Top 10 best places to visit in ooty - hilly-view

TOP 10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN OOTY

OOTY

Built by the British in the colonial era, Ooty continues to capture people’s imaginations with its beautiful mountains, lakes, expansive flora and fauna. Ooty, popularly known as the Queen of Hill Stations is adorned with beautiful mountains, lakes, gardens and forests all around. It was once the summer capital of the Madras Presidency. The colonial buildings and architecture are visible in some parts of the town. Ooty is among the very few places in India where local tribes co-exist within the city.

Visit the Toda temples, houses and also shop for ethnic Toda products. A joyride fit for all age groups, the train ride up the hill with its steep curves and tunnels is not only a fun experience, but it also offers amazing vistas en-route. Officially called Ootacamund, this tourist hub in Southern India is better known by its nickname Ooty, given by the British.

Be it Bollywood directors, honeymooners, family or adventure travellers, Ooty has touched everyone’s heart and imagination. It is known as the Blue Mountains owing to the indigo cover of the beautiful Kurinji flower that blooms on the slopes of the Nilgiris once every 12 years. During the blossom, Ooty looks spectacular; reaffirming the wonders of nature.

The fun of the trip begins even before entering the hill town. The famous toy train, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, that connects Mettupalayam and Ooty is a heritage route that breathes excitement every minute. The uphill journey crosses bridges, tunnels and manoeuvres steep curves. A haven for nature lovers, Ooty has diverse flora and fauna, even rare species. Ooty Botanical Garden and Rose Garden are the main attractions in town for admiring nature’s bounty.

For art lovers, there’s never a dull moment in Ooty. Fernhill Bungalow, Ooty Club, Government House and Arts College, St. Stephens’s Church; there are many standing monuments with colonial-era impressions. Central hubs of Ooty include the Ooty Lake and Pykara Lake, both set amidst pine trees and mountains. Like most lakes, they make for a perfect picnic spot. You can also enjoy staying in cosy homestays. Then why wait? Make your booking now

• HOW TO REACH OOTY

  By Air 

The nearest International Airport is Coimbatore International Airport, roughly two and a half hour drive from Ooty. Coimbatore Airport is well connected to a spectrum of cities like Delhi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad via Air Arabia, Air India, Indigo, Jet Konnect and Spice Jet.

  By Rail

Ooty has its own Railway Station named as Ooty Railway Station. It is connected to the major cities of Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the major New Delhi- Coimbatore railway line and is linked with the cities like New Delhi, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Chennai, Kochi, Mysore, Lucknow, Chennai, Kanyakumari, Puri, Ahmedabad and Jaipur.

  By Road

Ooty  is 19 Kms from Coonoor, 52 Kms from Mettupalayam, 84 Kms from Coimbatore, 104 Kms from Tiruppur, 127 Kms from Pollachi, 136 Kms from Palakkad, 154 Kms from Dharapuram, 159 Kms from Udumalaipettai and is linked through Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSRTC) and some private travel services.

1.Government Botanical Gardens IN OOTY

Ooty Botanical Gardens lie on the lower slopes of the Doddabetta peak, the Government Botanical Garden is a splendid garden in Udhagamandalam, near Coimbatore in the state of Tamil Nadu. Sprawled over an area of 22 hectares, the garden is divided into several sections that are trimmed beautifully to present an endearing sight. 

Visitors are greeted with astounding colourful natural beauty from the moment they pass through the gates. For more than 160 years, foreign and local travellers have visited the lush green lawns of the garden, admiring the stunning variety of flowers, ferns, and orchids present here. Another highlight of the Botanical Garden is the Toda hill, known as the Toda mund, which gives the visitors an insight into the lives and culture of Todas (a tribe of the Nilgiris).

Location: Vannarapettai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643002

Entry fee: Rs 30 per person [for Adults]

                  Rs 15 per person [for Children].

2.Ooty Lake

The picturesque Ooty Lake, also known as the Ooty boat house, is a much sought-after tourist attraction located in the midst of serene greenery. The Ooty Lake is an artificially constructed lake, built by John Sullivan in 1824.

Surrounded by the majestically-tall eucalyptus trees and dotted with green bushes along the shores, the Ooty Lake is an impressive spot in Nilgiris district. The Lake, spanning over 65 acres, was originally constructed for fishing.  It was later transformed into a tourist park when the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation took over it in 1973. 

