admin Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a picturesque hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. Ooty is known for its beautiful landscapes, tea and spice plantations, and colonial architecture. It is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best things to do in Ooty to make your trip a memorable one.
Things to Do in Ooty
- Take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway
One of the most popular things to do in Ooty is to take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. The railway was built by the British in 1908 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train runs on a narrow gauge track, and the journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes of tea plantations, forests, and mountains. The highlight of the ride is the famous spiral loop, which is an engineering marvel that allows the train to climb a steep gradient. The train journey starts from Mettupalayam and takes around 5 hours to reach Ooty.
- Explore the Botanical Garden
The Government Botanical Garden in Ooty is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers. The garden was established in 1848 and is spread over 55 acres. It is home to a variety of exotic plants, flowers, and trees. Some of the highlights of the garden include a fossilized tree trunk, a fern house, and a greenhouse. The garden is also a popular picnic spot, and visitors can enjoy a relaxing time amidst nature.
- Visit the Tea Plantations
Ooty is known for its tea plantations, and a visit to these plantations is a must-do activity. The tea plantations are located in the surrounding hills and offer stunning views of the landscape. Visitors can take a tour of the tea factories and learn about the tea-making process. The tea plantations also offer a range of tea products for sale, including fresh tea leaves and tea powder.
- Trek to Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta Peak is the highest mountain peak in the Nilgiri Hills and is a popular trekking destination in Ooty. The trek to the peak is moderate and takes around 3-4 hours. The peak offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and the valley below. Visitors can also visit the Doddabetta Telescope House, which offers a panoramic view of the landscape.
- Visit the Ooty Lake
The Ooty Lake is a popular tourist spot in Ooty and is a must-visit attraction. The lake was built in 1824 and is spread over 65 acres. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at the lake, including boating, fishing, and horse riding. The lake also has a garden on its shores, which is a popular picnic spot.
- Explore the Tribal Museum
The Tribal Museum in Ooty is a unique attraction that offers a glimpse into the culture and lifestyle of the tribal communities in the Nilgiri Hills. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, including tools, weapons, and musical instruments used by the tribal communities. Visitors can also learn about the traditional practices and beliefs of the tribes.
- Visit the Pykara Falls
The Pykara Falls is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers in Ooty. The falls are located around 20 km from Ooty and are surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at the falls, including boating, hiking, and picnicking. The falls also have a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is a popular pilgrimage site.
- Enjoy a Toy Train Ride
Another popular attraction in Ooty is the toy train ride, which is a fun activity for both kids and adults. The toy train runs from Ooty to Coonoor and offers stunning views of the landscape. The train passes through tunnels, bridges, and tea plantations, and the journey is a memorable one. Visitors can also take a tour of the Coonoor tea estate and learn about the tea-making process.
- Visit the St. Stephen’s Church
St. Stephen’s Church is a beautiful colonial-era church located in Ooty. The church was built in 1829 and is one of the oldest churches in the region. The church is known for its stunning architecture and stained glass windows. Visitors can attend the Sunday service and learn about the history of the church.
- Explore the Kalhatty Waterfalls
The Kalhatty Waterfalls are located around 13 km from Ooty and are a popular tourist attraction. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and offer stunning views of the landscape. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at the falls, including picnicking, hiking, and swimming. The falls are also a popular spot for nature photography.
- Visit the Wax World Museum
The Wax World Museum is a unique attraction in Ooty that features wax statues of famous personalities from around the world. The museum has a collection of over 100 wax statues, including Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Michael Jackson. Visitors can take a guided tour of the museum and learn about the process of making wax statues.
- Enjoy a Horseback Ride
Horseback riding is a fun activity that visitors can enjoy in Ooty. There are several horseback riding operators in the region that offer guided tours of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors can explore the scenic landscape while riding on horseback and enjoy a unique experience.
- Visit the Thread Garden
The Thread Garden in Ooty is a unique attraction that features a collection of flowers made from thread. The flowers are created using a special technique that involves wrapping thread around a wire frame. The garden has a collection of over 150 species of flowers, including roses, lilies, and daisies. Visitors can take a guided tour of the garden and learn about the process of making thread flowers.
- Explore the Toda Huts
The Toda Huts are traditional homes of the Toda tribe, who are indigenous to the Nilgiri Hills. The huts are made of bamboo and are a unique attraction in Ooty. Visitors can take a tour of the huts and learn about the lifestyle and culture of the Toda tribe. The huts are also popular spots for nature photography.
- Visit the Avalanche Lake
The Avalanche Lake is a beautiful lake located around 25 km from Ooty. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the landscape. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at the lake, including fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake is also a popular spot for birdwatching, and visitors can spot a range of birds, including eagles and kingfishers.
In conclusion, Ooty is a beautiful hill station that offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors. From scenic train rides to trekking to the peaks, there is something for everyone in Ooty. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the region, learn about the local culture and traditions, and enjoy a range of fun activities. A trip to Ooty is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Tamil Nadu.
