Places to Visit in Ooty During Holidays

Pykara

Visitors have to travel a distance of 19 kilometres from the city of Ooty to reach Pykara, the name of a river and village. With a lake and pine trees, it is a great tourist point. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy capturing the beauty of nature. A prime attraction at this place is a boathouse. There is a restaurant and a forest house here. Tourists can also enjoy speed boats and motor boats.

Note: The entry time is 9:00 am whereas the closing time is 6:00 pm on weekdays. Other remarkable places located near Pykara include Bison Valley, Mudumalai and Mile.

Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai National Park, a tiger reserve, is situated in the blue mountain bordered by Karnataka and Kerala. The park is a house to various species such as Indian elephant, Indian leopard, Bengal tiger, white-rumped vulture, etc. The park has spread across an area of 321 square kilometres. It is clustered into five areas: Masinagudi, Theppakadu, Mudumalai, Nellakota and Kargudi. Karugudi is a beautiful location where you can find a few halls. Mudumalai is a part of the park where you can spot various types of birds. Masinagudi is another part of the park where a few hotels can be found.

Ooty Lake

Ooty Lake, an artificial built lake, is a vital tourist landmark in Ooty. The boat race is a prime attraction you find here. You can also find many stalls selling local items such as shawls and eucalyptus oils. The lake has spread across 65 acres and is surrounded by many Eucalyptus trees. During the summer holidays in Ooty, it is one of the top places to visit in Ooty. A garden, an enjoyment park and a mini train are a part of Ooty Lake. A canteen administered by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited is another feature of the lake.

Note: The entry fee for foreigners is Rs.560 and Rs.10 for domestic visitors.

Wax World Museum

Wax World Museum the best alternative to sightseeing mountains in Ooty. A distance of 3 kilometres has to be travelled from Railway Station to reach this spot and from Ooty Botanical Garden, you have to travel a distance of just 2 kilometres. Shreeji Bhaskaran initiated the museum. In the month of March 2007, Wax World Museum was instated by Santosh K Mishra, Collector of Nilgiris district. The museum has a vast collection of statues of the famous political leaders and freedom fighters in India.

Note: The duration of the trip is 30 minutes to 1 hour. The museum is liked by the students and lovers of history. According to the latest reports, the entry fee to be charged to adults is Rs.20. The same is charged to kids as well.

Ooty Rose Garden

Ooty Rose Garden is one among the biggest rose gardens in the country and is situated in the middle of Ooty. Scattered across 10 acres of land, the garden has a wide collection of roses in India including black roses, green roses, hybrid tea roses, floribunda, etc. It is a favourite tourist point for the people interested in horticulture. More than 3000 varieties of roses can be found here. Currently, The Horticulture Department of Tamil Nadu is in charge of managing the garden, which received the Award of Excellence for the best rose garden in South Asia.

Note: The garden remains open on all the days of the week from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. The entry fee of Rs.20 is charged per person. Ooty Rose Garden is another popular tourist place to visit during the summer holidays in Ooty.

Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens are maintained by the Department of Tamil Nadu. They are clustered into five sections: the Lower Garden, the Italian Garden, the Conservatory and Nurseries. The Lower Garden has a rose garden and natural ponds whereas Conservatory has a lot of flowering plants. The Nurseries have a wide range of glass houses. Many people prefer visiting the gardens particularly during the summer holidays in Ooty.

Note: Children are charged an entry fee of Rs.15 whereas the entry fee for adults is just Rs.30. If you want to carry a still camera, you must make a payment of Rs.50. For carrying video cameras inside the gardens, you are charged Rs.100.

Annamalai Temple

Annamalai, a major Hindu temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thiruvannamalai. Lord Shiva is revered as Annamalaiyar by devotees. The complex of the temple covers 10 hectares. On Maha Shivaratri festival holiday in Ooty, the temple is visited by many Lord Shiva devotees from Ooty and other parts of Tamil Nadu. Poojas are performed by the locals. Behind the temple, you can witness a senior man running a small ashram. Despite their religion and caste, devotees will perform the ceremonial of Anna-Dana. During the summer holidays in Ooty, the temple invites a huge number of devotees.

Murugan Temple

Murugan Temple is an old temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. Jayanthipuram is the historic name for the temple situated in Tuticorin district. In the state of Tamil Nadu, Murugan Temple is the fourth temple to obtain ISO certification. The son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is Lord Murugan, who is also known as Lord Kartik. Visitors of the temple can watch lush greenery. The locals take a visit to this historically important festival every day.

