Places to Visit in Ooty

Let me tell you about the famed Nilgiri Mountain Railway Trip in India. Arguably one of the best and most beautiful train journeys in India, travelling by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) from Mettupalayam to Ooty is something that can't be missed out on if you're in the area. The UNESCO World Heritage railway was built by the British and has been operating since 1908 across the beautiful Nilgiris, for about 46km, starting from the plains of Mettupalayam, 330m, up to the hill station of Ooty (Udhagamandalam), 2200m above sea level. It takes about 5 hours for the whole journey to complete. The NMR has been engineered to be a rack and pinion railway for the sections between Mettupalayam and Coonoor in order to overcome some of the steep inclines. This kind of engineering marvel is a rare sight nowadays; it’s only utilised in a few of the mountain railways around the world! On some sections of the NMR, the old X-class steam engines are still in use alongside some newer diesel locomotives, so that the operations are regular while still retaining the classic charm of this more than a century-old train.Location: Ooty Railway Station, Udagamandalam (Ooty), Tamil NaduPrice: ₹10–₹600 per person (depending on class and coach)Timing: Generally 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (train schedules vary)Best Time to Visit: October to June; early morning rides offer the best viewsAs you journey along this slow, yet fascinating train, you’ll get to admire tea estates, lush green pine and eucalyptus trees, waterfalls, streams, valleys shrouded in mist, and ravines. The railway track winds through 16 tunnels, over 250 bridges, and many a sharp curve that provide for excellent photo opportunities. During the monsoons, the hills turn verdant green, and you will feel the invigorating, cool breeze all around you. On its course to Ooty, the train halts at picturesque stations like Kallar, Hillgrove, Runneymede, Coonoor, Wellington, Aruvankadu, Ketti, Lovedale and Ooty. Usually, travelers like to make a stop for a bit at Coonoor to grab some tea and then proceed to Ooty either by car or the next toy train. A ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one of the highlights included in many travellers’ Ooty Tour Package.

The Pykara Lake, located at an approximate distance of 20 km from Ooty, is a beautiful site surrounded by lush pine trees, rolling green hills, and, of course, no one can miss the awe-inspiring view of the Nilgiri hills behind it. Since the river is named in honour of an important sacred river, the Pykara Lake, formed out of it, is considered to have been founded by the Toda, and since then it has been attracting vacationers due to its tranquil waters. At Pykara Lake, Ooty, one can enjoy boating, where you have the facility of both a motorboat ride and a fast boat ride, very famous. This is a very pleasurable affair, as you sit in a boat in the waters of the lake, you are filled with the cool mountain breeze passing through you, as you look around and observe the breathtaking views of trees and valleys nearby. Come and spend some time with a boat ride on this lake, and let the mountain breeze relieve your senses. Location: Pykara, about 20 km from Ooty, Tamil NaduPrice: Entry Free; Boating charges ₹200–₹900 depending on boat typeTiming: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PMBest Time to Visit: September to MayThe reflections of pine trees in the clear waters with a blue sky are ideal for many photographic opportunities for nature lovers. Sunrises and sunsets create a mystical scene as misty mountains engulf the terrain and sunlight filters in to create heavenly landscapes. Higher grounds not too far from here also offer stunning views of the Nilgiris. A few steps from the Pykara Lake, you also have the famous Pykara Falls, cascading through rough cliffs down into a lush, green jungle via a river. Since they both lie in proximity, visiting these two places in Ooty makes for a comprehensive, full-day trip. In the vicinity, a large array of bird species, butterflies and plants adds value and interest to the region. With its pleasant climate and beautiful landscapes, Ooty remains one of the most popular Weekend Getaways From Bangalore for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts.

Doddabetta Peak, at a height of 2,637 metres (8,652 ft) above sea level, is the highest point of the Nilgiris and Ooty’s top tourist spot. The beautiful hill is draped with tea plantations and sholas across its slopes, lending a truly arresting look to it. From the top of Doddabetta, one can catch a panoramic view of the entire Nilgiris range and even glimpse parts of Karnataka and Kerala, given a clear view. One can reach near the summit by private vehicle and then make it up on foot (a hundred or two hundred metres approximately). Adventure buffs may choose to trek up to Doddabetta through the verdant shola forest. Location: Doddabetta Road, Ooty, Tamil NaduPrice: ₹10 Entry FeeTiming: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PMBest Time to Visit: October to MayLocated at the summit is the Telescope House that affords a clear view of the surrounding tea plantations and the different valleys through a high-powered telescope, which is made available by the Dept of Tourism, Govt. Of Tamil Nadu. Visitors can enjoy coffee and refreshments while taking in the breathtaking view. A hot-spot for nature lovers, trekkers and ornithologists, Doddabetta presents a serene, salubrious atmosphere. It’s a perfect haven for trekkers, for people who are keen on photography and for an informal, relaxing break far from the din of city life. It is a popular half-day destination given its location just 9 km away from Ooty and its convenient approachability. Visitors who enjoy panoramic mountain views can also explore our Ooty Tour Package, which includes some of the region's most scenic viewpoints.

