The Definitive List Of Things To Do In Ooty Amidst The Blue Mountains

Getting here and around

By Air:

The best way to reach Ooty from any major location across India is to take a flight to Coimbatore which is about 88 kms away from Ooty.

By Train:

Alternatively one can take a train until the nearest station Mettupalyam which is 40 kms from Ooty.

By Road:

Ooty has a well connected road network. State as well as private buses ply to the city at regular intervals. The drive to Ooty is simply alluring and a road trip in a self-driven car is the name of the game if you want to experience some adventure on the run. Ooty is a favourite among bikers and solo travellers as well.

Here's a list of the amazing things to do in Ooty and surrounding areas if you have a few days to visit the place

Start your Ooty tour by climbing the highest peak in the Nilgiris – Doddabetta, which is located at a height of 8,650 feet. It is 9km from Ooty and has a forest surrounding the peak. The views from the summit are simply mesmerising.

Entrance Fee: ₹6 per person for adults

Timings: The peak remains open to visitors from 9am to 6pm

Tip: Carry sun protection and possibly visit the place before noon to avoid the harsh sun

From the Doddabetta, make your way to the Bhavani lake – a serene getaway that is relatively untouched by tourists. On the way to the lake you can also visit Avalanche lake, Emerald lake and Bhavani mandir. The road is also full of picturesque trees that converge into dense forests. Taking a trip to all the lakes is one of the best things to do in Ooty.

Conclude your first day in Ooty by visiting the Botanical Gardens in the evening. The Botanical Gardens in Ooty house trees over 300 years old, as well as a variety of rare flowering plants, cacti, orchids and many other plants that make it a haven for nature lovers. Tamil Nadu and Ooty tourism has promoted the Botanical Gardens as one of the must-visit places in the town. If you're lucky and able to visit the place in May, you might catch glimpse of a flower exhibition that takes place around this time and is considered one of the best things to do in Ooty.

Entrance fee: ₹30 per person for adults

Timings: The Gardens are open from 9am to 6pm

Tip: Refrain from plucking flowers or harming the plants in anyway. If you plan on carrying a camera, you will have to pay extra ₹50.

Best places to eat in Ooty

Located just 20km from Ooty, Coonoor is a beautiful hill station. Smaller and quieter than Ooty, it has some fantastic heritage hotels and guesthouses, from where you can go hiking, visit tea plantations, and marvel at the stunning views of the Nilgiris. The hill station is divided into upper and lower Coonoor. While the upper part is quaint and peaceful, the lower part is a bustling town with marketplaces and all the activity.

Here's a list of amazing things to do in Coonoor and the best places to visit in Coonoor:

Visit Sim's park to stroll endlessly on the slant surfaces of the garden and encounter some rare species of birds and plants for photography as you move around. Its an ideal place to spend leisure time with friends and family. You could also opt for boating in the small lake inside the park

Entrance fee: ₹30 per person

Timings: The park is open from 7am to 9pm

Tip: No food is available inside the garden, so if you’re planning to go there with kids, you might want to take some eatables along.

Situated in Burliar Village, Lamb's Rock is a popular picnic spot for those visiting Coonoor. Named after Captain Lamb who attempted to open a path to this place, the rock drops down several hundred feet to disappear into a thick jungle below. The place offers magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and requires moderate level trekking to reach.

Entrace fee: None

Timings: Sunrise to 6pm

Tip: Visit Lamb’s Rock on a day with clear skies to get the best view.

Droog Fort is said to be an outpost used by Tippu Sultan. According to mythological tales, the fort is linked with the legend of a local demon, Bakasura. Due to this, it is also called Bakasura Malai by the natives. The historical fort is situated at an altitude of 6,000 feet and offers spectacular views of the lush plains below. You have to trek up to Nonsuch Estate to reach this place.

Entrance fee: None

Timings: From 6am to 6pm

Tip: Avoid the Monsoon season, as the muddy swampy steps up will make it highly risky and difficult for you to have a good visit to the Droog Fort.

Best places to eat in Coonoor

Culinarium is a well thought out concept that has a boutique shop with a cafe. You will absolutely love the croissant, pastas and the desserts served over here.

On the third day of your trip, head to Kodaikanal. Around 250km from Ooty and 230km from Coonoor, Kodaikanal is a quaint hill station in Tamil Nadu. It is often called the Princess of Hill Stations in the south and is the quieter, more relaxed version of its big sister, Ooty.

Settled around the beautiful star-shaped lake, Kodaikanal is popular with honeymooners and solo travellers, who flock here to witness the place's stunning views and waterfalls.

Here's a list of the amazing things to do in Kodaikanal.

Sit by the lakeside and enjoy unparalleled view. You can also go boating during the evenings. Witness a flower show or try your hand at fishing. There are numerous activities to do while at Kodaikanal lake. While this is undoubtedly the more popular tourist spot, the nearby Berijam lake is also equally beautiful.

Entrance fee: None

Timings: Open throughout the day

Tip: A number of food stalls and eateries have opened up around the lake. You don't need to carry food. But also make sure you don't litter and harm the ecosystem of the lake in any way.

Fairy falls in Kodaikanal promise a refreshing change from the hectic hustle bustle of the city. The falls are a popular picnic and swimming spot amongst the locals. This mesmerising waterfall is the source of Pambar River which later joins the Vaigai River and is an excess of the rural community reservoir that flows towards the south of the hill.

Entrance fee: None

Timings: 9am to 6pm

Tip: Carry your own food and water and refrain from littering in the water.

Places To Eat In Kodaikanal

We hope this Ooty itinerary helps you to get the best out of the paradise!

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