Ooty Family Friendly 2-Day Itinerary - July 2023

1. Day 1: Ooty Botanical Gardens
   10 minutes (2.3 miles) from Ooty Lake

   The morning is a perfect time to explore the beautiful Ooty Botanical Gardens. This well-maintained garden is home to a wide variety of exotic plants, flowers, and trees. Take a leisurely stroll amidst the vibrant blooms and enjoy the fresh mountain air. In the afternoon, you can visit the nearby Ooty Lake, where you can go boating or enjoy a picnic by the lakeside. In the evening, head to the Government Rose Garden, adjacent to the botanical gardens, and witness the stunning collection of roses in full bloom.

   • Botanical Garden Visit: £5, 2 hours
   • Ooty Lake Boating: £10, 1 hour
   • Garden Rose Garden Visit: £3, 1 hour
2. Day 2: Toy Train Ride and Doddabetta Peak
   15 minutes (4.6 miles) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

   Start your day by embarking on a scenic toy train ride through the picturesque Nilgiri Mountains. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes as it chugs along the tracks. After the train ride, head to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris. Enjoy panoramic views of Ooty and its surroundings from the observation tower. In the evening, you can visit the Thread Garden, a unique exhibition of handcrafted flowers made from thread.

   • Toy Train Ride: £15, 2 hours
   • Doddabetta Peak Visit: £3, 1.5 hours
   • Thread Garden Visit: £5, 1 hour

Recommendations

If you have extra time in Ooty, consider visiting the following attractions:

• The Government Botanical Garden: Explore another beautiful garden known for its vast collection of orchids and ferns.
• Sims Park: Located in nearby Coonoor, Sims Park is a well-maintained park famous for its unique tree species and vibrant flowerbeds.

For day trips, you can venture out to:

• Coonoor: A scenic hill station near Ooty known for its tea plantations and the famous Dolphin's Nose viewpoint.
• Pykara Lake and Waterfalls: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Pykara Lake and witness the mesmerizing waterfalls.

To maximize your fun in Ooty, make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for the cool mountain weather, and don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.