The Government Botanical Garden is a must-visit in Ooty. It is a sprawling garden housing a variety of exotic plants and beautiful flowers. The garden also has a fossil tree trunk dating back millions of years. Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the garden or hire a guide to learn more about the different plants and trees. There is also a small tea-house where visitors can grab a refreshing drink and snack.
Doddabetta Peak is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a car or bus up to the peak or hike up to the top. Once at the peak, visitors can enjoy a bird's eye view of the Ooty town and the expansive tea gardens. There is also a telescope house where visitors can get a closer look at the view.
Ooty Lake is a man-made lake surrounded by lush green hills. It was built in 1824 and is a popular spot for boating. Visitors can rent a paddle boat or rowboat and enjoy a leisurely ride on the lake. There are also horse rides available around the lake. The lake is a perfect spot for a picnic, with several food vendors selling snacks and drinks around the lake.
The Ooty Rose Garden is a beautiful garden with over 20,000 varieties of roses. The garden is spread over 4 hectares and features a collection of rare roses from around the world. Visitors can take a stroll around the garden and admire the different colours and scents of the roses. There is also a small nursery where visitors can purchase roses to take home.
If you have more time, you could visit the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the Pykara Waterfalls. If you have less time, you could skip the Doddabetta Peak and spend more time at the Government Botanical Garden or Ooty Lake. Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes and carry a jacket, as the weather in Ooty can be unpredictable.