Weekend Getaways from Ooty

The idyllic hill station of Ooty (Udhagamandalam) has managed to retain some of its old-world charm which had made it a very popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. Perched high on the wooded slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is a treasure trove of breathtaking natural beauty and one of the most popular tourist places in India. The major attractions in Ooty are Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak and Pykara Falls, to name a few. But if you can never have enough of greenery and scenic beauty, then you can embark on Weekend Getaways from Ooty to visit some of the popular tourist places around.

Some important destinations to be visited on Weekend Getaways from Ooty are:

• Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary- Located at about 67kms from Ooty, this Wildlife sanctuary, with its rich and varied flora and fauna, is home to numerous rare species of birds and animals. You can easily spot animals like elephants, giant squirrels, sambhar, chital, barking deer and flying squirrels and birds including colorful parakeets, black woodpecker, Malabar trogon and crested hawk eagle.
• Kotagiri- Kotagiri, situated about 28km from Ooty, is the oldest of the three hill stations in the Nilgiris. Sporting a wonderfully pleasant climate, this beautiful hill resort is a must visit destination from Ooty.
• Kalhatty Waterfalls- Located on the Kalhatty slopes, these falls are about 100 feet high and about 13kms from Ooty. The surroundings are home to several wild species like panthers, sambhar, bison and wild buffaloes.
• Sim's Park- Located in upper Coonoor, Sim's Park houses more than 1000 plant species, including many flowering plants, pines, ferns and shrubs.
• Dolphin's Nose- A major tourist spot near Ooty, Dolphin's Nose offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas including the Catherine falls.
• Mukurthi- The imposing Mukurthi peak is about 36 km from Ooty and the flora and fauna of this locale resembles that found in the Himalayan region.
• Avalanche- A nature lover's paradise – Avalanche is 28 km from Ooty. The lake is ideal for fishing and bird-watching.
• Coonoor- Located 17 kms from Ooty, the famous hill station of Coonoor stands 1839 meters above sea level and is popular for the great picnic spots and picturesque surroundings.