Below is the list of best activities to do in Ooty:
Travelling within the heart of Nilgiri mountains, this century-old toy train is known for the views it offers of the scenic beauty. You can start your journey from Mettupalayam and travel towards Ooty while going through multiple tunnels, high bridges, cured tracks and beautiful scenery in just 5 hours. Taking this “train of the mountains”, becomes the most favourite memory of almost anyone who tries it.
Location: Railway Station Rd, Nadar Colony, Mahadevapuram, Mettupalayam & Mountain Railway, Ooty, The Nilgiris
Price: INR 140 to INR 550
Timings: 7:10AM - 12 Noon( Mettupalayam to Ooty), 2:00PM-5:30PM( Ooty to Mettupalayam)
Although the whole town is known for the greenery it holds, Ooty also has a massive botanical garden which is home to around 1000 varieties of rare flowers and shrubs. You can take a stroll through this horticulturist’s delight and witness the enormous range it holds.
Location: Vannarapettai, Tamil Nadu
Price: INR 30
Timings: 7:00AM - 7:00PM
3. Marvel the beautiful city from Dolphins viewpoint
Enjoy the view of beautiful tea gardens and immense Catherine Falls from 1550 metres above the sea level. Resembling a dolphins’ nose, this distinctive rock formation should definitely be in your things-to-do list.
Location: Dolphins nose Rd, Adelei, Burliyar
Price: INR 15 and INR 20( with camera )
Timing: 9AM - 6:15PM
4. Visit Tea Museum
A must visit place for tea lovers, this museum makes you aware of the history of tea making. You can try multiple teas made by traditional cooking directions while watching the beauty of Nilgiri Mountains. In this Tea museum, you can also shop for a wide variety of tea leaves from all around the world.
Location: Doddabetta Road, Mel Koddapmund, Ooty
Price: INR 250
Timing: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Being the first ever bungalow of Ooty, this is a must visit place for every history buff. Here you can perceive the glimpse of the amazing rock architecture and some great antiquities.
Location: Stone House Area, Stone House, Ooty
Price: Free
Timing: 9AM- 5PM
6. Capture a mesmerising view of Catherine Falls
Flowing through the top of blue hills, this double cascaded waterfall is a must see experience when in Ooty. The best thing you can enjoy at this place is the drive to the top of the waterfall surrounded by greenery and plantations. This hike leads you to the picture-worthy view, so make sure you carry your cameras.
Location: Catherine falls, Kotagiri, Ooty
Price: Free
Timing: 9AM - 6:30PM
7. Try and buy home-made chocolate
One of the best things to do in Ooty is to shop for home made chocolates which are a big hit here. You can try chocolates of various flavours ranging from mango, orange, lemon, to even chilly! You can visit the main bazaar, and get your hands on the huge variety of home-made chocolates.
Location: Main Bazaar, Ooty
Price: Tasting is free
Timing: Varies for each shop
8. Day out at Pykara
A great place to plan your picnic, Pykara is filled with pine trees, a beautiful lake and a mesmerising view of a waterfall. You can stroll around into the beautiful pine trees or just gaze into the beautiful view of
Pykara lake. If an adventure lover, you can enjoy the enthralling ride of the speedboats which take you towards the bottom of the waterfall.
Location: Pykara city, Ooty
Price: INR 10
Timing: 10AM - 5:30PM
9. Enjoy the summer festival of Ooty
Flower shows, boat races and an ample amount of food carts, the summer festival of Ooty is filled with a number of outdoor activities. Here, you can experience many cultural and historical programs specifically performed to promote tourism in Ooty.
Location: Multiple
Price: Free
Timing: May, 10:00AM - 6:00PM (multiple slots)
10. A religious visit to St. Stephen’s Church
Placed in the heart of Nilgiris, St. Stephen’s church is known for the beautiful architecture it offers to the visitors. People can enjoy the views of stained glass windows, which are a perfect delight to the eyes. Visiting this place during the Christmas week will turn out to be the best as at that time, the courtyard of the church is filled with many amusing rides and activities.
Location: Near Collectors office, Club, Road, Ooty
Price: Free
Timing: 10AM - 5PM
11. Bar-hopping in its multiple clubs
The night owls will be delighted to know that Ooty has some of the country’s best pubs and bars. Places like The Selbournes bar and The Valley bar are a hub for visitors to try some of the best drinks. If not satisfied with one, you can visit multiple bars as most of them are located too close to each other.
Location: Multiple
Price: Varies for every bar
