The Ooty Lake, constructed by John Sullivan in 1824, is a popular tourist attraction in Ooty. The picturesque man-made lake is surrounded by eucalyptus trees and offers a calm and serene atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy boating, paddle boats, and other activities in the lake or relax by the waterside. The views from the lake are stunning, and the experience is unparalleled. The lake is perfect for a leisurely stroll in the evening while enjoying the panoramic beauty of the surrounding landscape. The timings are from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and the entrance fee is INR 10 per person.
The Botanical Gardens in Ooty is a beautiful and well-maintained garden spanning across 22 acres of land. The garden boasts of a wide variety of exotic plants, flowers, and trees. Some of the highlights of the garden include the fossil tree trunk, a 20-million-year-old tree, a monkey puzzle tree, and a paperbark tree. The garden also features a Japanese-style garden with a bonsai collection, a fossil collection, and several greenhouses with a wide range of plants. One can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the garden and enjoying the scenic beauty. The timings are from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and the entrance fee is INR 30 per person.
The Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ooty. Standing tall at a height of 2,637 meters above sea level, the peak offers majestic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a 10-minute trek to the top to witness the spectacular panoramic view of the valley below. There is also a telescopic tower at the top to enable visitors to get a closer look at the surrounding areas. The timings are from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the entrance fee is INR 10 per person.
The Ooty Tea Factory, located in the heart of the city, is a must-visit for every tea lover. The factory has a rich history and produces some of the best tea in the country. The guided tour of the factory gives visitors an insight into the tea-making process from leaf to cup. Visitors can witness the different stages of tea processing and taste the various flavors of tea. The shop at the end of the tour sells a wide variety of tea flavors to take back home as souvenirs. The timings are from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and the entrance fee is INR 10 per person.
If you have more time, you can consider visiting the Government Museum, St. Stephen's Church, and Pykara Falls. However, if you have less time, you can skip visiting the Ooty Tea Factory or the Doddabetta Peak. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and carry an umbrella as Ooty experiences frequent rainfall.