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Places to Visit in Ooty

World Heritage Site also is known as The Toy Train, built by the British, is an unparalleled activity to experience in our list of the best places to visit in Ooty. A journey in the toy train gives its passengers a lifetime experience as the ride offers you the captivating landscapes, dense forests, a flowing river and the sun shining beautifully over them.

It is the steepest track in Asia and as the train takes you to the higher altitudes, you will experience how treasured Nilgiri is. You're going to witness a whole lot of panoramas on the ride. The 5 hours long Journey to Ooty is the time you won't regret spending on this 46 Km track as it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Location: The one-way journey starts from Mettupalayam 

Timings: 7:10 am, and from Ooty at 3 pm

Charges: The ticket, costing INR 205, can be booked from the IRCTC website.

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A lake, artificially constructed just for the fishing purpose has now become one of the most popular tourist places in Ooty which has scenic views in every direction you see. It is a place you just cannot miss on your trip to Ooty. Also, the famous summer festival organised here in which the boat races and other such games attract the crowd.

There is also a boathouse, boating in it is the favourite thing of tourists. You can always spend peaceful and quality time here with your close people. Plus you can do cycling here by taking a cycle on rent. If you want to take something with you from here, there're shops selling shawls and other stuff you might like

Location: The Nilgiris

Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM

Charges: Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 560 for foreigners

Checkout: Ooty Trip Packages

This pristine lake is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Ooty. Located at a distance of about 17 km from the main town, Emerald Lake offers more than its healing blue water. It is surrounded by the exquisite Nilgiri range and unexplored trails that lead to intense wilderness.

It is recommended to watch the sunset from this lake because it is mesmerizing in every sense of the word.  There are also many resorts and hotels located close to the lake in case you are planning a longer stay. The area around this lake is quite soothing as well. Thus, if you are tired with the bustling city noise, head over this lake and calm down your senses. 

Location: Emerald Village

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

Charges: No entry fee.

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Who does not love roses? Lying in the heart of Ooty, this garden will not fail in taking your heart away. Located on the slopes of Elk Hills, It is one of the famous Ooty sightseeing places and has a wide variety of roses and other flowers which not only attracts tourists but also botany students. It is known by multiple names like Centenary Rose Park, the Jayalalithaa Rose Garden and the Nootranju Roja Poonga. The stretched lush area offers a great place for a family picnic.

Being maintained by Horticulture Department it is also famous for the flower show during which the most number of flowers are grown here. Do not forget to buy a bouquet from here on your next visit to Ooty!

Location: Horticulture House, Bombay Castle

Timings: 08:30 AM to 06:00 PM

Charges: Rs. 20 per person

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This place is all about a peaceful atmosphere and good vibes to heal you spiritually. Being a place of worship, it’s very calm and quiet and offers positive vibes to make you feel comfortable. The architecture is very elegant and intricate. The details will blow your mind away with its intrinsic carving, which will make you appreciate the structure.

The Church holds within its premises an aesthetic garden with various flowers that adds more beauty and charm and further pacify the environment, allowing you some time with nature. The church also houses a cemetery in its backyard and is among the famous Ooty attractions

Location: Club Road, Ooty.

Timings: Open on all days except Sunday. Mass timings from 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM and from 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM

Charges: No charges Applicable

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One of the most popular places to visit in Ooty, Botanical Garden is one place where you will find a unique collection of flowers, trees and ferns. The garden is divided into three horticultural sections that is spread across an area of 55 acres and embellished with lush green lawns and artificial ponds. 

 There are more than 600 species of plants and flowers cultivated here. Thus, this place is a haven for nature and plant lovers. Botanical Garden is also famous for sightseeing, nature walks, photography, and flower and plant exhibition. It takes about 3 hours to finish a tour of its premises

Location: Vannarepettai

Timings: 07:00 AM to 06:30 PM

Charges: Rs. 30 per person  ( Extra Rs. 50 For Camera)

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This is one of the best places to visit in Ooty, if you are a wildlife enthusiast.  The park does full justice to its name as there are different varieties of deer found within its boundaries, such as Chital Deer and Sambhal Deer. However, the deer park is also home to a large number of wild animals, such as rabbits, hares, and birds.

