Tourist places in and around Ooty

Botanical Gardens

The English styled terraced gardens were founded in 1847, by Marquis of Tweed-Dale. The garden sprawls across an area of about 22 hectraes and has the most colourful collection of flora in southern India. There are about 1000 varieties of plants shrubs and trees. Prestigious agro horticultural show, spring flower show and dog show are held here annually during April-May.

Rose Garden

The largest Rose Garden of India is perched on the lower slopes of Elk Hill at Vijayanagaran Farms. It has also become the first rose garden in the country to be recognised as a ‘Garden of Excellence', by World Federation of Rose Societies.

Rose Garden Roses, roses and more roses. That is the famed rose garden. Ever heard of black and green roses Well, this rose garden has them. Keep your cameras ready, for folks back home may think you are pulling a fast one! The roses here come in all fragrance and have over 2,000 varieties; this is the largest collection one can find in the country today. Botanical Gardens The famed Botanical Garden in Ooty is home to some rare species of trees and herbs. Don't miss the million year-old tree fossil kept here. A rare sight indeed.

Museum & Hill Top

Government Museum Set up in 1989, it showcases arts and artifacts of the local Toda tribe. It's open 10.00 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm, all days except Fridays and second Saturdays. Hills If you think that Ooty is one of the highest points, we would like to correct you! At a height of 2,623 metres, Doddabetta Peak is the highest point in that part of the hills. It is about 10kms form Ooty town centre. Yes, do take a trip to the mist covered summit of Doddabetta, on a relatively clear day the view it offers is amazing! You can see the plains of Coimbatore out there in a distance and also the Mysore Plateau It was established in 1989 and exhibits timber, Kurinji flower, insects, butterflies, rocks and wood carvings. Stone sculptures, bronze works, model of Toda hut and coins can also be seen here.

Ooty Lake

Conceived in 1824 by John Sullivan, the lake spreads over 4 sq km and is a haunt of picnickers. Over time, the lake has shrunk in size giving place to the present racecourse, bus stand, mini garden. You can take a boat ride here, or laze around in the boathouse (which also sports a restaurant). Nearby is a children's garden with a toy train. Pony rides are quite popular here.

Ooty Lake Boating is most popular in this artificial lake dredged out as an irrigation tank by John Sullivan, the first collector of Ooty. The garden, snack bars, and pony rides ensure there's plenty of crowd around here.

The picturesque lake set amidst the blue hills was built between 1823 and 1825, by John Sullivan. It has fine boating facilities with row boats, paddle boats and motor boats available on hire. The lake garden and toy train rides are other attractions.

St. Stephen's Church

This is believed to be the first church in Ooty. Built in 1829 in the Gothic style, this is also the oldest church in the Nilgiris. The huge wooden beams here were hauled by elephants from Tipu's Sultan's palace in Srirangapatnam.

Stone House

This House was the first stone structure to be built in Udhagamandalam. It housed the residence of John Sullivan and was originally known as Kal Bangla or the Stone House.

Thread Garden

This unique garden full of colourful flowers made from threads is perhaps one of the most amazing sites one could come across.

Government Museum

The Government Museum, Mysore Road, Udhagamandalam contains tribal objects, the district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu.

It exhibits various tribal objects, representative sculptureal arts and crafts of Ramil Nadu and the ecological details of the Nilgiri district.

Raj Bhawan

The majestic building on the Dodabrtta Ridge, near Botaical Garden, was built in 1877, by the duke of Buckingham.

Raj Bhavan Built in 1877, the Government House, now the Raj Bhavan, is superbly positioned on the Dodabetta Ridge to the south-east of Ooty and is approached through the Botanical Gardens. The grounds are very well maintained and open to visitors.

Kandal Cross

The Roman Catholic church is believed to enshrine a relic of the ‘True Cross' on which Jesus christ was crucified.

This is a Roman Catholics 'Holy Shrine' of the Roman Catholics considered by the Nilgiri Catholics as the "CALVARY OF TAMILNADU" situated to the west of Udhagamandalam Railway Station. A relic of the true cross is here and it cures the sick, bestow heavenly blessings, peace and joy to the visiting pilgrims and tourists. Special Novena Prayers and Holly Masses are offered every Friday. The annual feast is on 3rd May every year.

Wenlock Downs

This stretch of about 20,000 acres of grassland with sholas or ‘gallery forest' on the Gadalur road is about 8kms from station. It is the most popular picnic spot of Ooty. The undulating landscaps is blessed with splendid scenic beauty and rich vegetation. The Gymkhana Club, the Govt. sheep Farm and Hindustan Photo Films Company are located here.

Some other attractions are - stone House, St. Stephen's Church, the Nilgiri's Library etc.

A vast expanse of undulating landscape offering the Gymkana Club, the Government Sheep Farm and the Hindustan Photo Films Company besides pleasure of a long stroll on quiet roads.

