Doddabetta Peak is the highest point in Tamil Nadu, standing at 2,637 metres above sea level. Start your morning early to catch the sunrise and the breathtaking panoramic view of the rolling hills below. The drive up to the peak is a scenic one, with tea gardens and winding roads along the way. There is an observatory tower at the summit, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife. There are also a few stalls selling hot tea and snacks for visitors to enjoy.
The Government Botanical Garden is spread across 55 acres of land and is home to a vast collection of plants and flowers. It is a great place to stroll around with the family and take in the beautiful scenery. There are also a few sections dedicated to different types of plants like bonsai, ferns, and herbal trees. Kids will enjoy the fossil tree trunks, the flower shows, and the miniature train ride.
Pykara is a peaceful lake surrounded by lush greenery and hills. There are boating and fishing facilities for visitors to enjoy. A short walk away from the lake is the Pykara Waterfalls, a series of cascading waterfalls that are a sight to behold. Visitors can take a dip in the chilly waters or enjoy a picnic with the family. There are also a few food stalls selling some snacks.
Sim's Park is a beautifully landscaped park spread over 12 hectares of land. The park is filled with a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers, and there are walkways and benches for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery. Kids will enjoy the small lake, and the toy train ride that takes visitors around the park. There is also a small Japanese-style garden within the park that is worth a visit.
Dolphin's Nose is a viewpoint that offers a 180-degree view of the valley below. The viewpoint is so named as the rocky protrusion looks like the nose of a dolphin. The view is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset. There are a few food and souvenir stalls at the viewpoint. Visitors can also take a short trek down to the Catherine Falls, another beautiful waterfall in the area.
If you have more time in Ooty and Coonoor, you can visit places like the Ooty Lake, the Toy Train, and the Wellington Golf Course. For those with less time, skip the Pykara Lake and Waterfalls and spend more time exploring Ooty or Coonoor. It is a good idea to carry warm clothes as it can get chilly here. Avoid travelling during monsoons as the roads can be slippery.