Places to Visit in Ooty – The Queen Of Hill Stations

Planning a trip to Ooty? Known as the Queen of the Hill Stations, Ooty is one of South India’s most popular holiday destinations. From mist-covered hills and tea gardens to lakes, viewpoints and the famous UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway, there’s plenty to see whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer holiday.

This guide covers the best places to visit in Ooty hill station, nearby attractions, the best time to travel and useful tips to help you plan your trip.

Ooty at a Glance

Best Places to Visit in Ooty

1.Toy Train

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway Toy Train is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the most iconic attraction of Ooty. It is a charming rail route that takes us through tunnels, high mountain passes and lush green forests. The toy train has been running since the late 19th century and has not lost its glory! Taking a ride on this train is one of the top things to do in Ooty.
Pro Tip: Reserve your Nilgiri Mountain Railway tickets well in advance, especially during weekends and holiday seasons.

2.Ooty Lake

A stunningly beautiful artificial Lake, the famous Ooty Lake is pristine and flawless. It was created around 1823. You can enjoy boating in the lake, a quiet picnic on the banks and click some of the most gorgeous pics when visiting the lake.

 3.Ooty Botanical Gardens

Ooty is blessed by nature in every way. Thus, you get to see wonderful plants and flowers here. Head to the Ooty Botanical Gardens to witness many stunning types of flowers, shrubs, trees and rare orchids. It is indeed one of the best Ooty visiting places.

 4.Ooty Rose Gardens

Next up in the list of the amazing Ooty visiting places is Ooty Rose Gardens. If you are a flower enthusiast, this garden will invite you! Experience the colours, smells and richness of thousands of roses, dancing in the wind. It is a fascinating place to visit, so ensure you stop over.

5.Thread Garden

There are some really unique Ooty tourist places. Among them is Thread Garden. It is a garden with thousands of trees and flowers. But guess what? Everything is artificial and made with thread! The intricate items are handmade by wonderful artisans, giving the place an engrossing effect. 

6.Doddabetta Peak

If you are looking for the best places to visit in Ooty in 1 day, head over to Doddabetta Peak. This is a very tall hill in Ooty. It is a serene spot that gives you breathtaking views of the entire town. Spend some quality time with your loved ones, and capture the memories in some stunning photos.

7.Dolphin’s Nose

Dolphin’s Nose is among the nicest places to visit in Ooty. You can trek up to this beautiful rock that juts out of a cliff and gives you dramatic views of the valley below. It is a great place for photo enthusiasts as well.

8.Kalhatti Falls

Now, what’s a trip to a hill station without a waterfall experience, right? Well, Ooty doesn’t disappoint in this department, as you get several beautiful waterfalls here, like the Kalhatti Falls. The Kalhatti Falls are among the most famous falls of Ooty. This is a great place for trekking, relaxing, taking a quick dip in the lake, and many other interesting activities. Ensure you add it to your list of Ooty visiting places.

9.Emerald Lake

Yet another stunning natural wonder, the Emerald Lake is called so because of the deep, emerald colour of its water. This is one of the most gorgeous Ooty tourist places. It is surrounded by greenery everywhere, with tea plantations all around.

10.Tiger Hill: One of the most popular places in Ooty

Tiger Hill is not in the heart of Ooty. It is about 61km from Ooty. It is a trekking destination, and one that many tourists club with their Ooty trip. You can trek to this hill and get the most beautiful views. Trekking up incorporates beauty with adventure, making it one of the most special things to do in Ooty.

11.Kamraj Sagar Lake

The Kamraj Sagar Lake is a popular shooting location in Ooty. It is a natural lake surrounded by greenery. From tall pine trees to beautiful, small flowering plants, you witness the best of nature around the Kamraj Sagar Lake.

12.Kotagiri

Kotagiri is another hill station, just about 28 km from Ooty. It is known as the seat of education, as all the famous boarding schools in the region are located here. Kotagiri is very beautiful and one of the top places you must visit on your Ooty hill station trip.

13.Annamalai Temple

Annamalai Temple is one of the lesser-known gems of Ooty. Situated atop a hill, this beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is the Hindu deity of war, victory, and wisdom. Visit this quaint little temple for a good mix of nature and spirituality.

14.Droog Fort

The Droog Post is one of the oldest historical monuments in Ooty. It is said to have been a watch post used by Tipu Sultan’s army. Much of it is lost today, with only a wall remaining to give a glimpse of the past.

15.Lamb’s Rock

The Lamb’s Rock is a beautiful viewpoint situated close to the Coonoor railway station. You have to park your car and then take a short trek through a beautiful arched walkway to reach the viewpoint. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Ooty that shows you the raw beauty of nature.

16.Catherine Falls

Yet another one of the stunning waterfalls in the region, Catherine Falls, is a must-visit when you go to Ooty.