You can also go for a stroll near Ooty Lake which is located quite close to the Park. This popular site in Ooty is also home to a number of flora and fauna. There are also a large number of hotels and resorts near the Park, in case you are looking for a longer stay. 

Location: Near Ooty Lake

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM

Charges: No charges applicable

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About 14 km from Ooty, Kalhasti waterfall is another name for this place. It lies in Kalhatty village, water graciously descends down from a height of 120-122 feet.  You're going to spot a wide variety of hill birds. Wildlife here includes Panthers, Bisons, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Dogs, Spotted Deers, Sambars and monkeys.

Also, it is a house of various spices like cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, sandalwood, pepper, and rosewood. It is one of the Ooty famous places and also perfect places for trekking in Ooty. Kalhatty Hills are going to a lot to your beautiful memories from Ooty.

Location: Ooty-Mysore Road

Timings: 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Charges: No Entry Fees

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It is the go-to place for nature lovers. The panoramic view it gives you is unquestionably beautiful. Adventure lovers and photographers would love it here, adding an adventurous blend to the places to visit in Ooty. The vast scenery decorated with Catherine Falls, Nilgiri Hills and lots of greenery is purely spectacular.

You are offered a telescope to have a better experience of the beauty spread in front of you. It is mesmerizing. Coonoor tea served here will energize you. March to May is the best time to visit as it gets extremely cold in winters. One thing is guaranteed; this mystical place is going to leave you awestruck.

Location: Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.

Timings: Visit during the day to avoid fog blocking the view.

Charges: No charges Applicable

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Also famous by the name of Oosi Malai, it’s one of the preferred places to visit in Ooty if you are planning a picnic with your loved ones or simply want to spend some time in the lap of nature. Away from the hustle and bustle of city-life, Needle View Hill Point serves as an ideal place to calm your soul.

You can climb up the rocks and get a panoramic view of the splendid scenery spread here. The cool breeze and the setting sun will make the whole experience more pleasant. It will bring out the romantic in you and make you fall in love with nature if you aren’t already.

Location: Gudalur

Timings: From 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM every day.

Charges: No Entry Fee

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Stone House is an old building that belonged to the British-era. It tells the story of the lives and struggles of Nilgiri residents who lived during that time. You can find their weapons, coins, postal stamps, and utensils as artifacts inside the house. You can also acquire unique information about the social life and agricultural techniques that were used during that time. The place also serves as the heritage house of the bygone era and is one of the best Ooty places to see. It is a boon for archaeologists, historians, and lovers of art and culture. 

Location: Stone House Area, Stone House, Ooty

Timings: All days – 10 AM to 5 PM

Charges: No fees

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Located at a distance of 2km from the main town, Wax World Museum should be on your list of places to visit in Ooty.  The museum is an art in itself. It exhibits wax figures of popular Indian personalities, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mother Teresa, APJ Abdul Kalam, and Shirdi Sai Baba.

There is also an indoor museum, which is open for visitors all day. The museum is quite an answer to the popular Madame Tussauds Museum of London.  There are also some fine-dining restaurants nearby to have exquisite meal before or after you visit the museum. 

Location: Kotagiri Road 

Timings: 9.00 pm to 8.00 pm 

Charges: Rs 20 per person

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It has been declared as a tiger reserve thereby increasing its importance and making it a must in the best places to visit in Ooty if you are a wildlife enthusiast. To see around, you can either use your own vehicle or hire one. You can enjoy the shades of nature from Needle Rock View Point and Frog Hill View Point.

There’s a Spice garden to visit and also Chanadanmalai Temple to satisfy you spiritually. If you love treks, this place won’t disappoint you in the least. You’d be offered to go on jungle safari and elephant safari. You’re strongly recommended to take it.

Location: It’s a 3 km journey from Gudalur; or go via the NH- 67.

Timings: 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM

Charges: Rs.30/person. Additional charges for camera and safari.

Located in the beautiful city of Ooty, Tiger hill is an awe-inspiring point to have a grand view of the scenic beauty around this place and is one of the best places to see in Ooty. On the hill, there is a cave and a water body which adds to the beauty and gives fresh water to the people here.

It is situated away from the chaotic atmosphere of the city and will give you peace and liberate your mind. The sunrise looks breathtakingly beautiful from here and so do sunsets. The hill allows trekking and adventurers are surely going to love it.

