68 Places to Visit in Ooty

68 Places to Visit in OOTY

OTHER HILL STATIONS IN TAMIL NADU

HILL STATIONS IN INDIA

TOURIST PLACES IN INDIA

TOURIST PLACES IN THE WORLD

OOTY officially known as UDAGAMANDALAM also known as OOTACAMUND. In short, it is referred as UDHAGAI. Hill Station Ooty is a town located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. Udagamandalam is located at an elevation of 7350 feet. Tamil is the official language. Places of interest includes Gardens, Parks, Lakes, Dams, Reserve Forests, Tribal Huts, Museum, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Historical Buildings and Tea Factory. Don't miss the local famous foods mainly Avial, Pastries, Bread, Farm fresh Strawberries, Pears, Peaches and Tea. For shopping lovers, the best 10 places for shopping in Ooty are the Tibetan Market for rare items, Main Bazaar for ornaments, Municipal Market for Flowers, Charring Cross for Authentic Spices, Lower Bazaar Road for Breathable Fabrics, Commercial Road for leather Products, Upper Bazaar Road for Spicy Chillies, Ooty Lake for Amid Nature, Municipal Street for Handicrafts and Chamraj Tea Shop for Authentic Flavours. 5 Things one should buy in Ooty are Cheese produced with milk from Jersey & Holstein cows, Spices like Cloves, Nutmeg, Pepper & Cardamom, Handmade Chocolates, Aromatic Oils such as Camphor, Eucalyptus & Citronella and Tea includes varieties like Black, Green and Black & White which includes the flavors like Masala, Jasmine, Cardamom & Chocolate.

How to Reach Ooty?

Situated on National Highway 181, the Udhagai is well connected to the road network. It is well connected to the nearby major towns in the state like Bengaluru, Mysore, Mudumalai, Masinangudi, Kallatti, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kotagiri, Gudalur, Calicut, Kannur , etc., Udhagamandalam Railway station is connected with Mettupalayam. Southern Railway is operating only metre gauge service here. It is the only Rack Railway in India. Nearest airports to reach Ooty are Coimbatore, Mysore, Calicut and Bengaluru which are 96 kms, 120 kms, 140 kms and 273 kms away respectively. Road services are available in plenty to reach the holiday destination at ease.

Top 68 Tourist Places in Ooty:

68 Must see places in Ooty are Ooty Boat House, Botanical Garden, The Tea Factory, The Tea Museum, St Stephen's Church, Thread Garden, Stone House, Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, Thunder World, Ketti Valley View Point, Government Museum, Elk Hill Murugan Temple, Ooty Hill Station, Adam's Fountain, Deer Park, Ooty Golf Course, Avalanche Road, Tiger Hill Ooty, Kandal Cross Shrine, Kamraj Sagar Dam, South Lake Road Children's Park, Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden, Cairn Hill Reserve Forest, Tibetan Market, CSI Holy Trinity Church, Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line, Toda Temple, Glenmorgan, Main Bazaar Road, Western Catchment, Ooty View Point, Pykara Waterfalls, Avalanche Lake, Mini Car Museum, Resource Centre for Tribal Development, Boating Spot & Children's Park, CSI St. Thomas Church, Emerald Lake, Udhagai Rose Garden, Erattai Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point, Toda Village, Mukurthi National Park, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Union Church, Pykara Lake, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Krishna's Butter Ball, Muniswarar Temple, Rajiv Gandhi Circle, Doddabetta View Point, Katary Water Falls, Marlimund Lake, Government Tea Garden, Benchmark Tourism Centre, Hanuman Cave Temple, Tea Park, Valley View Point, Ralliah Dam, Telescope House Doddabetta, Sandynulla, Wellington Lake, Tree Park, Pykara River, Pykara Lake Boating, Bison Valley View Point and Power House.

NILGIRI MOUNTAIN RAILWAY is popularly known as TOY TRAIN. It is the main attraction of the hill station. In the year 2005 UNESCO declared as World Heritage Site. The Toy Train was started in the year 1899. It covers the distance of around 46 kilometres in the span of 5 hours. This rail system is the steepest in Asia. Entry fee is applicable for experiencing the train journey. EMERALD LAKE is one of the best spots for nature lovers. One of the best place to spend peaceful time with the family. The blue water of the lake is the home to plenty of flora and fauna. Other attractions here are Trekking and Mountain Biking.   

OOTY LAKE is one of the main attractions that lies at a distance of around 2 kilometres from the main city. Spread across an area of around 65 acres this lake is well surrounded by greenery all around. Plenty of Eucalyptus trees can be seen around. Ooty lake is one of the best spot for photography lovers. Background is filled with mountain ranges and the lake is filled with stunning water birds. Paddle boats, Rowing boats and Motor boats can be hired to have fun. Normally this tourist place is crowded during weekends, so it is advisable to visit during weekdays.  

