Places to visit in Ooty

 Ashwini G k

1.Nilgiri Mountain Railway

World Heritage Site also is known as The Toy Train, built by the British, is an unparalleled activity to experience in our list of the best places to visit in Ooty. A journey in the toy train gives its passengers a lifetime experience as the ride offers you the captivating landscapes, dense forests, a flowing river and the sun shining beautifully over them.It is the steepest track in Asia and as the train takes you to the higher altitudes, you will experience how treasured Nilgiri is. You're going to witness a whole lot of panoramas on the ride. The 5 hours long Journey to Ooty is the time you won't regret spending on this 46 Km track as it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2.ooty lake

A lake, artificially constructed just for the fishing purpose has now become one of the most popular tourist places in Ooty which has scenic views in every direction you see. It is a place you just cannot miss on your trip to Ooty. Also, the famous summer festival organised here in which the boat races and other such games attract the crowd.

There is also a boathouse, boating in it is the favourite thing of tourists. You can always spend peaceful and quality time here with your close people. Plus you can do cycling here by taking a cycle on rent. If you want to take something with you from here, there're shops selling shawls and other stuff you might like

3.Botanical Garden

One of the most popular places to visit in Ooty, Botanical Garden is one place where you will find a unique collection of flowers, trees and ferns. The garden is divided into three horticultural sections that is spread across an area of 55 acres and embellished with lush green lawns and artificial ponds. 

 There are more than 600 species of plants and flowers cultivated here. Thus, this place is a haven for nature and plant lovers. Botanical Garden is also famous for sightseeing, nature walks, photography, and flower and plant exhibition. It takes about 3 hours to finish a tour of its premises

4.Deer park

This is one of the best places to visit in Ooty, if you are a wildlife enthusiast.  The park does full justice to its name as there are different varieties of deer found within its boundaries, such as Chital Deer and Sambhal Deer. However, the park is also home to a large number of wild animals, such as rabbits, hares, and birds.

You can also go for a stroll near Ooty Lake which is located quite close to the Park. This popular site in Ooty is also home to a number of flora and fauna. There are also a large number of hotels and resorts near the Park.

 5.Doddbetta peak

 A lovely spot for trekking, Doddabetta Peak is one of the major attractions in Ooty. This peak offers you breathtaking views from the top and is the highest peak in the Nilgiris. Located at an altitude of 2,623 metres, this peak lies at the junction of western and eastern ghats, around 10 kms away from Ooty.

The rich flora and fauna around this area adds to the charm of this place and if you are interested to take a closer look, there is a telescope house with two telescopes at the peak, which offers you an opportunity to look at the lovely valley around. Adventure lovers will love this place since it offers a good trekking trail.

 6.Kalhatty Waterfalls 

About 14 km from Ooty, Kalhasti waterfall is another name for this place. It lies in Kalhatty village, water graciously descends down from a height of 120-122 feet. You're going to spot a wide variety of hill birds. Wildlife here includes Panthers, Bisons, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Dogs, Spotted Deers, Sambars and monkeys.

Also, it is a house of various spices like cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, sandalwood, pepper, and rosewood. It is one of the Ooty famous places and also perfect places for trekking in Ooty. Kalhatty Hills are going to a lot to your beautiful memories from Ooty

7. Kamraj  Sagar dam

Ooty is full of must-visit places and Kamraj Sagar Dam is surely one of them. In NJ the lap of Nilgiri village, the dam is has become the favourite picnic spot to go with family and friends. A quiet place surrounded by hills, there are a variety of fishes, mostly trout, in the reservoir.

Also known as Sandynalla reservoir, this place is famous for film-shooting. You also can't resist capturing the charm of this place in your camera. This place won't take much of time but it definitely offers picturesque views to your eyes, making it one of the most serene tourist places in Ooty.

8.Rose garden

Who does not love roses? Lying in the heart of Ooty, this garden will not fail in taking your heart away. Located on the slopes of Elk Hills, It is one of the famous Ooty sightseeing places and has a wide variety of roses and other flowers which not only attracts tourists but also botany students. It is known by multiple names like Centenary Rose Park, the Jayalalithaa Rose Garden and the Nootranju Roja Poonga. The stretched lush area offers a great place for a family picnic.

Being maintained by Horticulture Department it is also famous for the flower show during which the most number of flowers are grown here. Do not forget to buy a bouquet from here on your next visit to Ooty!

Article by

Ashwini G k

ECE department

GSSS womens engineering college

Mysore.