5 Popular Places to Visit in Ooty You Should Not Miss

Table of Contents:

1. Botanical Garden

2. Pykara Waterfalls

3. Doddabetta Peak

4. Ooty Lake

5. Elk Hill Murugan Temple

Nestled in the laps of the Western Ghats lies the fabled resort town of Udhagamandalam, popularly known as Ooty. This iconic hill station boasts of old-world charm, visible through its toy train, the Stone House, a 19th-century residence and many more colonial relics. This quaint yet mesmerising hill station in South India is perfect for that soul-reforming journey, one is always in search of. This idyllic hill station is the perfect escape for exploring historical landmarks, indulging in outdoor activities and savouring the local cuisine.

There are several places in Ooty worth mentioning; however, below is an interesting read on the top five places to visit in Ooty. If you feel like it, EaseMyTrip offers exclusive Ooty Tour packages for places to visit in Ooty with several modes of transfers at your fingertips.

Botanical Garden

A delight for every traveller, especially a horticulturist, is this massive garden spread across 22 hectares of government-owned land. The garden is home to over 650 species of flowers and trees that adorn the garden and the hearts of travellers alike. The garden is divided into five sections, namely the Lower Garden, Italian Garden, Nurseries, Conservatory and the Fern House. As a part of the Ooty summer festival that happens every year, the garden puts on a flower show for its visitors. In addition, there is a Fossil Tree Trunk that is said to be around 20 million years old, which is another noticeable attraction.

Pykara Waterfalls

Located 20 km away from Ooty on the Ooty Mysore highway, lies this unique waterfall, once popularised as an ideal picnic spot. Today, the waterfalls are more of a dreamy escape from the hustle of city life. The waterfall is surrounded by Eucalyptus trees, grassy meadows and small camps of an indigenous tribe called Toda. One may find a boathouse and a restaurant next to the waterfall if you feel like snacking on something as the cascading waters flow down the multiple rivulets. It is one of those locations that is truly set to give you a soul-stirring experience and is one of the best places to visit in Ooty.

Doddabetta Peak

At an approximate distance of 10 km from Ooty, on the crossroads of the Western and the Eastern ghats, lies the highest peak in Nilgiris. The highest point in South India lies at an elevation of 8,606 feet and is called the Doddabetta Peak. The peak and the surrounding regions are covered in dense shola forests, making the location popular among trekkers for its scenic beauty. The view from the top of the peak is equally mesmerising, with a telescope house adorning the top of the peak. The two in-house telescopes provide a scenic view of the horizon and the valley below.

Ooty Lake

Built back in 1825, this 2.5-kilometre-long lake adds to the scenic beauty of the Nilgiris, making it a popular picnic spot amongst travellers and locals alike. Ideally, the lake was built to help the locals support their daily diet and livelihood, however, now the lake is one of the star attractions of Ooty. Attracting tourists with its serene waters, scenic vibes and scrumptious seafood offerings. Yes, the locals offer a unique gastronomical experience, all thanks to the fish that are farmed in the lake. One may either enjoy a boat ride across the lake or choose to cycle the shoreline for a more indulgent experience.

Elk Hill Murugan Temple

Son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Lord Murugan is revered by the Tamils in South India as an influential deity. He is known as the god of war, victory and wisdom, making him an embodiment of devotion, divine leadership and valour in Hindu mythology. The Elk Hill in Ooty is home to one of the temples consecrated in honour of Lord Murugan, which houses a forty-foot-tall idol of the god. The temple also houses idols of other deities like Lord Shiva, Goddess Shakti, Lord Ganesha, Navagrahas and Nava Kanika. If you plan your trip in January and February, you may get to attend the Thaipusam Festival, which is a festival celebrated to honour Lord Murugan’s victory over evil.

Final Verdict

Whether you plan to visit Ooty for a long escape, a weekend getaway, or just to revel in the arms of Mother Nature, the quaint and serene hill station has it all. Be it a boat ride in the Ooty Lake or revelling in the harmonious chimes of the temple bells at the Elk Hill Murugan Temple, Ooty has nothing but peace to offer. Plan your next tranquil getaway to this serene and lush hill station for an escape from the hustle of city life. Enjoy a blend of unique offerings suited to every person’s individual needs, with EaseMyTrip’s Ooty hotel bookings.

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