2-Day Itinerary for Ooty

  1. Day 1: Doddabetta Peak
    30 minutes (9.2 km) from Ooty city center

    The day starts with a visit to the Doddabetta Peak, the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys from the observatory platform. Visitors can also opt for a short trek to the peak. The peak opens at 7 am and closes at 6:30 pm, and it is preferable to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.

  2. Day 1: Government Botanical Garden
    10 minutes (4.1 km) from Doddabetta Peak

    Next, head to the Government Botanical Garden, a sprawling garden with thousands of species of plants, trees, and flowers. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery, admire the vibrant blooms, and visit the greenhouse with a collection of exotic plants. The garden opens at 8 am and closes at 6:30 pm.

  3. Day 1: Ooty Lake
    10 minutes (3.2 km) from Government Botanical Garden

    End your day by visiting the Ooty Lake, a scenic lake surrounded by eucalyptus trees. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake or a horse ride around its perimeter. The lake opens at 8:30 am and closes at 6:30 pm.

  4. Day 2: Emerald Lake
    45 minutes (20.6 km) from Ooty city center

    Start early on day two by visiting Emerald Lake, a serene lake surrounded by rolling hills and tea plantations. Enjoy a nature walk around the lake or a leisurely picnic. The lake opens at 8 am and closes at 6 pm.

  5. Day 2: Tea Museum
    20 minutes (8 km) from Emerald Lake

    Next, head to the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history and production of tea in the area. Take a guided tour of the museum and enjoy a tasting session of various teas. The museum opens at 10 am and closes at 6 pm.

  6. Day 2: Pykara Waterfalls
    25 minutes (10.5 km) from Tea Museum

    End your trip with a visit to the Pykara Waterfalls, a cascading waterfall amidst lush greenery. Enjoy a trek to the waterfall, take a dip in the cold water, and marvel at the stunning natural beauty. The waterfall opens at 9 am and closes at 6 pm.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Doddabetta Peak (2 hours, admission fee Rs 10)
  • Government Botanical Garden (1.5 hours, admission fee Rs 30)
  • Ooty Lake (1 hour, boat ride fee Rs 170/ person)
  • Emerald Lake (1.5 hours, free entry)
  • Tea Museum (1 hour, admission fee Rs 20)
  • Pykara Waterfalls (2 hours, admission fee Rs 5)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Rs 255 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the following places:

  • Sim's Park (a botanical garden in Coonoor)
  • Lamb's Rock (a scenic viewpoint in Coonoor)
  • Dolphin's Nose (a scenic viewpoint in Coonoor)
  • Needle Rock View Point (a scenic viewpoint in Gudalur)

If you have less time, skip the Tea Museum or the Ooty Lake. Alternatively, you can combine Doddabetta Peak and the Government Botanical Garden on day one to make more time on day two.

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