Ooty, a picturesque hill station cradled in the Nilgiri Hills, is famous for its surreal natural beauty. Carpeted in greenery and blessed with pleasant weather, this resort town is called the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ and rightly so. From stunning viewpoints, expansive tea estates, and placid lakes to cascading waterfalls and gorgeous gardens, there’s a lot to explore and experience here.
Looking for a comprehensive itinerary to cover the top attractions in Ooty on a 2-day trip? Here you go:
DAY 1
8.30 am – 9.30 am: Soak in the scenic beauty at Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta Peak | 2 days Itinerary Ooty
On Day 1, enjoy a filling breakfast at your hotel and head for Doddabetta Peak – one of the top picnic spots in and around Ooty. Perched at an altitude of 2,637 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains. You can reach the summit (Doddabetta Viewpoint) in a vehicle or hike your way to the top.
- Timings: 7.00 am to 6.00 pm; every day
- Entry fee: ₹ 6 for visitors above 5 years; free for children below 5 years
- Camera charges: ₹ 10 for photography; ₹ 50 for videography
- What to do
- Enjoy spectacular views of the lush green forests of Bandipur National Park, Coimbatore plains, and the highlands of Mysore
- Get a bird’s-eye view of Ooty through the telescopes installed in the Telescope House
- Your next stop is another famous viewpoint located a short distance away from Doddabetta, namely the Tea Estate Viewpoint.
- By road: Approx. 10 minutes’ drive
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Ooty, Budget Hotels in Ooty, Couple Friendly Hotels in Ooty
9.45 am – 11.45 am: Spend some time at the Tea Estate Viewpoint
Tea state View Point | 2 days Itinerary Ooty
As the name indicates, the Tea Estate Viewpoint is located within a sprawling tea estate which also houses a museum and a tea factory where you can taste a cup of freshly made tea. What’s more, you can shop for a variety of tea, chocolates, essential oils, and other souvenirs at the factory outlet.
- Timings: 6.00 am to 6.00 pm; every day
- Entry fee: Free
After enjoying the scenic beauty of the region, it’s time to visit the Government Botanical Garden, a famous man-made attraction in Ooty.
- By road: Approx. 10 minutes’ drive
12.00 pm – 2.30 pm: Visit the Government Botanical Garden followed by lunch
Government Botanical Garden | 2 days Itinerary Ooty
Spread across 55 hectares, the Ooty Botanical Garden houses around a thousand species of indigenous and exotic plants and trees. In addition to a wide range of ornamental plants, bonsai plants, ferns, herbs, and rare trees, this green paradise established in 1848 is home to a fossilized tree trunk that is believed to be about 20 million years old.
- Timings: 7.00 am to 6.30 pm; every day
- Entry fee: ₹ 30 for adults; ₹ 15 for children
- Camera charges: ₹ 50 for photography; ₹ 100 for videography
Feeling famished? Take a break from your sight-seeing schedule and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Where to Eat
- Ponmari Multicuisine Restaurant
- Hotel Pankaj Bhojanalaya
- Adayar Ananda Bhavan
- Abhinaya Hotel
- Hotel Junior Kuppanna
Once you have had your fill, proceed to one of the magnificent temples in Ooty – the famous Elk Hill Murugan Temple.
- By road: Approx. 15 minutes’ drive
2.45 pm – 3.45 pm: Visit the Elk Hill Murugan Temple perched atop a small hill
Elk Hill Murugan Temple | 2 days Itinerary Ooty
Set amidst lush green surroundings, Elk Hill Murugan Temple is the serene abode of Lord Murugan. The temple houses a 40-feet statue of its presiding deity which bears a striking resemblance to the statue of Lord Murugan at Batu Caves, Malaysia.
- Timings:00 am to 6.00 pm; every day
How about enjoying a boat ride in one of the most spectacular lakes in Ooty or just relaxing for a couple of hours? We know just the right place – the magnificent Ooty Lake!
- By road: 15 minutes’ drive
4.00 pm – 6.00 pm: Enjoy a leisurely evening at Ooty Lake
Ooty lake | 2 days Itinerary Ooty
Enveloped in thick groves of eucalyptus trees, Ooty Lake serves as an ideal location to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. The key attractions here include pony rides, boat rides, mini-train rides, cycling, and an amusement park.
- Timings: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm; every day
- Entry fee: ₹ 13 for Indians, ₹ 560 for foreigners
- Boating charges: ₹ 160 to ₹ 450, depending on the type of boat
A bit of shopping has never harmed anyone, has it? Main Bazaar is the perfect place to pamper the shopaholic in you.
- By road: Approx. 7 minutes’ drive
6.15 pm onwards: Proceed to Main Bazaar for shopping followed by a filling dinner
Located right in the heart of the city, this lively local market is where you can shop for daily essentials to fashion accessories, and everything in between. Be prepared to use your bargaining skills to seal good deals.
