An incredible resort town and an absolute favourite of couples, solo backpackers and others, Udhagamandalam, or Ooty (as it is fondly called) is one of the most visited hill stations in the country. Nestled amidst the lush green Western Ghats in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is a popular summer retreat since the days of the British Raj. The weather here is cool and pleasant all year round.
With its perfect climate and picturesque vistas of rolling hills and peaceful lakes, Ooty has rightly been crowned the Queen of Hill Stations. There are a number of places to visit in Ooty while exploring this piece of paradise that one must include in their itinerary. From scintillating lakes, beautiful gardens to interesting museums and other tourist attractions, Ooty has quite a few tourist places that you must visit.
Best Time to Visit Ooty
Although Ooty’s amazing weather attracts tourists throughout the year, April to June, September to November is the best time to visit Ooty for a relaxing vacation in the hills.
Summer Season in Ooty
The summer season in Ooty is from March to June where the average temperature is around 20℃. This is the season for travel to Ooty and tourists from nearby states flock here to beat the heat and enjoy the wonderful weather here.
Winter Season in Ooty
The winter season in Ooty is from November to February although cold and chilly winds start blowing in October itself. The weather is cold compared to other cities of South India and apt for sightseeing in Ooty.
Monsoon Season in Ooty
The monsoon season in Ooty is from here July to September during which the city witnesses heavy rain showers. Although travel to this hill station may be hampered, nature lovers visit Ooty to enjoy the scenic beauty of this place after showers.
How to Reach Ooty
- By air: Coimbatore Airport situated 88kms away is the nearest airport to Ooty. Hire a cab or taxi from the airport to reach Ooty.
- By train: Mettupalayam is the nearest railway station to Ooty which is located 40kms away. It is connected to major cities in South India such as Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore and more. You can book a ride in the Nilgiris Mountain train to reach Ooty and also enjoy the scenic beauty fo the place from the train.
- By road: There are a number of Government and private buses that ply between Ooty and other major cities. You can book a comfortable ride in these buses or even self drive to Ooty through the picturesque landscape, covering Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary on your way.
Places to visit in Ooty: Beautiful Water Bodies
1. Ooty Lake
Formed by damming streams, Ooty Lake is everything you’d want for a lovely day out. The water is clean and calm nestled in the middle of the banks on which tall, majestic Eucalyptus trees grow, adding their gentle spicy fragrance to the air. It is picture-perfect. On hot summer days, there is nothing nicer than splashing around here. There are also houseboats for hire which make for a lovely private getaway.
- Distance from the city centre: 1km;
- Boating Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 Pm
- Fees for Boating: Indians – Rs 10; Foreigners – Rs 560; Camera – Rs30; Camcorder – Rs 125;
- Things to do in Ooty Lake: Apart from a refreshing boat ride on the calm waters, you can also go for a horse ride or visit the Ooty Museum situated nearby.
2. Emerald Lake
A popular place for picnics, Emerald Lake is also a pleasure for both the casual and serious bird watcher with many different species of birds both local and migratory singing in the trees. The scenic beauty of Emerald Lake is ethereal and the area is a filled with indigenous flora and fauna species. The lake itself is known for its abundant fish and aquatic life. Sitting in the midst of tea plantations, you can also go trekking to the nearby tea plantations and even buy yourself some tea.
- Distance from the city: 20kms
- Visiting Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Things to do in Emerald Lake: Witness a splendid sunrise and sunset, watching different species of birds, photography.
Must Read: 16 Splendid Things to Do in Ooty While on a Vacation Here
3. Kalhatti Falls
The Kalhatti falls are a little bit of heaven on earth. Teeming with birds of all kinds, it is a bird watchers paradise. But, those are not the only visitors to watch out for. Being a source of freshwater, you can also see herds of elephant come to drink and play about here. This is a perfect place for the whole family and especially for those who need a break from everything concrete and computers.
- Distance from city centre: 8kms
- Best time to visit Kalhatti Falls: October to May
- Timings: Morning to evening
- Entry Fee: None
4. Avalanche Lake
Avalanche Lake is a lovely spot for day picnics with family and friends. The banks of the lake are plush with flowers and greenery and the mountains surrounding the lake are ideal for trekking and exploring. You can also do a little fishing at the lake if you’re interested with the trout hatchery providing you with rods and bait. Camping is allowed so you can set up your tent and cook the fish you caught while the stars begin to shine over this peaceful lake.
