Ooty is located on the Nilgiri Hills, which is considered as one of the best tourist spots for visitors touring South India. It is known for its cool atmospheric conditions with sceneic locations. During the earlier times, it was known as ‘Udhgamandalam’ originally but as British rulers found it very hard to pronounce, they changed the name to Ooty.

Alternatively, Ooty is considered to be the destination for a wide species of roses besides trees, plantations of tea and coffee. Additionally, there are really some great tourist attractions in Ooty besides it cool weather. Tourists make it a point to never miss some beautiful attractions such as the Botanical Garden and the Rose Garden. One makes it a memory of a lifetime by travelling to Ooty and have a glimpse of wide range of different roses and trees available there.

Ooty Lake is very beautiful which is known for movie shootings and is very popular. Enjoy a trip in the lake on a paddleboat or a rowing boat and treasure those moments.

It has been observed that Ooty climate is suitable for the cultivation and plantation of flowering trees and plants and the spring season has got a magnetic effect in overall. People throng to Ooty from April to September. Locally, April to June is a major season for tourism. In the first week of May every year, Flower Show will be organised that leaves everyone in a surprised state.

Ooty is especially known for Nilgiri products including Nilgiri tea, fruits, natural oils like Eucalyptas, Toda embroideries and plant nurseries, which are easily available. People can have a wide variety of choices for buying fruits, vegetables besides regular products while shopping at Co-operative Super Market and Municipal Market.

The principal tourist locations of Ooty are:

Doddabetta

Doddabetta is the biggest mountain range in the Nilgiris, which is situated just 4 kms away from Ooty. It means 'Big Mountain', The mountain is adorned with dense shola trees, rhododendron bushes and herbs.

St. Stephen's Church

This is a small Gothic church situated on the Club Road, one of the earliest colonial structures to have happened in Ooty. The stained glass paintings are a treat to watch and pictured inside is Mary with baby Jesus and the crucifixion of Christ. The Western Wall has a big painting of the Last Supper. Observe the wooden beams inside, which were imported from Tipu Sultan's palace. The other known place to tour is the cemetery nearby, which is home to the grave of John Sullivan, who found the city of Ooty. Besides, there are  the Gothic and Tudor churches, Union Church and Holy Trinity Church, which are popular with the tourists. They have huge stained glass windows and plaques carrying names of British battalions.

Tribal Research Centre

This research centre was constructed as a plan to encourage  the growth of the tribals of the Nilgiri Hills. This place is responsible for the organisation of researches on the living conditions of the communities, providing required training and awareness on their life improvement as well as to develop a tribal museum for safely securing records and data belonging to their era.

Government Museum

The Government Museum on Mysore Road contains a range of tribal items, the ecological details of the town and numerous statues and artworks of Tamil Nadu.

Lalith Kala Academy

This place is known for  a wide majority of wide range of paintings, which could be reached after 2 kms of traveling from Ooty.

Ooty Lake

The unique feature of Ooty is that Ooty Lake appears in L shape and is the main reason why so many tourists are attracted to it. This lake was designed by John Sullivan, whose farthest end  has the Boat House, where one can take a boat for tours on the lake. Moreover, the lake is venue for the yearly Boat Race and Boat Pageantry. Near to the Boat House is a children's amusement park and a toy train.

Pykara Falls

This acclaimed place is situated almost 19 kms from Ooty, which is a favourite picnic location. It is near to Shola growths, Toda settlements apart from green fields.

Charring Cross

This is one of the best and prominent places of Ooty as people purchase vegetables and fruits on a regular basis.

Fernhill Palace

This is the summer palace of the Maharaja of Mysore. Fernhill Palace is a marvelous structure of sculpted wooden boards and cast iron.

Trout Fishing

There are three principal spots known as fishing spots. Kamaraj Sagar is a scenic picnic spot that is located among old trees and green shrubs that serve as ample venues for trout fishing. On the same note, Upper Bhavani Lake is also full of trout fishing and could be found among great shola shrubs. A big barrage  built on this lake is the main source of water for tea cultivation. Situated 28 kms from Ooty, Avalanche Lake is encircled by a dense forest. Never forget to get necessary permit before you go loose for trout fishing.

Wenlock Downs

This enormous land is an important touring location prepared from rolling hills. It provides pulsating scenes of the valley beneath. Currently, it is home to the Gymkhana Club, Hindustan Photo Films Factory besides the Golf Club. Government Sheep Farm is another popular location, which is found nearby.

Ketty Valley View

This is on the way to Coonoor which is a  beautiful village with a lovable climate. The area is full of tea plantations and it is thought firmly that tea cultivation was first brought up in this region.

Glenmorgan

This is also a vital tea estate which is at a distance of 25 kms from Ooty. The picturesque lake found here provides water for the Pykra powerhouse.

The Mukkurthi Peak and National Park: These are found about 40 kms away from Ooty. Mukkurthi is a scenic peak providing the tourists with nice views of the area. Found close is the Mukkurthi National Park that is created to save rare species of wild animals. The Mukkurthi Lake is complete with numerous acquatic birds and ducks besides boating facilities, that are available on a regular basis.

Needle Rock View Point: This is observed at a distance of 12 kms on the way to Ooty, this provides scenic views of the Gudalur and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary. A mountain named Aanakkallu or Sleeping Beauty could be found here which appears as a sleeping woman.

Getting There

By Air: The closest airport to Ooty is at Coimbatore, which has flight services everyday to and from Chennai, Bengaluru, Cochin and Tiruvananthapuram.

By Train: For a glorious view of the hillside abound with forests, a train journey is always recommended.

By Road: The road network to Ooty is a properly-structured one and connects big cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore, Kochi and Kodaikanal.

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