Top 10 tourist places in Ooty

Picking up Ooty as an ideal break from your bustling city life allows you to rejuvenate amid the fresh nature.Ooty is one of the ideal honeymoon destinations in India. Ooty dwells a pleasant climate throughout the year that attracts leisure tourists as well.

Ooty, is also known as "Udhagamandalam". It’s been rightly titled as the as Queen of Hills. Ooty, the headquarters of The Nilgiris district (Tamilnadu) is one of the famous hill stations in India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above mean sea level. The word Nilgiris means Blue Mountains. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots and had been a popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during the colonial days. There are plenty of interesting tourist spots like Botanical Gardens, Lakes, Boat houses, water falls, shooting spots, Wildlife Sanctuary, Tea estates and many more.

1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway 

The 'Nilgiris toy train' connect Ooty to mettupalayam, at the foot of the Nilgiris. The construction of this line was a big challenge as the terrain is rather tricky. It was in 1854 that the first plans were drawn to build a mountain railway from mettupalayam to the Nilgiri Hills. But it was a good 45 years later in 1899 that the first train chugged up this track. This railway is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. The train itself is a charming blue and cream with wooden coaches and large windows. It is hauled up hills by stream engines, designed and built by the Swiss Locomotive Works. Twelve of such locomotive engines survive even today.

2. Dottabetta Peak

The Doddabetta Peak stands at an altitude of 2,623 meters. It is the highest point in the district, making it possibly the best vantage point around Ooty. It is merely 10kms from Ooty so you can simply grab your camera and head straight to the peak, and click amazing pictures of the valley below. On a clear day, which is honestly not that often, one can see far off areas, even the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore.

3. Ooty Lake

From just behind the central Bus Stand (also near to the Railway station) the famous Ooty Lake stretches, in an irregular 'L' shape, for about 2.75 kms in length and varying distances in width(100m - 40m). For the curious, this lake was artificially formed by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty, in 1823-25 by damming the mountain streams flowing down Ooty valley.The lake which breached thrice, completely emptying itself, originally extended up to the present day market and ferries were used to get across one side to the other. The lake gradually shrunk in size giving place to the present racecourse, the bus stand and mini garden.

4. Botanical Garden

Think of Ooty, the very first thing that comes to our mind is botanical garden. This garden was laid out in the year, 1847, and is the most famous tourist spot of Ooty. Exquisite fossils, manicured lawns, large variety of ferns, orchids, extremely rare flowering plants, different types of roses and several other types of plants adorn this place.

5. Rose Garden

Next popular destination is the lovely rose garden. Around 3600 mindboggling varieties of roses are found in this stunning garden. It just transports you to a different dream world.  It has won accolades world-wide and is considered one of the fifteen most popular rose gardens of the world. Don’t ever miss this place.

6. St. Stephen's church

St. Stephen's Church is prime tourist attraction in Ooty situated on the Ooty - Mysore Road, recognised as one of the oldest and ancient churches in the Nilgiris District and the first ethereal Christian Church to be erected in the Nilgiris. St. Stephen'™s Church is a Gothic Church and is best known for its formidable and stunning colonial architecture seen only in Ooty and a few other places in India.Highly visited by tourists and visitors just to catch a glimpse of its imposing structure still intact and operational, St. Stephen'™s Church is where people visit to offer their prayers and a few to make a wish within a serene atmosphere where you truly feel the presence of the almighty.

7. Pykara Lake and Pykara Falls

This serene lake is surrounded by lush green forests and is one of the secluded peaceful tourist spots. You can also find a small rest House, a boat house and Pykara Dam here. The scenic Pykara falls is another picturesque attraction found nearby. A trip to Ooty is incomplete without a visit to Pykara Lake.

8. Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary

An ideal adventurous place, located in Nilgiri Hills, where the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. Area :32,155 hectares. Along side the adventures of the sanctuary, you will also find a varied mixture of flat land, open grassland, swamp, valley and nullas at this place.

The Famous Mudumalai wild life Sanctuary is situated at an elevation of 1000 metres and extending over an area of 321 sq.mts lies this sanctuary between Kerala and Karnataka states. Langur, bonnet macaque, tiger, leopard, wild dog, hyena, jackal, sloth bear, elephants, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, Indian muntjac, mouse deer, wild boar, rodent and flying squirrel are part of the wildlife in Mudumalai. This is one of India's best sanctuaries.

