15 best places to visit in Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Ooty is commonly referred to as the "Switzerland of India," and the town's splendor supports this moniker. Ooty is nestled near Nilgiris' highest mountain, Ootacamund. Deep green valleys, pure blue sky, green grassy slopes, classic and colonial-style houses, gorgeous coffee and tea farms, and hypnotic Eucalyptus woods will entice your eyes and tickle your lenses for great photographs. It is one of South India's Ooty best places to visit. It offers something for everyone. Ooty's antique atmosphere will entice history aficionados, while the stunning panoramas will calm the souls of every nature lover and honeymoon pair. Ooty is one of India's most popular honeymoon locations due to its natural beauty and comfortable environment.

If you're planning a trip to Ooty, Tamil Nadu, and want to know where to go, here are the 15 best places to visit in Ooty. These stunning sights will make your vacation unforgettable, so add them to your schedule!

When is the best time to visit Ooty?

Although Ooty's beautiful weather draws visitors all year, April to June and September to November are the finest months to visit for a leisurely holiday in the hills.

How to Reach Ooty

Road: There are public and private buses that run between Ooty and other important cities. You may arrange a pleasant journey on one of these buses or drive yourself to Ooty through the scenic countryside, stopping at Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary along the route.

Air: The closest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore Airport, which is 88 kilometers away. To get to Ooty, take a cab or taxi from the airport.

Train: Mettupalayam, 40 kilometers distant, is the nearest railway station to Ooty. It has connections to key cities in South India, including Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore, and others. You may take the Nilgiris Mountain train to Ooty and experience the picturesque splendor of the area from the train.

Ooty Lake

Ooty Lake is probably one of the best places to visit in Ooty. The lake and its surroundings are lovely, with plenty of flora and a picturesque landscape. With calm seas and beautiful mountains all around, it's no surprise that this is one of the most popular attractions in the area. It may be visited for a stroll or boating. Boating also involves renting rowboats or pedal boats or going on a water adventure with speedboats, which is significantly more enjoyable than rowboats. The lake is approximately 65 acres in size and was built in 1824 by John Sullivan. It is also a popular destination for birdwatchers. The picturesque beauty of the Nilgiris makes this a natural marvel to escape the noise and rush of the city.

Doddabetta Peak

The Doddabetta Peak is the tallest point in the Palni Hills and is one of the 15 best places to visit in Ooty. This summit, located at an elevation of 2,624 meters above sea level on top of a volcanic mountain, offers tourists a panoramic view of the lush green valleys below. Those searching for nature hikes will find lots of options here. Many individuals who trek up Doddabetta Peak note that it is both a pleasurable and relatively simple experience because they can see what they are going towards.

Catherine Waterfalls

Catherine Falls is one of the best places to visit in Ooty. This waterfall is about 30 minutes from downtown and may be accessed by going left on Mother Ignatius Road. Visitors may observe this beautiful waterfall by walking down a little hill from the parking area or driving nearby. For those who enjoy nature walks, the stroll leads you through thick foliage with the sounds of running water nearby, which is very peaceful. As you approach closer to the falls, you'll hear its roar as it falls 85 feet into a pool enclosed by greenery on 3 sides and stones on one. You may go down alongside it and even sit at the pool's edge! Make cautious not to deviate from the pathways, though, because falling into these waterfalls wouldn't be enjoyable! 

Glenmorgan, Ooty

Glenmorgan Palace is a magnificent and elegant palace visited by Queen Elizabeth 2. It is one of the best places to visit in Ooty and is an English-style palace that has become a popular destination for royal aficionados since it debuted during her reign.

It offers breathtaking vistas of undulating hills and extensive tea plantations that reach into the distance. The place is particularly ideal for photographers who enjoy photographing pure natural beauties. Glenmorgan also functions as an art gallery, displaying both ancient master paintings and the work of local artists. Tourists may study a range of art styles in this tranquil environment while taking in the fresh air and avoiding the distractions that many other more busy venues provide.

Stone House

Stone House is regarded as an identifier of Ooty since it was established by John Sullivan, the first inspector and creator of the British colony at Ooty. It is one of the most famous historical sites in Ooty to visit. It is thought to be the first British house built in Ooty. Stone House is located at an elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level. This architectural masterpiece appears to be a palace from the outside and is likely one of the best tourist places in Ooty. During King Edward VII's tenure in Kanakkotta Palace, he utilized it as a hunting lodge. The stone home boasts amazing views that extend up to Kotagiri town and down across Coonoor past Bauhind Hill Station.

