When we think of hill stations in India, we often think of North Indian Hill Stations such as Shimla, Manali, Kasol, Kasauli, Dharamshala, Darjeliing and Dalhousie. However, South India has its own share of hill stations as well. One such place in Ooty is a beautiful hill station surrounded by the Nilgiri mountains. The hill station is located 2240 metres above sea level.
It is situated in western Tamil Nadu, and by extension, the western ghats. It is also known as the Queen of hill station due to its location and serene beauty. From trekking to visiting the colonial monuments, temples and gardens - Ooty has it all. We have listed the top things to do in Ooty for a fabulous getaway!
Top 12 Things To Do In Ooty
1. Botanical Gardens
For nature lovers, we have great news for you! Botanical Gardens in Ooty offers you a perfect opportunity to explore the vast collection of exotic flowers and plants. The gardens were established by the British in 1848.
The garden is divided into 6 parts - Lower Garden, New Garden, Italian Garden, Conservatory, Fountain Terrace and Nurseries. It is one of the best things to do in Ooty for those who want to walk around and explore the best parts of nature.
2. Dolphin’s Nose
A hill station trip within enjoying a view is incomplete. If you love nothing more than enjoying majestic views, then Dolphin’s Nose will be your favourite spot in Ooty. The Dolphin’s Nose is a gigantic rock that resembles a nose of a dolphin. From here, you will get a fantastic view of the hill station including the Catherine Falls and the tea plantations.
3. Rose Garden
3600 varieties of roses? That’s right, visiting the Rose Garden in Ooty is one of the best things to do in Ooty. It is spread over an area of 1o acres and is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department.
The famous varieties of roses available in the garden are miniature rose, hybrid tea rose, ramblers rose, floribunda rose and roses in the shades of green and black. It was awarded the ‘Garden Of Excellence’ by the World Federation of Rose Societies in 2006.
4. Kalhatti Falls
Kalhatti Waterfalls is considered to be one of the best trekking destinations in Ooty. The waterfall is located at a height of 40 metres from the ground, and 2000 metres above sea level. The site is famous for birdwatching, picnics and natural treks. Since you will trek through wildlife reserves, you will need to take permission from the Forest Department of Tamil Nadu.
5. Toy Train Ride
Built by the British in 1908, The Toy Train Ride is one of the best things to do in Ooty. The Nilgiri Mountain Railways is one of the best things to do in Ooty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The passenger train covers a distance of 46 kilometres, passing through the beauty of the Nilgiri Hills. It is a great place to experience the best view of the hills. The train covers 250 bridges, 16 tunnels and 208 curves. The train connects Ooty to Mettupalayam and covers the distance in 4.5 hours.
6. Elk Hill Murugan Temple
Set atop Elk Hill, Elk Hill Murugan Temple is one of the best things to do in Ooty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. The highlight of the temple is a 40 feet statue of Lord Murugan that stands outside of the temple. From the temple, one can get a picturesque view of the Ooty town and the surrounding areas.
The temple also has the idols of Lord Ganesh, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Shakti, Nava Kanikas, and Navagrahas. During January and February, the temple celebrates the Thaipusam Festival. It is their most important festival.
7. Avalanche Lake
Hill stations are full of pristine lakes and Ooty is no different. The Avalanche Lake is one of the best things to do in Ooty. It is located 28 kilometres from the main town. The lake was formed due to a landslide in the 1800s and hence got its name.
The lake is surrounded by dense forest and is a great place for trekking and camping. The trails are easy to trek and are perfect for nature lovers. Camping on the edge of the lake is also popular. However, you will need to take permission from the Ooty Forest Department, since the area is located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
8. Emerald Lake
Another beautiful attraction in Ooty is Emerald Lake. Relaxing around the lake is one of the best things to do in Ooty. It is a perfect picnic spot for tourists and nature lovers. Emerald is a small village located in the Silent Valley of Ooty, which is 23 Kilometres from the main town.
The lake is famous for its birds and fishes, along with its view of sunrises and sunsets. There are many activities you can do around the lake, such as mountain biking, birdwatching, trekking, fishing, etc are some of the popular activities you can do at Emerald Lake.
9. St. Stephan’s Church
For those who like visiting historical sites, St. Stephan’s Church is the best place to visit in Ooty. It was built in 1829 and is the oldest church in the Nilgiris. The high-quality wood used to construct the church was stolen from the Tipu Sultan’s Palace.
The church has coloured glass windows that depict Jesus Christ's crucifixion and Mother Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms. The church also has a painting of the Last Supper.
10. The Government Museum
The Nilgiris has a rich history since it has been inhabited by tribals for years. The Government Museum in Ooty can help you learn about the rich history of the tribes, and their art and culture. The museum showcases the remnants of the Aboriginals of Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Houses of Kota, Toda, Kurumba, Paniya and Kanikaran Tribes are also displayed in the museum. The collection of rare artefacts is the highlight of the museum. Jewellery, handicrafts, art, pottery, etc are also displayed.
11. Kamaraj Sagar Dam
Kamaraj Sagar Dam is a favourite picnic spot and one of the best things to do in Ooty. It is an ideal place to visit if you want to have fun and relaxation with your friends and family. Different species of birds visit the dam, making it an ideal spot for bird watchers. It is also great for fishing, the most common fish there being the trout.
12. Shopping in Ooty
Ooty is also a great place for shopping. The hill station is popular for many things such as spices, tea leaves, tribal art, aromatic oils, homemade chocolates, and cheese products. Commercial Road is one of the best shopping spots in Ooty. There are many government shops, Kashmiri shops, and the Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan in that area.
There are so many things to do in Ooty that you will never get bored when you come to visit! Tamil Nadu is a beautiful state, and Ooty is one of its gems. For those who want to explore many such getaways, Pink Panda Holidays is here for you! Read our blogs to know more about the various holiday destinations.
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