2-Day Ooty Itinerary for Volunteering

  1. Day 1: Government Botanical Garden
    10 minutes (3.5 km) from Ooty Bus Stand

    Start your day off by volunteering at the Government Botanical Garden. The garden is spread across 55 acres. The volunteer work at the garden will include taking care of the plants, watering them, and planting new saplings. You'll also get to learn from the experts about the various kinds of plants and their upkeep. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring a water bottle with you. If you get tired, you can take a break and enjoy the scenic beauty of the garden.

  2. Day 2: NGO – Shola Trust
    20 minutes (7.6 km) from Government Botanical Garden

    For a unique and impactful volunteer experience, visit the Shola Trust, a non-profit organization that works towards conserving the forests of the Western Ghats. They work towards afforestation and wildlife conservation and have opportunities for volunteers to plant saplings and help care for trees. Additionally, you can help in conducting awareness programs for local communities to create a sensitivity towards forests and environmental conservation. All in all, you'll get a chance to learn about the local environment and make a difference doing it.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Government Botanical Garden (2 hours, Free)
  • Shola Trust (3 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Free

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a visit to the Ooty Lake, located just 2.4 km from the Botanical Gardens. It's a scenic spot and you can also help clean up the lake shore and learn about the local fish species. Additionally, you can also volunteer with the Tribal Research Centre where you can work with the local tribal communities and learn about their lifestyle and traditions. If you have less time, consider skipping the Botanical Gardens and go straight to Shola Trust for a half-day of volunteering.

0