Start your Ooty trip visiting the Ooty Botanical Gardens, spread across 55 acres with more than 650 species of plants. Stroll through the gardens admiring the beautiful landscapes made of ferns, orchids, shrubs, and trees. Highlights include the topiary garden, the fossil tree trunk, and the Toda hill. Children would enjoy visiting the petrified tree, which is believed to be around 20 million years old. Don't miss the impressive fountain near the entrance and the glasshouse containing various species of ferns and orchids.
On the second day, wake up early and plan a visit to the Doddabetta Peak, the highest mountain in the Ooty region. Enjoy the scenic drive to the peak and then take a 10-minute trek to reach the summit. From the top, visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the Nilgiri Hills dotted with small villages. Make sure to visit the Telescope House to get a closer look at the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy a hot cup of tea and snacks at the small tea stall at the base of the peak.
On the last day, visit the Ooty Lake, which lies amidst the green hills of Nilgiris. Take a leisurely boat ride around the lake, which is surrounded by Eucalyptus trees. The lake also has a small amusement park with various rides and activities for the kids. Visitors can also enjoy horse riding around the lake or cycling on the pathways around it. Once you have finished all the activities, relax at the nearby food stalls and enjoy local delicacies like bhajjis and fried fish.
If you have extra time, visit the Sim's Park known for its colorful collection of rare species of plants. If you're a tea lover, take a guided tour of the Makarthy Tea Factory to learn about the tea-making process. Avoid visiting on weekends or holidays to avoid crowds. You can skip the amusement park if not interested and save time.