18 Top Things To Do In Ooty And coonoor For First-Timers
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Are you planning a trip to Ooty, the Queen of the Hills, this summer? Do you want to know unique places as well as famous tourist spots to visit in Ooty? Worried about the weather, the crowd, and want tips? Well, you have landed in the right place!
I have visited Ooty multiple times and have the exact information you will need to embark on this journey!
This article is exactly what you’ll need – that is the 18 best things to do in Ooty and Coonoor to make your trip memorable with a side of tips from my personal experience.
I have categorized the places under Ooty and Coonoor. So even if you are not visiting both Ooty and Coonoor, you will know exactly which places you can cover.
I have also included a few offbeat, lesser-visited destinations which are genuinely beautiful and un-missable!
THE 18 ULTIMATE THINGS TO DO IN OOTY AND COONOOR!
BEST PLACES IN OOTY
1. Rose Garden
I fell in love with this beautiful step garden, home to over 20,000 varieties of roses, including the rare black, green etc.
The best time to visit this garden would be between March and June, which is the peak blooming season. However, a visit during the winter could be disappointing with a smaller number of flowers visible.
This garden is a beautiful picnic spot with designated picnic areas on the lawn and is pet-friendly as well!
It is equipped with the facilities of clean public washrooms and car parking lots available for the visitors. All in all, it is the perfect place for florophiles, photographers and picnic lovers.
For the best pictures and the most beautiful, relaxing vibe, visit this garden at the golden hour just before sunset. It looks extra pretty!
A visit to the rose garden would take you anywhere between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours – depending on how much of a flower enthusiast you are!
Tip: Avoid long queues at the ticket counter by pre-booking tickets from the official website.
Related – 7 Beautiful Honeymoon Destinations in Kerala
2. St. Stephen’s Church
I found this church to be one of the most peaceful and historically rich places in Ooty. Built almost 200 years ago, it is one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris and you can feel that old-world charm the moment you step in.
The stained glass windows with illustrations and the painting of the Last Supper are truly beautiful. What stood out to me the most were the murals painted on glass as they add a very unique touch to the interiors. Also most people who visit this church miss the cemetery right next to it.
It has old-style tombs that add to its historic feel. It’s a quiet,beautiful place to slow down and take a break.
Timings: 10 AM – 1 PM, 3 PM – 5PM
Tip: Visit in the morning for a calmer experience with fewer visitors.
3. Government Botanical Garden
This is one of the most relaxing places in Ooty for a slow walk. It has a wide variety of well maintained flowers, exotic plants, and trees. Just don’t expect a “park with swings” – it’s more of a walking and photography space.
The garden is spread across a large area, so be ready to walk. I really liked the glass house and fern house sections with rare plants. My little daughter loved the beautiful lily ponds.
What was insane was the 20-million-year-old tree trunk inside the garden. Can you believe how surreal it would feel to share space with another living creator who has been on this planet for that long!
An ayurveda shop near the exit sells oils and balms, which is a nice add-on.
Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds as it gets very busy on weekends.
4. Karnataka Sri Horticulture Garden
Out of the many tourist destinations in Ooty, this newly constructed horticulture garden located barely 15 minutes away from Central Ooty, is a place yet to be explored by many. However, this huge garden with its flowers and wonderful aesthetics is something you shouldn’t miss out on!
This garden with its beautiful backdrops,flower slides and flower arches is a heaven for photographers. The massive glasshouse with its well organised, exotic plants is definately a wonder.
Spread across 38 acres of land, this horticulture garden is divided into multiple sections like- Rose Garden, Italian Garden, Maze Garden and many more. My daughter enjoyed playing (and tricking us) in the Maze Garden. The Topiary Garden left me wonderstruck with its flowers and plants organized in shapes of various animals and birds.
Tip: Do not miss walking on the massive, hanging bridge in the garden to add a pinch of thrill to this peaceful visit!
Related: A 3 Day Itinerary For Ooty and Coonoor
5. Doddabetta Peak
This is the highest peak in the Nilgiris. It is about 30-minutes away from Central Ooty and the views from here are absolutely worth it. What makes it special is that it sits at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats.
The panoramic views of the valleys and cliffs are stunning, and the telescope viewing house gives you a full 360-degree experience. But mind you, the telescopes aren’t in their best condition. So don’t bother climbing if you get clear views from the viewing point on the top.
What I loved about Doddabetta is that I didn’t have to trek to get to the top. Vehicles literally go right up to the entry point. The drive along the way is not only scenic but also aromatic thanks to the Nilgiri trees!