Art Gallery

Lalith kala Academy: It is situated about 2 kms, from Udhagamandalam in the main Mysore road.

It has various collections of contemporary paintings and sculptures all over from India.

Mini Garden

At about one kilometre distance Tourist can visit this mini garden (Children's Lake Garden) which is on the way to Boat House. Children's amusement park is housed here. A snack bar is also available. Tamil Nadu Tourism Developement Corporation Limited maintains it.

Ketti valley viewpoint

Located on the road to Coonoor, this idyllic spot is a cluster of tiny villages that extend to the plains of Coimbatore and Mysore plateau.

Glenmorgan

It is about 17 km from Udhagamandalam an ecologically rich forestry spot. There from is an Electricity Board (E.B). Winch which carries staff from Glenmorgan viewpoint to the powerhouse at Singara. All the 4 kms of the Winch track passes through undisturbed sholas and wildlife habitat. Prior permission of E. B. authorities should be obtained to enter the viewpoint zone.

Upper Bhavani

It is about 10 km from Korakundah and about 20 kms from Avalanche. This is Naturalist's Paradise. Some of the best sholas like sholas lies enroute. The area is a rich and undisturbed wildlife habitat. From Bangithapal via. Sispara one can trek to silent valley. Forest Department's permission is necessary.

Kalhatty falls

It is located on the Kalhatty slopes at about 13 kms from Udhagamandalam on the Udhagamandalam - Mysore Kalhatty ghat road. The height of the water falls is about 100 ft. Kalhatty - Masinagudi slopes is rich in wildlife such as Panthers, Bisons, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Dogs, Spotted Deers, Sambers and different types of hill birds.

Cairn Hill Situated about 3 km on the road to Avalanche, Cairn hill is one of the few surviving original walks. Dense cypress trees flank the entrance road to the hill. The clearings underneath them make good picnic spots. The stillness and silence of the cypress woods is broken only by the sounds of birds in the surrounding shrubs that can be an unforgettable experience.

Kamaraj Sagar (Sandynallah Reservoir)

The Kamaraj Sagar dam is a good picnic spot and can be reached via. Kandal amidst every old trees and green shrubs of various terrains and via Hindustan Photo films in Gudalur road. It is a very good picnic spot on the slopes of the Wenlock Sagar Downs. Apart from studying nature and the environment, fishing provides excellent game in Kamaraj as well as in Upper Bhavani and Avalanche, whose waters are especially rich in trout fish.

The Mukurthi Peak & Mukurthi National Park

Mukurthi Peak is about 40 km from Ooty. The Mukurthi National Park is located on the South Eastern corner of the Nilgiris . The area contains a viable population of Nilgiri Thar(Hamitragus hilocrius). The silent valley is located on the western side of these ranges. Fascinating feature of the Mukurthi Sanctuary is its variety and similarities to Himalayan Flora and Fauna.

Pykara

Situated about 21 km on the Ooty-Mysore Road, Pykara boasts of well-protected fenced Sholas, Toda settlements, undistributed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam, Pykara falls and the reservoir attracts many tourists. A boathouse with Restaurant is available. It is maintained by T.T.D.C.

Avalanche

Located at a distance of 28kms from Ooty. A beautiful lake surrounded by a thick shola where even sunlight cannot penetrate and abundant with a wide variety of avifauna is a Nature Lover's Paradise.

Western Catchment

It is about 20 km from Parsons Valley. It contains Rolling Grassy downs interspersed with termperate sholas occupying depression and valleys.

Around Ooty

Coonoor (19 km)

The small town of Coonoor a small town has an equable climate that has made it popular as a hill resort in its own right. The main attraction is the Sim's Park, a small well-maintained botanical garden that has several varieties of plants not to be found in other hill stations.

Dolphin's Nose - 12 km from Coonoor, a glimpse of the Catherine Falls can be had from here.

Coonoor, the second largest hill resort of the Nilgiris after Udagamandalam (Ooty), nestles at an altitude of 1839 metres on a lower ridge of the main plateau. The beautiful town is surrounded bu7 several picnic spots. It is also an excellent site for outdoor activities like bird watching, trekking, hiking etc. The main attractions are - Sim's Park, Pomological Station, Pasteur Institute, Law's Falls (7 km), Ketti (8 km), dolphins's Nose (12 km), Lamb's Rock (8 km), etc.

Situated at an altitude of 2000 ft and only 17 km from Udhagamandalam is the first of three hill stations. Coonoor is a small town with an equable climate that has made it popular as a hill resort in its own right. The main attraction is the Sim's Park, a small well-maintained botanical garden that has several varieties of plants not to be found in other hill stations. Viewpoints and picnic spots around Coonoor include Lamb's Rock, Lady Canning's Seat and Dolphin's Nose

Pykara

21 km away, situated on the Ooty Mysore Road, Pykara boasts of fenced Shola and Toda settlements, undisturbed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat.

