Marudamalai Temple is a must-see spiritual and historic site, known for its grand architecture and hilltop location. It's a great place to start your journey towards Mettupalayam. You'll get to enjoy the scenic views and take many pictures. It's a peaceful and calming atmosphere to get away from the urban busy life. Weekend pilgrims come from far to enjoy the temple as well. The temple has two entrances for pedestrians and vehicles, with sufficient parking space. There are a few small stalls surrounding the temple to buy souvenirs and sweets.
Cool off at the Black Thunder Water Park. It is an incredibly exciting water park that provides relief from the heat and humidity. It features dozens of water-based amusement rides, including a wave pool, lazy river, and various water coasters. With plenty of picnic spots and food choices, this water park is perfect for families with toddlers and teenagers, and any adventure lover. The park offers plenty of amenities such as life vests for rent, lockers, and shower facilities.
A trip on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is an unforgettable experience. It's an engineering masterpiece built in the 19th century, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train takes you through stunning landscapes along with forested hills and tea plantations. It is one of the rare rack-and-pinion rail systems in the world, which is gaining popularity among the tourists. Picking a window seat to admire the views is a must-do. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase during the train ride, along with bathroom facilities.
The Ooty Botanical Gardens span over 55 acres and have an extensive collection of exotic plants, colorful flowers, and trees. It's one of the must-see places in Ooty. Established in 1848, this beautiful garden offers a peaceful ambience with impressive displays. There are walking trails for visitors to enjoy at their own pace and a fern house to explore. It's an excellent place for families to take pictures and share some peaceful moments amidst nature. Guided tours are available on request, and the entry fee is quite reasonable.
If you have more time, then you may visit the Mettupalayam Spread Spectrum Observatory, which offers various interactive exhibitions related to basic astronomy. Similarly, in Ooty, you can experience a boat ride on the Ooty Lake and visit the Rose garden. Suppose you have less time to spare. In that case, you may choose to skip the Black Thunder Water Park, which is more of a recreational activity, and reduce the time on the Nilgiri Mountain Railways and Ooty Botanical Gardens, which might be uncomfortably lengthy or tiring for kids.