The Botanical Garden is home to over 650 species of plants including a fossilized tree that is over 20 million years old. The garden is spread over 22 hectares featuring well-maintained lawns, colourful flower beds, and rare trees. The diverse plant species attract various species of birds making it a bird watcher's paradise. The park also has a kids' train, small ponds, and fountains. It is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Ooty lake is an artificial lake built-in 1825 by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains, trees, and a variety of flora and fauna. Boating in the lake is an activity that attracts a lot of tourists, and one can enjoy the scenic view while rowing through the pristine water. There are also a lot of food and shopping options around the lake area to cater to tourists' needs.
Dodabetta Peak is the highest peak in the Nilgiri mountain range located at an altitude of 2,637 meters. It offers an excellent panoramic view of the surrounding valleys, plains and the city of Ooty. One can also spot the Catherine falls from the top. The place also offers some light trekking opportunities for enthusiasts. There are shops selling homemade chocolates, spices and tea to the tourists in the surrounding areas.
The Rose Garden in Ooty, spread over 10 acres, has more than 20,000 varieties of roses and the largest collection of roses in India. The garden has been divided into five sections based on the region they belong to and different types of roses, including miniatures, hybrids, floribundas, ramblers, and climbers. The garden also has a beautiful collection of rare plants, shrubs, and trees. Photography enthusiasts will love this place, and the park is open all year round.
If you have more time, you can visit Avalanche Lake, Pykara falls, and other tourist spots in the outskirts of Ooty. You can spend more time boating or buying local souvenirs around Ooty lake. If you have less time, you can visit just the Botanical Garden and Rose Garden, which are situated in the city and can be done in a few hours. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season, especially during August and September, as the place is prone to landslides during that period. The morning time is best to visit all the tourist spots as there will be less footfall and pleasant weather. Wear warm clothes in the evenings, as the temperature falls sharply.