10 Best Tourist Attractions in Ooty that You should not miss visiting

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Friday, September 16, 2022

Ooty, one of the most popular tourist destinations, never fails to impress. Serene beauty, mesmerizing lakes and never-ending tea plantations get you hooked on this beautiful hill station. So, whether you are looking for exciting places to visit in Ooty in 2 days only or a more extended stay, this enchanting hill station of the South has so much to offer all types of travellers. You can never run out of options in Ooty, with its magnificent mountain peaks, lush greenery, lakes, tea gardens, and more.

Ooty has so many exciting places to visit. Hence it would help if you planned your holiday well so you can see all the top spots in Ooty. To help you plan the best vacation here, we’ve listed the best places to visit in Ooty that you must check out.

Best Time to Visit Ooty

March-June (Summer)

The best season to visit Ooty is during the summer months. During this time of the year, the average temperature is about 25°C. Although the days can get hot, the heat is quite bearable, and you can comfortably roam around Ooty.

July-October (Monsoon)

Monsoons are not a great time to visit Ooty, especially if you’re planning to cover many places in there, as the rains can sometimes make travelling around difficult. However, if you want to visit the hill station to admire the beauty of the place during the monsoon season, then you are in for a treat because the rain transforms the Ooty into a dreamy, mesmerising place of hazy views. Moreover, in the monsoons, the greenery becomes fresh and profuse, which is a pleasure to see.

November–February (Winter)

With temperatures ranging between 5°C and 17°C, Ooty is heaven during the winter months. Although adventure sports and treks may not be available during this time, you can still visit other popular tourist spots in Ooty or relish a hot cup of coffee in cosy comfort. You can enjoy some of the best places to visit in Ooty for couples during the winter for a romantic experience!

How Many Days Are Required to Visit Ooty?

With so many must-visit places in Ooty, you will require enough time to enjoy all the fantastic tourist spots thoroughly. You will need at least three to four days for a leisure holiday. However, if you’re also looking for places to visit near Ooty, you must plan accordingly. Check out our Ooty tour packages for an exciting and memorable trip.

1. Pykara Lake

This lovely lake situated in the beautiful Nilgiri valleys is one of the top places to visit in Ooty. It offers spectacular views of the rolling hills and surrounding area. Tourists can enjoy boating, trekking and the scenic beauty around. You can tour the lake by boat for the best landscape views. This highly photographed lake is a must-visit on your trip to Ooty.

Things to do: Have a picnic or a boat ride to enjoy the beauty of the place.
Opening hours: 8:30 am-5:00 pm.
Time required: 2-3 hours.

2. Doddabetta Peak

With dense forests, misty mountains and extensive tea estates, Doddabetta Peak is one of the best places to visit in Ooty. Situated at a height of about 2637 meters, the peak gives serene vistas of deep green valleys. Being an excellent vantage point, the Telescope House here offers an exciting experience.

Things to do: Trekking and enjoying the stunning views from the Telescope House.
Operating hours: 7:00 am-6:00 pm.
Time required: 3 hours.

3. Ooty Botanical Garden

Another attraction to visit in Ooty is the famous Botanical Garden. It was made in 1847 and covers an area of 55 acres. The beautifully landscaped garden is split into different sections such as New Garden, Lower Garden, Fountain Terrace, Italian Garden and Nurseries. Here, you can see a variety of exotic and indigenous plants, bonsai, shrubs, and herbal plants.

Things to do: Stroll around the Botanical Garden to see different plants and trees like the Paper Bark tree, Monkey Puzzle tree and Cork tree.
Operating hours: 7:00 am–6:00 pm.
Time required: 1 hour.

4. Ooty Lake

Ooty Lake tops the list of most popular places to visit in Ooty in 2 days. It is spread across an area of about 65 acres, The picturesque Nilgiris provide a beautiful backdrop to this lake. You can take boat rides that let you enjoy the spectacular beauty all around as you glide along the water. If you visit the lake during the summer months, make sure to enjoy the boat races organized there.

Things to do: Sightseeing, row boating and the boat races in the summer.
Operating hours: 10:00 am-6:30 pm
Time required: 2 hours.

5. Kamaraj Sagar Dam

Kamaraj Sagar Dam, also known as Sandynallah Reservoir, is a photogenic place you’ll love. Situated on Kamarajar lake, it is dotted with small plants and surrounded by majestic forests. It’s also home to various bird species like herons, sunbirds, and kingfishers and is an ideal place for bird lovers. You can also photograph and capture enchanting images of the amazing bird species that abound here. It is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for a memorable vacation.

Things to do: Horse riding and enjoying the serene beauty.
Operating hours: N/A.
Time required: 2 hours.

6. St Stephen’s Church

Among the best places to visit in Ooty, St Stephen’s Church is an architectural masterpiece that you must visit. It is one of the oldest churches in the region and features wooden elephants obtained from Tipu Sultan’s Palace, painted glass windows and plaques from the colonial era. It’s a great tourist attraction for people who have a keen interest in history. The architecture and beauty of St. Stephen’s Church are most noteworthy.

Things to do: Admire the colonial architecture and the beautiful painting of the Last Supper.
Operating hours: 10 am-1:00 pm and 3:00 pm-5:00 pm.
Time required: 1 hour.

7. Kalhatty Waterfalls

Situated about 15 km from Ooty, it’s one of the best places to visit in Ooty for adventure junkies. To reach the waterfalls, you must embark on a two-mile trek from the village of Kalhatti. It’s an exciting trek, but it’s advised to stay alert as there are many wild animals in the area. There are many splendid views and opportunities for photography.

Things to do: Trekking and enjoying the scenic beauty.
Operating hours: 8:00 am-6:00 pm.
Time required: 3 hours.

8. Tea Museum

Your trip to Ooty would be incomplete without a visit to the Tea Museum. Spread across an area of one acre, the Tea Museum is a must-visit for all tea lovers. Surrounded by the beautiful Nilgiri mountains and sprawling tea estates, you can witness tea making and taste various teas in surroundings of natural beauty. You can also walk down to admire the tea gardens around the museum.

Things to do: Witness the tea-making process and taste different tea varieties. You can also pick up knick-knacks and tea from the souvenir shop.
Operating hours: 10:00 am-6:00 pm.
Time required: 1 hour.

9. Avalanche Lake

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Ooty, Avalanche Lake is another spectacular site to see on your trip to Ooty. The lake was formed by a landslide and is encircled by lush greenery. Tourists visit the lake to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and admire the scenic views. You can indulge in fishing or pitch a tent and spend time at the lake. During the monsoon, the surroundings are greener with vibrant flowers and plants, making it even more beautiful. It’s a paradise for photography and nature enthusiasts.

Things to do: Boating, photography, and trekking.
Opening hours: 8:00 am-6:00 pm.
Time required: 1 hour.

10. Needle View Hillpoint

Needle View Hillpoint, also known as Oosi Malai, is a mesmerizing place to picnic or enjoy nature. The hill looks like a needle and is a great spot to escape life’s chaos and relax. To enjoy the stunning views, you need to climb the rocks. You can also enjoy the amazing sunsets that will leave you spellbound.

Things to do: Trekking, picnic, and enjoying the sunset and the scenic views of the place.
Operating hours: 8:00 am-6:00 pm.
Time required: 3 hours.

These are some of the top places to visit in Ooty. Make sure to include them when booking your Ooty Tour packages for a memorable experience. So, whether you’re planning to travel with family or friends, you have an experience of a lifetime! For more such travel bookings, check out SOTC for the best holiday packages available at great rates and discounts!