Places to Visit in Ooty

Also known as the Ooty Boat House, Ooty Lake is one of the major attractions of Ooty, the queen of Nilgiris. Spread over a vast area of 65 acres, this lake was first constructed by John Sullivan way back in 1824. Made with the water flowing down from the mountain streams in Ooty, the lake was initially made solely for fishing. However, gradually it became more of a tourist attraction, and when it was taken over by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation in 1973, the lake was transformed into a tourist park and more attractions were built around it. 

Surrounded by groves of Eucalyptus and the Nilgiri ranges in the background, the Ooty Lake is one of the most serene and peaceful tourist attractions in Ooty. If you are lucky, you can also spot some rare birds near the lake. But it is not just the beauty of the lake that makes this place so popular - the fun activities for kids and adults alike are also a major crowd puller.

Boating is a popular tourist activity at Ooty Lake. One can hire paddle boats, motorboats, and rowing boats from the boathouse in Ooty Lake and take a ride across the pretty lake. Kids can enjoy a joyful ride on the mini train and take a tour of the lake and the park. The amusement park that houses a haunted house, mirror house, and other fun activities like horse riding, is also loved by tourists that visit Ooty Lake.

The first building to be constructed on the lands of Ooty that marked a new beginning of a new phase in the city, Stone house is one of the most consequential pieces of architecture to be built in Ooty. The tales of how the edifice came into existence goes way back when John Sullivan, the Collector of Coimbatore, stumbled upon the mesmerizing beauty of Ooty and believing it to be an extraordinary tourist destination in the future built the very first English House (Stone House) as his residence.

The Stone House has now become one of the greatest tourist spots in all of Ooty and visitors in large numbers visit the place every year and relish its sublime allure and magnificent construct. Encapsulated with lush green tropics, ravishing mountains and enchanting landscapes, the Stone House is also celebrated as a sightseeing spot for many travelers. 

If that wasn't fascinating enough, the house also homes an ancient Oak tree that, some belief, has stood there since Sullivan landed the first brick of Stone House in Ooty and hence, the tree is named Sullivan’s Oaktree. Although the Stone House is a part of the Government Art College, it doesn't stop you from visiting the place, visitors are always welcomed here. So, if you are looking for a fresh site to explore, the Stone House is the answer for you. Perfect for a weekend getaway with family and friends, Stone House in Ooty is the ideal destination for your next family outing. Remember to carry your camera to click some memorable pictures.

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a meter-gauge railway line 1000 mm long that passes through the queenly hill station of Ooty in Tamil Nadu. The fleet of steam locomotives running on this line is aptly nicknamed ‘the Toy Train’ and is greatly popular among children. 

The train covers a total distance of 46 km over a span of 5 hours, meandering by the rolling hills, green meadows, and view of the forested slopes. Localities bob up from within the greens with their red-tiled roofs and the train stops every once in a while at quaint little hill stations. You will be waved through Mettupalayam, Kellar, Coonoor, Wellington, Lovedale, and Ootacamund on this ride, reaching the point of 4,363 ft at the maximum.

There are a number of pitch-dark tunnels to cross through, sharp bends along the mountains, thickly forested stretches, and a wide panorama of verdant meadow highlands to enjoy from your window seat. It is not just the brilliant picturesque quality of this dream-like rail journey that makes it so special, but also the fact that the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is part of India’s heritage. The tracks were laid down by the British Indian administration in the year 1908.

Also, the trains use locomotives from over 50 and 80 years back-- the specimens of the oldest x-class locomotives still in use. UNESCO declared the railway as a World Heritage Site in 2005, extending it to the greater heritage site of Mountain Railways of India.

The Deer Park in Ooty is a place which is one of its own kinds and known for being home to a vast number of deer. Located at Udhagamandalam town, the name of this itself explains very vividly that this place is a perfect location for the wildlife lovers who want to admire these innocent species.

This park was opened in 1986, and considered to be one of the must visit places in Ooty which is spread across an area of 22 acres. Located at one of the most easily accessible places of Ooty, the Deer Park can be visited just after taking a stroll by the Ooty Lake.

This park is surrounded by a vast variety of flora and fauna. The visitors can get a peek of various species of deer like the Sambar and Chital. Alongside that, there are hares and rabbits which can be spotted inside the park. Adding to this, the park is also home to a wide variety of birds.