There are many fun activities that tourists can indulge in when they are at the Ooty Lake. Cycles are available for rent to ride around the Lake. Boating is another attraction.  A tranquil ride through the waters is an attractive pastime as it lets one take in the entire beauty of the Lake. Paddle boat-, motor boat- and rowing boat services are also available. The ride offers a view of the serene greenery around and also of the distant hills.  

Boat races and boat pageantry are also conducted as part of the summer festival conducted here in May. 

There is also a garden, a mini train and an amusement park nearby. The amusement park has fun activities like a haunted house, a mirror house and horse riding, and ensures an exciting experience for children.

Location: West Mere, Ooty, Tamil Nadu.

Entry fee: Above 5 Yrs: Rs 6 per person

                Below 5 Yrs: Rs 0 per person.

3.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.

Location: Udagamandalam, Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu, India.

Entry fee: Above 5 Yrs: Rs 6 per person

                  Below 5 Yrs: Rs 0 per person

4.Doddabetta Tea Factory

Factory visits are always fun. Visiting the Dodabetta Tea Factory reminded me of my college days. These factories not only teaches us the process but also about the labour and technology behind the products that we consume on our day-to-day life. Tea is one such product that is consumed by millions of people worldwide. For some, it is just a refreshing beverage but for some, it’s a necessity to kick-start their day.

Ooty is one of India’s largest tea producing hill station and famous for its wide variety of flavoured tea. The Dodabetta Tea Factory and Museum resides on the lower hills of Dodabetta peak takes you through the complete journey of tea production from leaves to grains!

Location: Dodabetta Road, Mel Koddapmund, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643002.

Entry fee: 10 per person.

5.Pykara Falls in OOTY

ykara Falls is formed by the Pykara River on downstream of the Pykara Dam. The falls drops down into two sections with a height of 55 m and 61 m through multiple layers on the rocky bed providing a unique beauty to the stream. The waterfall amidst the dense forest is a treat to watch. It is one of the must-visit places for honeymoon couples and nature lovers as part of their Ooty trip. During the rainy season, the waterfall is in full bloom. There are barricades along with the waterfall viewpoint for the safety of the tourists

Swimming is possible at upper cascades, but not recommended as the path is filled with sharp rocks and the depth of the water is very less. Swimming in the lower part of Pykara Falls is dangerous and is mostly closed in the monsoon season to avoid accidents.

Location: Pykara, Tamil Nadu 643237.

Entry fee: free.

And if you want to see 

hidden places to visit in ooty

6.Kamaraj Sagar Dam in OOTY

Kamaraj Sagar Dam, Mix of Tranquil Slopes and Blue Water

Water excites most of us, be it in the form of a river, a waterfall or a dam. Water falling in a natural set up along with birds and trees and mountains is a spectacular view one can get to see and experience in their life. Kamaraj Sagar Dam is a place that offers you this kind of view. It’s known by many local names but the famous out of all are Kamaraj Sagar and Sandynallah Reservoir.

A picturesque picnic spot, surroundings of this dam are full of natural flora and fauna. Many different types of birds flock here for the food (fish) and water. You can see the fish in the water because the water is crystal clear; even fishing is allowed. Main source of water of this damn is the rainwater. The area that the dam covers is about 400 acres. The length of the Sandynallah Reservoir is 6 kilometers. It is one of the must visit Ooty tourist places

This is a favorite hangout spot for nature lovers. Many locals visit this place quite often. Usually, on Saturdays and Sundays, you can witness quite a lot of people here.  Not too far from the main city, Kamaraj Sagar is an Ooty Tourist Place which is especially loved by families with young kids because it is magical and yet accessible. This place has a great calming ambiance with a variety of different plants, birds and fish species. The chirping of the birds is music to the ears. It’s rarely in the cities in today’s time that you get to hear the birds chirping. It is one of the prime Ooty tourist place and also a must include in every Ooty Tour Package.

Along with fishing, nature study is also a famous tourist activity of this place. There are many places to visit in Ooty and around Kamaraj Sagar Dam, and these include Government Museum, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Ooty Lake and much more.

Location: Sholur, Tamil Nadu 643005.

Entry fee: free.

