Ooty
Why Visit Ooty?
- "Escape the Heat: Ooty's Comforting Climate and Perfect Honeymoon Destination" - The climate in Ooty offers a cool escape from the heat, making it a refreshing destination. It's also a popular spot for honeymooners, thanks to its pleasant weather.
- Scenic Journey on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway - The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its train still runs on coal. While the journey takes longer than by road, the scenic views make it a relaxing and worthwhile experience for both your eyes and mind.
- A Tea and Chocolate Lover's Paradise - If you love tea and chocolate, you have to visit this place. The local tea has a unique, aromatic flavor, and the bakeries here make "Varkeys" that go perfectly with your tea, enhancing the taste.
- Emerald Lake - Emerald Lake is located in Emerald Village, about 20-22 km from Ooty, within the Silent Valley National Park. It’s a peaceful spot, away from the crowds, where you can relax and enjoy the clean surroundings and natural beauty.
- Botanical Gardens - The Ooty Botanical Gardens are located on the lower slopes of Doddabetta Peak, near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. Spanning 22 hectares, the garden is divided into different sections, all beautifully maintained for a lovely view.
- Trekking - Ooty is a great starting point for exciting treks, suitable for both beginners and experts. During these treks, you'll enjoy scenic views of streams, waterfalls, dense forests, and the beautiful Mudumalai Sanctuary set against stunning hills and valleys.
Best Time to Visit Ooty
Ooty, known as the "Queen of Hill Stations," is a popular destination for its stunning beauty and rich history. With colonial churches, temples, museums, and lush gardens, it offers a perfect mix of culture and nature. Whether you're visiting for the scenery or the charm, Ooty is a must-see place all year round.
Ooty in Winter (October to February)
In winter, Ooty’s temperature ranges from 5°C to 22°C. The weather is chilly, fresh, and crisp, with sunny days perfect for exploring. However, the evenings are windy, and the nights can get freezing, so it’s not ideal for those who don’t like the cold.
Ooty in Summer (March to May)
In summer, Ooty’s temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C, sometimes dropping to 12°C. The weather is pleasant, with warm days and cooler nights. It’s a comfortable climate, not too hot or humid, making it a great time to visit.
Ooty in Mansoon (June to September)
In monsoon, Ooty’s temperature ranges from 12°C to 25°C, sometimes dropping to 5°C. The weather is cool and refreshing, with heavy rain and lush greenery. The air is pleasant, often cooled by gentle winds.
Final Tip
When visiting Ooty, bring an umbrella, raincoat, and sturdy footwear. Pack warm clothes like sweaters and shawls, and don’t forget mosquito repellent and medicine for stomach issues.
Top Places to Visit in Ooty
- Parks And Gardens In Ooty
One of the best things to do in Ooty is visit the Botanical Garden, home to over 650 plant species. Spanning 22 hectares, it’s a must-see, especially for horticulturists. The garden’s highlight is a 20-million-year-old fossil tree. Sim’s Park, near Coonoor, and the Government Rose Garden, with its many rose varieties, are also popular spots for tourists.
- Pine Forest
Pine Forest, on the way to Ooty from Thalakunda, is a peaceful spot popular with nature lovers and has been featured in many Bollywood films. Ooty Lake, a 2.5 km long water body, and the Pykara Waterfall, 20 km from Ooty, are also beautiful places to visit. Tourists can enjoy picnics, speed boat rides, or a walk through the pine forests.
- The Government Museum
The Government Museum on Mysore Road displays artifacts related to tribal culture and art. History lovers can visit the Stone House, built in 1822, and its museum. Tea lovers can check out the Tea Museum near Dodabetta's tea factory, while the Honey and Bee Museum teaches about bees and honey production.
- St. Stephens Church
St. Stephen’s Church, built 150 years ago on Club Road, showcases British architecture and has a peaceful atmosphere. The Annamalai Temple in Nilgiris offers a calm environment with lovely views, though it's small. The Ramakrishna Mutt in the town is a quiet place with a large hall for meditation.
- Fernhill Palace
Fernhill Palace, built in 1844, was a summer retreat for the Maharaja of Mysore and reflects India's colonial history. Raj Bhavan, built in 1877 by Duke Buckingham, was a summer retreat for Madras governors and displays portraits of key English figures. The Second World War Memorial Pillar in Cantt Area honors war heroes who died in the 1939-1945 wars.
- Adventure Activities
Ooty offers many adventure activities, including hang gliding, mountain biking, and trekking. Hang gliding events are held from March to May, with prior booking required. Mountain biking takes you through scenic trails, and trekking offers chances to spot wildlife like Nilgiri tahr and macaques.
- Nature in Ooty
Nature lovers can visit Ooty Lake for a peaceful boat ride or explore other lakes like Avalanche, Pykara, and Bellikkal. The Botanical Garden is perfect for plant enthusiasts, while scenic viewpoints like Mukurti Peak, Doddabetta Peak, Dolphin’s Nose, and Lamb’s Rock offer stunning views of the surroundings.
Top Adventure Activities in Ooty
1. Trekking
Ooty is surrounded by beautiful trekking routes, each with its own unique experience, amazing views, and different levels of difficulty. Here are some trails you should definitely try:
2. Camping in Ooty – Sleep Under Star
Camping is a great way to enjoy Ooty’s natural beauty. With its cool weather and beautiful locations, you can camp in peaceful forests or by calm lakes. Whether you're an experienced camper or a beginner, Ooty has spots for everyone.
3. Adventure Sports
Ooty may not have many adventure sports, but the few it offers provide unforgettable experiences. Here are some top activities to try:
- Jungle Camping: Sleep under the stars
- Trekking: Explore scenic trails
- Wildlife Photography: Capture vibrant birds
- Jungle Adventure: Discover plants and animals
- Mountain Biking: Ride through Ooty’s landscapes
- Hang Gliding: Soar through the sky like a bird
4. Jungle Camping
In Ooty, you can camp in the jungle or near tea gardens. It's a popular activity where you can enjoy nature, fresh air, and peace. The camping spots are safe, so you can relax without worrying about safety.
5. Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is an exciting adventure sport in Ooty. Though not very common, it's a thrilling activity that’s safe and guided by instructors. It’s a must-try for adventure lovers!
6. Hang Gliding
Hang gliding in Ooty is an exciting adventure where you can soar through the skies like a bird. It's a popular activity, especially in summer, with trainers to guide you and ensure safety.
Popular Restaurants in Ooty
The Periodic Table is a top restaurant in Ooty, perfect for families. Located at Oriental Buildings, it serves European and French dishes in a cozy, elegant setting. Must-try dishes include roasted pumpkin soup and prawn ravioli. It’s a great spot for a special meal.
- The Periodic Table
- Kailash Parbat
- Adyar Ananda Bhavan
- Angaar Restaurant
- Place To Bee
- Earl’s Secret
- Lakshmi Illam Restaurant
Best Shopping Spots in Ooty
Tibetan Market
Main Bazaar
Ooty Municipal Market
Charing Cross
Lower Bazaar Road
Commercial Road
Upper Bazaar Road
Ooty Lake
Municipal Street
Chamraj Tea Shop
Doddabetta Tea Factory Souvenir Shop
Higginbotham’s