Tip: Avoid weekends completely, it gets extremely crowded, i is impossible to see the views of the valley and the whole visit seems pointless.
6. Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake is a majestic lake surrounded by eucalyptus spanning around 65 acres , located only 2.5 kilometers away from Central Ooty.
What most tourists are completely unaware about is that this lake is a man made lake constructed in the year 1824, majorly used for fishing. The paddle boat rides here are especially exciting and are a must try for children and adults alike.
My daughter enjoyed the short ride on the children’s train located near the lake.
Tip: Avoid visiting during the afternoon to avoid harsh sunlight. The lake looks especially beautiful during the sunset!
7. Pykara Lake and Pykara Waterfalls
This artificial lake, located about 45 minutes away from Central Ooty on the road taking you to Mysore, has felt much calmer since the 1930s, as compared to the Ooty Lake. I found it less crowded and more peaceful. It is surrounded by wooden houses, mountains and pine trees, making the view breathtaking.
You can enjoy just sitting, lazing around the lake or take boat and speedboat rides in the lake.It’s also close to other attractions like the Shooting Point and Pine Forest, which makes it easy to combine visits.
Best Time: March to May, September to November
Located close to Pykara Lake, Pykara Waterfalls is a quick but beautiful stop. It is at a walkable distance from the lake area and is definitely worth a visit.
Don’t miss visiting this place, especially if you are in Ooty in the monsoon season.
The water flow is strong and literally offers the best experience when compared to the dry summer or winter seasons.
But if you are travelling during summer or winter, it is still worth a quick 2-minute picture stop.
Remember, the areas around the falls can get muddy and slippery during the monsoon, so please do not visit this place with children and the elderly.
Tip: Combine this with your Pykara Lake visit to save time.
8. Wenlock Downs (Shooting Point)
This place is a wide stretch of green meadows amidst hills and eucalyptus trees.
It’s also known as the ‘Shooting Point’ because scenes from movies like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Saajan and Raja Hindustani were shot here.
There’s a short walking trail to reach the best viewpoint, and on clear days, the views are stunning. It’s also a great spot for picnics,games and photography.
Tip: Carry water and snacks.it’s an open area with limited facilities.
Don’t go to this place in the afternoon, especially in April or May, as the heat and the harsh sunlight can ruin your experience.
9. Pine Forest
This is one of the best spots for photography. The tall pine trees and sloping landscape create a very cinematic look.The pine forest overlooks the Sandynulla Lake.
Horse riding is also available here at an affordable price which will be a unique (and adventurous!) addition to your visit.
However, the slopes here are quite steep, so walking can be tricky.
Tip: Be careful of monkeys and wear good shoes for better grip.
10. Needle Rock View Point
This is one of the most unique viewpoints I came across. The peak is cone shaped making it resemble a needle, which gives this point its name.
The highlight here is how the atmosphere keeps changing throughout the day. On clear days, you can see villages and tea estates below.
There’s a 1 km trek from the parking area, and it’s moderately difficult.
Tip: Don’t go with kids or elders, and avoid going after sunset as wild animals step out from the nearby forests.
11. Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train)
This toy train ride is one of the most iconic experiences in Ooty, especially exciting for children. The vintage blue train with a steam engine makes the journey feel special.
It runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty, but many people prefer the Coonoor to Ooty stretch as it’s shorter and scenic.
However, during my visit to Ooty, we opted to go downhill from Ooty to Coonoor. The journey definitely proved to be a great experience with the view of picturesque sites and cool breezes.
Tip: Book tickets in advance on IRCTC as the tickets gets sold out pretty quickly. Offline booking is available for a limited few seats but most people leave disappointed as tourists start crowding the station an hour in advance.
Don’t take the afternoon trains during summers – the sunrays are harsh.
BEST PLACES IN COONOOR
12. Lamb’s Rock
I found Lamb’s Rock to be one of the most scenic and easily accessible viewpoints near Coonoor. Lamb’s Rock is a famous view point located on the way to the Dolphin’s nose view point making it easy to club the two together.
It offers a beautiful panoramic view of the tea estates and valleys below, making it a great spot for photography and for quiet time, soaking in the landscape.
It can be reached by car, but if you enjoy a bit of adventure, there’s also a short hiking trail of about 500–600 meters leading up to the viewpoint. The path adds some adventure to the overall experience.
Best Time: March to June
Tip: Beware of monkeys and always check the weather before visiting. You won’t get any valley views if you visit when it is raining or cloudy.
