The British considered Ooty to be their summer resort. It is home to several tourist attractions, and choosing ideal options can be tricky. Here’s our Hill Station Guide with four activities to help ensure you make the best out of your Ooty travel.
1. Boating
A boat ride offers relaxation and stress relief. It is also an ideal option for spending quality time with loved ones. You can enjoy motorboats, rowboats, and even pedal boats at Ooty Lake. The picturesque surroundings might urge you to spend more hours than initially planned.
2. Spare a Few Hours for Ooty’s Gardens
The Government Botanical Gardens, the Ooty Rose Garden, and Ooty’s tea gardens do deserve a few hours of your time. Besides tourists, even horticulturists visit these gardens. They are home to rare species of trees, plants, and flowers that do not grow elsewhere in India. You can also opt for guided tours to know more about the vegetation.
3. Adventure Activities
Horse Riding: You can go for a horse ride through scenic trails, tea estates, and pine forests to enjoy magnificent views. Tourists prefer short rides along Ooty Lake. Multiple local tour operators offer guided rides on such routes. Horse rides in Ooty do prove to be a memorable experience.
Trekking: Trekking is the best way to reach Ooty’s unexplored corners. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or still in the learning stage, the Nilgiri Hills surrounding Ooty have trekking trails ideal for all. Test your skills at Parsons Trek, Doddabetta Peak Trek, Mukurthi National Park Trek, and Kotagiri Trek.
4. A Ride in the Nilgiri Mountain Railway
An Ooty Hill Station Guide wouldn’t be complete without recommending a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. It covers India’s most picturesque 46-kilometer train route. The route has been operational since 1908. And, the railway is still powered by a vintage steam locomotive. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway has earned a UNESCO World Heritage Route tag.
Ooty Attractions That Deserve a Special Mention
- St. Stephen’s Church
- Tea Museum (Doddabetta Tea Factory)
- Emerald Lake
- Pykara Lake and Falls
- Wenlock Downs
Modes of Transport in Ooty
- Bicycle rentals
- Public transport buses
- Auto-rickshaws
- Cabs
Plan Accommodation in Advance
Ooty is considered a great honeymoon destination as well. So, planning your trip and getting hotel reservations done in advance is recommended. You can always let HostMyTrips take care of your accommodation needs as part of your Ooty travel plan.