Ooty - Sightseeing
Tourist Places nearby Ooty: Ooty is surrounded by
wonderful Nilgiri Hills with exotic locations.
Botanical Gardens
If you are on a sightseeing tour to Ooty, you might want to
visit the Government Botanical gardens, which were laid out in
1847.The picturesque gardens that are maintained by the
Horticulture department of the state, cover an area of about 22
hectares. The Gardens have well over 650 species of plants and
trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be
more than 20 million years old. The garden is very popular with
nature lovers and those who long to walk among greenery and see
rare ferns and shrubs up close.
If you are in Ooty in the month of May, then you can also be a
part of the summer festival, which is held here annually. The
festival holds flower shows and various cultural programs
showcasing the talent of the locals and the renowned artists.
Ooty Lake
If you love the outdoors, Ooty lake is a must see for you. It
was built in 1825 and is about 2.5 km long. Visitors to this
lake can go for boating on the lake or enjoy their favorite
outdoor activity of fishing. If the latter really appeals to you
then remember to get fishing permission before you head to buy
baits!
Dodabetta Peak
The Dodabetta Peak stands at an altitude of 2,623 meters. It is
the highest point in the district, making it possibly the best
vantage point around Ooty. It is merely 10kms from Ooty so you
can simply grab your camera and head straight to the peak, and
click amazing pictures of he valley below. Many say that on a
clear day, which is honestly not that often, one can see far off
areas, even the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of
Mysore.
Lamb's Rock
Lamb's Rock is another vantage point that is ideal for taking
pictures and is a wonderful picnic spot. It is merely 9kms. From
Coonoor and is known for the splendid views it offers of the
plains of Coimbatore and the tea states in the surrounding
areas.
Kodanadu's View Point
Kodanadu is about 16kms from Kotagiri, and is situated on the
eastern edge of the Nilgiri range. It is a great vantage point
that offers a breathtaking view of the Moyar river and the tea
estates. There is a watchtower here that offers a view of the
Rangasamy peak.
WEEKEND TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS
Though Ooty in itself can keep you occupied for many days, but
if you can never have enough of greenery and scenic beauty, than
you can visit numerous place around Ooty, such as Coonnoor and
Kotagiri, which are also quite popular with tourists.
Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
The Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of
67kms from Ooty. If you are in town for a couple of days, then a
visit to the Wildlife sanctuary would be a great way to spend a
day. The Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of very rich flora and fauna,
and is home to many endangered species. Though tigers and
Leopards are only seen by the fortunate few, elephants, giant
squirrels, sambhar, chital, barking deer and flying squirrels
are a common sight. The Sanctuary is also a great place to see
many kinds of birds, including colorful parakeets, black
woodpecker, Malabar trogon and crested hawk eagle. If you have
children with you or you yourself are simply fond of the
majestic elephants then, you might like to visit the elephant
camp within the sanctuary, Theppakkadu.
Kotagiri
East of Ooty, is a little village of kotagiri, which is about
28km from the popular hill station. Kotagiri is the oldest one
of the three hill stations in the Nilgiris. It is not as popular
as the other two, Ooty and Coonoor, yet it is said that it
probably has the most pleasant weather among the three of them.
It is a beautiful hill resort that has wonderful tea estates and
is definitely worth a visit.
Kalhatty Waterfalls
The beautiful Kolhatty waterfalls are about 100 feet in height
and are located on the kalhatty slopes. The falls are about
13kms from the city, so anyone on a tour of Ooty can easily
check out the falls and the beautiful area surrounding it.
Besides, obviously looking at the waterfalls, you can explore
the kalhatty-Masinagudi slopes, that are home to many wild
species, including panthers, sambhar, bison and wild buffaloes.
Sim's park
The Sim's Park is spread over an area of 12 hectares and is
situated in Upper Coonoor. The park it is believed has more than
1000 plant species, including many flowering plants, pines,
ferns and shrubs. If you are visiting in May, then you can
attend the fruit and vegetable show, which is a tradition and is
held annually.
Dolphin's Nose
If the name is not amusing enough for you, you can come down to
this very Dolphin's nose and have a good time, enjoying games
and an outdoor picnic. The Dolphin's nose is a great vantage
point that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. If
it is clear day, you can even see the Catherine falls from here.
Mukurthi
About 36 km from Ooty is Mukurthi. Here you can take a look at
the imposing Mukurthi peak. According to the Todas, the
indigenous people of this locale, the souls of the dead move on
to the next world from this very sacred place. It is an
interesting place for the skeptics as the flora and fauna of
this pace bears a striking resemblance to that found in
Himalayan region. You can also visit the Mukurthi lake which is
close to the peak and is worth a closer look.
Avalanche
Avalanche lies 28 km from Ooty. Unlike it's name, which conjures
up images of destruction and devastation, the place is a nature
lover's paradise. It is a lake, which is ideal for fishing,
though one has to obtain permission before hand. It is also the
perfect place to enjoy bird watching and a quiet afternoon.
Coonnoor
Coonoor is a famous hill station that is 17 kms from ooty. It is
probably the second most popular hill station in the Nilgiris.
The hill station stands at a height of 1839 meters and is known
for its great picnic spots and picturesque surroundings.
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