Standing in the beautiful Nilgiri Hills of the state of Tamil Nadu, Ooty, also called as Udhagamandalam, is a charming hill station that captivates visitors with its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and colonial charm. Famous for its tea plantations, serene lakes, and panoramic views, Ooty offers a multitude of experiences for travellers of all ages. In this blog post, we will explore the top 15 things to do in Ooty, from enjoying the picturesque landscapes to indulging in thrilling adventures, ensuring an unforgettable journey through this enchanting destination.
As Ooty is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore and Coimbatore, many people from these cities frequently visit this hill station. If you are travelling from these cities or elsewhere, here are the top things to do in Ooty.
Top 15 Things To Do In Ooty:
1. Take a Ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway:
Embark on a memorable journey aboard the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This toy train takes you on a scenic ride through the breathtaking hills, lush valleys, and tea estates, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Enjoy the slow-paced journey as the train chugs along, passing through tunnels, bridges, and quaint hillside villages.
Indeed, riding on the toy train is one of the best things to do in Ooty. However, you will have to book tickets for this train at least three months in advance as the demand is very high. Particularly, it is hard to get a train ticket during summer vacation. So, plan things accordingly.
2. Visit the Botanical Gardens:
Explore the meticulously manicured Botanical Gardens, spread across 55 acres, and home to a vast collection of exotic plants, flowers, and trees. Marvel at the vibrant flowerbeds, the stunning fossilized tree trunk, and the enchanting Toda hill tribes’ traditional hut. Don’t miss the annual flower show, held in May, where you can witness a splendid display of floral artistry.
Exploring the Botanical Gardens is one of the best things to do in Ooty not only in May but also during other months of the year. But, when you visit during the rainy season, you will hardly find any flowers in this garden. But, during summer, you can spend some quality time in this garden with your family.
3. Boat Ride in Ooty Lake:
Spend a serene afternoon at the most beautiful Ooty Lake, encompassed by eucalyptus trees and rolling hills. Rent a paddleboat or a rowboat and leisurely cruise along the tranquil waters of the lake, soaking in the scenic beauty and enjoying the cool breeze. The lake also offers a mini-train ride and a children’s park, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.
If you are thinking about the best things to do in Ooty with kids, you can take them to this lake. They will enjoy it for sure.
4. Explore the Tea Estates:
Discover the lush green tea plantations that carpet the hillsides of Ooty. Take a guided tour of the tea estates and understand the tea-production process from the plucking of the leaves to the production of aromatic teas. Walk through the neatly manicured rows of tea bushes, breathe in the refreshing aroma, and relish a cup of newly brewed tea while getting the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
In the very cool hill station of Ooty, tasting a hot cup of tea free of cost at one of the tea estates is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Ooty. You can gain some insights into how tea production is done.
5. Trek to Doddabetta Peak:
Embark on an exhilarating trek to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills. Trek through the dense forests, verdant meadows, and rocky terrains to arrive at the summit, where you’ll be pleased with breathtaking views of the nearby landscapes. On a clear day, you can even spot the beauty of Coimbatore city. Don’t forget to carry your camera to capture the stunning vistas.
Not only trekking, you can drive by car to reach this spot. Otherwise, you can also take local government buses run by the Government of Tamil Nadu. A panoramic view from the topmost point of the hill station is one of the best things to do in Ooty.
6. Take your Kids to The Wax Museum:
This is not one of the popular things to do in Ooty. Many visitors miss out on this as the Wax Museum is not one of the popular spots for visitors. But, at this museum, you can see the figurines of popular personalities like Mahatma Gandhi that look very original.
You can take some stunning pictures with the figurines of top personalities. Of course, you can post the photo on your social media pages.
7. Visit the Government Rose Garden:
Immerse yourself in the beauty and fragrance of thousands of roses at the Government Rose Garden. Spread across 10 acres, this enchanting garden boasts over 2,000 varieties of roses, making it one of the largest rose gardens in India. Take a stroll along the pathways, admire the colourful blooms, and relax amidst the serene ambience.
The garden also hosts an annual rose show, showcasing exquisite floral arrangements. Indeed, visiting this garden is one of the best things to do in Ooty. But, once you are inside this garden, you will have to trek a lot as the garden is naturally developed on hilly terrain. So, if you can handle you can reach the utmost end of the park. Otherwise, you can return after a certain point if you cannot trek further.
8. Discover the Tribal Culture at Tribal Research Centre:
Gain insights into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the indigenous tribes of the Nilgiri region at the Tribal Research Centre. Explore the exhibits displaying tribal artefacts, tools, costumes, and musical instruments, providing a glimpse into their way of life.
