OT Itinerary: How To Spend The Perfect 3 Days In Ooty
Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Ooty, officially known as Udhagamandalam, is a picturesque hill station renowned for its verdant landscapes, tranquil lakes, and colonial charm. The name "Ooty" is believed to have originated from the Toda word "othakal-mund" which means "house in mountains". Perched at an altitude of around 2,240 metres, Ooty boasts stunning vistas of rolling hills carpeted with tea plantations and dense forests of pine and eucalyptus trees.
During the British Raj, Ooty served as a popular summer retreat for the British elite, who were drawn to its cool climate and scenic beauty. The hill station's colonial legacy is evident in its architecture, including the historic St. Stephen's Church and the stone-built Ooty Railway Station, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Ooty's charming streets are lined with quaint cottages, vibrant markets, and bustling tea stalls, offering a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in the region's natural splendour by exploring attractions like the Ooty Botanical Gardens, where a diverse collection of indigenous and exotic flora flourishes, and the tranquil Ooty Lake, where boating and picnicking opportunities abound. Whether strolling through fragrant tea estates, embarking on scenic hikes, or simply unwinding amidst the serene surroundings, Ooty offers a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Day 1
Morning: Walk Around The Ooty Lake
Begin your day by experiencing the calmness of a boat ride at Ooty Lake. The lake is surrounded by eucalyptus trees and lush greenery, making it ideal for a morning walk or a leisurely boat ride. You can select from paddle boats, rowboats, or motorboats to explore the lake and appreciate the beautiful views of the nearby hills.
Afternoon: Lunch At Shinkows Chinese Restaurant
If you're looking for a delicious lunch spot in Ooty, look no further than Shinkows! This popular Chinese restaurant has been around for years and is located in the heart of town. At Shinkows, you can enjoy a variety of authentic Chinese dishes made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Be sure to try their specialities, such as Chicken Manchurian, Hakka Noodles, and Vegetable Fried Rice.
Address: CP63+H4V, Summer House Colony, Upper Bazar, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001
Timings: 12 to 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm to 10 pm
Price: INR 400 for two
Evening: A Visit To The Botanical Gardens
Spend your evening exploring the enchanting Botanical Gardens, which are spread over 55 acres of lush land. Established in 1847, these gardens are home to a vast collection of exotic plants, rare flowers, and towering trees. Take a leisurely walk amidst the vibrant blooms, visit the fossilised tree trunk, and admire the meticulously manicured lawns. Don't forget to capture the breathtaking sunset views from the gardens.
Address: CP96+HH2, Vannarapettai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643002
Timings: 7 am to 6:30 pm
Entry Fees: INR 30 per person
Day 2
Morning: Climb Up The Doddabetta Peak
Start your day with a trip to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris. It is located only 10 kilometres away from Ooty town, and it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The name Doddabetta literally means ‘big mountain’ in the Badugu Language, which is so in reality. It is at the junction of Western and Eastern Ghats and offers beautiful vistas of Nilgiri Hills range. You can either drive or trek to the peak, and enjoy the stunning sunrise illuminating the landscape below.
Afternoon: Lunch At Earl's Secret
Indulge in a luxurious lunch at Earl's Secret, which is set amongst the verdant hills. This eatery, designed in a colonial style, offers a mouthwatering array of locally sourced Indian and Continental dishes. You can relish your meal in the sophisticated setting of the dining hall or choose snug outdoor seating that affords breathtaking vistas of the valley.
Address: Havelock Rd, Police Quarters, Pudumund, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001
Timings: 12:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Price: INR 1200 for two
Evening: A Trip To The Government Rose Garden
Spend your evening amidst the vibrant hues of the Government Rose Garden, one of India's largest rose gardens. The garden is home to over 20,000 varieties of roses, making it a haven for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. Take a leisurely stroll along the neatly manicured pathways, breathe in the fragrant aroma of roses, and marvel at the mesmerising beauty of this floral paradise.
Address: Rose garden, Davisdale, Bombay Castle, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001
Timings: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
Entry Fees: INR 30 per person
Day 3
Morning: Witness The Pykara Lake And Waterfalls
Embark on a scenic journey to Pykara Lake and Waterfalls, nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Nilgiris. Begin your day with a boat ride on the tranquil waters of Pykara Lake, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. Then, take a short hike to the majestic Pykara Waterfalls, where cascading waters create a mesmerising sight amidst the verdant landscape.
Afternoon: Lunch At Nahar's Sidewalk Cafe
Indulge in a satisfying lunch at Nahar's Sidewalk Cafe, a comfortable restaurant renowned for its scrumptious comfort food and serene atmosphere. Situated in the centre of Ooty town, this delightful cafe provides an extensive menu that includes Indian and Continental specialities, as well as freshly brewed coffee and heavenly desserts.
Address: Charing Cross, 52-A, Commercial Rd, Upper Bazar, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001
Timings: 10 am to 10:30 pm
Price: INR 600 for two
Evening: A Trip To The Coonoor Tea Estate
Wrap up your trip to Ooty with a visit to a tea estate in Coonoor, a charming town located a short drive away. Immerse yourself in the lush tea gardens, discover the tea-making process from harvesting to brewing, and indulge in a cup of freshly brewed tea while admiring the breathtaking views of the hills. Don't forget to pick up some fine Nilgiri tea as a souvenir of your unforgettable Ooty adventure.
Address: Dolphin's Nose Rd, Alwarpet, Burliyar, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, 643103, India
Timings: 6 am to 5 pm
How To Reach
Air: The nearest airport to Ooty is the Coimbatore Airport (CJB) at a distance of 57 km.
Rail: Coimbatore and Tiruppur are the two nearest stations, which have connectivity to Mettupalayam from where you can get Ooty Toy Train.
Road: Ooty is at a 90 km from Coimbatore by road and 105 km from Tiruppur. Bus services and even taxi for hire are available easily from these places.
