Start your Ooty trip with a visit to the Ooty Lake. A serene man-made lake surrounded by beautiful Eucalyptus trees, the lake is perfect for a peaceful boat ride. You can opt for paddle or motor boats, or even a small cruise. The lake was built in 1824 and is spread over 65 acres. You can also enjoy some street food and souvenir shopping nearby.
Start your day early by visiting the Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains. The journey up the hill is an attraction in itself, with its picturesque views. Once you reach the top, you can indulge in some hot tea and snacks while taking in the 360-degree view of Ooty. Next, head over to the Botanical Gardens, located at the foot of the Doddabetta Peak. Spread over 55 acres, the garden is home to a variety of flowers, plants, and trees, and is perfect for nature lovers.
On your last day, visit the Ooty Tea Factory and Museum, located amidst the tea plantations. The factory offers tours of their tea-making process, including withering, rolling, and fermentation of the tea leaves. You can also taste various flavors of tea and purchase them as souvenirs. If time permits, head over to the Government Rose Garden, which is Asia's largest rose garden. The garden is home to more than 20,000 varieties of roses and is a treat for the senses.
If you have more time, consider visiting other attractions such as the Pykara Waterfalls, Shooting Point, or the Stone House. If you have less time, skip the Botanical Gardens and take a shorter boat ride at Ooty Lake. For food, try the local street food such as Idli, Dosa, and Pork chops. Don't forget to carry warm clothing as Ooty can get chilly, especially during the evenings.