Gardens: One of the most popular picnic spots, the Botanical Garden consists of well maintained lawns, rare tree species including the monkey puzzle tree (so called because monkeys cannot climb this tree!), a 20 million year old fossilized tree, an Italian- garden lining a clear pool and rare flowers like orchids. This garden is the hub of activity during the annual Flower Show held in May. Another popular haunt, especially with children is the Mini Garden, which has a children's amusement park within. Located in the city centre, you must also make time for a visit to the Rose Garden, which has the largest collection of roses in the country. Hybrid Tea Roses, miniature roses, Ramblers and unusual colored roses like black and green are some of the highlights here.
Open from: Botanical Garden - 7.30 am-6.00 pm, Entry fee - Rs 5
Rose Garden - 8.30 am-6.30 pm, Entry fee - Rs 10
Doddabetta: Located 4 kms from Ooty, Doddabetta is the highest mountain in the Nilgiris. Literally meaning Big Mountain, the entire range is covered with thick shola trees, rhododendron bushes and shrubs. Atop the peak are two telescopes to let people enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding vistas.
St. Stephen's Church: Located on the Club Road, this is a tiny gothic church, one of the first colonial structures to have come up in Ooty. It's pews are remarkably done and there are stained glass paintings inside, depicting Mary holding baby Jesus and the crucifixion of Christ. The Western Wall has a huge painting of the Last Supper. Watch the wooden beams inside, which was transported from Tipu Sultan's palace. If you can, visit the cemetery closeby, which houses the grave of John Sullivan, founder of Ooty. Also popularly visited are the Gothic and Tudor churches, Union Church and Holy Trinity Church, which have huge stained glass windows, carved pews and plaques carrying names of British battalions.
Tribal Research Centre: This was established as a plan to promote growth of the tribal of the Nilgiri area. This centre is concerned with conducting studies on the lives of the communities, imparting training and education on their development abd to develop a tribal museum for maintaining records of their times. For this, you must also visit the adjoining Library and the Special Cultural Museum, which safeguards several important literatures and structures of their evolution.
Government Museum: The Government Museum on Mysore Road has on display tribal items, the ecological details of the town and several sculptures and crafts of Tamil Nadu.
Lalith Kala Academy: Situated 2 kms from Ooty, this houses a vast collection of contemporary paintings and sculptures from across the country.
Ooty Lake: One of the prime highlights of this city, the lake appears in an L-shape. Artificially formed by John Sullivan, the far end of this has the Boat House, where you can hire boats for excursions on the lake. In fact, this lake is the centre of attention during the annual Boat Race and Boat Pageantry. Close to the Boat House is a children's amusement park and a toy train. Next to it is a deer park and adjacent to it is a mini-garden. The entire perimeter of the lake has well-paved roads, which is frequented by walkers and ponies.
Pykara Falls: Located 19 kms from Ooty, this is a beautiful picnic spot. Located closeby are shola growths, Toda settlements and green fields. Also enjoy a session of boating with the Boat House located nearby.
Charring Cross: This is the most happening areas of Ooty, since this is where the main vegetable and fruit markets are located.
Fernhill Palace: The erstwhile summer palace of the Maharaja of Mysore, Fernhill Palace is a beautiful construction of carved wooden boards and ornamental cast iron. The palace grounds abound in well-tended gardens, firs trees and cedars. Also visit the badminton court inside, which resembles a church! Today, this palace has been converted into a heritage hotel.
Trout Fishing: Kamaraj Sagar is a popular picnic spot set amidst old trees and green shrubs and offers great avenues for trout fishing. Similar to this Upper Bhavani Lake is also rich is trout fishing and set amidst great shola shrubs. A huge dam constructed over this lake has also facilitated tea cultivation. Located 28 kms from Ooty, Avalanche Lake is surrounded by a thick forest and is another trou-rich river. Remember to seek prior permission before you venture trout fishing.
Wenlock Downs: This vast land is a popular picnic spot made of rolling hills. Offering breathtaking views of the valley below, it today houses the Gymkhana Club, Hindustan Photo Films Factory and the Golf Club. Also located nearby is a Government Sheep Farm.
Ketty Valley View: Located en route to Coonoor, this is a picturesque village with a wonderful climate. The region abounds in tea plantations and it is believed that tea cultivation was first introduced in this region.
Glenmorgan: This is another popular tea estate, 25 kms from Ooty. There is a beautiful lake located here, which supplies water for the Pykra powerhouse. Also located in its vicinity are Toda settlements.
The Mukkurthi Peak and National Park: Located about 40 kms from Ooty, Mukkurthi is a beautiful peak offering great views of the region. Located nearby is the Mukkurthi National Park, which is established to protect rare wild animals. The Mukkurthi Lake here abounds in several water-birds and ducks and boating facilities are also available.
Needle Rock View Point: Located 12 kms en route to Ooty, this offers beautiful views of the Gudalur and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary. Also visible from here is a mountain called Aanakkallu or Sleeping Beauty, so named because of its shape of a sleeping woman.
Deer Park: One of the few high altitude parks, this offers a great opportunity to observe wildlife from close quarters. |