The Ooty Botanical Gardens is a perfect place to start the trip. A beautiful and well-maintained park with 650+ plant species spread over 55 acres. Kids can learn and enjoy the diverse variety of flora and fauna here. A highlight is the fossil of a tree that is over 20 million years old. The garden also includes a wide range of tropical and subtropical plants, medicinal plants, and a fern house, a must-see.
After exploring the garden, head over to the famous Ooty lake. This is a man-made lake created in 1824 and covers an area of 65 acres with boating facilities. You can enjoy a boat ride while surrounded by towering Eucalyptus trees and the beautiful Nilgiri hills as the backdrop.
Start day 2 by experiencing breathtaking views from the highest point in the Nilgiri ranges, the Doddabetta Peak. The peak is 8km from Ooty and worth the 10-minute trek. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as Coimbatore and even the Mysore plateau. There are also food stalls and a telescope house at the peak.
Next on the itinerary is India's largest rose garden to see over 20,000 varieties of roses. The Rose Garden also has a greenhouse with many exotic plants and butterflies. You will feel mesmerized by roses' beauty and colors, and spending time here is comfortable, even for children. The garden also has a souvenir shop from where you can purchase a rose plant.
The Ooty Thread Garden is an impressive display of hand-made artificial flowers. The garden contains more than 150 varieties of flowers made entirely of threads, created by hundreds of skilled laborers working tirelessly. You can appreciate the art skill and dedication it takes to create buds, flowers, leaves in real sizes and shapes. You can make a purchase of souvenirs from the shop on the way out.
End the 3-day trip by visiting the picturesque and serene Pykara Waterfalls. The falls are an excellent spot to relax amid the peaceful natural beauty with a background of mesmerizing water sounds. The views are extraordinary, and you can capture your memories with photographic excellence. You can plan a picnic and enjoy the aesthetics.
If you have more time, add a visit to the Tea Museum and Factory, 10 minutes (4.8 km) from Doddabetta peak. The museum explains the century-old tea manufacturing process, and you can taste the flavors of Nilgiri tea here. Another great place is the Ooty Tribal Research Center, which portrays the lifestyle and culture of local tribes. You can also spend more time exploring the city or squeeze in an extra day visiting the nearby wildlife sanctuary.
If you have less time, remove the Ooty Thread Garden or Pykara Waterfalls. If traveling with younger children, swap the Doddabetta peak with the Chocolate Factory or Wax Museum, both preferred by kids.