Cascade down with nature at Catherine Falls, located near Kotagiri on the Mettupalayam road. The view of the waterfall plunging from great heights is magnificent and heart-touching. Take a 2km trek to reach the falls, where you can have an exhilirating dip in the cold water.
The Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar are a must-go spot that gives a challenging, yet joyous trek of 3-4 hours, located in the reserve forest area, southwest of Ooty. The peak offers a breathtaking view of the Nilgiri mountains, neighbouring forests and a viewpoint of the Bhavani Sagar Dam. The 6km hike through the forest is little strenuous but greatly complimented by the picturesque landscapes around
Spend your afternoon enjoying the scenic Pykara falls, with crystal clear water from the river cascading down the lush green mountains. Tourist facilities include boating in Pykara lake or horse-riding in the meadow. Don't forget to indulge in some shopping at the handicraft stores for authentic takeaways.
In the evening, visit the serene Emerald Dam located in upper Bhavani region near the Mukurthi National Park. It is the upper stream of the Bhavani river and surrounded by beautiful tea gardens. Relax at the lake, trek upstream or enjoy some tea-sipping with the sunset, Emerald Dam will offer you everything.
For adventure enthusiasts, this itinerary is a perfect blend of trekking at Rangaswamy Pillar and bathing at waterfalls. Don't forget to carry some snacks, drinking water, sunglasses and sunscreen for the day. If you have more time, you can also visit Kamaraj Sagar Dam (9:00AM to 6:00PM) and Avalanche Lake (8:00AM to 6:00PM) located close to Emerald Dam. However, make sure to check the opening and closing times before you visit any place from the itinerary.