Ooty, the capital of the Nilgiri district in Tamil Nadu, is the ideal hill station for tourists to visit on any tour to Tamil Nadu. Perched high on the wooded slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is a scenic delight for the weary eyes of city dwellers. One of the most popular tourist places in India, Ooty is a treasure trove of breathtaking natural beauty. The numerous tourist attractions in Ooty include the verdant hills, cascading waterfalls and sparkling brooks, dense forests, sprawling grasslands, and extensive tea gardens.
Ooty Lake and Pykara Lake refresh the mind and soul of the visitor, whereas the Tea Factory and Museum give an unforgettable experience to tea lovers. So whether you are a backpacker, family holidaymaker, honeymooner, or friend, Ooty Places will make your holiday memorable.
Knowing the best time to visit Ooty is also important because this hill station offers a variety of experiences. Therefore, you should plan your visit according to what you want to see and do.
Here are the Best Tourist Attractions in Ooty
Ooty Lake
Encircled by the Eucalyptus tree and green cover, Ooty Lake is one of the most refreshing places to go in Ooty. Kids and adults can enjoy paddle boating, rowing, and motor boating from the boathouse here. Also, there is a mini train for kids to hop on and enjoy a tour of Ooty Lake. Other attractions at Ooty Lake include two-day boat races organized in May. Did you know that the hit Bollywood song ‘Dil Deewana’ from the movie Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989) and some scenes of Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani (2009) are shot here?
Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta means Big Peak, which is an apt name as the height of this peak is about 8650 feet above sea level. Thus, the visitors can enjoy mesmerizing views from the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills. Visiting here is a delight as it offers a great sightseeing experience. One of the best tourist places in Ooty, Doddabetta Peak is a trekking location, and once you reach the top, you can see as far as Mysore on clear sunny days. Moreover, the peak is strategically situated between the Western and Eastern Ghats, thus, offering an ideal vantage point to see Nilgiris.
Government Botanical Gardens
Ooty Botanical Gardens is a must-visit Ooty tourist destination if you are a nature lover or a botanist. Spread over 55 acres, the botanical garden leaves every tourist in awe of its well-organized, maintained gardens with colorful flowers. The Horticultural Department of Tamil Nadu maintains the garden, divided into five sections. The Lower Garden (fern house with 127 fern species), the New Garden (rose garden), the Italian Garden (made by Italian Prisoners of War from World War I), the Conservatory (flowering plants), and the Nurseries (series of glass houses with exotic plants). This garden hosts a flower show and an exhibition of rare plant species each year in May. The Best time to visit Ooty to explore this garden is April to Sept.
Doddabetta Tea Factory
Visit Ooty Tea Factory to learn about the tea-making process at the plant. Also, savor the fresh flavors of local tea for a memorable experience. From plucking the leaves to turning them into small tea grains, learning everything. It is a must-visit tourist attraction in Ooty for tea lovers. The factory was opened in 2005 and is spread across an acre over the Nilgiri mountains. Spend peace in the middle of lush green tea fields with spectacular valley views. Before you take off, purchase Ooty green and black tea as a souvenir. T-shirts, cups, and pens can also be bought here.
Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake
Among the popular tourist places near Ooty Tamil Nadu, Pykara Falls, and Pykara Lake are ideal for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers. The Pykara Village has a lake of the same name with a dam and a power plant. Due to the dam construction, the backwaters have created an enormous lake called Pykara Lake. The boathouse is a major attraction at the lake, comprising many boats you can rent as per your needs. Enjoy a picnic near the lake and savor delectable foods at the nearby restaurant for a fun time with your loved ones.
Kamaraj Sagar Dam
If you are a birdwatcher, visiting Kamaraj Sagar Dam is a must. Also called the Sandynallah Reservoir, this dam is a great picnic spot in Ooty. Many species of birds often visit Kamaraj Sagar Dam for water and food in the form of fish, as the reservoir has wide varieties of fish but mainly trout. For the best experience, visit the dam during winter as the weather is pleasant and many birds flock here. The chirping of the birds and the scenic views will also make your trip to Kamaraj Sagar Dam worthwhile.
Elk Hill Lord Murugan Temple
Located on top of Elk Hill in Ooty, this temple is a Hindu temple enshrined by Lord Murugan. Many Hindu devotees who visit Ooty on a trip head here to seek the blessings of the lord. Plus, the landscape is breathtaking, which adds to the experience. The hill on which the temple is located also has rich flora and fauna. The serenity of Elk Hill Lord Murugan Temple is perfect for indulging in meditation and yoga practices. Do not miss the alluring architecture of the temple and the 40 feet tall statue of Lord Murugan built in brick and mortar. Moreover, the temple has idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Nava Kanika, Goddess Shakti, and more.
Government Rose Garden
Located in the heart of Ooty, the Government Rose Garden draws visitors from around the world to see its wide variety of roses. The lush green garden with areas dedicated to roses is a treat for the eyes that you will never forget. Ooty Rose Garden is not just for those who study Botany but for kids and adults. The different types of roses include locals, non-locals, and hybrid varieties, from around the world. Some major species are Ramblers, Floribunda, Hybrid Tea Roses, Miniature Roses, and Green Roses. If you visit between March and June, attend the flower show.
Mariamman Temple
A famous Hindu temple in Ooty, Mariamman Temple, is among the religious places in Ooty. It is named after the native goddess of rain, Mariamman, and her sister, Kaliamman. These goddesses are believed to heal ailments. Every April, a festival is celebrated that dignifies both goddesses in Mariamman Temple and includes activities like walking barefoot on the blazing coal. In addition, there is a market near the temple with restaurants you can visit after seeking blessings at the temple for a delicious meal.
Tribal Museum
Among the well-maintained museums in Ooty is Tribal Museum. It is also called Ooty Tribal Research Center and has many prehistoric artifacts and stuffed animals on display. At the center, the people do some serious research on tribes that live in South India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. And then they maintain these records on all the economic, cultural, social, and religious activities of the tribal people. There is also a library with hundreds of books on tribals.
With this list of famous tourist attractions in Ooty, book Ooty tour packages, which are customizable. For more details, contact Indian Holiday experts.