Kalhatti Waterfalls

Kalhatti Waterfalls, situated close the Puliyankol hill (the highest point of Ettapatti), is one of the best tourist places in Ooty. The location consists of three waterfalls and a dam. The tallest waterfall is around 25 feet tall, while the bottom waterfalls are much lower. There is also a small picnic area and an old temple devoted to Kalhatti Amman, which was erected by devotees who gather here every year during goddess Kalathi's Vratam festival to express their thanks for her favor over this location.

If you enjoy bird watching and the environment, this is one of the best places to visit in Ooty. The surrounding herb, pepper, cinnamon, spice, pepper, and sandalwood farms add to the splendor and beauty of Kalhatti Waterfalls. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in and surrounding Ooty.

Rose Garden

"We're all daydreaming about some wonderful rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the flowers that are blooming outside our doors today," Dale Carnegie said. If you are in Ooty, the Rose Garden is one of the best places to visit in Ooty on your honeymoon. It is an ideal atmosphere for spending quality time with your loved one.

The Rose Garden, with over 3600 species of roses, is one of the most beautiful places to visit when in Ooty. It is one of India's biggest rose gardens, stretched across 10 acres of land, and has been designated as a 'Garden of Perfection' by the International Union of Rose Societies (WFRS). Explore this location to admire exotic species and purchase plants and seedlings for your garden. It is without a doubt one of the best tourist places in Ooty.

St Stephen’s Church

Aside from gorgeous natural beauties and adventurous activities, one should seek dreamlike happiness and spiritual enlightenment. There is no better spot to see than St Stephen Church, which you should not skip if you are visiting Ooty. St Stephen Church, constructed during the colonial period, is an exceptional example of British style. St Stephen's Church, located on Upper Bazar Road, is one of the best places to visit in Ooty in two days and has remarkable architectural appeal. This is one of the region's ancient churches, with painted window panes, wooden elephants obtained from Tipu Sultan's castle, and colonial-era inscriptions. Those who are interested in history should surely pay a visit to this chapel. Include this church on your list of best places to visit in Ooty to make your vacation worthwhile. 

Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden

If you enjoy gardens, there are several to choose from in Ooty. The Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden is the best tourist place in Ooty, noted for its beautiful landscapes and luxuriant flora. Ooty Lake is situated adjacent to the garden. If you chance to be in the area, you can spend some time exploring this location. Green colors will revitalize your senses and leave you feeling energized. You might also learn about plants and gardening.

Shooting Point

Moviegoers will recognize this lush-green meadow flanked by dense trees and the mesmerizing Nilgiris since it has appeared in several Bollywood movies. This location, known locally as 'Shooting Medu,' is ideal for leisure, picnics, and breathtaking vistas. This should be your first stop when traveling with your family. This is one of the best places to visit in Ooty in a day. Remember to bring your cameras! 

Wax World Museum

One of the best places to visit in Ooty with kids is the Wax World Museum. This unique museum, housed in a 130-year-old Colonial Mansion on Ooty Lake, has lifelike wax figurines of historical and political figures. The museum also showcases typical rural dwellings and depicts local lifestyles, all of which are built entirely of wax. With so many intriguing things to see and do, this is undoubtedly one of the top spots in Ooty to visit on your next vacation. 

Deer Park

This park is approximately a kilometer away from Ooty Lake and is regarded to be relatively accessible. Aside from the deer, you may see a variety of other creatures, including Sambhar and Chital, as well as other birds. This park has been meticulously maintained and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ooty. If you're just in Ooty for a couple of days, this is the best place to visit in Ooty. So, when considering the best sites to see in Ooty in two days, don't forget to add this one. 

Kamaraj Sagar Dam

This dam, also known as Sandynallah Lake, this is a well-known best tourist place in Ooty. This location's serene surroundings make it the greatest picnic site in Ooty. You may bring your entire family here to spend valuable time together while also enjoying bird viewing or fishing. Various fish species may be found here. This location is great for nature enthusiasts looking to relax after a hard day. 

Ooty Golf Course

You've never played golf in the deep woods, or even at an altitude of 7200 feet? No? Then pay a visit to Ooty Golf Course. The magnificent Ooty Golf Course is one of the best tourist places in Ooty, allowing you to demonstrate your golfing talents in absolutely beautiful surroundings. Aside from golf, it's also a popular spot for a big lunch or perhaps a night's stay. It's a terrific spot for individuals who believe golf is just for the wealthy, as it allows you to sample the sport at a shoestring price while still providing outstanding hospitality in addition to breathtaking vistas.

Ooty Boat House

Despite being in the same location as the famed Ooty Lake, the boathouse is an intriguing tourist destination in its own right. The Ooty Boathouse is one of the Ooty famous places for those looking for a quiet, serene afternoon or those who want to spice up their day with some adventure and adrenaline. The boathouse is ideal for families with children since it provides so much enjoyment and excitement. It's also a terrific spot for individuals who want to get their loved ones photographed in front of the picturesque Ooty Lake!