Top 10 places to visit in Ooty

Ooty, also known as “Uddakmandalam”, is a very famous hill station located in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Situated at an altitude of about 2,240 meters (7,350 ft) above sea level in the Nilgiris, the place’s pleasant climate and natural beauty always attract tourists. Ooty was a popular summer destination during the British period and continues to be a popular tourist destination even today. During my visit to Ooty, During my visit of Ooty, I visited the 10 best places which are as follows.

1. The Ooty Lake.

Location: Google Maps

Ooty Lake is the most visited and famous place in Ooty. This man-made lake was developed in 1824 by the Britishers. The lake is surrounded by forests, which add to its beauty. Enjoying boating in the middle of this lake is an unbelievable experience. For boating, pedal boats and motor boats are available. You can spend hours in the peaceful atmosphere of this place. There are so many facilities around the lake. 

I suggest you take a Bicycle ride which is available here, allowing you to see the natural surroundings of Ooty up close. There is an amusement park near the lake, which has various attractions for children. There are various food shops in the area, offering some good local snacks and drinks. 

There is also a small market near the lake, where you can find various items. You can buy local handicrafts, tea, spices and chocolates from the shops here. This place is a must for you.

2. The Botanical Garden.

Location: Google Maps

The Botanical Garden is spread over an area of 55 acres and has a variety of trees, flowers and plants. This garden was established by Britishers in 1897 and since then the place has been a special attraction among tourists. There is a fossil of a 20 million-year-old tree that is not to be missed. Getting to know the different species of plants in this garden is a very enlightening experience for nature lovers and students. 

The botanical garden mainly has conifers, ferns, orchids, and various types of fruit trees. A flower show is held here every year in the month of May, which exhibits a variety of flowers. This show is a special attraction for tourists. This garden has an attractive glass house, where you can see different types of orchids. Special arrangements have been made for flower decoration in this glass house. 

This place is also ideal for photographers, as here you get amazing views of different colours of nature.

3. The Rose Garden.

Location: Google Maps

The Rose Garden of Ooty is one of the largest rose gardens in the world. There are more than 20,000 varieties of roses. Roses of various colours, shapes, and fragrances can be seen in this garden. This place will give peace to your mind, as here the fragrance and beauty of roses will bless you. While visiting the rose garden, you will learn about different varieties of roses. 

There are roses of various colours like white, red, pink, and yellow. Walking in this garden, you get a new experience at every step. I tell You that you can spend hours in this unique rose garden. The atmosphere in the rose garden is very peaceful and calming. Here you can refresh yourself in the closeness of nature. 

The garden is visited by many local and international tourists.

4. The Tea Garden.

Location: Google Maps

A visit to the tea gardens is a must when visiting Ooty. The history of Ooty’s tea plantations dates back to the 19th century when the British started tea cultivation here.  Here you will find vast tea gardens, where the aroma of fresh tea leaves flows through. Touring the tea gardens gives you a new experience, as here you can see the process of tea preparation closely. Local guides tell you about the various stages of tea preparation.  

Here you can also experience tea tasting. You can buy tea produced in these gardens, bringing the aroma of Ooty home to you. The surroundings of the tea gardens are very beautiful.  Here you will have a unique view of the Nilgiri mountain range. Walking through the tea plantations, you can experience a unique feeling.

5. Pine Forest – A sense of peace and nature.

Location: Google Maps

A walk through the pine forest of Ooty will make you feel like you are on a movie set.  The towering pine trees here, their shadowy surroundings and the occasional mist create a unique atmosphere. This place can give you a feeling of peace in the closeness of nature. Pine Forest is famous for shooting many Bollywood movies. Ex. The last scene of the Raaz movie. It has natural scenes that have always attracted filmmakers. 

Here you can revel in the sweet chatter of nature. You can experience the fresh air of nature while taking a walk in the pine forest. It is best to visit this place in the morning or the evening because at this time the view of the pine forest is shrouded in mist, which makes the atmosphere more mysterious and beautiful. 

This peaceful atmosphere will surely absorb your stress.

6. Kalhatti Falls – A Unique Gift of Nature.

Location: Google Maps

Kalhatti Falls is one of the famous waterfalls of Ooty.  This waterfall is 100 feet high and its beauty is very attractive. Kalhatti Falls is 13 km from Ooty and requires a short trek to reach this place.  This trek is a wild experience for nature lovers and adventure travellers. Various wildlife and birds can be seen in the vicinity of Kalhatti Falls.  The experience of spending time close to nature here is unique.  

The area around Kalhatti Falls is full of green and a misty atmosphere. Seeing the beauty of the cool water flow here brings a different kind of joy to your mind.  Here you can enjoy trekking, get close to the waterfall and experience a dip in its cool water. Around the waterfall, there are small stalls selling simple food and drinks, where you can get local food.  

Although the road to Kalhatti Falls is a bit tough, the view upon reaching here makes you forget the whole journey.

7. Emerald Lake – A gem of nature.

Location: Google Maps

Emerald Lake is one of the scenic spots outside Ooty. The lake is situated in the green ranges of the Nilgiris. Here one can spend time in closeness to nature away from the crowd of tourists. One can experience peace while watching the nature scene reflected on the calm waters of the lake. 

Activities like boating, fishing, and bird-watching can be enjoyed in the Emerald Lake area. The calm and natural environment here will make you feel happy. When you come here, you can enjoy the sweetness of nature. While walking around the lake area, you will see different types of plants and flowers. 

There are also great trekking routes in the area around Emerald Lake, where you can enjoy walking in close range to nature. The greenery, and beautiful view of nature here.

