Top 10 Things You Just Can't Miss Out On Exploring When In Ooty!

With its photographic beauty, beautiful weather, diverse sightseeing, adventure and picnic spots, Ooty stands out from the clichéd North Indian hill stations, taking both travellers and tourists by surprise. So, get going!

1. Hop On For A Joy Ride In The Ooty Toy Train

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty via Coonoor giving passengers a first-class travelling experience. The toy train journeys through winding tunnels and valleys, summarising the beauty of the Nilgiris. Let nature’s beauty unfold as you experience a whiff of cool breeze, and an unforgettable ride.

2. Enjoy A Picnic At Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking for a perfect picnic spot in Ooty then this is the place for you with its beautifully manicured lawns and over 650 species of tropical flowers & trees. And if you’re lucky then you may even spot rare Nilgiri birds here. The Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department organises an annual flower show that attracts lots of tourists from all over the world. So, lose yourself to your favourite book while you lie in nature’s lap here.

Location | Vannarapettai

3. Climb The Highest Peak In The Nilgiris - Doddabetta Peak

This is considered the highest mountain in the Nilgiris and attracts tourists because of its refreshing eucalyptus aroma and a panoramic view of the hills. For a better view of the green-blue mountains, visit the Telescope House located on top. Oh, and it's also a wonderful trekking spot for all the zealous trekkers!

Location | Udhagamandalam, Nilgiri District

4. Spend Some Time At  Ooty Lake

Located in the heart of Ooty, this lake is the most visited tourist destination all through the year. It boasts of a boat house, an amusement park, a garden and a mini train for children. A boat race is also held here in the month of May. Let the Ooty Lake be a fitting picnic spot for you this weekend! 

Location | North Lake Road, West Mere

5. Visit The Marvels Of India At The Wax World Museum

Picture Credits: Arup Chowdhury

The Wax World Museum lies on the way to Doddabetta and is a unique tourist spot near the Ooty Lake. It's a private museum displaying wax statues of renowned Indian personalities. The statues of Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, Gandhi & Tilak attract tourists to all the Indian history, culture and heritage. 

Location | Vannarapettai

6. Explore The World Of Chocolate At The M&N Chocolate Museum

Picture Credits: Renju Mon Jose

With its vintage architecture, M&N Chocolate Museum boasts of a chocolate fountain, ancient chocolate making tools and delicious handmade assorted chocolates. A treat for the eyes and the palate, don’t forget to get your stash of chocolates while visiting this one of a kind chocolate museum! 

Location | Ooty-Mysore Road, Near HPF

7. Take A Stroll At The Thread Garden

As the name suggests, all the flowers in the garden are woven by threads giving it a sui generis identity that adds to the aesthetic of the garden. The plants and flowers seem uncanningly original that makes the visitors marvel at the unique artwork found here. 

Location | North Lake Road, Opp. Boat House, Ooty
Check Out Their Website | http://threadgarden.com

8. Pay A Visit To The St. Stephen’s Church

Don't forget to visit the oldest Church of the Nilgiris when in Ooty, The St. Stephen’s Church which was founded in the 19th century under the British Raj. Its dainty wooden architecture including the painting of the ‘Last Supper’ will surely leave you captivated.

Location | Upper Bazaar

9. Spend A Day At Pykara Lake

A must visit place when in Ooty is the Pykara Lake, a picturesque village on the banks of the lake Pykara. With the breathtaking Pykara Falls, it acts as an ideal picnic spot and is the perfect place for all nature lovers and photographers. 

Location | Near Mudumalai, Ooty

10. A Day In The Wild - Mudumalai National Park

An abode for peacocks, deers, tigers, wild boars and jaguars amongst other wildlife species, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is the first wildlife sanctuary in the Nilgiri foothills inviting travellers and tourists from all over the country to come witness the animal kingdom in all its glory!

Location | NH 67, Gudalur, Tamil Nadu
Check Out Their Website | https://www.mudumalaitigerreserve.com

Plan a trip with your fam jam now that you've got enough reasons to explore this beautiful hill station!