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Nestled amidst the lush green hills of the Nilgiri Range, Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a picturesque hill station located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. Famous for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, the Ooty hill station offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town is surrounded by rolling hills, dense forests, and sprawling tea plantations, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. With its pleasant climate, scenic vistas, and rich cultural heritage, the city has something to offer to everyone who visits this idyllic hill station with an extensive list of places to visit in Ooty hill station.
Check out these 11 scenic places to visit in Ooty
1. Ooty Lake
Located in the heart of Ooty, the Ooty Lake is a man-made lake surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. The lake offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere for visitors to enjoy boating. The lake is about 2.5 km and is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Ooty sightseeing. It is a perfect place for picnics and relaxing with family and friends.
Entry Fee: Rs. 15 for adults, Rs. 10 for children
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
How to reach: Easily accessible by taxi or car.
2. Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains, is a must-visit destination while exploring Ooty sightseeing. The peak offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of the valley from the top of the peak. A telescope house is also available for visitors to enjoy the view even more. An ideal place for everyone, be it nature lovers or photography enthusiasts.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 7:00 am to 6:30 pm
How to reach: By car, bus or taxi from Ooty town.
3. Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens in Ooty are spread over an area of 22 hectares and are home to a wide variety of plants and trees, including rare and exotic species. The gardens are well-manicured and offer a perfect place for a stroll. The gardens are divided into different sections like the Italian garden, the bonsai garden, and the fern house, each showcasing different types of flora, making them one of the most scenic holiday places in Ooty.
Entry Fee: Rs. 30 for adults, Rs. 15 for children
Timings: 7:00 am to 6:30 pm
How to reach: The gardens are located just 3 km from the Ooty bus stand, so visitors can easily take a taxi or a rickshaw to reach there.
4. Pykara Falls
Looking for the best Ooty places to visit in summer? The Pykara Falls are located about 20 km from Ooty and offer a stunning view of the water cascading down the rocks. The falls are situated amidst lush greenery and offer a perfect place for nature lovers. Visitors can also take a boat ride on the Pykara Lake nearby. The boat ride offers a mesmerising view of the surrounding landscape.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
How to reach: Pykara Falls is located about 20 km from Ooty, and visitors can easily take a taxi or a bus from the Ooty bus stand to reach there.
5. Avalanche Lake
Surrounded by thick forests and rolling hills, Avalanche Lake is a popular spot for trekking and camping. The lake itself is serene and crystal clear, offering a perfect place for swimming. The lake is situated at a distance of about 28 km from Ooty and can be reached by taking a scenic drive through the hills, an experience worth living while exploring Ooty places to visit in summer.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
How to reach: Located about 28 km from Ooty, one can take a taxi or hire a car to reach here.
6. Mukurthi National Park
For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Mukurthi National Park is a must-see. The park covers an area of over 78 square kilometres and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. It is also home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a species of mountain goat that is found only in the Western Ghats. Visitors can go on nature walks, trekking, and camping to explore the park's diverse ecosystem. The park offers a perfect destination, being home to not only the endangered Nilgiri Tahr but also other rare species such as the Nilgiri Marten, Indian Elephant, and Indian Leopard.
Entry Fee: Rs. 15
Timings: 9:00 am to 5.30 pm
How to reach: Located about 40 km from Ooty, one can take a taxi or hire a car to reach here.
7. Rose Garden
The Rose Garden in Ooty is a visual delight for visitors. Spread over 10 acres of land, it is one of the largest rose gardens in India and home to more than 20,000 varieties of roses. The garden is well-maintained and offers a perfect place for a stroll or a picnic. It is a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers who come here to witness the beauty of the flowers.
Entry Fee: Rs. 30 for adults, Rs. 15 for children
Timings: 7.30 am to 6.30 pm
How to reach: Located on the slopes of Elk Hill, one can take a taxi or hire a car to reach there.
8. St. Stephen's Church
Built in the 19th century, St. Stephen's Church is a fine example of Gothic architecture. The church is in the heart of Ooty and is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows. The church has an impressive interior with wooden pews and a tall tower visible from afar. Visitors can attend Sunday mass or simply visit to admire the architecture and learn about the church's history.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, 3:00 am to 5:00 pm
How to reach: Easily accessible by taxi or car.
9. Government Museum
The Government Museum in Ooty is a treasure trove of the district's cultural heritage. Visitors can see exhibits of tribal art, ancient artefacts, and other interesting items. The museum also has a section dedicated to the natural history of the region, including fossils and minerals. It is an ideal spot to delve into the local history and culture.
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children
Timings: Open all days except Friday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
How to reach: Easily accessible by taxi or car.
10. Ketti Valley
Situated between Coonoor and Ooty, the Ketti Valley is a picturesque valley that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations. Visitors can take a leisurely walk or go on a cycling tour of the valley to explore its beauty. The valley is also home to several tribal villages, which provide visitors with an insight into the local way of life. It is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse oneself in the serenity of nature.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open all day
How to reach: Located between Ooty and Coonoor, one can take a taxi or hire a car to reach here.
11. Toy Train
If you are looking to explore toy trains in India, this is one of the must-visit holiday places in Ooty. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as the toy train, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that connects Mettupalayam to Ooty. The journey takes approximately five hours and covers a distance of 46 kilometres, passing through tunnels, bridges, and lush green forests. The train runs on a rack and pinion system, making it one of the steepest railway tracks in Asia. The journey on the toy train is a must-do experience for visitors to Ooty, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Entry Fee: Rs 205 for adults and Rs 100 for children (for the first class), Rs 30 for adults and Rs 15 for children (for the second class)
Timings: The train operates from 7.10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5.30 PM
How to reach: The train starts from the Ooty Railway Station and covers a distance of 4.8 km, one can easily reach the station by taxi or car.
Ooty is a perfect getaway destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to escape the chaos of city life. There are a lot of Bollywood-loved shooting spots in Ooty. With its beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and hills, the town offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural heritage with many picnic spots in Ooty worth exploring.
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