Ooty, called the queen of the hills, among Ooty viewpoints, Pine forest is considered one of the most photographed natural beauty spots in the place. Ooty pine forest consists of gently sloping mounds covered with a blanket of pines on a large expanse of the area. Although they were reportedly raised by the British Forest Department around 1900 to exploit the timber, it has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations. The carpet of pine needles on the ups and downs of the ground will take anyone’s breath away, and walking across these can never be forgotten. You can spot the youth, friends and families relaxing and playing here. Nature lovers, travellers and photographers visit the Pine Forest, which occupies an area of about 15 acres, because the play of light and shade among these dense pines is breathtakingly wonderful. Location: Between Ooty and Pykara, Tamil NaduPrice: ₹10–₹30 Entry FeeTiming: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PMBest Time to Visit: September to MayBoth monsoon and winter transform Ooty's Pine Forest into an even more spectacular site, and as mist gently sweeps through them, it presents a captivating panorama. These panoramic settings are very favourite film sites of numerous Hindi film stars, and all sorts of cinema have been filmed in these spots. Visitors can avail a horse ride, a leisurely walk or simply sit down amongst the dense woods or the clear patches made by the trees and just relax. Outside the gate of Pine forest, you can purchase fresh sweetcorn roasting on fire, a hot cup of tea and homemade delicious chocolates, which are all quite popular food items. The location is ideal for professional photographers for pre- wedding shoots and those seeking adventure travel and nature travel. For travelers seeking a comfortable hill station experience, Ooty is one of the highlights of our Premium Trip Packages From Bangalore.

In the deep interiors of the Nilgiri Mountains lies Avalanche Lake, which is considered one of the loveliest and quietest places in Ooty. Located about 28 km from Ooty, this pure and lovely lake is popular for its undisturbed, wild beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and sheer vibrance. A huge landslide or an ‘avalanche’ from the early 1800 is the reason for its naming and origin and is still reckoned as the most beautiful, untouched and serene hideouts in the Nilgiris for travellers, including wildlife and nature photographers, trekkers, and all nature lovers. Avalanche Lake is amidst the green shola forests, vast grasslands that gently roll in the breeze, rich rhododendron bushes, and crystal clear mountain streams. Avalanche Lake has its beauty all through the year. While in spring, the surrounding hills and landscapes burst into colourful flowers and wild flora, monsoon and winter offer deep greenery covered with mist. Location: 28 km from Ooty, Nilgiri District, Tamil NaduPrice: Entry ₹50–₹100; Forest Safari charges extraTiming: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMBest Time to Visit: September to MayAway from the chaos of urban living, the moderate temperatures and fresh mountain air bring a kind of bliss for travellers visiting Ooty. Adventure opportunities too abound in the area, as the Forest department organises trekkings into the deeper forest areas, valleys and viewpoints. Visitors enjoy the chance of an encounter with nature. Camping, Bird watching, Nature Photography, and Trout fishing also take place here. Being a natural habitat for many indigenous bird species, birdwatchers have so many species of birds to look forward to. Apart from it, wild animals such as bison, deer, wild boars, and even some elephants are spotted in the area. Adventure seekers and nature lovers can add Avalanche Lake to their itinerary through our carefully curated Ooty Tour Package.

Occupying more than 10 hectares on the southern side of Elk Hill slopes, the Government Rose Garden is the most popular as well as one of the largest rose gardens in India. Established by the Tamil Nadu Government in 1995 to enable research and development of the cultivation of roses, the garden aims to preserve a wide diversity of varieties and colours of roses. The garden currently hosts over 20,000 rose plants of more than 2000 varieties of roses. The garden, which is a feast for the eyes of lovers of the pretty flowers, is particularly popular among photographers, and visitors love exploring its verdant surroundings. Lying on a terraced slope descending in five levels, the garden provides an awesome view of the lush green Ooty valley and its surrounding vistas. The neat pathways in the garden allow visitors to wander through, with the refreshing mountain breeze wafting around them, and all kinds of colourful rose varieties at their full bloom. Location: Elk Hill Road, Ooty, Tamil NaduPrice: ₹40–₹75 per personTiming: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PMBest Time to Visit: April to JuneSome of the many Beautiful Varieties of roses grown here are the Hybrid Tea Rose, Floribunda Rose, Miniature Rose, Climbing Rose, Rambler Rose, Polyantha Rose, Green Rose, Black Rose and Striped Rose, apart from numerous imported and Hybrid rose Varieties. Each section of the garden illustrates a distinct Theme related to Rose's colour, petal structure, or fragrance. Besides the enchanting collection of roses, Decorative Arcades, Climbing Roses adorning pergolas, colourful fountains, manicured lawns, relaxation benches, and several panoramic viewpoints can be found here, wherefrom one can capture some lovely images of the garden. Moreover, Information Boards are available here providing details on all of the above-mentioned Rose Varieties and their origin, which the visitors might find helpful. Whether you're traveling with friends or colleagues, Ooty is a fantastic destination included in our Group Trips From Bangalore collection.

