Start your day by exploring the beautiful landscaped gardens that are spread over 22 hectares. The gardens are home to thousands of plant species and trees, both native and foreign. Walk around the gardens and enjoy the fresh air and serene surroundings. The highlight of the gardens is the fossilized tree, which is said to be over 20 million years old. Don't forget to take a family photo in front of the famous monkey statues!
After visiting the gardens, head to the Thread Garden, which is a unique place that displays a collection of artificial flowers, plants and garden accessories made entirely out of thread. Each item is hand-crafted by local women and took about 3-4 years to create. Your family will be amazed by the intricate details and vibrant colours of each piece. Entry is ticketed and there is a shop where you can buy souvenirs to take home.
End your first day at Ooty Lake, which is a beautiful man-made lake that spreads over 65 acres. Take a boat ride and enjoy the scenery or walk around the lake and enjoy the views. You can also try out some local street food or buy some souvenirs from the nearby shops. The lake also has a deer park nearby, which your kids will surely enjoy!
Start your second day by visiting the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills - Doddabetta Peak. The peak is 2,637 metres high and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valley. There is a telescope house at the top where you can get a closer look at the scenery. The peak also has a small park and a souvenir shop.
After enjoying the views at Doddabetta, head to the Tea Museum, which is set amidst tea gardens and has a rich display of the origins and evolution of tea in India. You can also enjoy a guided tour of the gardens and learn about the process of tea manufacturing. The museum also has a shop where you can buy various types of tea to take back home.
End your trip on a beautiful note by visiting the Rose Garden, which is the largest rose garden in India and has over 20,000 varieties of roses. Walk around the garden and enjoy the fragrant flowers and breathtaking colours. There is also a small chocolate and souvenir shop nearby. The garden is a perfect place to capture some family memories of your trip to Ooty!
If you have more time, you can also visit the following places:
- Pykara Falls
- St. Stephen's Church
- Tribal Museum
If you have less time, you can skip the Thread Garden or visit just one of the gardens (Botanical or Rose). Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and carry plenty of water and snacks for your family. Try out some local street food but also be cautious of food hygiene. Avoid visiting during peak season (May-June) when the crowds are high. Lastly, make sure to carry some warm clothes as the weather in Ooty can get chilly especially during evenings and nights.