Spread across an area of 22 hectares, the OOTY BOTANICAL GARDENS is a Splendid Garden that lies on the lower slopes of the Doddabetta peak. Garden is divided in to several sections. The foundation was laid down in the year 1845 and was designed to have a terraced terrain. The slopes of the hill lie at an ascent of around 2500 metres above the sea level. So many rare species of tress can be seen in this garden. 

OOTY ROSE GARDEN also know as Jayalalithaa Rose Garden, the Nootrandu Roja Poonga and the Centenary Rose Park. Like bees drawn to the honey, nature lovers are drawn to the rose garden. Established in the year 1995 this rose garden is one of the most famous botanical gardens in the state of Tamil Nadu. One may find variety of Roses in different colors and sizes in this rose garden. Between March and June is the peak flowering season. Visitors can purchase the saplings if they need.To experience the entire garden one need to spend around one to two hours in this picnic spot. Normal entry fees are applicable to enter this garden, also separate charges are applicable for still and video cameras.

To enjoy Mountain Trekking, Rafting and Trout Fising AVALANCHE LAKE is the ideal spot which is located at around 26 kilometres from the main city. Avalanche lake was formed naturally as a result of landslide that occurred in the year 1823. Other attractions here are horse riding, rappelling and open jeep diving. Situated at and elevation of around 1500 meters the DOLPHIN'S NOSE is one of the most visited tourist spots. The gigantic rock formation is entirely unprecedented. Enormous canyons are found on both the sides of the destination. Catherine Falls which is located at a short distance from the Dolphin's Nose can be clearly seen from this iconic spot. During your visit here, never miss to watch the sunrise and the sunset. 

DODDABETTA PEAK means a Big Peak, which is located around 10 kilometres from the city. Situated at an elevation of approximately 8650 feet the Doddabetta peak is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills. Its a great treat to our eyes. One of the best sightseeing places for its picturesque land. Located between the Western and Eastern Ghats, this peak is one of the most preferred site seeing places. One of the perfect destinations for those seeking either leisure or adventure.

St. STEPHEN'S CHURCH attracts plenty of tourists from all across the world. This church is on the road to Mysore in Ooty. Stephen's Church was built by the British Government during the 19th century. The painting of The Last Supper can be seen inside the church. Various attractions inside the church includes pretty stained glass windows, that depict a myriad of different scenes, such as Mother Mary holding Jesus in her arms and the exquisite wooden architecture. 

A most popular tourist destination the THREAD GARDEN exhibits collections of more than 150 varieties of Artificial Flowers and Plants that are all made by the skillful and expert hands. With the help of 50 skillful helpers it took around 12 years to create this marvels of thread. Stiff cardboards for flowers and petals, steel and copper wires for stem were veraciously used along with a variety of colorful threads to create these visual delights. 

TREKKING IN OOTY: Ooty is considered as one of the bases for exciting treks in the state of Tamil Nadu. Doddabetta Peak, Parsons Dam, Kotagiri-Elk Falls, Glenmorgan Trek and Tribal Trekking are the ideal places for trekking lovers. Doddabetta peak is located at an elevation of 2637 metres and its route is covered in an exotic flora and fauna. Trekking tour in Parsons Dam takes around 8 hours to complete. Trekking at Kotagiri-Elk Falls  starts at Kotagiri and heads towards Kodanand view point. Lush Green tea estates surrounds the Glenmorgan Trek. During the journey you can spot Bokkapuram, Masinagudi and Mudumalai Sanctuary. Tribal Trekking is a 3 kilometres long trek which is ideal for the amateurs. Route covers dense woods and shimmering streams and will take around 5 hours to complete.

Between the months of October and May are the best time to visit the KALHATTI FALLS. One of the ideal and best spot for the Bird Watchers. This falls is also referred as Bird Watcher's Paradise. Kalhatti falls is located at an elevation of 400 feet. Located at a distance of around 6 kilometres from the main city, the TIGER HILL OOTY is considered as the heaven for Trekkers and Adventure lovers.

Located at an elevation of 1985 meters the KOTAGIRI is famous for its tea plantations. Ideal spot for undertaking activities like Hiking, Trekking and Rock climbing. For better experience one need to spend around 4 to 5 hours in this spot. KAMARAJ SAGAR LAKE is situated on the suburbs of Ooty. There is a dam and the lake is ice cold. Fishing is the main activity here and the place is famous for its scenic beauty that many movies are shot in and around.

