2-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Ooty in June 2023

1. Day 1: Government Botanical Garden
   10 minutes (2.4 km) from Ooty Lake

   Start your day by exploring the Government Botanical Garden, which sprawls over 55 acres and houses a variety of exotic plants and flowers. The garden is divided into several sections, including a fern house, an Italian garden, a herbal garden, and a bonsai garden. Take a guided tour to learn about the different plants and their uses. In the afternoon, head to the Tea Factory and Museum to learn about the tea-making process and sample some of the local blends. In the evening, visit the Ooty Lake, where you can take a boat ride or go horseback riding.

2. Day 2: Doddabetta Peak
   30 minutes (10.6 km) from Pykara Waterfalls

   Start your day early and head to Doddabetta Peak, the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills. Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys from the observatory tower. Afterward, visit the Deer Park to see a variety of deer, including spotted deer and sambar deer. In the afternoon, visit the Pykara Waterfalls, which cascade down several levels and offer a scenic picnic spot. Take a boat ride on the Pykara Lake, which is surrounded by lush greenery. In the evening, head back to the town and go shopping for souvenirs at Charing Cross.

Recommendations

If you have additional time, consider visiting the following attractions:

• Thread Garden - a garden with artificial flower sculptures made entirely of thread
• Wax World Museum - a museum with wax statues of Indian leaders and celebrities
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and scenic train ride through the hills

For a side trip, consider visiting Coonoor, a nearby hill station with lush tea gardens and scenic viewpoints. To maximize your fun, plan for activities such as mountain biking, trekking, and camping in the surrounding hills. Don't forget to try the local cuisine, which includes unique dishes such as Avial, a vegetable stew with coconut, and Chicken Chettinad, a spicy chicken dish.

For hotel and flight bookings, please visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo