Start your day surrounded by nature at the Botanical Garden. This garden is home to various plants and flowers, including rare species. Capture a photo at the fossilized tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. Stroll through the different sections of the garden and breathe in the fresh air. There's a small Toda huts display, where you can learn about the tribal people, their lifestyle, and feel the joy of knowing a new culture.
Ooty Lake is a relaxing place to spend your afternoon. Boating services are available, and you can enjoy the unobstructed views of the mountains. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake or rent a bicycle to go around the lake (open until 6 PM).
Start your day early at Doddabetta Peak which is the highest point in the Nilgiris and offers a good view of the valley below. It has a telescope house to provide a better view of the valley where you can watch the view of peaks like Kudremukh on a clear day. It gets crowded by mid-morning, so it's better to go as early as possible. (open from 7 AM – 6 PM)
Take a look at the history and culture of tea manufacturing at the Tea Museum. Here you can learn about the various stages of tea production, including its origins, varieties and manufacture, and witness demonstrations of tea processing. Enjoy a cup of tea and shop for tea at the end of the tour. (open from 9 AM to 6:30 PM)
If you have extra time, you can visit the Government Museum which is nearby the botanical garden and it displays various tribal artefacts, sculptures, Hindu idols, and ancient coins. You can explore the local market which is located near the bus stand and enjoy shopping and bargaining. If you have an additional day, head to Coonoor where you can visit Sim’s Park, Lamb’s Rock, and Dolphin’s Nose. If you enjoy train journeys, take the heritage train from Mettupalayam to Ooty to experience the natural beauty. For foodies, consider trying out the local cuisine in small shops on Commercial Road.