Ooty: Top Places to Visit in Ooty With Timings and Entry Fees.

Ooty is a nature lover's heaven. Ooty (also known as Udhagamandalam) is a great place to escape the monotony of city life. This location has everything from breathtaking valleys to mysterious waterfalls, interesting grasslands, and lush green tea gardens. The green cover is a pleasure for both the eyes and the soul. Many tourists flock to the hill station every year to enjoy its charm. Ooty has something for everyone, whether you want to go on a road trip, hiking, or rest at a resort. Numerous attractions in Ooty and its sister town, Coonoor, will captivate you.

Top Places To Visit In Ooty.

When To Go Ooty?

Because of its temperate environment, the hill station of Ooty attracts tourists all year. 

1. May to September: These are the summer months in Ooty, with temperatures hovering about 25°C, providing much-needed relief from the heat of the plains. Ooty receives mild rainfall in May, rejuvenating the Nilgiris Hills' flora and fauna.

2. October to February: These are the winter months in Ooty, with temperatures dropping significantly. The afternoon high is around 16C and can drop to 3C. On most days, the early fog clears to reveal dazzling sunshine.

How to Go Ooty?

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Ooty is in Coimbatore, which is less than 100 km away. The travel from Coimbatore Airport to Ooty's city core can take up to four hours.

2. By car: Ooty is easily accessible by car, with routes connecting Bengaluru (295 kilometres), Delhi (2365 kilometres), and Mangalore (359 kilometres). Public buses and private taxis operate from adjacent towns and cities in Karnataka and Kerala.

3. By Train: The picturesque Nilgiris Mountain Railway connects Mettupalayam and Ooty. The ascent takes roughly four hours, with picture postcard vistas along the way.

Ooty By Road.

Best Places to Visit in Ooty.

Here's a list of Ooty tourism attractions, complete with photographs for a more immersive reading experience.

1. Government Botanical Gardens.

This is one of the best spots to visit in Ooty for people who enjoy trees and flowers. Even if you're not very interested in things, the aesthetic appeal of this attraction will undoubtedly warm your heart. Graham Mclvor set out the famed tourist attraction in 1848. The garden is separated into six sections: new garden, conservatory, lower garden, nurseries, Italian garden, and fountain terrace. The entrance is lined with beautiful flowers, ferns, and orchids. The gorgeous colours of violet, crimson, white, and green make every aspect of this garden picture-perfect.

1. Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

2. Entry Fee: Free (up to 5 years), ₹15 (5-10 years), and ₹30 (10 years and above).

3. The Best Time To Visit: April to November.

4. Activities: Picnic, Relaxing in Nature, Nature Photography. (Timing and entry fees are subject to change).

Botanical Gardens, Ooty

2. Ooty Lake.

If you're seeking attractions to visit in Ooty in one day, you should put Ooty Lake on your agenda. This artificial lake, created during the British Raj in 1824, spans 65 acres. Surrounded by lush mountains, the scenery is magnificent, especially with the mist hovering over the green foliage. A boat excursion through this picturesque location is an absolute must. You can choose between paddle, motor, or rowing boats. Other leisure activities near the lake include an amusement park, toy trains for youngsters, and horseback riding. There is also a flea market to keep the shopaholics happy, as well as a food court with a variety of options. 

1. Boating Hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. 

2. Boating Fees: From ₹1000 to ₹2000, depending on the boat. 

3. The Best Time To Visit: October to June. 

4. Activities: Boating, horseback riding, picnics, cycling, and nature photography. (Timing and entry fees are subject to change).

Ooty Lake.

3. Doddabetta Peak.

Doddabetta Peak offers a panoramic view of the Nilgiris hills. If you're looking for sites to see in Ooty, make sure to include this on your schedule. Doddabetta, the tallest peak in the Nilgiris, is approximately 10 kilometres from Ooty. The most stunning views of Nilgiri's tallest peak—Doddabetta Peak—are a refreshing and mesmerizing visual delight for everyone. Along with the summit, visitors can enjoy the lush surroundings, dense woods, and picture-postcard views of Ooty. If you enjoy hiking, you will adore this spot. 

1. Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

2. Entry fee: Free for youngsters, ₹6 for adults.

3. The best time to visit: October to June.

4. Activities: Trekking, Photography, and Enjoying gorgeous vistas. (Timing and entry fees are subject to change).

Doddabetta Peak, Ooty

4. Saint Stephen's Church.

St. Stephen's Church, one of the top attractions in Ooty, is located on Upper Bazar Road and has amazing architectural design. One of the area's oldest churches, it features colonial-era plaques, painted window glass, and wooden elephants salvaged from Tipu Sultan's palace. People who like history should visit this chapel to spark their interest. To make your holiday worthwhile, include this church on your list of Ooty places to visit. 