7.Elk Hill Lord Murugan Temple in OOTY

Amidst picturesque backdrop and a resplendent setting, the Elk Hill Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. The highlight of the place is a 40 feet tall statue of Lord Murugan that stands tall outside the enclosures of the temple and attracts pilgrims and devotees from far and wide. The statue is a replica of the Murugan Statue in Batu caves, Malaysia. In addition to that, the temple premises also have idols of Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva, Goddess Shakthi, Nava Kanika, Navagrahas, etc.

The hill is surrounded by dense forests. The scenic beauty and calm atmosphere add an extra attraction to the devotees visiting the place. One can get some picturesque views of Ooty town and its surrounding areas from the temple. Besides the gorgeous landscape and astounding panoramic vistas, the hill also boasts of rich and flourishing wildlife and magnanimous nature.

Thaipusam is the famous religious festival that is celebrated in the month of January- February to honor the Lord Murugan. A grand procession is held on a particular day from the Sri Mahamariamman Temple towards the Elk Hill. The devotees and the pilgrims follow the procession with large containers containing milk as an offering. Some devotees also carry a carrier decorated with flowers and peacock feathers, called 'kavadi' on their back which also has milk offerings. There is also a dance form called Kavadi Attam performed at the event.

Location: Sholur, Tamil Nadu 643005.

Entry fee: free.

8.Government Rose Garden in OOTY

Situated in the heart of Ooty town, this garden has been beautifully laid out in terraces with rose tunnels, pergolas and bowers with rose creepers. To commemorate the centenary Flower Show, the Rose Park was established at Vijayanagaram in Udhagamandalam covering an area of 4 hectares in five terraces. Today this garden has the largest collections of roses in the country like Hybrid Tea Roses, miniature rose, Floribunda, Ramblers, roses of unusual colours like black and green are some of the more than 3,000 varieties of roses that will captivate your senses. The Rose Garden is situated in slopes of the Elk Hill. The rose varieties planted in this park were assembled from different sources. The ‘Nila Maadam’ is located in a spot from where viewers can see the entire rose garden. This garden is maintained by Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. It has also received the award of Excellence for the best rose garden in entire south Asia from the International Rose society in 2006.

Location: Horticulture House, Elk Hill Rd, Bombay Castel, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001.

Entry fee: Rs 30 per person [for Adults]

                  Rs 15 per person [for Children]

9.Mariamman Temple in OOTY

Mariamman temple of Ooty is a renowned Hindu temple situated in the market of the town. It is named after the native goddess of the rain, Marriaman and her sister, Kaliamman. The goddesses are believed to heal diseases, and every April, a festival dignifying both of them are celebrated in the temple in which activities like walking with bare feet on the blazing coal can be observed. The marketplace where it is located has a variety of good restaurants, so you can complete your day by taking a meal there on your way back home.

Location: Horticulture House, Elk Hill Rd, Bombay Castel, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001.

Entry fee: free

10.Tribal Museum in OOTY

The Tribal Museum is located within the Tribal Research Centre campus Udhagamndalam, Nilgiri district, Tamil Nadu.  The foundation stone for the Tribal Museum building was laid on 12th September 1989 and the Tribal Museum building construction was completed in the year 1995 and it started functioning from 2nd October 1995.  On 13th September 1995 the Tribal Research Centre was taken over along with Tribal Museum by the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamilnadu from Tamil University, Thanjavur.  Tribal Museum is functioning at M.Palada, i.e., 10 kms. from Ooty Central Bus stand & Railway station towards Avalanchi road.  It is an important place of visit for tourists, students, scholars and general public.

The main aim of establishing the museum is to preserve the cultural heritage of the Tribals.  Museum artifacts like traditional Ornaments, Weapons, Utensils, Basketrty, Pottery, Tribal Model huts, Agricultural Implements, Hunting and fishing material Painting & Photography, Sculptures, Tribal model temple and Medicinal and Minor forest produce items are collected from about 36 different tribal ethnic Communities of the state of Tamilnadu and also tribal photography of other States of India and Union terrriotry of Andaman and Nicobar islands etc., were exhibited in the Tribal Museum.

Tourist important places Emerald Dam, Avalanchi and Eco Tourism places are located nearby the Tribal Museum.  The Tribal Museum is attracting many visitors at national and International level.

Location:  Pudumund, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001.

Entry fee: Rs 5 [for Adult]

                children free

                Rs 100 [for foreigner].