Places to Visit In Ooty

Nestled deep within the Nilgiri Hills (literally, ‘The Blue Mountains’) is the charming hill-town of Ooty, also known as ‘Queen of South India’. Ooty used to be the favourite summer retreat for the British during the colonial era, and for good reason. One of the better-conserved biosphere reserves in India, Ooty Is characterized by pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls, verdant grasslands and eucalyptus-tree-lined roads, flanked by the looming blue Nilgiris. Here are some places to visit in Ooty that even locals swear by:

Here are the top 6 places to visit in Ooty:

Ooty Lake

Perhaps the most popular of the places to visit in Ooty, the Lake is a picnicker’s delight. Set amidst towering pines in the lush hillside, this 2.5-kilometre-long lake snakes through the Nilgiris, offering plenty of spots for scenic photo ops along the way. If you come around May, you can watch boat races and boat pageantry shows which are held here for a two-day period.

Opening Time: 8:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. (daily)

Pykara Waterfalls

Situated about 21 kilometres from the main town of Ooty, the Pykara River is the largest in the region. Surrounded by eucalyptus trees, grassy meadows and encampments of the indigenous Toda tribe, the river flows over a series of waterfalls, one of which cascades down 61 metres. Another big attraction is the boathouse which offers boat rides on the Pykara Lake. And if you feel like spending a night in the surrounding woods, a forest guesthouse offers comfortable lodgings for the same.

Boating Times: 9:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m.

Doddabetta Peak

If you wish to stand at the highest point in Tamil Nadu, look no further than Doddabetta. Surrounded by forested areas, Doddabetta is about 10 kilometres away from the town, and is one of the top places to visit in Ooty. The Telescope House at the top offers panoramic views of the surrounding environs, and the Tea Museum adjacent to the peak is another rejuvenating experience.

The Telescope House timing: 8:30 a.m. till 6:30 p.m. (daily)

Tea Museum timings: 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. (daily)

Rose Garden

Smack dab in the centre of the town, the Rose Garden pays homage to the flower of love by showcasing all its varieties across 10 acres of land. From miniature and hybrid tea roses to floribunda, ramblers and black and green roses, the Rose Garden is a horticulturalist’s delight with the unique species on display. Make sure you set aside some time to visit this garden, especially if you’re staying in or near the city centre.

Opening Time: 8:30 am till 6 pm (daily)

Entrance Fee: Rs 20 per person, Rs 30 extra for a still camera and Rs 75 extra for a video camera

Fernhills Palace

Now a WelcomHeritage hotel, Fernhills Palace used to be the erstwhile summer residence for the Maharaja of Mysore. Built in 1894, the Palace resembles a Swiss Chalet, sprawling across 50 acres of gardens and dense woods. There’s even a uniquely-styled indoor badminton court within the grounds, which you will be forgiven for mistaking as a church the first time you visit. If you’re in the mood to splurge, a couple of nights at this heritage hotel should be high on your places-to-visit-in-Ooty list.

The Ooty government’s painstaking efforts to conserve the natural and archaeological beauty of the region is one of the main reasons why visitors still flock to Ooty. It is a perfect spring retreat, exuding natural magnificence and a quiet colonial charm that will make you wish you never had to leave.