Located between the Nilgiri Hills in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is popularly known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’. The mighty mountains, dense green tea plantations, colorful meadows, beautiful eucalyptus, and pine trees make this small town worth a visit.
Here are a few things to do in Ooty that will make your trip memorable.
Enjoy a Ride in the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train
You can opt for a ride in the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train and experience the spectacular views this town has to offer. Known as one of the best modes of transportation when exploring Ooty, it is popular among the tourists here. It covers a distance of 46 km in 5 hours and passes through 208 steep curves, 16 tunnels and nearly 250 bridges.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in July 2005 and was built by the Britishers in 1908. As you move from 300 ft to 7200 ft, the journey with breathtaking views will give you a unique feeling.
Check Out the Wonders of Nature at Dolphin’s Nose
Ooty is a delight for nature lovers as you can not only watch the lush tea estates but the spectacular view of the mountains as well. The Dolphin’s Nose is a perfect place to enjoy the serenity and admire the beauty surrounding this region. The view of water gushing from Catherine Falls is soothing to the eyes. It is an amazing place for adventure sports enthusiasts as well. The weather here is ideal for you to spend a day in leisure with your loved ones.
Explore the Tea Museum
If you are a tea lover, you can go for a distinct yet enriching experience by opting for a tour at the tea factory and museum. This amazing place is located in Doddabetta and has lush tea plantations. You can walk through fields and watch the local women pluck the best quality tea leaves. Later, you can also visit the factory to witness how these leaves are processed and then packed. If you love it, you can buy some tea and take it back home as well.
Spend a Day at Pykara Waterfalls and Lake
Ooty is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Pykara Falls situated just 20 km from this beautiful town is a perfect spot for a picnic. It is a quiet place and you can even hear the water splashing on the rocks and birds chirping as they fly. You can even enjoy a boat ride in the gorgeous lake that is located here.
Explore the Deep Pine Forests
You can go camping in the dense pine forests found in this region. It is one of the few places that has pine vegetation other than the Himalayan region. Pitch your tent and just sit under the tree watching the sunset or gazing at the starlit sky.
Visit the Government Botanical Garden
You can take a stroll through the beautiful Government Botanical Garden. You will find plants and flowers in an array of colors. There is a Flower Exhibition that is organized in the month of May, which will leave you in awe. Spend some time alone or take photographs of the pretty lush surrounding that is intercepted with flowers and share with your friends.
Go for Trekking
If you enjoy trekking, Ooty is one of the best places in the country for this activity. You will not only be able to explore the natural beauty in the region but you will also get a chance to stay active during your trip. The hills are not as steep as the ones in the Himalayan region making it easier for even novices to go for a hike. You can walk through the dense forests and reach the tribal villages in the remotest areas, deep valleys or least-explored lakes. You can stop in between the trek to capture the scenic beauty in the region and retain it as a memory.
Check Out the Wildlife at Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Counted among the top hotspots of biodiversity in the world, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is an amazing place to explore the wildlife in this region. This includes national parks that will provide you with the best tour of the area. Opt for an elephant safari, a jeep safari or go for a hike through the reserve. You can spot lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri tahrs, elephants, gray langurs, leopards, and Malabar giant squirrels here.
Ooty has some amazing places where you can make some incredible memories. Have you been to Ooty before? What’s the best thing you did when in the city?
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One reply on “Check Out the Best Things to Do in Ooty to Make Your Trip Memorable”
Thanks for the amazing blog with some good information