The summer capital of the Madras Presidency during the Raj, Ooty is a nature lover’s paradise. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Ooty (also known as Udhagamandalam) is a perfect destination for those looking for a break from one-dimensional city life. From picturesque valleys to mystic waterfalls, and from fascinating grasslands to lush green tea estates, the place has it all.
The green cover is not just a treat for the eyes but also for the soul. The hill station beckons tourists in large numbers every year to soak in its charm. While its hugely popular botanical gardens attract those looking for serenity, it has plenty of options for adventure enthusiasts too. Be it a road trip, a trekking holiday, or a relaxing retreat that you’re looking for, Ooty has something for everyone. There are many places to see in Ooty and its sister town, Coonoor that would leave you mesmerised. Here are the Ooty tourist places list with images for a more immersive reading experience.
Places to Visit in Ooty:
1. Government Botanical Gardens
Government Botanical Garden|#1 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
This is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for those who love trees and flowers. Even if you aren’t particularly interested in these, the aesthetic appeal of this attraction is sure to warm your heart. The popular tourist attraction was laid out in 1848 by Graham Mclvor. It is divided into six sections: New Garden, Conservatory, Lower Garden, Nurseries, Italian Garden, and Fountain Terrace. The entrance is lined with varieties of gorgeous flowers, ferns, and orchids. The stunning shades of violet, red, white, and green make every corner of this garden picture-perfect.
Spread over 22 hectares, the gardens have many exotic as well as indigenous species of herbs, shrubs, bonsai, and trees. The most fascinating attraction is the fossil tree trunk which is more than 20 million years old; it was brought to the garden from the National Fossil Park in Thiruvakkarai.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free (up to 5 years); ₹ 15 (5-10 years); ₹ 30 (10 years and above)
- Best time to visit: April to November
- Things to do: Picnic, Relaxing amidst nature, Nature Photography
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (2.6 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (85 km)
- By Train: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (2 km)
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Ooty Botanical Gardens
2. Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake |#2 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
If you are looking for places to visit in Ooty in 1 day, you must include Ooty Lake in your itinerary. Formed during the British Raj in 1824, this artificial lake is spread across 65 acres. Surrounded by lush mountains, the landscape is magical, especially with the mist lingering around the green cover. A boat ride in this scenic setting is an absolute must. You can opt for paddle, motor or rowing boats. There are also other recreational activities around the lake like an amusement park, toy trains for children and horse rides. Also, there’s a flea market to engage the shopaholics in addition to a food court serving different dishes.
- Boating Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
- Boating Fee: ₹ 1000 to ₹ 2000, depending on boat
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Things to do: Boating, Horse riding, Picnic, Cycling, Nature Photography
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (1.6 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (87.8 km)
- By Train: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (2 km)
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Ooty Lake
3. Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta Peak|#3 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
To enjoy a panoramic view of the Nilgiris hills, take a trip to Doddabetta Peak. In fact, include this in your itinerary if you are looking for places to visit in Ooty Doddabetta, the highest peak of the Nilgiris, which is located 10 km from Ooty.
Surrounded by dense forests consisting of beautiful pine trees and other flora, the region is spectacularly green. Trekking is not very difficult here, but make sure you wear comfortable shoes when visiting this peak. There’s a telescope house run by the state tourism department to let tourists enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Ooty sightseeing places. Enjoy the view and then a meal at the al fresco cafeteria. There’s also a small market, selling spices, tea, fresh carrots, corn, and roasted peanuts. You can also buy warm clothes and accessories from here.
- Timings: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free (children); ₹ 6 (adults)
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Things to do: Trekking, Photography, Enjoy scenic views
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (8.3 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- By Train: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (2.6 km)
Explore recommended places to stay in Ooty at best price
4. Doddabetta Tea Factory
Doddabetta Tea Factory|#4 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
Tea estates are synonymous with the landscape of Ooty; therefore, the Doddabetta Tea Factory and Museum automatically feature in the list of Ooty tourist places. At the tea museum, you can see several artifacts and other things related to tea. You can gain an insight into the different stages of tea production and also read about the popularity of tea not just in India but globally as well.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 10 (factory); ₹ 10 (museum)
- Best time to visit: October to May
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (6 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (95 km)
- By Train: Mettupalayam Railway Station (48 km)
5. Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake
Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake|#5 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
The picturesque charms of Pykara Falls have attracted many Kollywood filmmakers to shoot songs here. No wonder, the natural beauty of this place along with Ooty tourism allures tourists in large numbers to this magical place. Located about 20 km from Ooty, Pykara Falls makes for an ideal picnic spot. The best thing about this tourist place in Ooty is that it is still unspoiled by commercialisation. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lake here, and the memories of dense trees and crystal-blue waters will remain etched in your heart forever.