This place is well-maintained and close to a numerous number of attractions in Ooty. There is much more to know about this park, which can be found in this handy guide which will help you explore it in a better way.According to the forest department officials, the park is decided to be turned into a rescue and rehabilitation centre to protect the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

Perched in the foot of the Doddabetta peak, this sprawling botanical garden in Ooty was established in 1848. The garden as designed by an English architect, William Graham McIvor and it took him ten years to complete the layout of the garden due to various reasons like funds, rarity of horticulturists at that time, and difficulty in procuring the sapling.

Under the sheer commitment of William Graham McIvor, the mind-blowing landscape of Ooty Botanical Garden as successfully laid out. Today, the garden looks spectacular with verdant lawns, flowering plants of more than 50,000 varieties, man-made ponds with lilies and lotuses, an Italian style garden, rate orchids, exotic woods and, numerous medicinal herbs and plants.

The biggest attraction of the garden is the fossil tree trunk that is put on display. The trunk dates back to a whopping 20 million years ago and was presented by the Geological Survey of India, from the National Fossil Park, Thiruvakkarai. 

The annual flower show at Ooty Botanical Garden is the biggest summer festival of Ooty that draws about 150,000 tourists each year from all parts of the world. The magnificent collection of flowering plants attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts and the Rose Garden includes almost all the rose varieties and sis undeniably a visual treat.

Toda hill or Toda mund within the park which gives the visitors an insight into the lives and culture of Todas, the native tribe of the Nilgiris. Ooty Botanical Garden has a snack shop, a souvenir shop, and another shop selling products that indigenous to Ooty like Eucalyptus oil, and spices.

The beauty of Coorg accumulates here at Catherine Water Falls. Although not much reckoned, Catherine Falls is a perfect summer retreat for those who seek a soothing rejuvenation in the lap of nature. It is all over surrounded by sprawling and lush green tea estates.

It resembles a thin water stream falling down from a height of more than 250 feet. What makes it more attractive is its fabulous pool forming ability at the bottom. Locals refer to this nature’s beauty as Geddhehaada Halla.

Location: Coorg, Tamil Nadu 643201

Timing: It is best to visit here anytime from morning 09:00 am to evening 06:30 pm

Price: There is no entry fee to Catherine Falls.

Thunder Park is one of the most famous theme amusement parks in Ooty. It is also known as the Dinosaur Park with interesting caricatures and images presented to visitors that transfer them to another world. The park has 3 important sections which can be enjoyed by the visitors namely the Jurassic Jungle, the Vortex and the World of Spirits. The park also has a camera museum and a 5D theatre which is a different experience altogether. Each section gives visitors an experience into the various themes that the park has to offer. Young kids will love the place because it will not just entertain them but will also provide them with an educational experience.

The different sections have different meanings and a different level of fun attached. The Jurassic Jungle takes us into the world of Dinosaurs. There are different models of Dinosaurs on display here which provides for a great informational experience too. The Vortex section displays unique 3D paintings with some interesting illusions created to enhance the effect. The World of Spirits introduces us to spooky characters in 5D that add to the screams and scares.

The Park also has a section that showcases 3D models of towering monuments of India like the Taj Mahal, India Gate and much more. You can capture some unbelievable photos amidst illusions and also snack in the counters present within the premises. The Thunder World journey in Ooty is a welcome addition to Ooty’s charm and beauty and will amaze visitors of all age groups.

Reckoned as Ooty’s highest vantage point, Doddabetta Peak is sure shot to be a part of your Coonoor tourist places to visit. Since ages, Doddabetta Peak is well-known to accomplish all the desires which an avid trekker holds out of his curiosity. Out of the 24 peaks of Nilgiris, Doddabetta stands as the highest one.

Travel aficionados quite frequently visit this peak to pursue their trekking desires. From the top of this peak, you can stare at the plains of Mysore as well as Coimbatore. There are ample photography opportunities here for your Coonoor diaries.

Location: 9 km from Ooty, Ooty Kotagiri Road, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, 643002, India

Timing: You can climb this peak anywhere from morning 07:00 am to evening 06:00 pm

Price: Above 5 years, you have to pay an entry fee of 6 INR, and for children below 5 years, there are no such entry fees. Photography might charge you around 10 INR while videography might cost you about 50 INR.

Arimbra Hills or Mini Ooty is a tourist attraction between Malappuram and Kondottoot in Kerala, India. Located 1,050 ft above sea level. The place attracts large number of visitors for its rolling hills and scenic views. There are many stone crushers and plantations atop the hill. There is an old Harijan Colony on the western side of the hill. It is a favourite weekend getaway for the locals. Its resemblance to Ooty draws many tourists each year. The height of this Arimbra mountain is 445 meters.