8. Avalanche Lake – An Adventure Journey.

Location: Google Maps

Avalanche Lake is a wonderful place near Ooty, where one can get away from the tourist crowds and spend time in the closeness of nature. This is a natural lake formed due to a landslide in the 20th century.  Avalanche Lake is situated in the thick forests of the Nilgiris and thus requires an adventurous trek to reach it. This place is ideal for adventure travellers, as one can enjoy activities like trekking, camping, and fishing. While walking around Avalanche Lake, you will experience the unique beauty of nature.

A variety of birds, wild animals, and plants can be found here.  Staying at this place, you can experience oneness with nature. While camping here, you can see the night sky full of stars in view of the Nilgiri mountains. The surroundings of Avalanche Lake are very pure, and everyone who comes here can experience the mystery of nature. 

The peaceful atmosphere of this place and spending time in the surroundings of nature will surely refresh you.

9. Glen Morgan.

Location: Google Maps

Glen Morgan is 25 km from Ooty.  It is a beautiful place in the distance.  This place is famous for its tea plantations.  Here you can experience the cable car, which gives you a unique view of the Nilgiris. While travelling by cable car to Glen Morgan, you will have a unique view of the green carpet of tea plantations and the mountains stretching in the distance.  

The atmosphere here is very calm and peaceful.  Glen Morgan offers a great opportunity for photographers, as here you get beautiful views of various colours of nature. Visiting Glen Morgan, you can experience unique views of nature, which doubles the enjoyment of your trip.  Coming here you can experience the new beauty of nature.

10. Pykara Lake and Waterfalls.

Location: Google Maps

Location: Pykara Lake is about 20 kilometres from Ooty, while the waterfalls are a short distance from the lake.

Highlights:

The lake is famous for its beauty and boat rides. The boat house on the banks of the lake offers both speed and motorboat rides. The Pykara Waterfalls, located near the lake, cascade down from a height of 55 meters and are surrounded by dense forests, making it one of my favourite spots.

Best Time to Visit:

You can visit this place from July to September, during the monsoon, when the waterfalls are at their most spectacular state.

Some Travel Advice

Hotel Booking:

You can find many types of hotels and homestays available in Ooty. Select a hotel according to your budget.  It can be helpful to book in advance during the travel season, as Ooty is crowded with tourists during this period. When choosing hotels it is more convenient to choose hotels that are close to the local attractions, so you can easily reach here.

Local Food:

In Ooty, you can enjoy a variety of local food.  Don’t forget to try Ooty chocolates, homemade teas, and spices.  Ooty’s bakery products, especially cakes and cookies, are very famous. Also, it is a good idea to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices from the local markets of Ooty.

How to Travel:

Ooty can be reached by rail, road, or air.  The airport at Coimbatore is the nearest airport to Ooty, and the railway station at Mettupalayam is the nearest. You Can use a bus or private vehicle. The roads in Ooty are difficult to drive, so take extra care while driving. It is necessary to take local guidance while going to trekking places, as some places are quite remote.

Cold Weather Considerations:

Ooty weather is always cold, so it is essential to carry warm clothes while travelling. The weather can change during the day, so it is advisable to wear light but warm clothes. Also, carry an umbrella or a raincoat, as there is a chance of sudden downpours during monsoons.

Visit according to the season:

Summer is the best time to visit Ooty, as the weather is most pleasant during this time. The mists and waterfalls are at their best during monsoons, but the roads can be slippery at times. Ooty feels a little colder in winter, but the tourist crowds are less crowded and peaceful.

Shopping at local markets:

In Ooty, you can experience shopping for tea, spices, essential oils, and local handicrafts at local markets.  Shop for souvenirs like small clothing shops, handmade chocolates, and eucalyptus oil. These are the best options to bring you the authentic Ooty experience at home.

Environment Care:

It is our responsibility to protect the natural beauty of Ooty. Say no to the plastic waste and keep the area clean. Be careful not to damage the environment when in forests or near water bodies. Be careful when visiting natural places and protect the local environment.

Distances of some important cities from Ooty are as follows:

Coimbatore to Ooty:

About 86 KM Coimbatore is the closest important city to Ooty, from where you can use a bus, taxi or private vehicle to reach Ooty.  Travelling by road takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Mysuru to Ooty:

About 125 KM Mysuru is about 4 hours from Ooty.  You can go to Ooty from Mysuru by bus or by private vehicle. Beautiful views of nature can be seen during the journey.

Bengaluru to Ooty:

About 265km. The distance between Bengaluru and Ooty is about 6 to 7 hours.  During the journey, you can experience the beautiful views of the Nilgiris mountains. You can opt for a bus, car or train from Bangaluru to reach Ooty.

Mettupalayam to Ooty:

About 40 KM Mettupalayam is the nearest railway station to Ooty.  From here you can travel to Ooty by taxi or by the famous ‘Toy Train’ of Ooty. The journey is very pleasant.

Chennai to Ooty:

Around 555 km from Chennai to Ooty takes about 10 to 12 hours by road. You can travel from Chennai to Ooty by air, train or road. These distances are approximate and may vary slightly depending on road conditions.

Conclusion

Ooty is a wonderful place where one can experience different forms of nature. The peaceful atmosphere of Ooty, the greenery of tea gardens, and the sight of waterfalls will bring you closer to nature. You will experience the uniqueness of nature while visiting various places in Ooty.

In this article, I provide some information about the best places in Ooty, so that you can plan your next trip more effectively and so it can allow you enough time to experience each place and enjoy the natural beauty of Ooty. Happy Journey…