Spend the morning wandering the tranquil paths of the 55-acre Botanical Garden, home to over 650 species of plants and trees. Don't miss the fossilised tree trunk, the aquarium, and the Italian-style garden. Afterward, grab lunch at the Garden Cafe, which offers Indian and Chinese cuisine at affordable prices.
Start your day early and drive to Pykara Falls, a serene and picturesque waterfall that is part of the Pykara River. Take a scenic boat ride in Pykara Lake, which is close by the falls. Afterward, drive to nearby Pine Forest or Doddabetta Tea Factory for a change of scenery, and finish off the day with a hearty meal at Shinkows, a Chinese restaurant in Charring Cross.
In the morning, visit the serene Ooty Lake, where you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride or try your hand at fishing. If you're feeling adventurous, head to Thunder World, a nearby amusement park, and enjoy the various rides. For lunch, stop by Quality Restaurant, which serves South Indian cuisine and has indoor and outdoor seating. Spend the evening at Government Rose Garden, home to over 20,000 varieties of roses, and unwind by strolling through its beautifully landscaped lawns.
On your last day, head to the tranquil Emerald Lake, which is surrounded by beautiful tea plantations and eucalyptus forests. Take a guided tour of the tea estate and factory, and sample some of the region's finest tea. For lunch, head to Cafe Coffee Day, which has stunning views of the lake and a wide range of food and beverage options to suit different palates. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, and soak in the beautiful sights and sounds of Ooty before departing for your next destination.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary or the Avalanche Lake Trek. For those with less time, the Botanical Garden and Ooty Lake can be combined into a half-day trip. Also, note that most attractions in Ooty close around 5 PM, so plan your itinerary accordingly.