India is a country known for its vast cultural diversity. There are plenty of gorgeous places across the country that people come to visit from across the globe. So, the next time you are in India, be sure to pay Ooty a visit. This city is a picturesque hill station that is situated in the Nilgiri Hills, which translates to “blue mountains”. Ooty remains relatively cool throughout the year, offering dozens of interesting activities. This place is filled with lakes, natural parks and more. This article discusses the 10 famous things in Ooty, India. Scroll down to find out all about them.
1. Summer Festival of Ooty
Organized in May, the summer festival is celebrated across the Nigiri range of hills. The National Ministry of Tourism and the government of Tamil Nadu are responsible for conducting this yearly festival. This event intends to flaunt the incredible natural beauty of Ooty for travelers across the world. There are several shows on the schedule, such as flower, spice, fruit and rose shows during the festival.
Summer Festival
Address: Ooty, India
Website: Summer Festival
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (4th May - 27th May)
Price: 0.5 USD (per show)
2. Dolphin’s Nose
Located 19 miles (31km) from Ooty, Dolphin’s Nose is a viewpoint in Coonoor, the Nilgiris District. The tip of the peak is similar in shape to a dolphin’s nose, hence the name. The view from this spot is truly breathtaking and the 1.5-hour drive to reach makes it totally worth it. Additionally, you get to experience a variety of tea plantations on the way.
Dolphin’s Nose
Address: Dolphins nose Rd, Alwarpet, Burliyar, Tamil Nadu 643103
Website: Dolphin’s Nose
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 1 USD (includes camera carrying fee)
3. Botanical Gardens
Botanical gardens are created to collect, cultivate, preserve and display a diverse variety of plants. There can be a variety of plants that may be sourced from other parts of the world. The garden here is established and maintained by the Indian government ever since its inception in 1848. There is an inherent sense of peace when spending time in nature and this garden is no exception.
Botanical Gardens
Address: Vannarapettai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643002
Website: Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: 7am - 6.30pm (daily)
Price: 0.5 USD
4. Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train
Opened to the public in 1908, the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train ride is one of the most popular ways to reach Ooty. This train was established by the British all the way back in the 19th century as a summer headquarter. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2005. The route passes through multiple tunnels and hundreds of bridges. The surrounding scenery is truly breathtaking as the train passes through thick untouched forested hills. This train journey features an exceptional climb, making it the steepest track in Asia.
Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train
Address: Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu
Website: Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train
Opening hours: 7.10am - 12pm (daily)
Price: 16 USD
5. Toda Huts
Ooty originally started as a small village; industrial growth and rapid development have resulted in making it a tier-2 city. The Toda huts belong to the original immigrant settlers from the Western Ghats who inhabited Ooty and its surrounding Nilgiri Hills. Todas is the name of the local tribe and these huts represent their unique style of architecture. These huts are used for storage, cattle, and living by the tribe.
Toda Huts
Address: Vannarapettai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643002
Website: Toda Huts
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Doddabetta Peak
The Doddabetta peak is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Mountain Range. It stands tall at 2,637 meters (8,650 feet). Located a mere 9 km (18 miles) away from Ooty, you should definitely check this place out. The peak features a variety of flora that includes rhododendron trees. On top of this peak, there are two telescopes which are available for the public to enjoy.
Doddabetta Peak
Address: Ooty Kotagiri Road, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643002
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 0.5 USD
7. Fragrant oils
Thanks to the rich floral diversity and exotic plants in Ooty, the hill station is home to an ever-expanding industry of fragrant and essential oils. These oils can be used in a multitude of ways ranging from improving the mood, alleviate health symptoms and even reduce pain and swelling in the body. Do remember to stock up on fragrant oils for your friends and family before you leave Ooty.
8. Tea
Did you know that tea tastes better on higher altitudes? This is also due to the fact that the majority of the tea available here is cultivated locally and has an inherent freshness to it. A cup of tea is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing. There are plenty of tea factories situated in Ooty, which you can visit to learn about the tea-making process. Additionally, there is also a tea museum that pays homage to the rich culture in Ooty, associated with tea.
9. Wax World Museum
The Wax World Museum is located on Coonoor road on National Highway 67. The best way to visit this place would be when you are traveling towards Doddabetta Peak. Though the place is relatively small, it is well worth the visit. It features wax statues of notable Indian freedom fighters and political figures.
Wax World Museum
Address: Coonoor Road, National Highway 67, Ooty, 64301
Website: Wax World Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 8pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 1 USD
10. Homemade chocolates
Ooty is well-known for its homemade chocolates. There are dozens of places you can buy locally made chocolates here, especially in the market area. Kingstar is one of the oldest manufacturers of chocolate in Ooty and while you need not pick a specific brand, be sure to check out the variety of homemade chocolates.
Come visit Ooty
We have given you a small preview of what this incredible destination has to offer. Be sure to visit these spots when you are in Ooty.
Traveler's tips
There are several eateries at Ooty Lake. Travelers with kids can enjoy buying tasty treats such as cotton candy and other snacks. Adults can get refreshments in the form of tea, coffee, and cold beverages. Ooty is best enjoyed during the monsoons as the hills get even more dreamy during the rainy season.
History
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My .over 2 years ago
Hi
Thank you
Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a beautiful hill station in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It is famous for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and colonial heritage. Ooty has many attractions to offer, such as lush green tea gardens, misty mountains, serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and historical monuments. Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Emerald Lake, Rose Garden, Kalhatty Waterfalls,Kamraj Sagar Dam, Mudumalai National Park, Stone House, and Pykara Waterfalls.
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0 . ReplySmrti .over 2 years ago
Hi
Thank you
Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a beautiful hill station in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It is famous for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and colonial heritage. Ooty has many attractions to offer, such as lush green tea gardens, misty mountains, serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and historical monuments. Here are 10 famous things in Ooty that you should not miss:
Nilgiri Mountain Railway: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that runs between Ooty and Mettupalayam.
Emerald Lake: This is a tranquil lake located in the Emerald Village, about 25 km from Ooty.
Rose Garden: This is one of the largest rose gardens in India and has more than 20,000 varieties of roses in different colors and shapes.
Ooty Lake: This is an artificial lake that was created by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty.
Kalhatty Waterfalls: This is a majestic waterfall that cascades down from a height of about 120 meters. It is located on the Ooty-Mysore road and is a popular spot for trekking and photography.
Kamraj Sagar Dam: This is a scenic dam that is built across the Kamaraj Lake. It is also known as Sandynalla Reservoir and is a popular place for fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
Mudumalai National Park: This is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to many endangered species of animals and birds. You can enjoy a forest safari (at your own cost) and spot some of the animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys, and peacocks.
Stone House: This is the first bungalow built in Ooty by John Sullivan in 1822. It is now a museum that displays some of the historical artifacts and photographs of Ooty.
Pykara Waterfalls: This is a stunning waterfall that is formed by the Pykara River that originates from the Mukurthi Peak. You can enjoy the sound and sight of the waterfalls or take a dip in the pool below.
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