Ooty is located in Tamil Nadu and is considered South India’s ‘Queen of Hills.’ It is a wonderful place to visit with your family and friends, especially after prolonged lockdown periods. Ooty is far away from the maddening crowd and enjoy pleasant weather throughout the year.
It is indeed an ideal and must-visit holiday destination for people of all ages, backgrounds, and reasons. Established by the British before independence, it welcomes tourists from all over the world with its enchanting charms. But, unfortunately, it was once the resort for the British colony masters who found the heat of the plains to be quite unbearable.
It is also referred to as ‘Udhagamandalam by the locals and is a favorite tourist destination. You are sure to be impressed with its natural beauty and appeal. But to derive optimum pleasure, you need to book the best available homestays in Ooty that offer top-quality accommodation and essential facilities.
Interesting things you & your family members can enjoy in Ooty
Rose Garden:
- It is one of the most visited places in Ooty. Once you enter the garden, you will be welcomed by the sweet smell of floats in the air. Moreover, the very sight of the mixed coloured, vibrant roses dancing to the tunes of the soft blowing winds are something you cannot miss.
- This garden is also called ‘Jayalalitha Rose Garden,’ ‘Centenary Rose Park,’ and ‘Nootrandu Roja Poonga.’ This garden manages to fascinate children and adults alike. It was established in 1995 on Elk Hill Slopes. The flowers are beautifully arranged within five curving terraces covering an area of about 4 hectares.
- The rose collection that this garden boasts about is Hybrid Tea Roses, Miniature Roses, Papagena, Polyanthas, Floribunda, etc. You will also come across unusual coloured roses like black and green. The peak flowering season in this region is between March and June. During this time, the popular ‘Flower Show’ attracts nature enthusiasts from all over the country.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway:
- This mountain railway established in 1908 during British rule can mesmerize you. The journey allows you to explore the beauty of the Nilgiri mountains beginning at Mettupalayam and terminating at Ooty *Udhamandalam”. This railway was included as an extension of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, World Heritage Site. Clubbed together, it is referred to as the ‘Indian Mountain Railways.’
Botanical Garden
- This is another must-visit spot in Ooty. This garden is located on Doddabetta Peak’s lower slopes. It covers a total area of about 22 hectares. It is further distributed into multiple sections. The garden’s landscape has been planned to welcome all guests with its stunning, vibrant, colorful views. It is what you can get to enjoy right from the time you step into the garden.
- Local and foreign travelers have been visiting this garden for over a century and a half now. You get to admire the different coloured, sizes, and species of flowers, orchids, and ferns that are grown here. Toda Hill is another interesting highlight of this garden where you get to know more about the local Toda community.
Ooty Lake:
- If you love boating, this lake is the best place to be. It was John Sullivan who created this artificial lake in 1824. It is filled with water that flows down in the form of small mountain streams from the valley. In 1973 were introduced boating facilities were to allow tourists to derive immense pleasure.
- An adjoining boathouse provides tourists with affordable boating facilities. You can rent here motorboats, rowboats, and paddleboats. Also is present an amusement park, a garden including a mini train.
Wenlock Downs:
- It is among the picnic spots in the region that is popularly visited by locals and tourists alike. It allows you to escape the mad crowd and concrete structures of the city. You can surround yourself with nature and wilderness. After Wenlock, Beilby Lawley, the 3rd Baron, and a British soldier, the place got its name.
- It had once served as the favorite hunting ground for British and their European guests during those pre-independence days. Presently, tourists enjoy its lush, dense greenery, cool climate, and foggy atmosphere. It is also called the ‘Shooting Point’ since several blockbuster movies have been shot here involving popular actors and actresses from Bollywood and other regional movies.
Tea Estate:
- You should make it a point to visit the local tea estates to learn how tea is grown. The tour will allow you to enjoy the sweet aroma of the fresh tea leaves present in the garden, thereby elevating your overall experience. You can come across local women plucking tea leaves, processing and packaging them.
- You also can learn about the different fascinating varieties that are grown here. They will offer local tea to taste the flavor and buy some for your home and relatives and friends at the local shop.
Live Barbeque:
- You can enjoy a live Barbecue session under the stars and get to experience the pollution-free pleasant weather of Ooty. It is one of the reasons to book the best homestays in Ooty that offer such sessions to its guests. It is indeed fun and a memorable thing to do with your family and friends.
Shopping:
If you love shopping, then you should explore the markets and shopping areas in this small town where even locals visit. With the weather being cooler throughout the year, you can find several stores offering affordable winter wear, scarves, jumpers, and other warm clothing essential for a comfortable stay. Other shops offer locally produced handicrafts and items like fruits, tea, essential oils, and cheese.
Final Thoughts:
Locally made chocolates are famous in Ooty and sold in kilograms. A few popular places to visit to have a great shopping session are Upper Bazaar Road, Tibetan Market, and Charing Cross Road. Planning your trip properly and in advance will allow your family members to have an exciting trip.
