When you think about the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu, very few can match the charm of Ooty. Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations of South India. The lush green tea plantations, towering mountains, dense eucalyptus and pine trees and sparkling lakes make this hill station worth visiting. No wonder the Britishers called it the ‘Scotland of the East’ and since then the hill station of Tamil Nadu has lived upto that reputation. Not only this beautiful hill station of Tamil Nadu is great to look at but offers endless things to keep you busy.
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Here are the top 10 things to see and do in Ooty:
1) Ride in the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train
It is indeed a fun experience to sit on a train right in the lap of nature. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Mountain Toy Train was built by the British in 1908. The train journey will take you through tunnels, curves, and bridges.
2) Explore the Botanical Garden
Built in 1847 by the British the gardens are massive and cover more than 22 acres of land and boast of over a thousand species of flowers. The garden is a horticulturist’s delight and a 20 million years old fossil tree is the highlight of the garden.
3) Visit the Ooty Lake
A 2.5-kilometre long lake which is a popular destination for picnicking. Built in 1825, people come here to enjoy paddle boating and the magnificent views of the scenic beauty of the Nilgiris.
4) Relive the anglo splendour at Stone House
is the first bungalow of Ooty and is a must-visit for history buffs. Built by John Sullivan in 1822, it displays impressive architecture and some great relics. Today, the Stone House functions as the Government Arts College of Ooty.
5) Go on a picnic at Pykara Waterfall
Surrounded by pine trees and glistening lake, this is a graet place to go for a family picnic or on a romantic date. Even though it is about 20 kilometers from Ooty, tourists love coming here to enjoy the breathtaking nature and indulge in the thrill of the speedboat rides available at the lake.
6) Stroll in the Sim’s Park
Located in Coonoor, Sim’s Park is a beautiful botanical garden, home to a wide variety of unusual species of plants. In 1874, Sims and Major Murray developed this sprawling 12-acre land into a beautifully landscaped park.
7) Hike to the top of Doddabetta
Climb the highest summit in the Nilgiris District to get a mesmerizing panoramic view from the top of the mountain.
8) Breathe in the fresh air of the Pine Forest
Bejwelled with towering Pine trees, the Pine Forest of Ooty is an enchanting place to relish the delightful scenic view. A place to connect with the nature and oneself. It is also an ideal place to enjoy picnics at the Kamaraj-Sagar Dam.
9) Take a break at Avalanche Lake
Contrary to its name, there are no avalanches here. In fact, it is a place to enjoy the calmness of the hills of Tamil Nadu. Along with the nearby Emerald Lake, it is a great place for families, friends or couples.
10) Go outdoor fun seeking
Ooty, the resort town of Tamil Nadu, is not just about calmly enjoying the nature but you can also invoke the adventurer in you by participating in activities like fishing, rafting, and camping.
So, when are you going to visit Ooty: one of the best hill stations in tamilnadu?
If you have more time in hand, and wants to have a taste of Tamil Nadu tourism beyond hillstations near chennai, do check out the following:
Hey! I have been to Ooty and I loved it. In between the clouds it’s a very beautiful place. And i agree that one should experience all the places mentioned in your post. I would have liked if there were more pictures in the post.
Great article with good insights. It will help people who are planning to go to Ooty.
I have read this article. your information is really amazing.
Thanks for sharing information.
Great Work!
Keep it up!