Location: Ooty, Tamil Nadu.

Timings: Avoid going in early mornings and late evenings because of fog. 

Charges: No charges Applicable

The artful creation of plants and flowers from something as underrated as threads is totally going to amaze you. Its beauty lies in how realistic it all looks. The thread is woven magically in the shape of petals and leaves and it’s so incredible that you will be stupefied and it is among the famous Ooty attractions.

The technique they adopted is called “Four Dimensional Hand Wound Embroidery”. It was done without any mechanical help which is stunning in itself. If you call yourself a lover of arts and artifacts, there is no way you can skip this beauty when you are visiting Ooty.

Location: Ooty

Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Charges: Rs. 30/ person and additional charges for camera.

Residing in the lap of appeasing Nilgiris and spreading over an area of 1 acre, it is one of the Ooty sightseeing places and a highly recommended place for nature lovers and especially tea lovers. Tea Museum will let you in on the facts about tea, like, its origin, its evolution over time and other notable details that will blow your mind and you’ll never look at this refreshing beverage the same way as before.

You’ll be intrigued by it. The Tea Factory will show you the mechanical and technical details of the entire procedure of tea making. You will get to taste it too.

Location: Dodabetta Road, Mel Koddapmund, Ooty.

Timings: Everyday from 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.

Charges: Rs. 10/ person for factory visit and Rs. 10/ person for Museum visit

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Ooty is full of must-visit places and Kamraj Sagar Dam is surely one of them. In the lap of Nilgiri village, the dam is has become the favourite picnic spot to go with family and friends. A quiet place surrounded by hills, there are a variety of fishes, mostly trout, in the reservoir.

Also known as Sandynalla reservoir, this place is famous for film-shooting. You also can't resist capturing the charm of this place in your camera. This place won't take much of time but it definitely offers picturesque views to your eyes, making it one of the most serene tourist places in Ooty.

Location: Coimbatore-Ooty-Gundlupet Highway

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

Charges: No charges applicable

If you are an archeologist, architect, art enthusiast, or lover of nature, this place will bring you closer to your passion/profession/interest. One of the best places to visit in Ooty, the museum is well-maintained and exhibits prehistoric artifacts and social, cultural, economic, and religious activities of tribal community that live in South India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The center also conducts in-depth research on the lifestyle, habits and living conditions of tribals. It also puts in a lot of work to improve their lives and make them a part of regular life. 

Location: Nanjanad Road, Muttorai Palada, Ooty.

Timings:  All days (except Friday and national holidays) Morning hours – 10 AM to 1 PM, Evening hours – 2 PM to 5 PM

Charges: No entry fee

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Located in Nilgiri, this place offers a spectacular view of varied flora and fauna. It treasures the Nilgiri Tahr and other endangered animals like the Asian Elephant and the Bengal Tiger. The park is about montane grasslands decorated with sholas lined with shrubs and it is one of the best Ooty places to see.

The area is windy and cold, giving it a mystic touch. It experiences high rainfall so you should come prepared. You can trek your way to happiness. Take a tour around and observe the details it hides. It has uncanny resemblance to the Himalayas and proves to be a soothing escape from your hectic schedule.

Location: The Ooty-Gudalur-Mysore route is the easiest to get in.

Timings: From 09:00AM – 05:30 PM. Closed on Tuesday.

Charges: Rs.15/person. Rs.2 for students. Additional charges for camera.

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Established in the year 1886, it is a historical landmark made in the loving memory of a Governor who rendered his remarkable services in Ooty at that time and is one of the famous places to see in Ooty. The fountain is pretty detailed and intricate and the beauty of it attracts the tourists.

The night view of the fountain looks ineffable with the spring of water glowing in the dainty lights. The photographers have a special liking for this spot due to its photogenic look. If you are in Ooty, you would surely want to have a picture of you with your loved ones with the magnificent fountain in the background.

Location: Charring Cross, Ooty.

Timings: Open at all times.

Charges: No charges Applicable

It is a Hindu temple located in the stunning city of Ooty. There are no charges or permissions needed as it is a place of worship. In order to see the Lord Murugan statue and go to the temple, you will have to climb 108 steps barefoot which is quite fun with family and friends.