- Distance from city centre: 15kms
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
- Best time to visit Avalanche Lake: After the monsoon, especially if you want to enjoy trout fishing.
Must Read: 16 Places Where You Can Enjoy Ooty Nightlife
Places to visit in Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Take a Scenic Ride in Toy Train
1. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train is something out of a storybook as it chugs and pulls its quaint wooden carriages with large picture windows along the tracks. It runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty, going past Coonoor in the Nilgiri Hills. With one of Asia’s steepest tracks climbing from 1,069 feet up to 7,228 feet above sea level, through tunnels and over bridges, going past ravines and forests and tea plantations, you will leave all your cares below as you ride along in this exotic toy train of the Ooty mountain railways.
2. Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta, which means ‘Big Hill’ in Kannada is the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills. A very popular destination, it is accessible by road right up to the summit. And once you are there, the panoramic view is breathtaking. The hill rises from a heavily forested area with rhododendron trees, alpine shrubs and herbs lending a heady fragrance to the air. A very nice romantic place and one of the pristine and unexplored places in Ooty, Doddabetta is a perfect place for adventurous couples and tourists. There is also a telescope at the watchtower from which you can enjoy the spectacular views of the landscape.
- Distance from the city centre: 5kms
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Adults: Rs 6; Children – Free; Camera – Rs10; Video Camera – Rs20;
- Things to do at Doddabetta Peak: Since this peak is located in the junction of Eastern and the Western Ghats, you can trek to the summit of the peak while enjoying the view or take a taxi for the 3km-ride from the junction to the summit.
Places to Visit in Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Gardens
1. Government Rose Garden
Ooty’s climate is perfect for roses to bloom, and bloom they do on Elk Hill. The garden has over twenty thousand varieties of roses growing including miniature roses, ramblers, tea roses and more, adopted from all the corners of the earth. There are roses in colours that you may have never even dreamt of, such as green and black. The garden’s observation platform, Nila Maadam, lets you take in the entire view of the garden as you breathe in the sweet air. Undoubtedly it is one of the most important places to visit in Ooty that should feature in your itinerary.
- Distance from city centre: 2kms
- Timings: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Adults – Rs 30; Children – Rs15; Camera – Rs50; Video – Rs100;
- Best time to visit Government Rose Garden: March to June
- Tips: Plucking flowers is restricted. You will have to climb uphill to view more species of exotic roses. Carry an umbrella as Ooty can receive sudden rain showers.
Must Read: Best Street Food in Ooty and Where to Get Them
2. Thread Garden
An unusual but very beautiful attraction in Ooty is the Thread Garden. Here you will find a collection of gorgeous flowers and plants all made of, you guessed it, thread! An estimated 6 crore metres of thread has been used and the skill with which these blooms have been weaved is amazing. All have been hand woven painstakingly by talented craftspeople and the overall effect is completely delightful! Thread Garden is a very unique place to visit in Ooty.
- Distance from the city centre: 1km
- Timings: 9:00 to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Adults – Rs30; Children (5-15years) – Rs15; Camera – Rs50; Video camera – Rs100;
Book Budget Hotels in Ooty
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Adventure Places to Visit in Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Trekking and Walking
1. Shooting Point
One of the most famous places in Ooty, the Wenlock Downs or the Shooting Point is also the popular shooting spot in this picturesque hill station. The climb up the main viewing point is enjoyable in itself but once you get there prepare to have your jaw drop. You will witness a breathtakingly beautiful scenic beauty of shooting point, a reason why it has served as the go-to location for many films. The lush greenery, the beautiful lake, the blue sky is sure to captivate you forever and if you wish to capture such a panoramic view forever, do not forget to take your camera with you. You can also go for a horse ride here but to enjoy the beauty and splendour of this place, we’d recommend you take a long walk here.
- Distance from the city centre: 9kms
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs 10;
2. Dolphin’s Nose
Known as Dolphin’s Nose because the peak looks exactly like one, and situated one thousand feet above sea level, this viewing point offers one of the most spectacular views in Ooty.
There are ravines and hills, valleys and tea plantations, and most wonderful of all is the stunning view of Catherine Falls thousands of feet below. One of Ooty’s most beautiful spots, it is definitely worth the trek there
- Distance from the city centre: 12kms
- Timings: Morning to Evening
- Best time to visit Dolphin’s Nose: October to March to enjoy the picturesque view from here.
