Ooty Family-Friendly Day Trip

  • 10:00 AM: Ooty Botanical Gardens
    10 minutes (2.1 km) from Ooty Bus Station

    Ooty Botanical Gardens is a beautiful garden filled with rare Himalayan plants, shrubs, ferns, and bonsai trees. It spans over 22 hectares with 650 species of flowers and trees. Perfect for a family picnic with stunning views and scenery.

  • 11:30 AM: Ooty Lake
    15 minutes (3.4 km) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

    Ooty lake is spread over 65 acres with boating as the primary attraction. Surrounded by groves of eucalyptus trees and plenty of spots for a family picnic. The lake also offers cycling, horse riding and a small amusement park with mini train rides.

  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at Shinkows Chinese Restaurant
    25 minutes (6.1 km) from Ooty Bus Station

    Shinkows Chinese Restaurant provides an array of classic Chinese dishes that you can’t find anywhere else in Ooty. An excellent choice with a pleasant atmosphere and affordable prices. A perfect break from Indian cuisine.

  • 2:30 PM: Government Rose Garden
    5 minutes (1.3 km) from Shinkows Chinese Restaurant

    Government Rose Garden is situated on the slopes of Elk Hill at over 2200 meters above sea level. It is set up over 10 acres of land and houses over 20,000 varieties of roses. A perfect destination for a family picnic or a leisurely walk to uplift your mood.

  • 4:00 PM: Tea Factory and Museum Visit
    30 minutes (8.0 km) from Government Rose Garden

    The Tea Factory and Museum offer a unique experience where you can observe the tea-making process and understand the cultural significance of tea in Ooty. Experience the art of tea tasting and learn how Ooty makes the best tea in India.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Ooty Botanical Gardens (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Ooty Lake (1-2 hours, Boat rides INR 600-800 per boat)
  • Shinkows Chinese Restaurant (1 hour, INR 400-500 per person)
  • Government Rose Garden (1-2 hours, Entry Fee INR 20 per person)
  • Tea Factory & Museum visit (1-2 hours, Entry fee INR 10-100)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1500-2000 per person

Transportation

There are several options for transportation, including rental cars, taxis, and public transport. Ooty is a small town, making it easy to walk around most attractions. A rental car or taxi is the best option for families with children or for those who don't want to walk long distances. Taxis typically cost around INR 2000-3000 for the whole day, including waiting time. Bus fare varies based on the route but is usually affordable, Starting from INR 5 per person.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can consider visiting Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Tribal Research Center or can spend an additional evening watching the Musical fountain show at the Ooty Botanical Garden. For a shorter trip, skip the tea factory and museum visit.

Airports

The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) located at a distance of around 95 km from Ooty. Another nearby airport is Calicut International Airport (CCJ), located at a distance of around 156km.

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