Charming Ooty in 5 Days

1. Day 1: Botanical Garden and Dodabetta Peak
   15 minutes (3.5 km) from Ooty Lake

   Botanical Garden: Explore the well-manicured gardens showcasing a massive collection of exotic flora. Don't miss the Toda hill to learn about the indigenous tribe and their unique culture. Dodabetta Peak: Hike to the highest peak of the Nilgiris for stunning views of Ooty from the telescope tower.

2. Day 2: Thread Garden and Tea Factory
   20 minutes (5 km) from Dodabetta Peak

   Thread Garden: A unique exhibition of handcrafted artificial flowers made of threads. Buy souvenirs from the gift shop to take back home. Tea Factory: Get a glimpse of how tea leaves are processed in the factory and buy delicious tea to relish back home.

3. Day 3: Avalanche Lake and Kamraj Bird Sanctuary
   45 minutes (25 km) from Tea Factory

   Avalanche Lake: Embrace the serenity of nature on a trek through thick forests and enjoy fishing or camping at the lake. Kamraj Bird Sanctuary: Birdwatching sanctuary home to over 200 species of exotic birds. Take a walk along the elevated walkway to spot the feathered gems.

4. Day 4: Government Museum and Emerald Lake
   20 minutes (5 km) from Kamraj Bird Sanctuary

   Government Museum: A collection of artefacts, sculptures, and paintings from the colonial era and a fossil of a 250 million-year-old tree. Emerald Lake: boat rides, fishing, and picnic spots. Enjoy the tranquil nature and enchanting waterfall.

5. Day 5: Pykara Falls and St Stephen's Church
   30 minutes (20 km) from Emerald Lake

   Pykara Falls: Take a dip in the cold stream and best time to visit is from July to October for the best views of the waterfalls. St Stephen's Church: One of the oldest churches and a top-rated attraction of Ooty. Its unique architecture and vintage graveyard will take you back in time.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Botanical Garden (1-2 hours, ₹100)
• Dodabetta Peak (2-3 hours, ₹10)
• Thread Garden (30-45 minutes, ₹20)
• Tea Factory (45-60 minutes, ₹10-20)
• Avalanche Lake (3-4 hours, ₹150-200)
• Kamraj Bird Sanctuary (2-3 hours, ₹15-20)
• Government Museum (45-60 minutes, ₹5-10)
• Emerald Lake (1-2 hours, ₹10-30)
• Pykara Falls (2-3 hours, ₹20)
• St Stephen's Church (30-45 minutes, ₹10-20)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹360-495

Useful Tips

For an extended stay, visit Coonoor and Kotagiri hill stations nearby. Avoid visiting during monsoon season (June-September) due to heavy rainfall.