Thread Garden

As its name indicates, Thread Garden is a place where you can watch a huge collection of non-natural plants and flowers made by adroit artists by using thread. The garden was conceptualised by Antony Joseph, who worked along with 50 talented artists consistently for a term of 12 years. Artists created Tread Garden using around 6 crore meters of thread. The garden attracts the visitors from all age groups. More than 150 types of handcrafted flowers that are enthralling to watch. At a distance of 12 kilometres from Doddabetta, a distance of 3 kilometres from Botanical Garden and a distance of 4 kilometres from Rose Garden, Thread Garden has turned out to be a famous place to visit in Ooty during holidays (the summer holidays).

Kalhatti Falls

Kalhatti Falls is also known as the Paradise of Bird Lovers. A prime attraction of Kalhatti is the lake. Frequently, elephants visit this beautiful lake and thus it makes a great view for tourists. The residents of Ooty call it Kalahasti Falls. One can watch tigers, woodpeckers and monkeys here. Different types of festivals are conducted at Kalhatti Falls to keep the visitors happy. Moreover, Kalhatti Falls provides an outstanding sight of the flowing water from the Chandra Drona Hill. Lord Veerabhadra's annual fair is organised here in the months of March and April every year. Visit this beautiful place with your loved ones particularly during the summer holidays in Ooty.

Raj Bhavan

When the Duke of Buckingham was the Governor of Madras, he built Raj Bhavan (Government House) in the year 1877 at distance of four kilometres from the city bus stand. The Governors of Madras visited Raj Bhavan during the summer to relax. In the year 1900, Sir Arthur Havelock added a ballroom. In the year 1904, electrical installation for the entire building was green signalled. The building has a ballroom, a banquet hall and a reception room. Raj Bhavan's elevation is 2303 meters above sea level. In the year 1988, the banquet hall was completed. The building also features an astonishing garden.

Tribal Research Center

On 2 October 1983, Tribal Research Center was established. The centre was funded by the Central Government and the State Government of Tamil Nadu. In India, Tribal Research Center is the youngest of all the Tribal Research Institutes. The centre was established with a prime objective to make a study on tribal communities, including the weaker communities under the SC/ST list of the state and develop potential plans for the betterment of the tribes. Currently, the centre is focusing on the Nilgiris district. It is usually visited by students who can also look at the well-furnished guest house and the library.  Since the year 1989, Tribal Museum has been functioning in the campus of the centre, which is not a mandatory place to visit in Ooty during holidays.

St Stephens Church

St Stephens Church is an ancient church visited by tourists throughout the year. Needless to say, it is a popular tourist destination in the city of Ooty. The church is the epitome of the opulent history of the city. On the island of Srirangapatna, the chief beam in the St Stephens Church was gotten from the palace of Tipu Sultan. Captain J J was the mastermind behind this attractively constructed church. Christians visit this church on Christmas every year. 

Note:

1. The church remains closed on Sundays. From Monday to Saturday, the church remains open from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. 
2. Ooty also has many tourist spots in addition to the aforesaid places to visit in Ooty during holidays.

Ooty Toy Train

One of the main tourist attractions in Ooty is the Toy Train, which is also known as the Nilgiri Mountain Railway Toy Train, introduced in 1899. Toy train rides are available every day and tourists can enjoy excellent views of forests, tunnels, birds, fog, and sloes. 

Doddabetta Peak

The Doddabetta Peak is the highest peak in Ooty, which is 2,623 meters above sea level. This is one of the impressive spots in Ooty that extends impeccable scenic beauty and an amazing view from the tip. 

Note: Tourists can visit the place anytime between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. 

Dolphin’s Nose

As the name denotes, the place is a natural site with a protruding rock that resembles a dolphin’s nose. This is one of the major attractions in Ooty not only for tourists but also for the photographers, as the place offers incredible views from the tip of the dolphin’s nose. 

Note: Tourists can visit the place anytime between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. 

Emerald Lake

Ooty is known as the hub for lakes and one such spot is Emerald Lake, which is in Silent Valley. The place is an ideal destination for picnicking and fishing that makes this place one of the major attractions in Ooty. Emerald Lake also holds the record for the second-best lake in the Ooty and is surrounded by tea plantations where the tourists can cherish the amazing flavours of various tea products. 

Note: Emerald Lake can be visited any time between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. 

Tiger Hill

The lower end of the Doddabetta peak and to the east of Ooty lies the Tiger Hills, one of the major scenic attractions of Ooty. The place is situated 6 km from the main town and is the center of plenty of treks, thereby making the place a hotspot for travelers who are fond of trekking and hiking. 

Note: The place can be visited any time between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. 

Kamraj Sagar Lake

The Kamraj Sagar Lake is amidst lush greenery and wide varieties of herbs and shrubs in the suburbs of Ooty. The place is known for its serene beauty and flourishing fishing industry that offers treat to both the eyes and taste buds. The incredible beauty of this place not only makes it a major attraction for tourists but also an ideal shooting spot for movies. 