Ooty Lake - Fun andrelaxing destination for tourists Ooty Lake - Fun and relaxing destination for tourists Ooty Lake, one of the popular attractions in Ooty, was constructed in the year 1824 by the founder of Ooty, John Sullivan to fish, and for irrigation. However, Ooty lake became a prominent destination for tourists due to its recreational and relaxing atmosphere. The oval-shaped, artificial lake covers an area of about 65 acres surrounded by the mesmerizing hills of Nilgiris. It attracts tourists globally and you can visit the lake all round the year. Ooty Lake is best-known for its boating options – there are pedal boats, rowboats, and motorboats that allow you to take a boat ride and immerse yourself in its refreshing waters along with enjoying the views of the majestic hills.Location: Ooty Town, Tamil NaduPrice: Entry ₹15–₹30; Boating charges extraTiming: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PMBest Time to Visit: October to JuneThe serene and tranquil ambience, coupled with fresh breezes in this serene place rejuvenates you as you move across the water on a boat. Enjoyable boating in Ooty lake offers the visitors an opportunity to relax and recharge their energy levels. Additional recreational activities: Enjoy fun-filled cycling, amusement park with kids rides, play areas for children, horse rides and an amusement park for those who love excitement, ensuring an enjoyable afternoon. Toy train rides around the area are a delightful option for children. The shopping lovers can explore and buy authentic handicrafts from Nilgiris and souvenir items from various shops available there. After enjoying a peaceful boating experience at Ooty Lake, travelers can continue exploring other attractions through our Ooty Tour Package.

One of the most pious and revered places of Hindu deity Lord Murugan is Elk Hill Murugan Temple. It is situated at the Ooty on the beautiful and green lush Elk Hill. It’s a divine abode where people can achieve an unparalleled panoramic and a blissful and a god gifted divine feel. It gives a serene divine ambiance, along with a wide stretched 40 feet long high statue of Lord Murugan that could be witnessed from every point of Ooty. Built in typical South India style with colorful gopuram it allure and draws a lot of devout people. Climbing a set of steps it is sure that the views of the Ooty valley will be sure to stun you while ascending the hill. Location: Elk Hill, Ooty, Tamil NaduPrice: Free EntryTiming: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMBest Time to Visit: Throughout the year; early mornings and festival daysThe rise makes a challenging trek and a grand show of the green tea plantations, verdant forests and steep valleys. You will be enchanted with the view of the beautiful, green and the blue hill valleys, especially if visited during early morning hours and the evening times when the weather conditions of the town are amiable. Ooty is a must-visit destination featured in our Domestic Tour Packages From Bangalore, offering a refreshing escape into the hills of Tamil Nadu.

Largest of the grasslands, greenest perhaps, and certainly the most visually stunning in Ooty, Wenlock Downs presents breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged contours of the Nilgiri hills. Ooty offers visitors the chance to be captivated by Wenlock Downs. Stretching over acres of grassland and benefiting from pleasant weather and refreshing air, Wenlock Downs possesses an air of unspoiled wildness and solitude. Gently sloping grasslands with interspersed shola patches, Wenlock Downs offer respite from Ooty's lively and bustling centres of tourism. Actually conceived for the purpose of grazing livestock during colonial days, it still holds a magnetic appeal for cineastes, artists, and nature lovers. Being a favourite in the itinerary of film-makers in Ooty due to its superb natural openness, extensive views, it changes hue from lush green after monsoon showers to becoming mystically shrouded when the winter mist envelops the slopes. Location: Near Ooty, Nilgiri Hills, Tamil NaduPrice: Free EntryTiming: Open throughout the dayBest Time to Visit: September to MayA stroll here or a cycle ride, bird watching or just a picnic feast while admiring the distant undulation of mountains and valleys stretching as far as the eye can see provides the visitor an out-of-the-world experience. It's so peaceful and quiet that one could engage in deep introspection and meditation here. Now this is one of the leading places to visit for all types of adventurous sports in Ooty, it can also serve as the main Ooty tourist attraction when visiting nearby locations such as the Pykara Lake, the Pine Forest and the Shooting Point. With its pleasant climate and beautiful landscapes, Ooty remains one of the most popular Weekend Getaways From Bangalore for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts.