- Boating Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Boating Fee: ₹ 60 to ₹ 1210, depending on boat
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Things to do: Trekking, Photography, Enjoy scenic views
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (25 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- By Train: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (25 km)
6. Kamaraj Sagar Dam
Kamaraj Sagar Dam|#6 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
Kamaraj Sagar Dam is yet another splendid picnic spot; hence a popular tourist place in Ooty. The area looks stunning with dense mango and coconut trees covering the region. While it is extremely popular as a picnic spot, it also attracts angling enthusiasts as the dam reservoir is home to a variety of aquatic life. Also, the dam has emerged as a popular spot for environmentalists and nature enthusiasts who spend hours here for research purposes.
- Timings: N/A
- Entry Fee: N/A
- Best time to visit: October to May
- Things to do: Photography, Enjoy scenic views
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (20 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (100 km)
- By Train: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (20 km)
7. Elk Hill Lord Murugan Temple
Elk Hill Lord Murugan Temple|#7 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
Considered as one of the most beautiful hills in Ooty, Elk Hill is home to the famous Elk Hill Lord Murugan Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, well known as the warrior god. A life-size golden statue of Lord Murugan makes for an awe-inspiring sight in the backdrop of the beautiful hills. Not only is the view from the temple breathtaking, but the atmosphere inside it is also remarkable.
- Timings: N/A
- Entry Fee: N/A
- Best time to visit: October to June
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (2.5 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- By Train: Mettupalayam Railway Station (47 km)
8. Government Rose Garden
Government Rose Garden|#8 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
Your trip to Ooty would be incomplete if you do not include the largest rose garden in the country in your sightseeing plans. Located on the beautiful slopes of Elk Hill, the Government Rose Garden is a place that will give you the best of pictures and most amazing memories. Home to almost 20000 varieties of roses, it has been one of the most popular tourist spots in the state since 1995. You can also spot black and green roses here. Enjoy a lovely stroll and spend quality time soaking in the beauty of flowers. Touching the flowers or plants here is strictly prohibited, but clicking them is not! Unleash your photography skills capturing the most gorgeous roses around.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 15 (children); ₹ 30 (adults)
- Best time to visit: April to June
- Things to do: Nature Walks, Photography, Enjoy scenic views
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (2 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (80 km)
- By Train: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (2 km)
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Rose Garden
9. Mariamman Temple
Mariamman Temple|#9 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
Dedicated to Goddess Mariamma, the regional goddess of rain, Mariamman Temple is among the famous Ooty places to visit. According to a legend, every Tuesday, merchants from Coimbatore visited this region for trade purposes. Once came two sisters looking for a place to stay. They were asked to take refuge under a tree; that night a flash of lightning appeared, following which the sisters disappeared. It was then that the locals understood that the sisters were goddesses. They then constructed a temple for both the divine figures. Just like most temples in South India, it features a pyramidal tower called Vimana, which is studded with colourful sculptures of deities.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Entry Fee: N/A
- Best time to visit: September to May
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (2 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (95 km)
- By Train: Mettupalayam Railway Station (47 km)
10. Tribal Museum
Tribal Museum|#10 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
If you are someone who is interested in history and cultures plan a visit to the Tribal Museum. The museum, also known as Tribal Research Centre, displays several relics related to regional tribal people. You can see here the expositions of various tribal movements that took place in the state over centuries. There are also some rare photographs of tribal populations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The research centre here focuses on enabling the tribal population to adapt to the changes of urbanisation while maintaining their culture.
- Timings: 10:00 to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Entry Fee: N/A
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Things to do: Tribal culture, Photography, Artifacts
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (6 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- By Train: Udhagamandalam (Oo
11. St Stephen’s Church
St Stephen’s Church|#11 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
One of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris built during the British era, St Stephan’s Church, Ooty is one of the best Ooty visiting places to see colonial architecture. There is a remarkable painting depicting the Last Supper. Other than that, stained glass windows depict other scenes such as Mother Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms.
