7 Most Scenic Picnic Spots In Ooty That's Ideal For A Relaxing Outing

Unwind for a carefree afternoon at these splendid spots in Ooty. Let them take away all your worries and leave you with joyous memories.

1. Botanical Gardens

Just a 10 minute walk from Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden is enveloped with the history of colonial times. This garden is divided into 6 sections and is home to around a thousand species of exotic plants and tree. Laid out in 1848, the Botanical Garden is spread across an area of 55 hectares on the lower slopes of the majestic Doddabetta Peak. A 20 million old fossilized tree trunk in the centre of the garden is a huge attraction here. Relax and rejuvenate here in the lap of nature !

Location | Government Botanical Garden, Vannarapettai
Timings | 9 AM - 6 PM
Entry | Rs 15 Per Person

2. Kamraj Sagar Dam

Replete with flora & fauna, this is one of the most frequented places. Also known as Sandynallah Reservoir, it's a serene place especially during the winter season with a view of the mist settling on top of the water. With the mountains and forests in the backdrop, the chirping birds make this place perfect.

Location | Coimbatore-Ooty-Gundlupet Hwy, Sholur
Timings | 9 AM - 6 PM
Entry | Free

3. Emerald Lake

Located in the Emerald village of Silent Valley, the Emerald Lake is about 25 Kms from Ooty and definitely worth a visit! Popular for its picturesque sunrises & sunsets, the place is a mini paradise for all the bird lovers and ornithologists with abundance of local flora & fauna here. You could also go around shopping for some tea products in the tea gardens nearby.

Location | Emerald Village, Nilgiris
Timings | Sunrise - Sunset
Entry | Free

4. Pykara Lake And Falls

Visit the Pykara Lake Boat House, around 20 Kms from Ooty, for a panoramic and serene view of the Pykara Lake as it makes its way through the foothills of the Nilgiri. With the Pykara Falls is just a kilometre away from the boathouse, this will make for a perfect outing with friends or family in the loving arms of nature.

Location | Pykara Boat House And Pykara Falls, Pykara, Near Mudumalai
Timings | 9:30 AM - 5 PM
Boating Cost | Rs 60 Onwards
Entry (For Falls) | Rs 5 Per Person

5. Ooty Lake And Boathouse

An artificial body constructed in 1824, it offers a magnificent view of the verdure while paddling or motor boating. Ooty Lake is the archetypal place to spend a serene evening. Spend some time with the retired racing horses or go for ride on them too! The Thread Garden across the lake has beautiful exhibitions for those who have an artsy bend of mind. 

Location | North Lake Road, West Mere, Kathadimattam
Timings | 10 AM - 6:30 PM
Entry | Rs 10 (For Indians) And Rs 560 (For Foreigners)

6. Sanctuary Avalanche

Named after an avalanche that took place in 1823, this sanctuary is situated at a distance of 25 Kms from Ooty. This natural paradise has an extensive cover of water bodies, flora & fauna and is the best site for trout fishing. Trekking enthusiasts can try out the popular Bhawani River Trek. You can also visit Avalanche Lake, where boating facilities are available. 

Location | Avalanche Lake, Nilgiris
Timings | Sunrise - Sunset
Entry | Free

7. Rose Garden

At an altitude of 2200m, it covers around 10 acres of land. Its terrace with pergolas, rose tunnels and bowers with rose creepers have more than 20,000 varieties of roses of 2,800 cultivars, making it one of the largest collections in India. Moreover, the perfect location of Nila Maadam allows visitors to clearly view the entire Rose Garden.

Location | 123-P, Bombay Castle, Davisdale 
Timings | 8 AM - 6 PM
Entry | Rs 30 Per Adult And Rs 15 Per Child

Revitalize yourselves amidst nature as you visit these wonderful spots in Ooty!