Start your day at the Ooty Botanical Gardens, a spacious park featuring a variety of plants and flowers, ranging from rare to exotic species. The garden is divided into different sections, including a fern house, an Italian garden, and a conservatory. The park is spread across 55 acres of land, making it an ideal place for nature lovers to visit. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Next on the itinerary is the Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills and is located about 10 km from the Ooty Botanical Gardens. From the peak, you get a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding areas, including the tea gardens and the western and eastern ghats. You can also grab a bite or enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee at the on-site cafe.
Wrap up the first day with a visit to the Government Museum, which showcases a rich collection of tribal objects, art, and craftwork. Here, you'll also find a variety of weaponry, sculptures, paintings and some other ancient artifacts.
On day 2, start your day with a ride on the historic toy train, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train passes through scenic mountains, tunnels, and bridges while descending from Ooty to Coonoor and takes about 1 hour to complete. The view from the train is breathtaking and provides some fantastic photography opportunities.
Next on the list is the Sim's Park, a botanical garden located at the center of Coonoor town. It is more compact than the Ooty Botanical Garden, but it is equally stunning, with flowers blooming throughout the year. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the winding paths and take in the beauty of the garden.
The last stop on the itinerary is the Wellington Gymkhana Club, which is a perfect spot for a lazy afternoon and is famous for tea estates. Located near the Sim's Park, the place has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, and you can take a guided tour of tea plantations or just relax with a cup of tea in your hands.
If time permits, you can visit the Dolphin's Nose viewpoint in Coonoor, which provides a gorgeous view of the undulating hills and valleys. Alternatively, you can skip the Government Museum and spend more time strolling around Ooty Botanical Gardens, depending on your interests.