The centre aims to preserve and promote the unique cultural heritage of various tribal communities, including the Todas, Kurumbas, and Irulas. A visit to this centre is one of the best things to do in Ooty.
9. Experience the Avalanche Lake:
Escape to the tranquil environs of Avalanche Lake, located about 28 kilometres from Ooty. Enclosed by compact forests and mist-covered mountains, the serene lake offers a serene setting for nature lovers. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, go trout fishing, or indulge in a peaceful picnic amidst the captivating beauty of the surroundings. The lake also serves as a base for various treks and camping expeditions.
As you are looking for one of the best things to do in Ooty, you can consider a visit to this lake.
10. Explore the Emerald Lake:
Discover the pristine beauty of Emerald Lake, located near the silent valley of the Nilgiris. With its emerald-green waters, lush vegetation, and serene ambience, the lake offers a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. Take a leisurely walk along the lakeside, enjoy bird watching, or simply sit back and soak in the tranquillity.
The picturesque landscapes surrounding the lake make it an ideal place for nature photography. So, if you are looking for the best things to do in Ooty, you can consider a visit to this lake. It is also one of the best places to visit near Ooty.
11. Discover the Hidden Gems at Pykara Falls:
Indulge in the fascinating attractiveness of Pykara Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls amidst lush greenery. The falls are divided into two sections, the Upper and Lower Pykara Falls, each offering a picturesque sight. Take a short trek to the falls, listen to the roaring sound of the water, and feel the mist on your face. You can also visit Pykara Lake nearby and enjoy boating in its pristine waters.
Pykara Falls and Lake are located a bit distant from the main part of Ooty. So, most visitors miss out on a visit to these places. But a visit to these places is among the best things to do in Ooty without any doubt.
12. Wildlife Safari at Mudumalai National Park:
Go on board on an exciting wildlife safari at Mudumalai National Park, located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Explore the dense forests and grasslands, home to different kinds of flora and fauna.
You might get an opportunity to see exotic wildlife species like elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs, and several species of birds. The park also offers chances for birdwatching and nature walks permitting you to drench yourself in the natural beauty of the terrain. Even though located a bit away from Ooty, a visit to this National Park is one of the best things to do in Ooty. The ride from Ooty to this spot itself will be very scenic and you might spot wild elephants on your way.
13. Admire the Beauty of Catherine Falls:
Marvel at the captivating Catherine Falls, located in Kotagiri, about 30 kilometres from Ooty. With its double-cascading waterfalls amidst lush greenery, Catherine Falls creates a mesmerizing sight.
Trek through the scenic landscapes to reach the viewpoint, where you can witness the breathtaking beauty of the falls. The misty surroundings and the gushing sound of the water create a truly enchanting experience. You will also agree that a visit to Catherine Falls is one of the best things to do in Ooty.
14. Enjoy Horse Riding at Ooty Racecourse:
Experience the thrill of horse riding at the historic Ooty Racecourse, one of the highest racecourses in India. Take a leisurely ride on well-trained horses and explore the vast expanse of the racecourse.
The cool climate and picturesque surroundings make it a delightful experience for riders of all skill levels. Even if you’re not riding, you can still visit the racecourse to witness the adrenaline-pumping horse races held during the racing season, which is one of the best things to do in Ooty. With the best restaurants in Ooty serving the best foods, you can finish your breakfast in Ooty before you head to the racecourse. After gaining some horse-riding experience, you can complete your lunch near the racecourse.
15. Taste the Local Delicacies:
No trip to Ooty is complete without indulging in the local delicacies. Sample the famous Ooty chocolates, homemade fudges, and freshly baked cookies available in the local markets. Don’t miss out on trying the flavourful tea brewed from the finest tea leaves grown in the region.
Savour authentic South Indian cuisine, including idlis, dosas, and aromatic biryanis, at the local eateries and restaurants. Exploring the culinary delights of Ooty is a treat for your taste buds. Some best hotels in Ooty have their own restaurants attached, where you can try out the local foods with ease. If you are a foodie, this is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Ooty for you.
Conclusion:
Ooty, with its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and a plethora of attractions, offers a memorable experience for every traveller. From the nostalgic toy train ride to the scenic treks, serene lakes, and cascading waterfalls, Ooty never fails to charm visitors with its captivating landscapes. Whether you’re seeking tranquillity, adventure, or cultural experiences, Ooty has something to offer for everyone. Embrace the Queen of Hill Stations and immerse yourself in the delights of Ooty, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Do not forget to add these things to do in Ooty in your 5-day Ooty itinerary. You can learn how to reach Ooty through different modes from my post.