Mudumalai National Park At India's oldest wildlife sanctuary from 1940 the Mudumalai National Park is one of South India’s oldest park. Mudumalai is a part of the Nilgiri Hills on the north-western borders of Tamil Nadu, the Mudumalai is a protected area that comes under the UNESCO recognised Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which is in connectivity to other protected areas of wildlife like Karnataka’s Bandipur National Park and Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, as it falls under the World UNESCO Heritage Site scheme. A large 321 sq Km area The Mudumalai National Park which is on World Heritage Site scheme by UNESCO is home to some of the most breathtaking natural heritages of the Western Ghats region of India. Location: 40 km from Ooty, Nilgiri District, Tamil NaduPrice: Safari ₹250–₹1500 depending on vehicleTiming: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PMBest Time to Visit: October to MayIn this magnificent forest reserve you can spot large populations of species such as the Bengal Tiger, the Indian Elephant and the Indian leopard, Indian wild dog, Gaur, several species ofdeer and more than 260 different species of birds such as the Crested Serpent Eagle and Malabar Grey Hornbill. The Mudumalai National Park gives you opportunities to watch wild life in action either on a guided safari or a jeep safari ride into the dense greenery. Spotting the elephant and other Gaur herds can be the icing on the cake. A morning or evening safari bus ride inside this green belt is the best possible chance you have of spotting the tiger, Gaur herds and other amazing creatures. Wildlife enthusiasts visiting Mudumalai National Park often combine their trip with a complete Ooty Tour Package to explore nearby attractions.

The Silent Valley is just the closest one to the lake, and in one hand, the lake, which can be called out as the most peaceful in Ooty is the Emerald Lake, it is covered by lush green mountainsides, tea gardens, varied types of floral growth, verdant fauna, verdure and green life. It will have been blessed as heavenly when travelling over to Nilgiris ranges having seen some tremendous panoramic views. A reflection surface reflecting enormous mountainous hills, this lake of the deepest blue still breathes even under the sunlight which is in golden in the morning as well as in the evening time.Location: Silent Valley, 25 km from Ooty, Tamil NaduPrice: Free EntryTiming: Open throughout the dayBest Time to Visit: September to May A shutter enthusiast could delight in the panoramic scenery that it would provide him, an ideal place of solitude amidst the nature or for one to observebirds’ activities while having a leisurely nature walking trip, to enjoy a refreshing and memorable picnic time with one’s partner, to experience solitary nature at Ooty. Journey by automobile to this part is another treat to eyes while it winds up with a spectacular panorama of the green fields of tea estates. Known for its tranquil surroundings, Emerald Lake is a perfect addition to any well-planned Ooty Tour Package.

Ooty: Number is Tiger Hill Ooty also boasts of many panoramic viewpoints, Number is one such vantage point that offers a spectacular bird's eye view of Ooty, with Nilgiri Hills, serene valleys, rich jungles and tea plantations. The viewing point is just a few miles from Ooty town. It’s a pleasant retreat which is famous for watching the most awesome sunrise, when the early morning sunlight hits the clouds-laden distant mountains, painting them in shades of orange and gold. The approach to Tiger Hill, too, has many wonderful views. The journey unfolds miles and miles of bright tea plantations and eucalyptus forests with attractive rural landscapes on its winding paths. If you want to enjoy the best panoramic views of the surrounding region at any time of the year, do not miss this site. In the monsoon season, the views are particularly stunning. Location: 6 km from Ooty Town, Tamil NaduPrice: Free EntryTiming: Open throughout the dayBest Time to Visit: October to May (Early morning is ideal for sunrise views)The hill is an abode to diverse regional avifauna. But Ooty's Tiger Hill is the only place where you would get this amazing experience with serenity, as it lacks the numerous bustling tourist places of the region. Tiger Hill is a wonderful option for early morning strolls, Meditation sessions, picnics, or just to admire the surrounding splendour of the Nilgiris. Here, you could soak yourself in the views of mighty mountains and lovely landscapes, besides taking in some crisp, refreshing mountain air. Travelers looking to experience the best of the Nilgiris can consider our Ooty Tour Package, which combines sightseeing, nature, and relaxation into one memorable trip.