As a popular tourist destination, Ooty is brimming with shops and markets catering to the shopping needs of tourists. In this hill station you will find stores selling winter wear, jumpers, scarves and clothing to keep you warm from the cold mountain climate. You can also spot a few shops selling handicraft items and locally produced items like tea, fruits cheese, essential oils and chocolates.
If you are thinking about travelling to Ooty and confused about where to shop, this article should help you. We’ve scouted its ins and outs, and have picked the 12 best shopping places in Ooty.
Places to Shop in Ooty (Markets)
1. Charring Cross
Situated at the intersection of the Ooty-Conoor Road and the National Highway 67, the Charring Cross Road is famous for being a shopping destination. On this street you will find many local markets, a few roadside stalls and shops selling a variety of products.
Cakes, gifts, woollen items and handmade chocolates are some of the products you can find here. There’s a big fountain in the middle of the road that stands as a landmark.
- Location: Charring Cross Road
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2. Tibetan Market
A large number of Tibetans have made Ooty their home; it is no wonder then that the place has a famous Tibetan Market. It is located close to the stunning Botanical Gardens and has roadside shops selling woollies and shawls in a variety of colours and print. You can also find a few shops selling beadwork necklaces and embroidered jhola bags.
- Location: Vannarapettai
3. Upper Bazaar Road
The Upper Bazaar Road is a popular place in Ooty. At this suburb, you will find the best restaurants and shops in Ooty. But what makes this place famous is its spice market and Nilgiri shops. The spice shops at Upper Bazaar Road sell an amazing selection of fresh Indian spices such as jeera, chilli, and pepper and nutmeg powder. Visit here if you are foodie or love cooking.
- Location: Upper Bazaar Road
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4. Main Bazaar
From everyday essentials to local favourites, you can find them all at the Main Bazaar in Ooty. Located in the city centre, this market is the popular ones in town. Shop her for Nilgiri products, winter wear, shawls, fashion accessories and much more. Good bargaining skills are an added advantage at this market. You can shop here until 9 pm.
- Location: Upper Bazaar Road
5. Commercial Street
From the early hours of morning, at Commercial Street you can see activity. Shop owners settle their shop to welcome shoppers who are mostly tourists. The market is famous for its leather shops, chocolate stores and street vendors selling locally sourced aromatics eucalyptus oil. This market is a great place to visit if you love shopping for local products.
- Location: Commercial Road
6. Ooty Lake
The Ooty Lake is not only popular for its boating activity, you can also add shopping. Near the lake, there are many street vendors who set up shop. Visitors to the lake often stop by to check out and buy clothes, accessories and flowers. There are flower vendors who sell fresh flowers in the evenings near the lake.
- Location: Near Ooty Lake
7. Ooty Municipal Market
Want to explore the culture of Ooty? Start at the Ooty Municipal Market. This bazaar is home to more than 1,500 shops and has around 15 entrances. From local everyday products to flowers, oils and even chocolates, you can find it all being sold at shops here.
For a special experience, enjoy a cup of tea at the many tea stalls near the market. Carry a lot of cash with you as most vendors and shops do not accept credit cards.
- Location: Nilgiris
8. Lower Bazaar Road
Located close to the train station and Ooty Lake, the Lower Bazaar Road is a great place to buy traditional Indian wear, Toda jewellery and shawls. Also available at the market are cookware and daily essentials.
- Location: Lower Bazaar Road
Also Read : 16 Splendid Things To Do On A Vacation in Ooty
Places to Shop in Ooty (Stores)
1. Chamraj Tea Shop
The Chamraj Tea Shop is one of the oldest tea shops in Ooty. No, we are not talking about tea stalls, at this store you can shop for a variety of teas. Available in different flavours, the tea leaves sold at the Chamraj Tea Shop are sources from the best plantations in South India and Assam. Favourites are the Nilgiri, Oolong and ginger teas. Ask for samples, and you will know how delicious the tea sold here is.
- Location: Upper Bazaar Road
2. Souvenir Shoppe at Doddabetta Tea Factory
Situated inside the Doddabetta Tea Factory, the Souvenir Shoppe is where you should shop for quality tea and accessories. Apart from tea, you can also buy souvenirs to take back home. Shop for printed plates, teapots, tea cups and tea oils.
The popular tea flavours to buy are green and Homewood. If you are travelling with kids, you can buy a few locally made chocolates from the shop, they are extremely delicious.
- Location: Dodabetta Road
3. G K Supermarket
A good place to shop for clothes and accessories at good prices is the G.K Supermarket. At this supermarket that is open all through the week from 9 am to 9 pm, you can shop for jeans, local designer wear and accessories. Available here are clothes for men, women and even kids.
You can also shop for massage and Nilgiri oils at this supermarket.
Location: Near Sai Baba Temple
Also Read : Best Street Food in Ooty & Where To Get Them
4. Higginbothams
Higginbothams is the oldest bookstore in Ooty. Visit this place to shop for a variety of book. Whether you are looking for travel guides, reference books and even novels, you will find them all at Higginbothams. The best part about this store is their recommendations, they have some great titles. Don’t forget to check out the lovely postcards available at this bookstore.
- Location: Commissioner’s Rd Town Centre
Book Treebo hotels in ooty for a pleasant stay.
Shopping in Ooty is a lot of fun, and the lovely weather all through the year makes it even better. The best part about shopping in Ooty is the traditional markets. They have shops selling a variety of local products that are great to take back home. If you want to have a good shopping experience, we suggest that you visit the 12 places to shop in Ooty.