17.Bison Valley

Bison Valley gets its name from the wild bison that graze in the area. Visit this lush green valley, which is one of the top Ooty tourist places, to not only see some beautiful wildlife but also to admire the photogenic sights around.

18.St. Stephen’s Church

A beautiful structure located in the heart of this town, St Stephen’s Church is among the most visited Ooty tourist places. It has stunning architecture and mesmerising glass paintings, making it an absolute must-see.

Ooty attractions — timings & entry fees at a glance

There are some really interesting places to visit in Ooty. However, you need to plan your day properly so that you get to maximise your time there. Most of the Ooty tourist places open by 9:00 in the morning and close by 6:00 pm. You need to do your research and find out the exact timings before you visit.

Some places, such as waterfalls and viewpoints, do not have an entry fee, but others, like gardens and museums, often carry an entry fee. Be prepared so that you know exactly when to go where and how to explore it.

More must-visit spots in Ooty

Here is a quick look at some more must-visit spots in Ooty and what you can do there:

1.Pykara Lake & Waterfalls

Speedboat rides, treks through beautiful jungles, walk to the Pykara Falls- these prove to be some of the most enjoyable things to do in Ooty.

2.Avalanche Lake

Beautiful, untouched reservoir, thick, green forests, rolling hills. All in all, a nature lover’s paradise

3.6th Mile & 9th Mile Shooting Points

Home to some of Ooty’s most iconic pine plantations, grasslands and clear valleys, making it the most popular shooting location in the region

4.Ooty Tea Factory & Museum

Beautiful tea plantations, tour of the tea factory, sampling fresh tea, learning about the process in the museum

As you can see, these Ooty hill station attractions give you a great insight into the heart and the soul of the Queen of the Hill Stations.

Day trips from Ooty

You will find several places to visit in Ooty in 1 day. However, if you have some more time on your hands, consider a quick trip to these places near Ooty:

1.Coonoor

Coonoor is one of the prettiest hill stations in the Nilgiris. It is a quieter town with serene mountains and calm valleys. You can take the famous Toy Train to reach Coonoor, which is just 19 km from Ooty. Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint and the legendary Catherine Falls are two of the best places to see in Coonoor.

2.Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

You should also consider going to the Madhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, which is just about 40 km from Ooty. Going on jeep safaris to spot wild elephants and tigers is one of the things to do in Ooty. It is an amazing experience that you must not let go of when you visit Ooty and its surrounding areas.

Best time to visit Ooty

October to February is ideal for sightseeing, while July to September is perfect if you enjoy the monsoon and don’t mind occasional showers.
Pro Tip: Carry a light jacket throughout the year. Even during summer, mornings and evenings can be cool.

How to reach Ooty?

One of the most popular ways to reach Ooty is by train. You can take the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train from Mettupalayam. It is a beautiful and scenic journey that lasts about four and a half hours.

You could also reach Ooty from Bangalore, Chennai or Coimbatore by road. You get both private cabs and public buses. The drive is very nice, with pine trees, hairpin bends, and little streams of water crossing you at every step.

If you wish to fly in, you have to come to Coimbatore Airport, which is about 87 km away. From there, take a taxi or a bus and comfortably reach Ooty in just about two hours.
Pro Tip: If you’re travelling from Coimbatore, leave early in the morning to avoid traffic on the hill roads.

FAQs about Ooty

1.What are the top ten places to visit in Ooty?

Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Nilgiri Mountain Railway (UNESCO Toy Train), Rose Garden, Pykara Lake and Pykara Falls, Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake, Tea Museum and Tea Factory, and Coonoor are the top 10 places to visit in Ooty.

2.What are the things you must carry when roaming around in Ooty?

Carry a light jacket or sweater as the weather is always pleasant. During the rains, carry a raincoat or umbrella. Always have a hat, sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes. Additionally, carry a good camera to click some of the most stunning photos.

3.What are the adventure activities you can do in Ooty?

We have some magnificent adventures in Ooty, such as trekking, camping by the lake, going on off-road jeep safaris, and bathing under a waterfall.

4.What to expect when you are visiting Ooty?

You can truly expect to have a wholesome and peaceful vacation when you visit Ooty. It has a great blend of natural and man-made attractions. The local people are also very nice, and you get amazing food. All these things come together to give you a great trip.

5.What should we not miss in Ooty?

When you visit Ooty, you should go for a boat ride in the lakes and check out the famous shooting places. Additionally, you should also go to the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and try spotting elephants and tigers.

6.Is Pykara Lake worth visiting from Ooty?

Yes, absolutely. Pykara Lake is a beautiful lake which eventually leads you to the Pykara Falls. This is among the top places to visit in Ooty.

7.What is the best time to visit Ooty for sightseeing?

The dry season, which falls between October and June, is considered to be the best time for sightseeing in Ooty.

8.How many days are enough to cover Ooty?

Ooty is a popular destination for weekend trips. However, if you want a relaxing holiday, spend about 5 days here and rejuvenate your senses.