is a popular hill station, neatly tucked away amidst the lush Nilgiri Hills within the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Situated at the height of around 2000 meters above sea level, it enjoys a pleasant climate all throughout the year, making the best time to visit Ooty, just about any month you wish to go.
A dream destination for mountain lovers, there is a plethora of things to do in Ooty ranging from visiting beautiful natural spots, trekking, hiking, camping, and much more. When you explore the various places to visit in Ooty, you will come across never-ending meadows, mountain trails, crystal clear lakes, and lush green landscapes.
Hypnotizing travelers with its grandeur, Ooty tourism is always in high demand, especially for those who want to escape the mad city life and enjoy peace and tranquility. The resorts in Ooty range from budgeted options and homestays to five-star luxury hotels, giving every type of traveler convenience. With finger-licking local cuisine as well as mastery in international dishes, the restaurants in Ooty almost always run full. If winding country lanes and aromatic tea estates sound enticing to you, pack your bags and head on over to this heavenly hilly town.
Top Places to Visit in Ooty
Get a load of these stunning places to visit in Ooty to give you a fun and fulfilling vacation which will leave a mark in your memories to last for a lifetime.
- Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake is a manmade lake and was originally constructed mainly for fishing purposes. Today, it is one of the most coveted places to visit in Ooty, and always sees throngs of tourists flocking to it. If witnessing the beautiful landscape around it along with the activities it offers is not enough, you can engage in boat rides, horseback riding, cycling, mini-train rides, shopping, dining, and much more around this attraction that is spread over 65 acres of land and surrounded by Eucalyptus trees. An unmissable spot over there is the wax museum which is housed in a 130 years old Colonial mansion, showcasing wax statues of prominent personalities.
- Botanical Garden
Situated bang in the heart of Ooty, the popular Botanical garden is a must-visit. It sprawls over a vast area of 55 acres and houses numerous varieties of flowers and plants. It was built in 1847 and is divided into several sections, each with its own identity.
Here, you will see exotic and indigenous plants, ferns, shrubs, orchids, and bonsai species of many types. The Botanical garden is temperature-controlled, so all the varieties of flora are preserved properly. If you visit in the summer, you will get to experience an exhibition of flowers that goes on for two days.
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway
No trip to Ooty is complete without experiencing a ride on the toy train. Giving passengers the time of their life, it chugs its way through dense forests, a captivating landscape, a pristine river, and the surrounding mountain range throughout.
It was originally built by the Britishers and is reputed to be the steepest railway track in all of Asia. It goes on undulated paths, giving you undisturbed views. Once you figure out how to reach Ooty, anyone will direct you to where you can get onboard the wonderful toy train.
- Emerald Lake
Emerald lake is a part of the Silent Valley National Park in the district of Nilgiri and is a small drive away from main Ooty city. Offering a perfect place to enjoy some much-needed leisure time, the lake is surrounded by the picturesque landscape and lovely tea plantations. Unlike other tourist spots in Ooty, Emerald Lake is comparatively untouched and doesn’t see a huge visitor influx, making it all the more alluring.
- Wenlock Downs
A popular place for Bollywood movie shootings, Wenlock Downs, is a highly visited picnic spot in the outskirts of Ooty. A verdant expanse of green landscape and lush meadows can be expected when one visits there.
Greener during monsoon, the place is pretty throughout the year. While it used to be a hunting ground for the British back in the day, it is a place where movie shoots take place. Tourists can expect activities such as horse riding and hiking, among others.
Must Read: Seasons in India
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