The Ooty Botanical Gardens is a perfect place to start your tour of Ooty. Established in the early 19th century, the garden stretches over 55 acres and is home to over a thousand species of plants. The garden has several sections, including a fossil tree trunk said to be 20 million years old and a stunning Italian garden. Visitors can also enjoy a mini train ride or a boating experience at the nearby Lake Porthimund.
Sim's Park is a botanical garden located in Coonoor. Established in 1874, the park is spread over 12 hectares and boasts a collection of over 1,000 plant species, including several rare trees and flowers. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Coonoor and offers plenty of opportunities for nature lovers. The park has several walking trails along with a small lake and a children's play area.
Doddabetta Peak is the highest mountain peak in the Nilgiri Hills, standing tall at 2,637 metres above sea level. The peak offers stunning panoramic views of Ooty and the surrounding hills. Visitors can enjoy the view from the telescope house or take a short hike to the peak. The area is also a paradise for bird watchers with several species of birds, including the Nilgiri wood pigeon, being spotted here.
If you have more time, you may consider visiting other popular attractions like the Dolphin's Nose, Lamb's Rock, or the Thread Garden. It is advisable to carry a light jacket or sweater as the weather can be quite chilly in the evenings. Be sure to check the opening and closing times of the attractions, especially during monsoon season when some places may be closed due to landslides or heavy rain.