Note: The place is open for tourists from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. 

Kotagiri

Kotagiri is the one of the most visited spots in Ooty and is the second largest hill station in the town. The place is popular for expeditions and trekking, thereby making it an ideal destination for adventure lovers. The mesmerizing view from the hilltop makes Kotagiri a major tourist attraction in Ooty. 

Note: The place can be visited by tourists 24 x 7. 

Droog Fort

Doorg Fort, also known as Bakasura Malai Fort, is one of the ancient spots in Ooty that only extends natural beauty but also has a major historical significance. The fort is about 6000 ft above the plains, once used by Tipu Sultan as an outpost in the 18th century. 

Note: The operating hours of Doorg Fort ranges between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. 

Lamb’s Rock

Lamb’s rock is one of the centers of attraction in Ooty located in Coonoor on the slopes of the Nilgiri Hills. The fascinating views of Coimbatore plains and Coonoor stream makes this place a must-visit destination while in Ooty for all the nature lovers. 

Note: The tourists can visit the place any time between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. 

Catherine Falls

A stunning waterfall falling from an altitude of 250 feet, Catherine Fall which is named after Catherine Cockburn, the wife of M. D. Cockburn. The place is a perfect summer gateway for families as the place offers mesmerizing view of the waterfall which is truly a treat to the eyes. Holidaymakers can also enjoy the view of dense lush green forest, Mettupalayam plains, and the surrounding hillocks. 

Note: The best time to visit this place is from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every day. 

Bison Valley

Bison valley named after the Indian bison, the place exhibits a lush greenery encompassed by cardamom forests and tea estate and is home for a diverse range of wildlife animals that includes bears, tigers, elephants, deer, etc. Apart from animals, one can spot numerous species of birds, such as drongos, morning droves, shrikes, bulbul, and woodpeckers. Not only nature lovers, but the place is also an ideal destination for adventure lovers as well as they can enjoy mountain biking and trekking. 

Note: Tourists can visit the place any time between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.

Popular Festivals Celebrated in Ooty

The Summer Festival is a prime festival celebrated by the local dwellers and the tourists. During festival holidays, Ooty becomes truly colourful. The following are the three significant festivals observed in Ooty:

The Summer Festival

The following are the details regarding Summer Festival: 

1. The Summer Festival is a yearly festival conducted by the Tamil Nadu Government in May.  
2. The festival comprises many cultural events, flower and spice shows, carnivals, etc.  
3. At the Botanical Garden, the flower show will be organised for 3 days.  
4. The flower show is the prime event of the festival, where a huge variety of flowers are kept for exhibition here.  
5. During the Summer Festival in Ooty, visitors can enjoy classical art exhibitions and adventure activities as well.  
6. During the summer holidays in Ooty, consider visiting the city to celebrate the Summer Festival. 

Tea and Tourism Festival

The following are the details regarding Tea and Tourism Festival:

1. Tea and Tourism Festival is an annual festival, organised in January by the Tourism Department of Tamil Nadu.  
2. Various types of tea are exhibited so that visitors can taste and buy them as per their choice. They can also buy the flavour they want.  
3. The fundamental objective of this festival is to popularise the Nilgiris tea.  

1. Visitors and the local public will participate in the tea making competition.  
2. During this festival, traditional and folk performances are held. 

Ooty Mariamman Temple Festival

1. Ooty Mariamman Temple Festival is the longest festival celebrated in the month of February.  
2. Mother Aadhi is worshipped in various forms like Bhagavathi, Kamakshi, Rajarajeshwari, Durga, Heddhai Amman, etc.  
3. Devotees follow the custom of throwing salt on the idol.  

If you are a music lover, you have a chance to celebrate the Mad Festival, which stands for music, arts and dance. The musicians from the city of Ooty and other cities will perform at this great festival. In 2012, the first version of the Mad festival was inaugurated. Over the last five years, the festival has gained prominence. During the summer holidays in Ooty, the festival is celebrated by several tourists and the locals. 

Ooty also observes the festival of Pongal. The celebrate Pongal in the honour of the Sun God. Pongal is a major Hindu festival and is a regional holiday in Ooty. Usually, Pongal is observed in the month of January every year. Pongal dish is served on the festival day. If you are willing to visit the city during the Pongal holidays in Ooty, you can also celebrate this remarked festival with the residents. The Tourism Department of Tamil Nadu makes the festival of Pongal unforgettable for visitors. Another festival celebrated in the entire state of Tamil Nadu is Aadi Peruku, which is one of the regional holidays in Ooty.

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