ANNAMALAI TEMPLE, was founded by Guru Krishnanadaji on the outskirts of Coonoor. This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and often referred as the 7th Hill House of the Lord.This lesser known tourist attraction also has an observatory for nature lovers. DROOG FORT, also known as Bakasura Malai (Demon Fort) is a historical place at an altitude of 1800 metres above sea level.It is a 8th Century building with just a wall remaining now and a watchtower.

LAMB'S ROCK is situated on the way to Dolphin's Nose. The Coimbatore Plains and the Coonoor Hills can be seen clearly from this fascinating location. SIM'S PARK is an exotic destination in Coonoor with more than thousand varities of flora. Inside the park, there is a Rose Garden, a Lilly Pond and boating area. The best time to visit this place is between October to February. During May month, Fruits and Vegetables show takes place here.


CATHERINE FALLS is a less crowded tourist spot in Kotagiri near Ooty. The water from the River Kallar falls in a double cascade over a height of 250 metres, forming this falls. It is the second highest waterfalls in the Nilgiris. The time after rainy season , from September to around March- April is the ideal time to visit this place. UPPER BHAVANI LAKE is a breathtaking beautiful lake, situated above the Avalanche Area in Ooty. En route to this place, we have attractions like Avalanche Hydel Power, Cauliflower Forest, Bhavani Amman Temple and Backwaters of Upper Bhavani and can also spot animals and birds like peacocks and tigers. Since it is a dam reservoir, best time to visit is between June and August.

BISON VALLEY, a large number of Indian Bison roam around here and hence it got its name. A variety of wildlife inhabits here and bird watching is a popular activity here. PYKARA LAKE is situated at a distance of 20 kms from Ooty, in the village Pykara. It is a popular tourist destination with large number of visitors all the year round. The best time to visit is during the month of July and August. Boating is very famous in this location.

WENLOCK DOWNS is on the outskirts of Ooty, spread over a vast area of around 8000 hectares, with lush green meadows over the natural landscape with rolling mountains. This place is a perfect weekend getaway and attracts nature lovers and photographers. The 
THUNDER WORLD, also known as DINOSAUR PARK, is a themed amusement park in Ooty. The park is divided into 3 sections namely - the Jurassic Jungle, the Vortex and the Haunted House. There is also 5D theatre and a Camera Museum inside.

KETTI VALLEY VIEW is a vantage point located at a distance of 4kms from main place Ooty. This place gives a picturesque  view of the entire valley with its gushing waterfalls, greenery and landscape. Most popular activity in this place is to view the Sunrise and Sunset. CAIRN HILL is a reserved forest site that spreads across a very large area of over 168 hectares. It is in existence since the 1860s. The main activity is trekking here and there's a watchtower for nature lovers to enjoy the scenic beauty. This place is a haven for bird watchers.

ADAM'S FOUNTAIN, built in 1886, was a memorial located at the Charring Cross Junction in remembrance of the then Governor of Ooty. ELK HILL MURUGAN TEMPLE, is a temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, amidst the gorgeous landscape. The main attraction here is the 40 feet Lord Muruga statue made of brick and mortar. WAX MUSEUM is a latest and top attractive tourist spot in Ooty. It was inaugurated in the year 2007 and is housed in a 130 year old mansion. The museum houses wax statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, American President Obama, Mother Theresa and Dr. A.P.J.Kalam to name afew.

STONE HOUSE is a famous and first bungalow that came into existence in the town. It was built in the 19th Century by John Sullivan, the first collector of Ooty. It is a well maintained structure and currently the Principal of Government Arts College resides here.The tourist can have a view of this age old building from outside and is an important landmark. 

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM was built in 1989 to maintain and promote the culture of Ooty in the form of exhibits and information. The Museum houses the following to name a few -collection of the culture, history, the tribes, tribal objects, sculptures, paintings, handicrafts, nature and the ecology of Ooty. PYKARA FALLS is situated in Pykara village which is almost 20 kms away from Ooty. The River Pykara flows downstream from the mountains amidst lush green forest and is named as Pykara falls. Places of attraction here includes Pykara dam, Boat house, Pykara Lake and a chocolate museum nearby. Boating and horse riding activities attracts tourists.

CHILDREN'S PARK is a famous and a popular tourist spot in Ooty for recreational activities. It has several rides and gaming area for children and facilitates boating, rowing , horse riding etc. LAKE PARK is situated adjacent to Ooty lake with lushy green carpet and some recreational facilities. KANDAL CROSS SHRINE is a beautiful church on the outskirts of Ooty and is also known as the Jerusalem of the East. Sacred prayers are offered here every Friday.

OTHER HILL STATIONS IN TAMIL NADU

HILL STATIONS IN INDIA

TOURIST PLACES IN INDIA

TOURIST PLACES IN THE WORLD