What if I tell you that you can have the best picturesque landscapes amidst the aroma and plantation of tea gardens? Yes, that too in South India, Ooty, the summer capital of the Madras Presidency during the Raj, is a paradise that came down from heaven. Situated in Tamil Nadu, Ooty (Udhagamandalam) is an ideal destination for those seeking a break from chaotic city life. The place has everything from magical valleys to mystic waterfalls, alluring grasslands, and lush green tea gardens.
Let’s get lost in the magical aroma of tea gardens- Ooty, the queen of hills
The green scenery is a treat for the eyes and the soul. The hill station allures tourists on a large scale every year to dive in its charm. While its primarily popular botanical gardens attract those craving for serenity, it has abundant options for adventure enthusiasts. Be it a road trip, a trekking holiday, or a relaxing retreat that you’re looking for, Ooty has something for everyone just like us (Liamtra). Several places to explore in Ooty would leave you in awe. Here is the list of Ooty tourist places with images for a more alluring reading experience.
1. Government Botanical Gardens
This place is specifically crafted for trees and flower lovers. Even if you aren’t particularly interested in these, the aesthetic vibe of this attraction is sure to melt your heart. The famous tourist attraction was sat up in 1848 by Graham Mclvor. It is segregated into 6 sections: New Garden, Conservatory, Lower Garden, Nurseries, Italian Garden, and Fountain Terrace. The entry is lined with numerous gorgeous flowers, ferns, and orchids. Extended over 22 hectares, the gardens have many exotic and indigenous species of herbs, shrubs, bonsai, and trees. The most charming attraction is the fossil tree trunk, which is more than 20 million years old and was brought to the garden from the National Fossil Park in Thiruvakkarai.
- Time to visit: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Ideal time: April to November
- Way to Reach
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (2.6 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (85 km)
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (2 km)
2. Ooty Lake
If you are searching for places to visit in Ooty in one day, you must include Ooty Lake in your itinerary. Formed during the British Raj in 1824, this artificial lake extends over 65 acres. Embellished with lush mountains, the landscape is surreal, especially with the mist hanging around the green cover. A boat ride in this scenic landscape is an absolute must. You can go for a paddle, motor or rowing boat. Other rejuvenating activities around the lake encompass an amusement park, toy trains for children and horse rides. Also, there’s a flea market to engage the shopaholics and a food court serving different dishes.
- Boating Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Ideal time: October to June
- How to Reach
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (1.6 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (87.8 km)
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (2 km)
Also Read: Travel Guide To Coorg and Ooty
3. Doddabetta Peak
To relish a panoramic sight of the Nilgiris hills, take a trip to Doddabetta Peak. This is one of the best places to visit in Ooty Doddabetta, the highest peak of the Nilgiris, situated 10 km from Ooty.
The region is unique, surrounded by dense green forests, beautiful pine trees, and other flora. Trekking is easy here, but wear comfortable shoes when visiting this peak. The state tourism department’s telescope house lets tourists enjoy a bird’ s-eye view of the Ooty sightseeing places. Gaze at the view and then eat at the Al Fresco cafeteria. A small market also sells spices, tea, fresh carrots, corn, and roasted peanuts.
- Time: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Ideal time: October to June
- Ways to Reach
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (8.3 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (2.6 km)
4. Doddabetta Tea Factory
Tea estates is another name for the landscape of Ooty; therefore, the Doddabetta Tea Factory and Museum is one of the best Ooty tourist places. You can see various artefacts and other tea-associated things at the tea museum. You can understand the different phases of tea production and read about the popularity of tea not just in India but globally.
- Time: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Ideal time to visit: October to May
- How to Reach
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (6 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (95 km)
- Mettupalayam Railway Station (48 km)
5. Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake
The enchanting charms of Pykara Falls have attracted many Kollywood filmmakers to shoot songs here. No wonder the undefined beauty of this place, along with Ooty tourism, attracts tourists to this magical place. Located about 20 km from Ooty, Pykara Falls is an ideal picnic place. The best thing about this tourist place in Ooty is that it is still untouched by commercialisation. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lake here, and the memories of dense trees and crystal-clear waters will remain in your mind forever.
- Boating Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Ideal time to visit: October to February
- Things to enjoy: Trekking, Photography, Enjoy scenic views
- How to Reach
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (25 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (25 km)
Also Read: TOP 8 HIDDEN GEMS OF INDIA 2022
6. Kamaraj Sagar Dam
Kamaraj Sagar Dam is another fantastic location perfect for picnics; hence, it is a popular tourist spot in Ooty. The area looks alluring, with dense mango and coconut trees shadowing the region. While it is very famous as a picnic spot, it also attracts angling enthusiasts, as the dam reservoir is home to various aquatic life. Also, the dam has emerged as a famous location for environmentalists and nature enthusiasts who spend hours here for research purposes.