Mudumalai wildlife reserve was the first sanctuary in south India. Within the sanctuary is an elephant camp called "Theppakkadu", where there is a rest house.

9. Kodanad view point

It is about 16 kms. from Kotagiri on the eastern edges of the Nilgiris. On either side of the road one can see the panoramic view of the tea estates and the river Moyar is breath taking. A watch tower is there to view the panoramic view of Rangasamy peak and pillar. From Kotagiri bus services are available.

10. Dolphin nose and St.Catherine water falls

Dolphin’s Nose around 10 km. away from Coonoor is an excellent viewpoint. It encompasses the Catherine Falls. Lambs nose is another point on the way to Dolphins Nose. From Dolphin's Nose of Coonoor one can have a magnificent view of St. Catherine Water falls which is about 250 feet height. But it can be reached from Kotagiri at a distance of 8 kms. To reach the top of the hills tourist should take a diversion at Aravenu on Kotagiri - Mettupalayam road.

Popular in Ooty:

Fresh Carrot, Nilgris's famous Tea, Ooty's famous buns, varkis, cakes, and other baked goods, as well as home-made chocolates.

Top 7 places to visit in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is one of the popular hill station in Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu (India). Kodaikanal means "The god of the forest". The city is nestled in the middle of the Pali Hills. One of the rare flower called "Kurinji Flower" blossoms in Kodaikanal once in every 12 year. The place is blesses with hills, waterfalls, lakes, fruit orchards, flower gardens, etc. Hence, Kodaikanal is referred as "Princess of hill station".

During April to June months, most of visitors will be visiting Kodaikanal. Within 2 days, you can cover all the places resides in Kodaikanal, If you plan to travel in a train then, you have to get down in Dindigul and you have to get a bus to reach Kodaikanal. Its better to book a cab or travel in kodaikanal so that you can cover all the places.

1. Silver Cascade and Bear Shola Falls :

There are two beautiful falls, about 8 km away from Kodaikanal, on the Ghat Road. The Silver Cascade fall about 180 ft and makes a loud noise as it fall and breaks the quietness of the place. While entering into Kodaikanal you can see this fall. The Bear Shola falls had been named so, as bears used to come here and drink water. People are not allowed to take bath in these falls as water is so chill. Simply we can take a Photo/Video.

2. Coaker's Walk :

Coaker’s walk is one of the place where people used to come for jogging. It is little away from the city lake and offers a scenic view of the plains and valleys. Lt. Coaker had prepared the map of Kodaikanal and the place has been named after him. The best time to visit this place is before 2.30 or in the late afternoons, so that you can see full video of Kodai hills.

3. Kurinji Andavar Temple :

Most of the religious people would like to visit the Kurinji Andavar Temple devoted to Lord Murugan. Kurinji means ‘hilly area’ and andavar means God. People can also see the northern plains and the hills of Palani from this temple. The visit will freshen up your mind.

4. Bryant Park :

One of the beautiful place which has lot of colorful flowers with attractive decoration. Bryant Park has been named after a British officer Glenn Bryant. They hold an annual flower and vegetable show every year, which is the main cause of tourists flying down here all over the country and also foreigners. There is a glass house in the park which has a huge collection of flowers and plants. The glass house holds horticulture show, every May. They will charge minimal amount as an entry fee.

5. Pillar Rocks :

There are three granite boulders which are standing vertically, all adjacent to each other and are called Pillar Rocks. This place has presently become a famous tourist spots and entertains many visitors. The rocks measure a height of about 400 ft from the ground. People used to go for trekking which is famous in this area.

6. Guna Cave :

Guna Cave also known as the Devil’s Kitchen. It had been named so because of its hidden ravine and also a deep fall which looks like a gutter and is prone to accidents. To avoid mishap the local and familiar people should be taken there. Now its one of the top tourist spot in Kodaikanal. But people will not be allowed inside that cave as we can simply see the cave by standing near by.

7. Kodaikanal Lake :

Kodaikanal Lake is one of the most popular tourist’s spot. This lake is artificially made in shape of star and covers an area of about 60 acres with greenery in the surroundings which was built in 1863. It is a fun place for all who like outdoor and water activities. There is a boat club which offers pedaling, rowing, etc. Cycles and horses are also available to go around the lake. It gives beautiful view of Lake which resides in the hill area. Also you can buy so many toys, chocolates, food items in this place.

Popular in Kodaikanal :

Fresh Carrots, Home made chocolates, Fresh Honey etc.,