13. Dolphin’s Nose
I have been to a number of viewpoints when visiting hill stations and after a point, visiting viewpoints starts to feel pointless for how similar each of them are. But Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint was one that I loved and still remember because of its unique rock formation that looks like a dolphin’s nose.
It offers a stunning 180-degree view of deep valleys and steep ravines, which feels quite dramatic in person.
The drive to reach here, with its winding hairpin bends, is an experience in itself.
On clear days, you can also spot the beautiful Catherine Falls from this point. It’s a great place for photography. Even the tea gardens right outside are a fantastic spot to click Instagrammable pictures of yourself in tea gardens without paying extra for pro shots.
There are also lots of snacks, corn, and maggi counters outside. A great place if you want to recharge mid-sightseeing.
Tip: Visit between 9 AM to 3 PM to avoid heavy clouds and get the best visibility.
14. Lady Canning’s Viewpoint and Lady Canning’s Seat
This is a quiet viewpoint on the way to Dolphin’s Nose. It’s less crowded and perfect if you want a peaceful break.
It’s named after Lady Canning, who used to visit this spot often. From a distance, the hills here look like a sleeping lady, which is quite interesting.
The Lady Canning’s seat is a great place to enjoy a peaceful picnic away from the crowd.
Tip: Visit during sunset for a calm and scenic experience.
15. Highfield Tea & Chocolate Factory
This 50 year old factory is a place to discover various flavors of tea. Here, you will be shown the process of tea making and you can also have a look at the various machinery involved in the process, followed by tea tasting.
After the tasting, you can proceed to Highfield’s shop located within the factory premises to buy flavourful tea and a taste and buy from a delightful variety of chocolates manufactured in the factory.
However, note that there is no designated ‘guide’ to provide the information about the processes and you have to read the related information from the boards present in the factory; which was slightly disappointing for me.
Despite this, it’s definitely a great place to visit and buy products from!
Tip: From my personal experience Lemon tea and Chocolate tea are a must have !
16. Sim’s Park
Located in Coonoor, this botanical park feels more organized and less crowded compared to Ooty Botanical Garden.
It has over 1000 plant species, along with a lily pond, a rose garden, and even a small boating area. It also has a small play area with slides and swings.
Also when you are visiting Sim’s Park, don’t forget to check out the super rare Handsome Ornamental tree, Queensland Karry Pine and Rudraksha Tree.
Tip: Don’t carry food inside as eatables are not allowed and you may be fined.
17. Wellington Lake
This is a peaceful and scenic lake surrounded by tall trees and mountains. After exploring Ooty and Coonoor like regular tourists, I liked how calm and peaceful this place felt as most tourists skip this lake.
You can walk along the promenade, enjoy boating, and even spot ducks waddling around in the water and butterflies around. There’s also a small park for children, near the lake.
Tip: If you want to feed ducks, buy proper food from nearby shops. Don’t use regular food.
18. Madras Regiment Museum (War Museum)
This is one of the most meaningful places to visit, especially with kids. It showcases the bravery and history of the Madras Regiment. The stories and information on the boards present throughout the museum evoke a sense of pride and patriotism.
You’ll see weapons, uniforms, and detailed information about various wars. There’s also a short film at the end which sums up the history and achievements of the Madras regiment.
Please note that photography is not permitted inside the museum.
Tip: Avoid weekends so that you can explore peacefully without having to rush.
I haven’t included certain places like- the Droog fort which is no longer accessible, the Charring Cross, the Adam’s fountain and the Stone House which are places which you can just spot or stop by for a couple of minutes on the way to the other tourist destinations.
FAQs for Ooty & Coonoor
- What is colder, Ooty or Coonoor?
Ooty is colder than Coonoor. Although both of these destinations are located in the Nilgiris, Ooty is located at a higher altitude making it colder. So be sure to carry warm clothes, especially if you are visiting it between November and April.
- How many days are required for a visit to Ooty and Coonoor?
Generally, 3-4 days are good enough for a moderately relaxed trip to cover the popular tourist spots like Ooty Lake, Rose Garden, Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s Nose, Toy train, etc., of both these destinations.
However, 5-7 days may be required to cover the hidden, less explored places.
- Which is the airport and railway station located closest to Ooty?
Coimbatore airport is the closest airport to Ooty (around 88 km far). It takes about 3-4 hours to reach Ooty from Coimbatore airport. Alternatively, Ooty is 125 km far (4 hours) from Mysore Airport and 273 km (9-10 hours) far from Bengaluru Airport
Coimbatore railway station is the closest major railway station to Ooty. It is located around 3 hours away from Ooty.
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