- Timings: 10.00 am to 8.00 pm; every day
Once you are done shopping, enjoy a lavish dinner at one of the restaurants dotting the market area and head back to your hotel room.
Where to eat
- Ascot Multi Cuisine Restaurant
- Hotel Coonoor Ramachandra Restaurant
- Sri Ambika Bhojanalaya
- Meenu’s Kitchen
- Appu’s Mess
DAY 2
8.30 am – 9.45 am: After breakfast, set out to 9th Mile Shooting Point
9th Mile Shooting Point | 2 days Itinerary Ooty
Start your second day by visiting 9th Mile Shooting, also called Wenlock Downs, which has been used as the location for several movies, including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Deewana, and Raja Hindustani. The place has sprawling green meadows surrounded by dense forests and offers unhindered views of the Nilgiri Hills. While here, don’t forget to try your photography skills.
- Timings: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm; every day
- Entry fee: ₹ 10 per person
- Camera charges: ₹ 30 for photography
Next, make your way to another spellbinding natural attraction in Ooty – the majestic Pykara Waterfalls.
- By road: Approx. 15 minutes’ drive
10.00 am – 11.30 am: Bask in nature’s beauty at Pykara Waterfalls
Pykara Waterfalls | 2 days Itinerary Ooty
Pykara Falls originates from the cliffs of Mukurthi and cascades down before it merges into the magnificent Pykara Lake. Apart from watching the scenic beauty of the waterfall, you can enjoy horse rides and boating near the lake.
- Timings: 8.30 am to 5.00 pm; every day
Your next stop is one of the top historical and religious attractions in the Nilgiris region, namely Stephen’s Church.
- By road: Approx. 40 minutes’ drive
12.15 pm – 1.45 pm: Visit St. Stephen’s Church, followed by a quick lunch
St. Stephen’s Church | 2 days Itinerary Ooty
Counted among the oldest and must-visit churches in Ooty, St. Stephen’s Church dates back to the colonial era and features the architectural style of the Victorian era. Make sure to check out the stained glass windows and the beautiful painting of the Last Supper adorning the church.
- Timings: 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm; closed on Sundays
Once you have visited the church and its surroundings, step into one of the nearby restaurants for lunch.
Where to eat
- Curry Leaf Restaurant
- Hyderabad Briyani House
- Le Café
- Place to Bee
After lunch, you have two choices – visit the Government Museum or enjoy a ride in the UNESCO-recognized Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
- By road: Approx. 5 minutes’ drive to the museum and the railway station
2.00 pm – 3.45 pm:
Option 1: Explore the culture and life of native tribes at the Government Museum
The Government Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts belonging to the Todas and other communities in the region. These include sculptures, art, craft, and other exhibits that depict the unique culture of these tribes.
- Timings: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm; closed on Fridays
- Entry fee: Free
Option 2: Take a toy train ride to Ketti
Train ride to Ketti | 2 days Itinerary Ooty
A ride in the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is an experience in itself, thanks to the picturesque locales it meanders through. You can board train no. 56137 (Ooty – Mettupalayam MG Passenger) which starts from Udagamandalam Station at 2.00 pm and reaches Ketti at around 2.25 pm. After spending some time exploring Ketti (you can also visit Ketti Valley View Point), make your way to the Government Rose Garden by road.
- By road: 10 minutes’ drive from the museum and 6 minutes’ drive from Ketti Valley View Point
4.00 pm – 6.00 pm: Stroll through the Government Rose Garden, one of the largest rose gardens in India
Government Rose Garden | 2 days Itinerary Ooty
Spread over 10 acres of area, the Government Rose Garden has over 20,000 types of roses and offers you an incredible visual treat.
- Timings: 30 am to 6.00 pm; every day
- Entry fee: ₹ 20 per person
- Camera charges: ₹ 30 for photography; ₹ 75 for videography
What to do
- Explore the huge collection of roses that include miniature roses, ramblers, floribunda, hybrid tea roses, polyanthas, yakimour, roses of uncommon colors like black and green, and even bi-color roses.
- Walk through rose tunnels, bowers, arches, and pergolas decorated with rose creepers.
- Get a view of the entire garden from Nila Madam, a viewpoint established inside the garden.
How about some shopping and delicious food before you bid goodbye to Ooty? The last stop on this 2-day itinerary is Commercial Road, a major commercial hub in the town.
- By road: 5 minutes’ drive
6.05 pm onwards: Enjoy a shopping spree at Commercial Road and end your trip with a delicious dinner
Commercial Road is full of shops selling all kinds of items including leather goods, eucalyptus oil, homemade chocolates, and other local favorites. Since the area is dotted with several dining options, enjoy a relaxing dinner before you call it a day and retire to your room.
Where to eat
- Hotel Blue Hills
- Thalassery Restaurant
- Hotel Junior Kuppanna
- Adyar Ananda Bhavan
- Ooty Coffee House
Haven’t you had a great time exploring the Queen of Hill Stations? The sights and sounds you have experienced here will remain with you forever!
