7-Day Nature Itinerary in Ooty

1. Day 1: Botanical Garden
   10 minutes (3.1 km) from Ooty Bus Station

   Enjoy the beauty of over 650 species of flowers and trees in 55 acres of well-maintained gardens.

2. Day 2: Ooty Lake
   15 minutes (4.7 km) from Botanical Garden

   Take a scenic boat ride or paddleboat in this artificial lake tucked among green hills and eucalyptus trees.

3. Day 3: Doddabetta Peak
   45 minutes (10.4 km) from Ooty Lake

   Be awed at the panoramic view from Ooty's highest peak at 2,623 meters high, offering a bird's eye view of the Nilgiris.

4. Day 4: Sim's Park
   1 hour (23.6 km) from Doddabetta Peak

   Admire the quaint setting of this botanical garden on a slope, featuring rare plant species from all over the world.

5. Day 5: Avalanche Lake
   1.5 hours (24.2 km) from Sim's Park

   Take a trek in the serene surroundings of this lake, surrounded by rhododendrons, magnolias, and exotic fauna.

6. Day 6: Mukurthi National Park
   1 hour 45 minutes (40 km) from Avalanche Lake

   Discover the diverse flora and fauna of this UNESCO heritage site, spanning 78.5 square km, and hike through shola forests, grasslands, and peaks.

7. Day 7: Pykara Falls and Reservoir
   35 minutes (19 km) from Mukurthi National Park

   Take in the stunning scenery of waterfalls cascading in layers and serene reservoir banks surrounded by pine trees.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Botanical Garden (2 hours, INR 30)
• Ooty Lake (1 hour, INR 750 per boat, maximum 8 people)
• Doddabetta Peak (1.5 hours, INR 10)
• Sim's Park (2 hours, INR 30)
• Avalanche Lake (4 hours for trekking, INR 150)
• Mukurthi National Park (5 hours, INR 50 per person and INR 250 camera fee)
• Pykara Falls and Reservoir (2 hours, INR 5 entry fee to falls)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1275

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore other nearby attractions such as the Tea Museum, Government Rose Garden, or Cairn Hill reserve forest. If you have less time, you may skip Avalanche Lake and opt for a shorter hike in Glenmorgan or Needle Rock Viewpoint. Avoid visiting on weekends or holidays as it can get crowded. Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing as it can get chilly, and water bottles on all days of the itinerary.