- Time: N/A
- Ideal time to visit: October to May
- Things to do: Photography, Enjoy scenic views
- How to Reach
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (20 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (100 km)
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (20 km)
7. Elk Hill Lord Murugan Temple
One of the most enchanting hills in Ooty, Elk Hill, is home to the well-known Elk Hill Lord Murugan Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the warrior god. A life-size golden statue of Lord Murugan makes for a jaw-dropping sight in the beautiful hills. The view from the temple is breathtaking, and the atmosphere inside it is also unparalleled.
- Time: N/A
- Ideal time to visit: October to June
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (2.5 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- By Train: Mettupalayam Railway Station (47 km)
8. Mariamman Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Mariamma, the regional goddess of rain, Mariamman Temple is among the famous Ooty places to visit. According to a legend, merchants from Coimbatore visited this region every Tuesday for trade purposes. One came two sisters looking for a place to stay. They were asked to take refuge under a tree; lightning appeared that night, and the sisters disappeared. It was then that the locals believed that the sisters were goddesses. And then constructed a temple for both the divine figures. Like most temples in South India, it represents a pyramidal tower called Vimana, studded with colourful sculptures of deities.
- Time: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Ideal time to visit: September to May
- How to Reach
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (2 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (95 km)
- Mettupalayam Railway Station (47 km)
9. Tribal Museum
If you are interested in history and cultures, plan a visit to the Tribal Museum. The museum, the Tribal Research Centre, displays several relics related to regional tribal people. Expositions of various tribal movements that took place in the state over centuries are on display here. Rare photographs of tribal populations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also on display. The research centre here focuses on enabling the tribal population to adapt to urbanisation changes while maintaining their culture.
- Time: 10:00 to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Ideal time to visit: October to February
- Things to do: Tribal culture, Photography, Artifacts
- How to Reach
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (6 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway station
10. St Stephen’s Church
One of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris, built during the British era, St Stephan’s Church, Ooty, is one of the best places to visit in Ooty to see colonial architecture. There is a remarkable painting showcasing the Last Supper. Also, stained glass windows depict scenes such as Mother Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms.
- Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Ideal time to visit: September to June
- How to Reach
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (2 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (5 km)
11. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
You may not find the mention of a railway or a station in the list of places to visit anywhere else. However, in Ooty, the British built a railway line, one of the most popular tourist attractions. Nilgiri Mountain Railway line is known as an engineering marvel, being built at such a high grade. The train with its wooden coaches covered in unusual colours is stunning, too. Its major attraction is the sights a journey on it offers as the train ascends hills, crosses rivers via bridges, wooshes past lush fields and goes through tunnels. Therefore, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
- Time: Morning departure 07:10 am and afternoon departure 2:00 pm
- Ideal time to visit: April to June and October to February
- How to Reach
- Ooty Bus Stand (3 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- Mettupalayam Railway Station (starting point)
12. Parsons Valley Reservoir
Parsons Valley Reservoir promises a rejuvenating experience in the midst of nature’s beauty. Whether you discover the reservoir, take nature walks, or capture scenic landscapes through your camera lens, it’s a place that will leave you refreshed and spellbound by its tranquillity.
- Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Ideal time to visit: October to March
- Things to enjoy: Trekking, Wildlife Spotting, Nature Photography
- How to Reach
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (25 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (26 km)
13. Mukurthi National Park
Mukurthi National Park is a large and enchanting wildlife sanctuary known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is a pristine natural reserve spread across approximately 78.5 square km. Several endangered and endemic species live there, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Some popular places are Mukurthi Peak, Pykara Lake, Silent Valley, and Upper Bhavani Lake.
- Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Ideal time to visit: October to May
- Things to enjoy: Trekking, Wildlife Spotting, Nature Photography
- How to Reach
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (44 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (47 km)
14. Emerald Lake
Resting deep inside Nilgiri Hills, Emerald Lake is a famous scenic place in Ooty. Whether taking a peaceful boat ride on the calm waters, strolling along the lakeside to soak in tranquillity, or capturing breathtaking photographs of the scenic landscapes, Emerald Lake provides a perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. It is one of the most highly recommended places to visit in Ooty in 1 day. With its proximity to other attractions like Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Botanical Gardens, and Pykara Lake, a visit to Emerald Lake becomes even more rewarding, offering a delightful blend of nature’s splendour.
- Ideal time to visit: October to May
- How to Reach
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (20 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (95 km)
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (23 km)
15. Deer Park
Deer Park in Ooty is a popular tourist attraction known for its natural beauty and the opportunity to spot graceful deer in their natural habitat. You will find some of the most majestic deers in the designated areas within the park that offer stunning views and fantastic photo moments.
- Time: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Ideal time to visit: October to February
- How to Reach
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (2 km)
- Coimbatore International Airport (88 km)
- Mettupalayam Railway Station (3 km)