places to see in ooty

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The ‘Queen of the Hills’ has been a popular tourist destination, famous shooting spot for movies and a summer getaway since colonial times. Cozily nestled in the Nilgiri hills, Ooty has enjoyed iconic status for a long time now. A popular weekend getaway for the people in the southern peninsula, it has been one of those sought out faraway lands to those who come from the north. Well, wherever you’re from, here’s of list of places to see in Ooty that you absolutely cannot miss.

Botanical Gardens

Established in 1848, the Government Botanical Garden, at an elevation of 2250–2500 metres above Mean Sea Level, have been the star attraction of Ooty tourism. The Gardens house around a thousand species of both exotic and indigenous plants, shrubs, ferns, trees, herbal and bonsai plants. There is also the preserved fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. The Botanical Gardens host the summer flower festival annually, with this regard the best time to visit Ooty is in May.

Dodabetta

At a height of 2637metres, dodabetta is the highest vantage point in the district. It is also the second highest peak in the Nilgiris after Anaimudi. It literally translates into ‘big mountain’. There is road access right up to the summit, but I suggest climbing on foot. There is an observatory at the top with two telescopes for tourists to enjoy the magnificent views.

Ooty Lake

This famous landmark is actually an artificial lake constructed by John Sullivan in 1824. It is ‘L’ shaped. Boating is the primary tourist attraction here. There is also a garden, a mini train and an amusement park with rides mostly for kids. You can also go horse (and pony) riding around the lake. Boat races and boat pageantry are conducted annually in the summer months.

Pykara Falls

Pykara is actually the name of a village and the river that eventually gives rise to these falls. The hydro-electric power station here is one of the oldest power plants in south India, and still generates about 60 megawatts of power. There is a charming forest rest house right by the falls and a boat house with a restaurant maintained by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. The motor boat rides are for 20 minutes while the speed boat rides are only for 10 minutes.

Dolphin’s Nose

The tip of the peak resembles a Dolphin’s Nose and hence the name. There are gigantic ravines to the left and right with the actual peak well over 1,000 feet above sea level. The view is simply stunning with the Catherine Falls and its continuing stream several thousand metres below. the hairpin bends and tea plantations on the way are quite spectacular too.

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Shivangi Rajendran

As the newest member of the content team, Shivangi Rajendran comes from the world of professional dancing. With a passion for travel and a flair for writing, the Masters in Mass Communication is just an added advantage. A gypsy at heart, she doesn’t believe in planning and is always ready to pack her bags and leave.