Ooty Adventure: A 4-Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Ooty Rose Garden
    10 minutes (2.5 km) from Ooty Bus Station

    The stunning Ooty Rose Garden is nestled on the slopes of the Elk Hill in Vijayanagaram, showcasing a unique collection of roses renowned worldwide. The garden has over 20,000 varied rose shrubs spread over 4 hectares, which is a visual delight to visitors. It houses an enormous range of rose varieties ranging from miniature roses to hybrid tea roses carefully arranged in blended formations. With several scenic backgrounds and well-groomed plants, this garden is the ideal place for nature lovers to visit.

  2. Day 2: Thread Garden
    20 minutes (3.5 km) from Ooty Rose Garden

    Next up is the Thread Garden, which is a one-of-a-kind exhibit with magnificent embellished floral arrangements made entirely of thread. Over 50 skilled artists have designed these intricate paradises using multicolored threads imported from all over the world. These designs are exact replicas of real plants and flowers, making this garden a must-see spot. Admire the beauty of this place as you immerse yourself in the incredible threads and learn about the origins of the work itself.

  3. Day 3: Emerald Lake
    1 hour (20 km) from Thread Garden

    Now, it’s time to spend your day at the beautiful Emerald Lake, located amidst the rolling hills of the Nilgiris. The serene lake offers you fantastic views of the Blue Hills and makes for the perfect spot for boating, picnicking, and nature walks. It is also an excellent place for bird watching, fishing, and camping, making it one of the most popular tourist sites in Ooty. Take a stroll around the lake or go boating with your near and dear ones amidst the peaceful surroundings.

  4. Day 4: Doddabetta Peak
    1 hour (27 km) from Emerald Lake

    On your last day, head to the tallest mountain peak in the Nilgiris, which is called the Doddabetta Peak. This peak is about 8,650 feet above sea level and provides an excellent panoramic view of the Nilgiri mountain range. Visitors can take a multi-range telescope from the peak to view the whole place in detail. It is highly recommended to visit the peak early in the morning to experience the best of the scenery's fresh, tranquil air. After you hike Doddabetta Peak, go for a leisurely stroll through the nearby Pine Forests.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Ooty Rose Garden (1 hour, INR 20)
  • Thread Garden (1-2 hours, INR 30)
  • Emerald Lake (2-3 hours, INR 50 for boating)
  • Doddabetta Peak (2-3 hours, INR 12 to 30 per person for the telescope)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 200-250

Useful tips

If you have some extra time, do visit the Ooty Lake, which is an artificial lake with boathouses and ferries for boating. You can also visit the Mudumalai National Park, the largest national park in the area, featuring wildlife such as elephants, Bengal Tiger, Sambar Deer, and Indian leopard. If you're a food lover, you can try some of the delicious local dishes at places like Wilfred's Café or Place to Bee. If you're going to avoid the crowd, visit these places in the morning. Keep a few extra hours in hand in case of traffic or any other last-minute delays.

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