Ooty – Things To Do
Ooty Place to See
Top 25 Things To Do In Ooty
With so many things to do in this gorgeous hill station and soak in more serenity for your mind, body and soul, here’s a list of must-have experiences that you simply cannot afford to miss out on!
Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train
The century-old Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and taking a ride in it is one of the fun things to do in Ooty. This 46 km toy train journeys through the picturesque valley, amazing tunnels, steep curves, beautiful bridges and the lush green Nilgiris Mountain to reach Ooty from Mettupalayam.
Average cost: INR 100
Botanical Gardens
The Government Botanical Garden in Ooty is a massive garden spread across 55 hectares and the various flowers here are a delight to the eyes. It has over 650 species of flowers and trees and visiting it is one of the top 10 things to do in Ooty for nature enthusiasts.
Location: Vannarpettai
Timings: 8.30 AM to 6.30 PM
Dolphin’s Nose
Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint is a picturesque tourist spot situated 1550 meters above sea level. It’s an ecstasy to drive to Dolphin’s nose viewpoint through hairpin bends, tea plantations, and Catherine Falls. If you are looking for some things to do in Ooty and Conoor, visiting the Dolphin’s Nose should definitely be on your list.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Toda Huts
Todas are the local tribes of Ooty and live in bamboo huts with thatched roofs that are in a semi barrel shape and have no windows. They have small entrance and requires one to bend to enter the hut. If you are wondering what to do in Ooty, checking these Toda huts will definitely be a lifetime experience.
Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiris at an altitude of 8606 feet. The Doddabetta peak offers a beautiful panoramic view of the region and has a Telescope House to let travelers catch fascinating views of the surrounding Nilgiri area. Visiting the Doddabetta Peak is one of the best things to do in Ooty in March when the sky is clear and the weather is sunny.
Location: Ooty-Kotagiri Road
Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry fee: INR 10 per person
Summer Festival Of Ooty
If you are wondering what do in Ooty in the month of May, then taking part in the Summer Festival organized by the Tourist Department is the best things to do in Ooty in May. The annual summer festival in May aims to promote tourism in Ooty and offers a number of cultural programs like Boat Races and flower shows.
Pykara
Pykara is a village and is known for the Pykara Waterfall and the Pykara lake. One can enjoy the speedboat rides available at the lake, take a walk amid the pine trees, have a picnic with family, among the best things to do in Ooty in June!
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Average cost: INR 60/-
Tea Museum
The museum enlightens you about the Origin of World Tea and evolution of tea in the Nilgiris. Surrounded by lush green tea plantations, the museum has a souvenir shop where you can shop for a wide variety of tea leaves, teacups, plates etc. This is among the best things to do in Ooty in August as the tea plantations look fresh and green then.
Location: Doddabetta Road
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee: INR 250 per person
Pubs
Ooty has some of the country’s best Pubs and Bars like The Valley Bar, Club Mahindra, Canterbury Bar and Selbournes Bar. Visiting the Selbournes Bar is definitely one of the most amazing things to do in Ooty at night owing to its chic and elegant ambience.
St. Stephen’s Church
St. Stephens Church was built by the British almost 200 years ago and still looks as magnificent. Apart from its painting of the Last Supper, the churchyard is frequented by tourists for a perfect evening stroll. Visiting the St. Stephen’s Church during Christmas is among the best things to do in Ooty in December.
Location: Club Road
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5.00 PM