Avalanche (28 km)

About 28 km from Ooty is Avalanche, known after an avalanche in the area in 1823. This is one of the best spots for trout fishing, and rods can be hired here from the trout hatchery.

The area around the Avalanche or Canada Dam is endowed with great natural beauty. The lovely lake surrounded by thick shola vegetationis ideal for hiking and fishing activites. Prior permission from the wildlife or forest department is required.

Kotagiri

31 km away, it is 1983 m above the sea level and has a climatic benefit over Ooty as Kotagiri is shielded by the Doddabetta ranges, which receives much of its rain from northwest monsoon. You can enjoy a pleasure ride on road flanked by green tea beds on either side.

This charming little village is perhaps the oldest among the Nilgiri hill resorts, as the British started building activities here in 1819. Kotagiri is shielded by the Doddabetta ranges which receives much of its rain from north west monsoon. It is surrounded by verdant plantations and few Kota settlements.

It is 31 km from Udhagamandalam and is 6503 feet above sea level. Kotagiri is shielded by the Doddabetta ranges, which receive much of its rain from the northwest monsoon. One can enjoy a pleasure ride on roads flanked by green tea beds on either side.

Mukurthi Peak and National Park 40 km

Mukurthi Peak is about 40 km from Ooty. The Mukurthi National park is located on the South Eastern corner of the Nilgiris plateau. The area contains a viable population of Nilfiti Thar. The Silent Valley is located on the Western side of these ranges. A fascinating feature of the Mukurthi Sanctuary is its endemism and relationship with Himalayan flora and fauna.

The park was established in 1982, on the south - eastern corner of Nilgiris plateau and is dotted with several magnificent peaks. Its most famous inhabitant is the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Other animal species commonly sighted here are - giant squirrel, sambar and barking deer, gaur, wild boar and wild dog etc. One may also encounter wild elephant, tigers and leopards in the park. The avifauna of the park includes, kestrel, peacock, black eagle and jungle fowl. The fascinating feature of the park is its endemism and relationship with the Himalayan flora and fauna. The headquarters of the park is at Avalanche and the best time to visit is from February to June.

Wellington (5 km)

The charming cantonment area on coonoor - Ooty route famous for Aruvankadu, Pasteur Institute, Silk Worm Rearing Station and Stanley Park Etc.

Dodabetta (10 km)

This highest peak (2638m) of the Nilgiris and Tamil Nadu is accessible by road. Panoramic views of the Nilgriri hill ranges can be enjoyed from here.

Glrnmorgan (17 km)

The scenic site is also known for toda tribal settlements.

Mudumulai Wildlife Sanctuary (64 km)

It is one of the most prominent wildlife sanctuaries o Tamil Nadu and the south. The thickly forested forested sanctuary covers an area of 321 sq.kms bordering the Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and the Wyanad sanctuary in Kerala. It is home to rich and varied species of animal life. The key fauna inculdes, elephant, bison, sambar, barking deer, tiger, leopard and a large number of smaller mammals like civet, cat, mouse deer, giant flying squirrel and many species of birds and snakes.

An ‘Elephant Camp' 5 km from the sanctuary is interesting. Elephants are bred here in captivity and trained for use in timber work.

The park can be visited through out the year, except for 3 months - June, July and August. Regular buses are available for the park from Ooty and Mysore (94 km).

The most prominent of the wildlife sanctuaries in the state, as well as one of the most important in the southern region, thickly forested Mudumalai borders the Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and the Wyanad Sanctuary in Kerala. Apart from the wide range of animal and bird life, the rich fauna of this sanctuary has made Mudumalai very popular with wildlife enthusiasts.

There are tigers at Mudumalai, though it takes a lot of luck and perseverance to spot one of these big cats that are such masters of stealth. But there are several other creatures of the jungle that can be sighted more easily.

Among these are spotted deer, elephant, gaur, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, civet, flying squirrel, four horned antelope, mouse deer, common langur, bonnet macaque and pangolin the scaly anteater. More rarely spotted are the panther, leopard, hyena, sloth bear and jackal.

The birds include peacock, woodpeckers, several species of owls, vultures and buzzards and the grey jungle fowl to name a few. On balmy April nights, when the whole sanctuary is lit up by million of glowworms, one will be in a different world altogether, a world of illuminated quiet.

Within the sanctuary is an elephant camp called Theppakkadu where there is a rest house. Accommodation is also available at TTDC's Youth Hostel and rest houses in Masinagudi, Abhayaranayam and Kargudi and the Bamboo Banks Farm that is 18kms away. The best season to visit is between Jan-March and Sep-Oct. For further information contact the Wildlife Warden, Coonoor Road, Udhagamandalam. There are also resorts at Masinagudi.