- Timings: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Entry Fee: N/A
- Best time to visit: September to June
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (2 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- By Train: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (5 km)
12. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Nilgiri Mountain Railway |#12 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
You may not find the mention of railway or a station in the list of places to visit anywhere else. But in Ooty, the railway line built by the British is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Nilgiri Mountain Railway line is known as an engineering marvel, being built at such a high grade. The train with its wooden coaches covered in unusual colours is stunning too. Its major highlight is the views a journey on it offers as the train ascends hills, crosses rivers via bridges, wooshes past lush fields and goes through tunnels. No wonder then that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
- Timings: Morning departure 07:10 am and afternoon departure 2:00 pm
- Ticket Price: First class is ₹500-600 and the second class is ₹100-200
- Best time to visit: April to June and October to February
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Ooty Bus Stand (3 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- By Train: Mettupalayam Railway Station (starting point)
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Funcity
13. Parsons Valley Reservoir
Parsons Valley Reservoir |#13 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
Parsons Valley Reservoir promises a rejuvenating experience amidst nature’s beauty. Whether you choose to explore the reservoir, indulge in nature walks, or capture the scenic landscapes through your camera lens, it’s a place that will leave you refreshed and spellbound by its tranquility.
- Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Ticket Price: No entry fee
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Things to do: Trekking, Wildlife Spotting, Nature Photography
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (25 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- By Train: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (26 km)
14. Mukurthi National Park
Mukurthi National Park |#14 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
Mukurthi National Park is a magnificent wildlife sanctuary known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is a pristine natural reserve spread across an area of approximately 78.5 square kilometers. It is home to several endangered and endemic species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Some of the famous places are Mukurthi Peak, Pykara Lake, Silent Valley, and Upper Bhavani Lake.
- Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Ticket Price: 15-20 rupees
- Best time to visit: October to May
- Things to do: Trekking, Wildlife Spotting, Nature Photography
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (44 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- By Train: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (47 km)
15. Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake |#15 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
Resting deep inside Nilgiri Hills, Emerald Lake is a popular scenic place in Ooty. Whether it’s taking a peaceful boat ride on the calm waters, strolling along the lakeside to soak in the tranquility, or capturing breathtaking photographs of the scenic landscapes, Emerald Lake provides a perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. It is definitely one of the most highly recommended places to visit in Ooty in 1 day. With its close proximity to other attractions like Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Botanical Gardens, and Pykara Lake, a visit to Emerald Lake becomes even more rewarding, offering a delightful blend of nature’s splendor.
- Best time to visit: October to May
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (20 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (95 km)
- By Train: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (23 km)
16. Deer Park
Deer Park | #15 of 19 Places to Visit in Ooty
Deer Park in Ooty is a popular tourist attraction known for its natural beauty and the opportunity to spot graceful deer in their natural habitat. You will find some of the most majestic deers in the designated areas within the park that offer stunning views and great photo moments.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Ticket Price: ₹20-30
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Things to do: Deer Spotting, Nature Photography
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Bus Stand (2 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (88 km)
- By Train: Mettupalayam Railway Station (3 km)
Places to visit in Coonoor
If you are looking for places to visit in Ooty in 3 days, then you might as well plan a trip to Coonoor, a neighbouring town with numerous attractions, including:
17. Sim’s Park
Sim’s Park|#17 of 19 places to visit in Ooty
Sim’s Park is a photographer’s delight! A park and a botanical garden, it is spread across several terraces. You will find a variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs – all well-maintained by the Tamil Nadu Department of Horticulture. Like other botanical gardens in and around Ooty, this one too attracts tourists looking to revel in a sea of colours. It is an ideal attraction, especially for those travelling with kids. You can enjoy paddle boat rides within the park. Also, there is a small children’s play area to engage the little travellers. If you are visiting in May, you can witness the annual fruit and vegetable show here.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 15 (children); ₹ 30 (adults)
- Best time to visit: October to May
- Things to do: Enjoy Tea Tasting, Picnic, Photography, Nature Walks
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Coonoor Bus Stand (1 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (80 km)
- By Train: Coonoor Railway Station (2 km)
18. Dolphin’s Nose
Dolphin’s Nose|#18 of 19 places to visit in Ooty
A 10 km drive from Coonoor brings you to this fabulous tourist attraction. A protruding rock in the shape of a dolphin’s nose gives it its name. The roads leading to this spot are absolutely stunning with several hairpin bends and tea plantations on the way. It might get a little tiring for some, but the views from the point make it worth the effort. You can see the majestic Catherine Falls that drop onto the dense forest several hundred feet below.
