5 MUST VISIT spots in the most popular hill station of South India- OOTY

For every traveler and mountain lover the idea of spending a couple of days at the ‘Queen of Nilgiris’ is a sheer delight. Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is an fetching hill station in Tamil Nadu serving as a popular tourist destination for those who want to spend a relaxing and unwinding holiday above the hills.

1. OOTY LAKE

The clear blue skies, the surrounding greenery and the lake poses a peachy setting for anyone with a camera. Ooty Lake is surrounded by noteworthy Eucalyptus trees and lush green bushes with many colorful flowers painting a perfect picture. This lake is full of activities with people taking pictures, kids playing around in the park, families paddling and boating in the lake.

A couple of scenes of Bollywood movies like Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989) and Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani (2009) was shot around OotyLake.

2. OOTY BOTANICAL GARDEN

Spread across an area of around 55 hectares, this botanical garden in Ooty is divided into several parts- Lower Garden, New Garden, Italian Garden, The Conservatory and The Nurseries- all creatively designed to treat your visual senses. The bushes and trees are trimmed in a way that allures thousands of tourists making it one of the most frequented places in Tamil Nadu. Relax on the grassy slopes of the garden or take a tour around the whole botanical garden if you want to savor it all at one time.

3. GOVERNMENT ROSE GARDEN

Located at the center of Ooty town, the Government Rose Garden has numerous roses of variety of sizes and colours attracting tourists like a magnet. As you step down the slopes of the garden, you’ll be teleported to a world of divine fragrances and sensations. There are enticing balconettes giving you a panoramic view of the town of Ooty. Set out your cameras and capture it all, both on your camera as well as your mind.

4. KETTI VALLEY VIEW POINT

Ketti Valley, a group of 10 villages is home to several tribes and is one of the most amazing sightseeing places in Ooty. Located on the Ooty-Coonoor road, Ketti Valley View Point is popular stop for tourists on the way to Coonoor. The view point provides a panoramic view of the Ketti Valley overshadowed by clouds most of the time. There is a telescope room by which you can have a closer look of the villages. Enjoy the view with a delicious chocolate cake topped with hot chocolate.

5. DODABETTA PEAK

Standing at an altitude of 2,637 mts. , Doddabetta Peak is the highest mountain in the Nilgiris. It is located around 9 kms from Ooty bus stand and can be accessed by bus or car. The Nilgiri Toy Train also runs from Ooty to Doddabetta. The peak gives stunning bird’s eye view of the cities like Coimbatore and Mysore and is a wonderful place for nature lovers and photographers. Trekking is a popular activity among adventure enthusiasts, here.