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Ooty, commonly called the “Queen of the Hill Stations,” has beautiful views and sublime countryside. Regarding the best things to do in Ooty, you will find plenty of optically beautiful spots perfect for breathtaking experiences. From the vintage Nilgiri Mountain Railway to peaceful lakes, Ooty has plenty of sights to offer, proving how beautiful this region is. Be it beautiful flower beds, antique buildings, or beautiful aerial sights, there is something for everyone who visits Ooty.
10 Things To Do In Ooty
Here listed are some of the best things to do in Ooty, offering a refreshing escape from the city life:
1. Visit The Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Photo: AHEMSLTD~commonswiki / Wikimedia Commons
Nilgiri Mountain Railway which is a UNESCO heritage site is one of the best things to see in Ooty. Breathtaking views of misty hills, and green tea plantations as well as depth in the valleys can be experienced while sitting in this moving train and enjoying the ride. The railway which was established in the year 1899 is a national treasure and it runs for a beautiful 46-kilometre route that links Ooty to Mettupalayam.
Entry Fee: Starting from ₹15 to ₹300 (depending on class)
2. Witness The Ooty Lake
Photo: Vinayaraj/ Wikimedia Commons
Hugely defining the landscape is the man-made Ooty Lake which is also surrounded by eucalyptus trees on 65 acres and can be accessed by boating and walking on the huge banks of the lake. It is among the best things to do in Ooty. This manmade lake built towards the end of the war in 1824 is peaceful and away from the busy town, so people who want to take pictures for postcards.
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person and ₹20 with a camera (boating charges extra).
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November
3. Explore The Ooty Botanical Gardens
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons
The Ooty Botanical Gardens presents a nice collection of both native as well as exotic plant species. People who are not too fond of nature will want to admire this beautiful garden as it sprawls over 22 hectares and looks stunning. The green grassy meadows, countless trees and rare vegetation make this place one of the best things to see in Ooty, especially for people who love botany and landscape photography.
Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults and ₹15 for children
Best Time To Visit: April to June
4. Sit By The Emerald Lake
Photo: Dreamboy / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Emerald Lake, situated at a distance of 25 km from Ooty, is tranquil and enjoyable for picnicking and observing birds in the Silent Valley National Park. Visitors who want to explore the best things to do in Ooty to enjoy the countryside setting without the bustling town can visit this place surrounded by tea estates and forests. Whether it is about finding a place for a picnic in Ooty or spending time in a peaceful environment, Emerald Lake is perfect for everything.
Entry Fee: None
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November
5. Wander Through The Rose Garden
Photo:alexohan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Rose Garden in Ooty, having an area of four hectares, contains approximately 20,000 varieties of roses. The environment of this Rose Garden is full of pleasant rose smells that will make you day. It was founded in 1995 to host the Centenary Flower Show. This garden is more artistic and is laid out with terracing and blooms every season. This breathtaking garden is perfect for those people who don’t know what to do in Ooty.
Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults and ₹15 for children
Best Time To Visit: March to June (7:30 AM to 6:30 PM)
6. Boating At Pykara Lake
Photo: Hyukman Kwon / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Pykara Lake is an undisputed clean water and air lake surrounded by nature’s beauty situated in Nilgiri district in Tamil Nadu. The fall in the Lake falls from a huge 61-metre height. While enjoying the beauty of the hills and forests surrounding this lake, visitors can also partake in boat-riding activities. Located close to the Pykara waterfalls and Pykara Wildlife Sanctuary, Pykara is a favourite place among wildlife lovers as well.
Entry Fee: Free (₹175 boating charges extra)
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM)
7. Stand At The Dolphin’s Nose
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
One of the viewpoints in Ooty that offers excellent views of the Nilgiri Hills is Dolphin’s Nose which is loved by those who appreciate the true beauty of nature. The name of this hill point is Dolphin’s Nose because it has a dolphin nose share. Its name given to a mob of fishermen is the dolphin’s nose and the thrilling view from over fifteen hundred metres is seen too well to be true especially when the weather is clear.
Entry Fee: ₹15 per person
Best Time To Visit: September to May
8. Camp At Avalanche Lake
Photo: Xue Guangjian / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Avalanche Lake which is situated in the Nilgiri hills is good for trekking, fishing and camping. It was named after the landslide that happened in 1823 in the terrain. Easy access to this remote place allows all Ooty tourists to breathe in full the beauty of nature with the added chance of wandering the nearby wooded region.
Entry Fee: None
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
9. Seek Blessings At St. Stephen’s Church
Photo: Muamer Ramovic/ Pexels / Image For Representation Only
St. Stephen’s Church was constructed in the year 1829 and is one of the oldest building story structures in the Nilgiris. Rich in history, stained glass windows and other colonial structures attract many history lovers and it offers peace and tranquillity and a well-maintained interior as a bonus. People who visit Ooty never miss exploring this place because of the positive and architectural attractions.
Entry Fee: None
10. Trek At Doddabetta Peak
Photo: Massimiliano Bareman / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Dominating the Nilgiris at an elevation of 2637 metres is Doddabetta Peak which is the highest point in the Nilgiri hills offering great views of the surrounding hill. You should explore this place if you are looking for the best things to do in Ooty. There is a telescope house at the very top that overlooks the rivers beneath, and on a bright day, it is memorable as one can see the plains of Coimbatore too.
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults, free for children
Best Time To Visit: September to May
Ooty provides various scenic spots that suit all kinds of tourists who are searching for the best things to do in Ooty. Whether it be the lakes, hills or the gardens you are looking at, Ooty has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing which is bound to leave you satisfied. Plan your trip with Trip XL and get unforgettable travel memories for life.
Cover Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