Important Places to Visit in Ooty: Educational and Fun
1. Radio Astronomy
Science and Astronomy fans rejoice! This super interesting research centre is part of the National Center for Radio Astrophysics and is government-funded through the Department of Atomic Energy.
The Ooty Radio Telescope is 1,740 feet long and 98 feet wide and is currently being used for the study of interplanetary scintillation observations which is crucial for understanding solar wind magnetic storms and their effect on the near-earth environment. It is ideal for a short stop, but prior permission is required to enter, so do call ahead!
2. The Chocolate Museum
A delicious little side trip must be made to the Chocolate Museum if you are on your way to Pykara. The museum shows the process of how chocolate is made right from the bean. There are many varieties of chocolate exhibited and sold here and the chocolate is not made with oil but with real cacao butter and cane sugar. You get a little sample with the entry fee and can buy as much as you want. A really lovely tasty trip.
- Distance from the centre: 6.7kms
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
3. Second World War Memorial Pillar
Situated within the Military Cantonment of Wellington, near the railway station, the War Memorial is dedicated to those who lost their lives fighting in WW2. There are several model war airplanes on show.
There is also the Wellington Military Hospital built in 1860 and a golf course which gives visitors a rare glimpse into the army life during the British Raj. The cantonment is still active and used by the Madras Regiment of the Indian Army and makes for an interesting visit.
- Distance from the city centre: 18kms
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Places to Visit in Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Religious
1. Venkateshwara Perumal Temple
Considered one of the most important temples in Ooty, Venkateshwara Perumal Temple draws local devotees and tourists alike. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu it celebrates all festivals with great fervour. The sanctum is full of colourful murals. The atmosphere of this place of worship is calming and it makes for an interesting cultural, architectural and religious visit.
- Distance from the city centre: 2.4kms
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Shopping Places to Visit in Ooty: Shopping for goodies
1. Commercial Road
Growing organically since the 1800s, Commercial Road is a famous roadway through the foothills of Ooty. With sweet tiled shops still lining it, it has been and still is one of the main commercial trading areas.
You can buy homemade chocolate, essential oils like eucalyptus, jewellery, antiques, leather goods and more here. Its junction Charing Cross is a charming and interesting place to shop, where you can pick up Toda embroidery and antiques. If you catch the Tibetan market, you will be spoiled for choice with their bright, beautiful woollen clothes at a bargain.
Must Read: Top 12 Shopping Places in Ooty
Book Hotels in Ooty for a safe and comfortable stay experience.
Besides all the fun things to do and see, Ooty is perfect for just taking a quick break. The weather is lovely and the food is delicious. What would you do in Ooty? Tell us in the comments below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 places to visit in Ooty?
You can visit these top 10 places in Ooty
- Chocolate Museum
- Government Rose Garden
- Avalanche Lake
- Kalhatti Falls
- Ooty Lake
- Emerald Lake
- Thread Garden
- Shooting Point
- Second World War Memorial
- Dolphin’s Nose
What are the best places to visit in Ooty with friends?
Some of the places that you can visit with your friends include Mudumalai National Park, Upper Bhavani Lake, Dolphin’s Nose, Tea Gardens, Shooting Point, Emerald Lake, Kalhatti Falls, Chocolate Museum, Kamaraj Sagar Dam and Rose Garden.
What is the recommended duration of stay in Ooty?
There are many places in and around Ooty and Conoor that you can visit depending on the number of days you are staying in Ooty.
Places to visit in Ooty in one day:
- Ooty Lake
- Doddabetta Peak
- Tea Plantation
- Avalanche Lake
- Emerald Lake
- Rose Garden
- Thread Garden
Places to visit in Ooty in 2 days:
- Kamaraj Sagar Dam
- Shooting Point
- Pykara Lake
- Ooty Botanical Garden
- Wax Museum
- Tea factory and museum
- Mudumalai National Park
Places to visit Ooty in 4 days:
- Doddabetta peak
- Eagle’s Dare adventure sports
- Rose Garden
- Botanical Garden
- Elkhill Temple
- Pykara Lake
- Mudumalai National Park
- Radio Astronomy Centre
- Emerald Lake
- Avalanche Lake
- Shopping in Ooty
- Ooty Lake
What are the places to visit in Ooty in summer?
Some of the top places to visit in Ooty in summer include Ooty lake, Wax Museum, Dodaabetta Peak, Dolphin’s Nose, Elk Hill Temple, Rose Garden, Botanical Garden, all the beautiful lakes and Mudumalai National Park.