It will leave you with loads of memories to cherish throughout your life. This place is a dazing blend of spirituality and natural beauty which will steal your heart. It is a beautiful way to escape your busy life and hectic schedule. It will bless you with new zeal and enthusiasm. You must visit and see around here.

Location: Elk Hill, Ooty

Timings: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Charges: No charges Applicable

On your way to Pykara, you will come across Wenlock Downs which will soothe your mind and calm yourself, which makes Wemclock Downs one of the most quaint places to visit in Ooty if you are an offbeat traveller. You should take time to see around here.

It will satisfy the photographer in you and will be an ideal place to break your journey and rest for some time. The downs are spread over the vast area of 20,000 acres making it look endless. This land has its own stories to tell and is historically important. The Pykara backwaters form a lake which looks beautiful when seen from Wenlock Downs.

Location: 16 km from Ooty.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM 

Charges: No charges Applicable

Nestled in a quaint region, Kandal Cross is one of the must-visit tourist places in Ooty. It is a Roman Catholic Church known to fulfill all the wishes of the devotees, albeit their heart and intentions behind the wishes are pure. For this reason, it is also known as ‘Calvary of Tamil Nadu.’

The path to this Shrine is quite captivating and the minute you lay eyes on this religious edifice, it will take your breath away with its intricate architecture. There are holy masses conducted every Friday and a holy feast is held on 3rd May every year. 

Location: Nilgiri

Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Charges: No entry fee

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, in the Nilgiris district, Ketti is the second largest valley in the world and one of the best Ooty places to see.  A heaven for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, Ketti Valley is also known as the ‘Switzerland of the Nilgiris.’

Some of the popular places to visit near the valley are Ooty Lake, Rose Garden, Doddabetta, and Thunder World.  The valley is smeared with lush green hillside, prolific tea estates and dense forests, making it a quaint place to visit and explore. 

Location: Ooty-Coonoor Road

Timings: Everyday at Anytime

Charges: Rs. 5/person

 If there is one word to describe Parsons Valley, it’s wild. This valley is not for weak-hearted since it is home to a variety of tigers, panthers, and other wild animals. One also needs to acquire a permit from the Forest Department.

Parsons Valley Reservoir is part of Parsons Valley, which is largely a forest area, and a part of Mukurthi National Park. The area surrounding the reservoir is truly magnificent in every sense of the word. If you are lover of strolls amidst vibrant nature, then do visit this place.

Location: Ooty Taluk, Nilgiris

Timings:  Every day – 10 AM to 5 PM

Charges: No Entry fees

Sacred to the Todas, the river of Pykara running along the village of Pykara is a beautiful place to be at. You are given the luxury to spend some time here in the boathouse or forest rest house. They make for an ideal holiday package for you, taking you to the most attractive places to visit in Ooty.

It will be spiritually uplifting to be here. The clean meadows and interesting animals are a major attraction. The Pykara waterfalls will leave you spell-bound and you will leave only to come back again. The food served here is absolutely delicious. Photographers will love it here.

Location: Pykara, Sholur, Tamil Nadu.

Timings: Open all days from 08:30 AM to 05:00 PM

Charges: Rs. 175/ person for boating.

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It is a breath taking place and will have you enchanted by its beauty and charm. It is situated around 10 km away from Coonoor and is the third largest waterfall in the blue hills of Nilgiris. To go near the waterfall, you need to take special permission from the Defence.

Once you have it, you can go close to this mystical fall and experience its magical view from up close. You can reach there by trekking which is fun and quite photoshoots. It can give you some mind blowing photographs to make your friends swoon over.

Location: Adikaratti

Timings: It is recommended to visit during afternoons. 

Charges: No charges Applicable

There are many words to describe the beauty of Elk Falls, such as magnificent, beautiful, mesmerizing, and breathtaking, but none can do justice to how majestic it looks to a naked eye. Apart from its rambling water, these falls offer a grand view of the Echoing Valley of Kookal.

The fall is also known for a European house, called Kannerimukku, which was constructed by a British collector who went by the name Sullivan. The house was built in 1819 and is known to be the first British construction in Tamil Nadu. Other attractions near the fall are green tea estates, coffee plantations, and Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar.

Location: Uyillatti village in Kotagiri, Nilgiris District.

Timings: Anytime

Charges: No Entry Fees.