Ooty in Tamil Nadu is a beautiful hill station. It is also known as the “Queen of Hills”. People come here to enjoy the cool breeze, lush green slopes, and serene nature. There are a lot of different things you can do in Ooty. There are parks, lakes, tea factories, and mountain trains. It is a great place for both children and adults. We will talk about all the best things to do in Ooty in this article.
Top Things to Do in Ooty
1. Explore Ooty Lake
One of the most famous places in the city is Ooty Lake. The waters of this large lake are calm and clear. Spend time on the water here with family and friends. Bikes, row boats, and motorboats are some of the different types of boats. Children love feeding the ducks on the lake shore. Near the lake, there is also a small toy train. You can ride and enjoy the view. You can also visit the shops nearby and buy small gifts to take home.
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2. Visit Botanical Gardens
People from all over the world know and love the Botanical Garden of Ooty. The yard has a variety of flowers, plants, and trees. Some trees are more than 100 years old. You can walk around and enjoy the beautiful colors. The yard also has a unique fossil tree. It is about 20 million years old. It looks like an old thing. The peaceful setting attracts a lot of people who come to take pictures and relax. You can also have a picnic in the yard.
3. Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is like a toy train that goes up and down the hills. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This train goes from Mettupalayam to Ooty. This ride is slow but fun. Along the way, you will see valleys, forests, and waterfalls. The train goes under and over bridges and through tunnels. This ride is fun for children as it makes them feel like they are on a journey. This is one of the best things to do in Ooty.
4. Trek to Doddabetta Peak
The highest point in Ooty is Doddabetta Peak. It is 2,637 meters above the ground. If you like to travel and be outdoors then you must visit here. The path is safe and the view from the top is amazing. You can see the whole city from the top. You can see even further from the telescope tower. Wear comfortable shoes on your feet and carry water and snacks. The cool breeze and green hills make this a wonderful time to visit.
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5. Walk Through the Rose Garden
The Rose Garden of Ooty is colorful and has a nice fragrance. It has more than 20,000 varieties of roses. Roses come in different colors, such as red, yellow, pink, and even black. From one level to another, the yard stretches on a slope. The floral patterns make it look like a rainbow. The beautiful view and quiet walk make it a great place. You can relax on the seats in the Rose Garden, which is open every day.
6. Discover Tea Museum & Tea Factory
Ooty is known for its tea. You will learn about the history of tea in Ooty and how people grow tea leaves. You can see machines that process tea and watch workers pack it. At the end of the tour, you can taste fresh tea. The aroma and taste are very nice. You can also buy different kinds of tea to take home.
7. Enjoy Boating at Pykara Lake
Near Ooty, Pykara Lake is a calm and beautiful place. It is surrounded by lush green forests. The calm waters are good for boats. The clear lake is a great place to relax. Pykara Waterfalls are also close to the lake. It is nice to listen to the sound of water and see the view. Many people eat their lunch on the banks of the lake. Park lovers will love this place.
8. Visit Shooting Point & 9th Mile
Shooting Point and 9th Mile are a popular filming location. A lot of Indian movies have been shot here. The blue skies and green fields make it look like something straight out of a picture. You can take a walk or ride a horse here. The area is large and open, so it’s great for reading and playing. Don’t forget to bring your camera. You’ll want to keep a photo of the views as they are so lovely.
9. Shop at Ooty’s Local Markets
Shopping is one of the fun and interesting things to do in Ooty. You can buy handmade items in the neighborhood markets. There are clothes made of wool, toys made of wood, spices, and fresh vegetables. Try the candies made from scratch. In Ooty, they are very famous. There is a lot of color and life in the markets. You can also talk to the people there to learn more about their culture. One of the best things to do in Ooty is shopping.
10. Try Local Cuisine
The food in Ooty is great. You can eat idli, dosa, vada, and pongal among many others. These are made from beans and rice. You can also eat fresh vegetables and stir-fried beef. Don’t miss the Ooty varkey, a crispy snack from the bakery. There are plenty of small food stands and restaurants in the town. The food is simple, fresh, and tastes great. Make sure to try the food of the region when you visit.
11. Day Trips Around Ooty
You can spend a day visiting many places around Ooty. You can go to Coonoor, which is also a nearby hill town. Coonoor has a tea farm, Sims Park, and a viewpoint called Dolphin’s Nose. Musumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is another great place to visit. Elephants, deer, and lots of birds are seen here. You can also visit Emerald Lake and Avalanche Lake. It is easy to visit these beautiful places on short trips.
Travel Tips for Ooty
- Carry warm clothes because Ooty is cool even in summer.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking and trekking.
- Drink bottled water and eat at clean places.
- Book hotels early during holidays.
- Carry cash as some places may not accept cards.
- Keep your camera ready for the amazing views.
- Start your day early to visit more places.
Conclusion
Ooty is a great place for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. There are so many different things you can do in Ooty. There are parks, lakes, trains, and markets. What makes it even better is the cool breeze, lush green hills, and friendly people. Whether you come alone, with family or with friends, you will have a great time. Prepare for your trip, pack your things, and get ready to explore the Queen of Hills. A big smile awaits you from Ooty!
