Ooty travel guide

Things to do in Ooty

1. Ooty Lake

   1 h · ₹200 entry

   Ooty Lake is an artificial lake covering twenty six hectares in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. The popular boathouse and a mini train make it a major tourist attraction.

2. Government Botanical Garden

   2 h · ₹50 entry

   Established in 1848, this historic botanical garden covers 22 hectares on the lower slopes of Doddabetta peak. Maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department, it features a terraced layout divided into several sections with a wide variety of plants.

3. Doddabetta Peak

   1 h · ₹10 entry

   Doddabetta Peak is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Mountains, rising to 2,637 metres. Located 9 km from Ooty on the Ooty-Kotagiri Road, it features a reserved forest area around the summit and has road access all the way to the top.

   Tip: Take the Ooty-Kotagiri Road to reach the summit easily by vehicle

4. Nilgiri Mountain Railway

   3 h · ₹600 entry

   The Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Ooty is a historic toy train experience taking you to Coonoor through dark tunnels and scenic curves. The train chugs through the beautiful Nilgiri mountain range, known as the Blue Mountains.

   Tip: Book your train tickets well in advance as seats fill up fast.

5. Pykara Falls & Lake

   3 h · ₹50 entry

   Pykara Falls and Lake is a scenic destination near Ooty featuring the sacred Pykara River flowing over a series of waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy the adjacent pine forests, a boat house on the reservoir, and picturesque Toda settlements amidst large grassy meadows.

   Tip: Look out for Toda settlements and protected sholas near the area

6. Tea Factory & Museum

   1 h · ₹10 entry

   The Tea Factory & Museum in Ooty lets you see how Nilgiri tea is made. Visitors can explore the exhibits and learn about the local tea processing methods.

   Tip: Buy some fresh local tea leaves to take back home

7. Sim's Park, Coonoor

   1 h · ₹30 entry

   Sim's Park is an old botanical park in Coonoor, located in the picturesque Jackatalla valley. It is built within wooded hills on the Nilgiri plateau.

Where to stay in Ooty

• Charing Cross

  ₹1,500–4,000

  Ooty town centre — close to everything.

• Fernhill

  ₹4,000–12,000

  Colonial bungalows and quieter roads.

• Coonoor

  ₹2,000–6,000

  Tea-estate homestays, less crowded.

What to eat

• Ooty homemade chocolates

  sweets · veg

  Buy at King Star on Commercial Road.

• Earl's Secret

  restaurant

  Garden dining at Kings Cliff.

• Varkey

  street food · veg

  Flaky Ooty biscuit with tea.

How to reach Ooty by bus

Ready-made Ooty itineraries

• Bengaluru → Ooty3 days from Bengaluru by bike