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Nestled amidst the verdant Nilgiri hills, Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a charming hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. The places to visit in Ooty are abundant, making this hill station a perfect retreat for nature lovers and tourists alike. Renowned for its pleasant climate, lush gardens, and breathtaking landscapes, Ooty is often called the “Queen of Hill Stations.” This popular tourist destination offers numerous attractions, including the stunning viewpoints of Doddabetta Peak, the serene Ooty Lake, and the vibrant Government Botanical Gardens.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Ooty
Here is a list of the 10 best places to visit in Ooty for an unforgettable experience in Tamil Nadu:
1. Ooty Lake
Photo: Amalshaji27 / Wikimedia Commons
Ooty Lake is an astonishing man-made lake, a famous place to visit in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. Spanning about 65 acres, it was constructed by John Sullivan in 1824. Surrounded by eucalyptus trees and lush greenery, it offers scenic views, making it a popular spot for picnics and boating. The lake also hosts an annual boat race and other events, attracting tourists year-round. With its rejuvenating atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, Ooty Lake is a perfect destination for a peaceful retreat in nature.
Major Attraction: A picturesque artificial lake with boat rides, pedal boating, and picnic spots
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (about 2 km from the lake)
2. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Photo: Amalshaji27 / Wikimedia Commons
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic railway in Tamil Nadu that connects Ooty with Mettupalayam. Built in 1908, this iconic railway operates vintage steam and diesel locomotives. The journey covers 46 kilometres, winding through dense forests, steep cliffs, and breathtaking valleys. With its slow pace and dramatic landscapes, the train ride is a nostalgic adventure, allowing passengers to soak in the beauty of the Nilgiris.
Major Attraction:Scenic train rides through the Nilgiri Hills
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Ideal Trip Duration: 5-6 hours for a full journey from Mettupalayam to Ooty
Nearest Railway Station: Mettupalayam Railway Station (for starting the train journey)
3. Botanical Gardens
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
Government Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest places and sprawls over 55 acres of land. Started in 1848, Ooty has this botanical garden flourishing in plenty of varieties of plants including exotic, indigenous species, ferns, orchids, and colourful flowers. The government botanical gardens are segmented into Italian Garden, Fern House, and the Conservatory. One of the attractions is the fossilised tree trunk.
Best Time To Visit: March to June when flowers are in full bloom
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (about 3 km)
4. Doddabetta Peak
Photo: Shafeequepgl / Wikimedia Commons
The Doddabetta peak is the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills and measures 8,650 feet/2,637 metres above sea level. Located about 10 kilometres from Ooty, this popular tourist attraction offers a spectacular view of surrounding hills and valleys. On clear days, as far as Coimbatore and the Mysore Plateau can be seen. The summit can be reached on a good road and there is a telescope house offering a much closer view of the breathtaking sceneries.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (about 10 km)
5. Rose Garden
Photo: Jayashree Subramanian / Wikimedia Commons
Ooty Rose Garden, also known as the Government Rose Garden, is one of the largest rose gardens and a popular tourist attraction in Ooty . Situated on the slopes of Elk Hill, this garden spans over 10 acres and is home to more than 20,000 varieties of roses, including hybrid teas, floribundas, and miniatures. The vibrant colours and fragrant blooms create a mesmerising atmosphere, especially during the flowering season.
Major Attraction: Over 20,000 varieties of roses
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (about 2.5 km)
6. Ooty Chocolate Factory
Photo: Mark Lowen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chocolate lovers shouldn’t miss the Ooty Chocolate Factory. It specialises in homemade chocolates and other delicious treats. You can see how top-quality cocoa beans are turned into creamy milk chocolates, dark rich varieties, and exotic flavours. The shop in the factory allows tourists to take home freshly made chocolates, which is a good attraction for customers looking forward to buying some.
Major Attraction: Learn about chocolate making and shop for a wide variety of locally produced chocolates
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (about 4 km)
7. Mudumalai National Park
Photo: Rajeshrjo / Wikimedia Commons
Mudumalai National Park, located on the northwestern edge of the Nilgiri Hills, is a renowned wildlife sanctuary and a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Spanning over 321 square kilometres, the park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, leopards, deer, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the park through guided safaris, offering a chance to witness these animals in their natural habitat.
Major Attraction: Wildlife sanctuary home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and a variety of bird species
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Ideal Trip Duration: 3-5 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (about 40 km)
8. Avalanche Lake
Photo: Linh Pham / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Avalanche Lake, located about 28 km from Ooty, is a pristine spot nestled in the Nilgiri Hills. Surrounded by rolling hills covered in lush greenery, the lake was named after a massive landslide that occurred here in the 1800s. Known for its calm waters and stunning natural beauty, Avalanche Lake is a popular destination for trekking, camping, and trout fishing. The area is rich in diverse flora, including rare species of orchids and shola trees.
Major Attraction: Trekking, fishing, and camping
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: Half a day to a full day
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (about 28 km)
9. Fern Hill Palace
Photo: Ivan Rivero / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Fern Hill Palace, located in Ooty, was initially built as a summer palace for the Maharaja of Mysore in 1844. Dressed up with lavish gardens and wide views of Nilgiri hills surrounding it, this royal palace reflects colonial architecture with elegant interiors, flooring in wood, and high ceilings. Whether it’s historical glamour, picturesque setting or regal atmosphere, Fern Hill Palace is a must-visit destination for those in search of a taste of royal heritage from the valley of Ooty.
Major Attraction: Heritage hotel with stunning architecture and lush gardens
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours (or overnight stay if you book a room)
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (about 3 km)
10. St. Stephen’s Church
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
St. Stephen’s Church, one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris, is a beautiful example of colonial-era architecture. It is amongst the best places to visit in Ooty. Built in 1830, this Anglican church reflects Gothic design elements, with its stained glass windows, wooden beams, and antique furnishings. The church is nestled amidst tranquil surroundings with a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for quiet reflection. The interiors feature paintings depicting biblical scenes, adding to its spiritual charm
Major Attraction: Built in the 19th century with beautiful stained glass windows
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (about 2 km)
With so many places to visit in Ooty, it is truly a treasure store of natural beauty, history, and adventures and ensures a guarantee as the perfect destination for every traveller. From serene lakes to lively gardens, and from the thrilling mountain railways, each tourist attraction has something special in store. Book your next trip with TripXL and experience the magic of Ooty.
Cover Photo: Baswameenakshi / Wikimedia Commons
