A Week in Ooty - December 2024

1. Day 1: Doddabetta Peak
   20 minutes (6.9 km) from Ooty Bus Stand

   Experience the highest peak in South India with a 360-degree view of Ooty. Explore the tea garden and try the local tea varieties. In the evening, enjoy a campfire with barbecue at the peak.

2. Day 2: Government Botanical Garden
   15 minutes (3.8 km) from Doddabetta Peak

   Stroll through the lush gardens with a variety of flora. Visit the fossil tree trunk, the Toda hill and the Italian garden. Take a toy train ride to see the entire garden.

3. Day 3: Ooty Lake
   10 minutes (2 km) from Government Botanical Garden

   Take a boat ride in the scenic Ooty Lake surrounded by eucalyptus trees. Go Horse riding, cycling, and try a variety of street foods. Visit Deer Park and Thread Garden along with the lake.

4. Day 4: Avalanche Lake
   1 hour 15 minutes (25 km) from Ooty Lake

   Visit the pristine lake surrounded by a dense forest. Go trekking, camping, and bird watching. Experience the serene beauty of the lake and visit the Emerald dam en route.

5. Day 5: St. Stephen's Church
   40 minutes (15 km) from Avalanche Lake

   Visit the oldest church in the Nilgiris with ancient stained glass windows, wooden interiors, and a unique bell tower. Take a walk in the nearby market and try the local bakeries.

6. Day 6: Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake
   30 minutes (15 km) from St. Stephen's Church

   Visit the majestic waterfall and enjoy a boat ride in the Pykara Lake. Go trekking, camping, and try the local cuisines. Visit the Pykara power station and the Needle Rock Viewpoint en route.

7. Day 7: Government Rose Garden
   20 minutes (5.5 km) from Pykara Falls

   Visit the largest rose garden in India with over 20,000 varieties of roses. Take a walk through the park with various trees and flowers. Visit the Ooty Golf Course and the Toda huts nearby.

Recommendations

If you have time, visit the Dolphin's Nose viewpoint, Mukurthi National Park, and the tea factory. You can also plan a day trip to Coonoor for the Toy Train ride, Sims Park, and the Law's Falls. Make sure to taste the local chocolates, homemade cheese, and wine.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Doddabetta Peak (3 hours, INR 250)
• Government Botanical Garden (2 hours, INR 100)
• Ooty Lake (2 hours, INR 250)
• Avalanche Lake (6 hours, INR 500)
• St. Stephen's Church (1 hour, Free)
• Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake (4 hours, INR 300)
• Government Rose Garden (1 hour, INR 50)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1450

For hotel and flight bookings, check here.