1. Hours: 10 am to 1 pm, 3 pm to 5 pm.

2. Entry Fee: Free.

3. Time for exploration: 1 hour. (Timing and entry fees are subject to change).

Saint Stephen's Church, Ooty

5. Elk Hill Lord Murugan Temple.

Elk Hill, one of Ooty's most picturesque hills, is home to the well-known Elk Hill Lord Murugan Temple. The temple is devoted to Lord Murugan, also known as the warrior god. A life-size golden statue of Lord Murugan stands out against the stunning backdrop of the highlands. Not only is the view from the temple stunning, but the ambience inside is also impressive.

1. Hours: N/A.

2. Entry Fee: N/A.

3. The best time to visit: From September to July.

Elk Hill Lord Murugan Temple, Ooty

6. Mariamman Temple.

The Mariamman Temple, dedicated to the deity Mariamma, the regional deity of rain, is one of the most popular Ooty tourist attractions. According to folklore, every Tuesday, merchants from Coimbatore came to this location for trade. Once, two sisters arrived looking for a place to stay. They were asked to seek sanctuary under a tree; that night, a flash of lightning appeared, and the sisters vanished. It was then that the locals realized the sisters were goddesses. They subsequently built a temple for both holy beings. Like most South Indian temples, it has a pyramidal structure called Vimana that is adorned with colourful deity statues. 

1. Hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

2. Entry Fee: N/A.

3. The best time to visit: September to May.

Mariamman Temple, Ooty.

7. Tribal Museum.

If you are interested in history and cultures, visit the Tribal Museum. The museum, also known as the Indigenous Research Centre, houses several antiquities associated with regional Indigenous people. You may see below the descriptions of various tribal movements that occurred in the state over the years. There are also some rare images of tribal communities in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The research centre here aims to help the Indigenous community adjust to urbanization while preserving their culture.

1. Hours: 10:00 to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

2. Entry Fee: N/A.

3. The best time to visit: October to February.

4. Activities: Tribal culture, photography, and artefacts.

Tribal Museum Ooty.

8. Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

There may be no mention of a railway or a station on the list of locations to visit anywhere else. However, the British-built railway line is one of Ooty's most popular tourist attractions. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway line is regarded as an engineering wonder due to its high level of construction quality. The train, with its wooden coaches painted in unique colours, is also stunning. Its main attraction is the sights it provides as the train ascends hills, crosses rivers via bridges, whizzes by verdant meadows, and travels through tunnels. No wonder it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

1. Hours: Morning departure 07:10 am, afternoon departure 2:00 pm.

2. Ticket Prices: for the first class are ₹500-600 and the second class is ₹100-200.

3. The best time to visit: April-June and October-February. (Ticket prices are subject to change).

Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

9. Mini Car Museum.

Don't you love miniatures? So, this is the spot for you! Take a break from the usual natural tourist attractions in Ooty and visit this amazing little automobile museum, which has over 1,000 miniatures of iconic vehicles such as Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Porsche, Jaguar, and Volkswagen. Though small in size, this museum is conveniently placed and a true treat for all vehicle enthusiasts and children, making it one of the top places to visit in Ooty for families. When you're here, you may even buy a small automobile to take home as a souvenir.

1. Hours: 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.

2. Entry fee: N/A.

3. Activities: Enjoy the sightseeing.

Mini Car Museum Ooty

10. Toda Huts.

Toda huts, one of the most captivating sights in Ooty, are courtesy of the Toda tribal population in the Western Ghats. The unusual structures of the huts will undoubtedly spark your attention enough to visit. The beautiful small houses set against a backdrop of lush foliage will undoubtedly take your breath away. Don't forget to capture stunning photos of the scenery. While there, try to learn more about the local lifestyle and culture.

1. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2. Entry Fee: N/A.

3. Activities: Photography and cultural tours.

Toda Huts, Ooty.

11. Deer Park.

Deer Park in Ooty is a renowned tourist destination recognized for its natural beauty and the opportunity to see beautiful deer in their natural environment. Some of the most gorgeous deer can be found in the park's designated sections, which provide breathtaking views and excellent photo opportunities.

1. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

2. Entry Price: ₹20-30.

3. The best time to visit: October to February.

4. Activities: Deer Spotting, Nature Photography. (Timing and entry fees are subject to change).

Deer Park, Ooty.

12. Halashana Waterfalls.

Halashana Waterfalls are also known as Oteh Kodaaru in Tamil. It is one of the best spots to visit in Ooty if you enjoy watching waterfalls. It is located in Nilgiris, and the waterfalls fall 150 feet above sea level. It is owned by a private estate, thus tourists require permission to visit. To get the finest view of the falls and for safety reasons, lie flat on your back.

1. Hours: N/A.

2. Entry Fee: None.

3. Activities: trekking and sightseeing.

Halashana Waterfalls, Ooty

Conclusion.

We hope these fascinating places inspire you to schedule your Ooty visit soon. you make your trip unforgettable, make sure you see the majority of these Ooty attractions. Whether you're coming with family and friends or with someone special, each location will provide you with an unforgettable experience.