Located amidst the green valleys of Ooty, Ooty Lake is a man-made lake built in 1824. The serene waterbody is surrounded by lush green trees and attracts many tourists throughout the year. You can take a leisurely walk around the lake or enjoy a boat ride. The lush green lawns near the lake is a perfect location to relax with your family and enjoy a picnic. Take in the scenic views of the surrounding mountain ranges from the lake, which is also a popular location for photography enthusiasts.
A visit to Botanical Garden is a must-do activity when visiting Ooty, especially for nature lovers. Spread over 55 acres, the garden hosts over a thousand varieties of flora and fauna. Take a stroll through the gardens and admire the vast collection of roses, orchids, and shrubs. You can also explore the fossilized trunk of a tree that is over 20 million years old or relax in the Japanese-style park located in the garden. Don't forget to explore the different sections of the garden including fern house, Italian garden, and nurseries that house a collection of flowering plants.
For those looking for an adventure and a great view of Ooty, head towards the Doddabetta Peak. Here, you can take a scenic drive through the tea plantations up to the hilltop, or you can hike up to the peak which takes about an hour. The drive is quite enjoyable in itself and the lush tea plantations along the way make it a visual treat. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Ooty's mountain ranges and valleys. There’s a telescope located there to view the distant ranges of the Nilgiri mountain.
Located at a distance of 21 km from Ooty, Pykara Falls is a majestic waterfall that cascades through multiple levels, creating a breathtaking view. Take a walk through the surrounding woods and breathe in the crisp and fresh air. While visiting the falls, you can also visit the Pykara Lake, which is another popular location for sightseeing and photography. The lake offers boating opportunities and is best visited during the monsoon season, when the falls swell up and the surrounding forests turn green.
Avalanche Lake and Sanctuary is a must-visit location for those interested in bird watching or an adventurous trek. The sanctuary is the home to many natural wonders, including lush forests, waterfalls, and numerous species of birds. The main attraction of the sanctuary is the Avalanche Lake - a serene lake surrounded by dense forests and sloping hills. Visitors can trek up the nearby hills (with permission) to enjoy views of the valley or take a boat ride and get up close with nature. The sanctuary is home to many rare bird species, including Asian Fairy Bluebird, Great Black Woodpecker, and Indian Blue Robin.
If you have more time in Ooty, consider visiting other natural destinations such as Glenmorgan, Needle Rock View Point, and Mukurthi National Park. You can also enjoy a toy train ride between Ooty and Coonoor. In case you have less time, you can choose to skip a destination depending on your interests. For example, if you are not an avid bird-watcher, you can skip the Avalanche Lake and Sanctuary. Similarly, if you want a more relaxed itinerary, you can choose to skip the Doddabetta Peak hike and enjoy the scenic drive through the tea plantations.