Ooty Family-Friendly Itinerary for May 2023

  1. Day 1: Ooty Botanical Gardens
    10 minutes (2.3 km) from Ooty Lake

    Ooty Botanical Gardens is a lush green garden covering an area of 22 hectares situated on the slopes of the Doddabetta peak. The garden has over 650 species of plants and trees, including rare species like the paperbark tree and monkey puzzle tree. The highlight of the garden is the fossil of a tree that is believed to be more than 20 million years old. Take a leisurely stroll among the colourful flowers and learn about the different plants and their medicinal properties.

  2. Day 1: Ooty Lake
    15 minutes (3.5 km) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

    Ooty Lake is an artificial lake built in 1824 by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride and take in the scenic views of the surrounding hills. The lake also offers activities like cycling, horse riding, and mini train rides for children. If you're lucky, you might spot some colourful migratory birds that visit the lake during the summer months.

  3. Day 2: Doddabetta Peak
    20 minutes (9.6 km) from Ooty Lake

    Doddabetta is the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can see up to 50 km ahead. The peak is surrounded by dense forests and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. There is also a telescope house at the peak that offers a closer look at the surrounding hills.

  4. Day 2: Government Museum
    20 minutes (7.3 km) from Doddabetta Peak

    The Government Museum in Ooty is a must-visit for history buffs and art lovers. The museum has a collection of tribal artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and coins that date back to the British era. The highlight of the museum is the Toda exhibits that showcase the way of life of the Toda tribe, the indigenous people of the Nilgiri Hills.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Ooty Botanical Gardens (1-2 hours, INR 30 per person)
  • Ooty Lake (2-3 hours, INR 500 per person for a boat ride)
  • Doddabetta Peak (1-2 hours, INR 10 per person for entry)
  • Government Museum (1-2 hours, INR 10 per person for entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 550 per person
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