Nature Lovers' 2-Day Itinerary for Ooty and Coonoor in June 2023

  1. Day 1: Ooty Botanical Gardens
    1 hour (12.4 miles) from Coonoor Sim's Park

    The Ooty Botanical Gardens showcases a wide range of trees, plants, and flowers. Established in 1847, it is spread over 55 acres of land and is a must-visit location for nature lovers. The garden is divided into several sections, including a fern house, bonsai section, and Italian garden. The garden also features a 20 million-year-old fossilized tree, which is the star attraction of the park.

  2. Day 1: Doddabetta Peak
    20 minutes (5.6 miles) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

    Doddabetta Peak is the highest mountain peak in the Nilgiri Range, standing at an altitude of 8,650 feet above sea level. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular trekking destination. The trek up the mountain is about 1 km, and the view from the top is breathtaking, especially at sunrise and sunset.

  3. Day 1: Ooty Lake
    20 minutes (3.6 miles) from Doddabetta Peak

    Ooty Lake is an artificial lake constructed in 1824. It is surrounded by eucalyptus trees and is a popular spot for boating and picnics. The lake also has a small amusement park and a toy train that runs around the lake for children.

  4. Day 2: Sim's Park
    10 minutes (2.9 miles) from Coonoor Railway Station

    Sim's Park is a botanical garden in Coonoor, established in 1874. It is spread over 12 hectares of land and has a collection of over 1,000 plant species, including many exotic and rare plants. The park has several walking trails and is a perfect place to spend a peaceful day in nature.

  5. Day 2: Catherine Falls
    30 minutes (9.2 miles) from Sim's Park

    Catherine Falls is located near Kotagiri and is one of the highest waterfalls in the Nilgiri Mountains. The waterfall is named after Catherine Cocburn, the wife of M.D. Cockburn, who introduced coffee plantation to the areas around Kotagiri. The waterfall is a popular picnic spot and is surrounded by tea plantations.

  6. Day 2: Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint
    30 minutes (5.8 miles) from Catherine Falls

    Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint is located in M.D. Cocburn's Tea Estate in Coonoor. It is called Dolphin's Nose because of its unique shape, which resembles the nose of a dolphin. The viewpoint offers spectacular views of the Nilgiri Mountains and the surrounding valleys. The trek up to the viewpoint is around 4 km and is not too difficult.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Ooty Botanical Gardens (1-2 hours, INR 30-60)
  • Doddabetta Peak (2-3 hours, INR 10-50)
  • Ooty Lake (1-2 hours, INR 10-100)
  • Sim's Park (1-2 hours, INR 30-60)
  • Catherine Falls (2-3 hours, INR 50-100)
  • Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint (2-3 hours, INR 50-100)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 180-470
0