2-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Ooty

1. Day 1: Ooty Botanical Gardens
   13 mins (4.4 km) from Ooty Lake

   Ooty Botanical Gardens is a popular tourist spot and the perfect place to start your Ooty trip. The garden is spread over 55 acres and showcases a variety of plants, flowers, and trees. The garden also houses a fossil of a tree, which is said to be more than 20 million years old. Take a stroll through the beautiful and well-maintained garden, and enjoy the scenic beauty.

2. Day 1: Ooty Lake
   26 mins (8.3 km) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

   Ooty Lake is a man-made lake that offers boating and swimming activities. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, it's an ideal spot for nature lovers to spend some time. The lake is located near the mountains and provides a picturesque view of the surroundings, making it perfect for photographers. It is also a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, as the lake houses a variety of fish species.

3. Day 2: Doddabetta Peak
   36 mins (10.2 km) from Pykara Waterfall

   Doddabetta Peak is the highest peak in the Nilgiris and offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes. This peak is one of the most popular tourist spots in Ooty, and rightly so, as it provides breathtaking views of the hills, valleys, and forests around. There is also a telescope house atop the peak, where you can observe the picturesque surroundings more closely.

4. Day 2: Pykara Waterfall
   26 mins (13.1 km) from Doddabetta Peak

   Pykara Waterfall is a major tourist spot in Ooty and a perfect place to unwind amidst the mesmerizing natural beauty. The waterfall is around 55 meters high and is surrounded by lush greenery and forests. You can also enjoy a boat ride in the Pykara boat house, which is located near the waterfall. The boat ride provides a serene experience and lets you soak in the beautiful surroundings.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ooty Botanical Gardens (1-2 hours, Free)
• Ooty Lake (2-3 hours, INR 12 per person for entrance fee, INR 350 for boat ride)
• Doddabetta Peak (2-3 hours, INR 10 per person for entrance fee, INR 50 for telescope house)
• Pykara Waterfall (1-2 hours, INR 20 per person for entrance fee, INR 600 for boat ride)
• Total Estimated Costs (excluding transportation): INR 1022 per person

Useful Tips

Apart from the places mentioned in the itinerary, there are a few other places you can add to your list if you have a few extra days. The Government Museum is one such place that showcases the history, culture, and heritage of the Nilgiri district. You can also visit the Wax Museum, which is dedicated to Indian personalities. If you have time, you can also explore the Avalanche Lake, which is situated in the midst of a beautiful valley. If you have less time, you can skip the Pykara Waterfall, as it requires a bit of travel time.