- Timings: N/A
- Entry Fee: N/A
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Things to do: Visiting Cathedral, Enjoy Tea Tasting, Picnic, Photography, Nature Walks
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Coonoor Bus Stand (12 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (90 km)
- By Train: Mettupalayam Railway Station (30 km)
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Coonoor Road
19. Lamb’s Rock
Lamb’s Rock|#19 of 19 places to visit in Ooty
While on your way to Dolphin’s Nose, stop by at the mystical Lamb’s Rock as well for a gorgeous view of the mountains. Soak in the beauty of the lush green cover, accentuated with coffee and tea estates in addition to the beautiful forests and valleys. Just like Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb Rock also provides gorgeous views of the region.
- Timings: N/A
- Entry Fee: N/A
- Best time to visit: September to May
- Things to do: Enjoy Tea Tasting, Picnic, Photography, and Nature Walks
- How to Reach
- By Bus: Coonoor Bus Stand (7 km)
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (75 km)
- By Train: Coonoor Railway Station (7 km)
So, what’s the delay? Plan a trip, book a hotel in Ooty and begin the most memorable vacation of your life yet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ooty
Q. What is the best time to visit Ooty?
A. Ooty remains pleasant throughout the year. However, the months from March to June are ideal to plan a trip to Ooty if you don’t wish to face chilly winds or heavy rains.
Q. Where can I go for shopping in Ooty?
A. There are many amazing shopping places in Ooty including Lower Bazaar Road, Commercial Road, Upper Bazaar Road, Charring Cross, Ooty Municipal Market, Tibetan Market, Main Bazaar, and Ooty Lake Market.
Q. List some good places to visit in Ooty at night.
A. Ooty has a lively nightlife that can be best experienced at places like Canterbury Bar, Four Quarters Lounge Bar, The Valley Bar, Selbournes Bar, Alto Espirito, Fern Hill Bar, The Cheers Bar, Wild West Bar, Club Mahindra Derby Green, and Pint O Fun.
Q. Any suggestions for places to eat in Ooty?
A. There are many good restaurants in Ooty, with Sidewalk Cafe, Garden Restaurant, Ooty Coffee House, and Kingstar Confectionery being the preferable choices for vegetarians. Non-vegetarians can explore Shinkows, Curry and Rice, Quality Restaurants, Hyderabad Biryani House, Kabab Corner, and Angara.
Q. What is one must-have experience in Ooty?
A. When in Ooty, you absolutely have to take a ride on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site connects Ooty to Coimbatore and offers exhilarating views during the journey.
Q. How to reach Ooty?
A. Take a flight to Coimbatore International Airport (90 km) and from thereon, travel to Ooty by road; the road journey is about 3 hours long. Another option is to take a bus or hire a taxi to Ooty from different parts of Tamil Nadu or the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Kerala.
Q. What are the top attractions to visit in Ooty (Udhagamandalam)?
A. Some of the most famous tourist places in Ooty are Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Pykara Lake and Waterfalls, Rose Garden, and Ooty Lake.
Q. Which is the mini Switzerland of Ooty?
A. The mini Switzerland of Ooty is often referred to as the town of Coonoor. It is located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and is known for its stunning natural beauty and scenic landscapes that resemble the charm of Switzerland.
Q. What is the famous dish in Ooty?
A. One of the most famous dishes in Ooty is the “Ooty Varkey” or “Ooty Varkey Biscuit.” It has a unique taste and texture, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Q. Which is the coolest month in Ooty?
A. January is considered to be the coolest month in Ooty with the temperature ranging from 5°C to 15°C. The cool weather during this month adds to the charm of Ooty’s hill station atmosphere, making it a popular time for tourists to Ooty sightseeing and enjoy the pleasant climate.
