16 Splendid Things To Do On A Vacation in Ooty

Ooty is a popular tourist destination and offers travellers a range of things to do. From checking out the local markets to visiting the lakes and waterfalls and even eateries, there is a lot of scope for fun during your stay here.
Whether you’re visiting this peaceful hill station for a weekend getaway or for a longer break, you can’t go back home without trying the chocolate and coffee and soaking in the beautiful surroundings. So, take a look at the list of things to do in Ooty to ensure you don’t miss out on a wonderful experience here.

Best Things to do in Ooty (Shopping)

1. Buy woollen clothes at the Tibetan Market

Located in Vannarapettai, the Tibetan market is favourite stop for locals as well as tourists. Here you will find a range of winter wear such as caps, jackets, scarves as well as some stores selling necklaces and bags. It’s a great place to buy presents to take back home.

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2. Buy Spices at Upper Bazaar Road

This is a famous shopping hub in Ooty and it’s a great place to check out for their Nilgiri shops. It’s the best place to buy local spices such as jeera, chilli, and pepper and nutmeg powder. Foodies and those who love to experiment in the kitchen should surely give this place a visit.

3. Find the bookworm in you at Higginbothams

If you’re looking for books and some other quirky stuff, then make sure to make your way to this bookstore that’s the oldest in Ooty. Here you can find a large selection of books, stationery and some travel stuff too. Don’t forget to pick up the postcards here.

4. Indulge yourself at Kingstar Confectionery

This chocolate shop should definitely be on your itinerary during your trip to Ooty. Here you will find a wide range of creamy chocolates in flavours such as vanilla, strawberry, mango, fig, blackcurrant and many more. These cute boxes make for great gifts to take back home.

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5. Shop for Artifacts at Souvenir Shoppe

Situated inside the Doddabetta Tea Factory, here is where you will find good quality tokens to take back home. This shop has everything from packaged tea to printed plates, teapots, tea cups and tea oils. They also sell local chocolates which are worth picking up too. One of the top things to do in Ooty.

6. Day market at Charing Cross

This small but bustling space is one of the places where you can find a wide variety of stores offering everything from chocolates and cake to gifts and household items. Located at the intersection of the Ooty-Coonoor Road and the National Highway 67, the Charing Cross Road is famous for being a shopping destination.

Also Read : Top 12 Shopping Places in Ooty

Best Things to do in Ooty (Activity)

1. Ride The Toy Train at Nilgiri Mountain

In 2005, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and here you can enjoy a ride on a toy train among lush greenery. You can pre-book a spot on the train at the IRCTS. Tickets cost Rs. 250-500.

2. Spot deer at the Deer Park

This gorgeous park is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking to spot some flora, fauna and fawns. This park is home to the Sambar Deer species, hares and rabbits and a variety of flowers. You can group in a trip with Ooty Lake here as it’s a mere 1 km away.

3. Trek through Pine Forest

This is a popular spot for tourists as well as a popular location for the shooting of Bollywood movies. Situated between Ooty and Thalakunda, this lush forest is the ideal place to head to if you would like to take a short trek. Don’t forget to carry a camera as the view of the mountains and tall pines is spectacular.

4. Visit the Churches in Ooty

If you’re interested in spirituality or architecture, then visit the churches of Ooty that boast of great structures and art work. Some of the most beautiful churches to visit include St Stephen’s Church, Sacred Heart Church and St Mary’s Church that boasts of some beautiful stained glass.

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5. A day trip to the waterfalls

This beautiful waterfall is located in Blue Hills and while you cannot reach the foot of the falls, you can enjoy the stunning view from the nearby hill tops. This is one of the major attractions in Ooty and makes for a great walk among the greenery.

Romantic things to do in Ooty

1. Boating at Ooty Lake

This is a must visit for its picturesque views and lovely weather. The artificially created lake is so serene and now you can boat here. The best time to visit is in the early evening as catching the sunset from this point makes for quite a sight.

2. Walk through Ooty Rose Garden

This is one of the most frequented places in Ooty. Here you can spot a wide variety of roses that are spread over 10 acres, offering a great space to walk and enjoy the weather. There is a small entry fee and the park is open from 8 am to 6 pm. It’s best to go early.

Top things to do in Ooty (Food)

1. Sip on coffee at Ooty Coffee House

A trip to Ooty is incomplete if you do not try their delicious aromatic coffees. And while there are many coffee houses, we recommend you check out The Ooty Coffee House, a quaint old school eatery that offers great hot beverages.

2. Eat authentic South Indian food at Nahar Restaurant

For a nice and traditional South Indian meal, visit Nahar Restaurant in Ooty. The food here is completely vegetarian and some of their best selling items include the dosas and filling Indian thali. And don’t forget to order a cup of their piping hot coffee.

3. Enjoy a night out at The Selbourne Bar

If you’re looking for a place to wine and dine in Ooty, this elegant bar is one of the best places to check out. Ideal for cozy twosomes and larger groups, there is a range of drinks and food on offer. With a vintage vibe, this bar is a popular place for a fun night out.

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If you’re travelling to Ooty make sure to add these things to your list of things to do and places to see. With its relaxed vibe and cool climate, a trip here promises to be fun as well as relaxing. Let us know about your experiences in this hills station in the comments section below.

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