If you are open to all the options, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Ooty is one of the favorite destinations for vacationers. It gives them pleasure, peace, enchanting views, and so much more than just a hill station; isn’t it? Located in the North-Eastern region of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is arguably one of the finest hill stations in India too! Needless to say, it has loads of amazing places to visit and things to do as well.
See Also: Best time to visit Ooty
If you have been planning your trip to this wonderful land, then rest assured because we have got you covered. Here is a list of things to do in Ooty that would give you an amazing time in this town.
15 Top Things To Do In Ooty That will give you a good time
1. Coonoor day trip
Ooty is a complete package and one of the best things to do while here is take a day trip to Coonoor. Drive to the lush green and serene town of Coonoor for the day. It gives a lot of people some time away from the hustle-bustle of cities and towns. Even in this time, Coonoor’s beauty and serenity speak for themselves making this hill town a great escape for travelers.
Your joyride starts from the moment you take on the wheel or sit on your rented bike to visit Coonoor. While you head to Coonoor, there are multiple small waterfalls and immense beauty en route. While returning from your trip take the hairpin route to make your trip even better.
2. Waterfall hiking
| Name of the waterfall/ hike | Distance from Ooty |
| Halasana Falls Trek | 14 km |
| Kolakambai Falls | 35 km |
| Elk Falls | 41 km |
| Law’s Falls | 26 km |
| Katary Falls | 5 km |
Lots and lots of adventure souls visit Ooty every year and they look for adrenaline-rushing activities to engage themselves. If you too fall in this category then taking a hike on the trails at nearby waterfalls is inevitable.
You can make a list of places where you will be heading, prepare your bag pack, fasten up your shoes, and get going. Hike the waterfall and then take some time to enjoy the peaceful environment.
3. Tamil temples
| Name of the temple | Timings of the temple | Location of the temple |
| Annamalai Murugan Temple | 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm | Kil Kundha Post, The Nilgiris, Ooty |
| Nasiyan Jain Temple | Throughout the day | Ooty, Tamil Nadu |
| Mariamman Temple | 6 am to 8 pm | Elk Hill, opposite Ooty market, Ooty |
| Ooty Elk Hill Murugan Temple | Throughout the day | Elk Hill, Ooty |
| Valparai Linga Temple | Throughout the day | Ooty hills, Tamil Nadu |
| Muniswarar Temple | 6 am to 10 pm | Muneeswarar Kovil, Near Bus stand, Ooty |
Tamil Nadu is known for its temples and wherever you go, a beautiful and colorful temple is always there around you. You can explore colorful Tamilian Hindu temples in Ooty and around the hill station.
There are many small and popular temples in the hill station but one amongst them that stands the best is Mariamman Temple which is situated in the main market of Ooty. Murugan Temple, Vasupujya Swami Shwetambar Jain Temple, Nasiyan Temple, and Valparai Linga Temple are a few names that you should not forget to visit.
4. Seasonal flowers
| Places to enjoy the flower’s beauty | Timings of the parks or gardens | Entry Fee |
| Ooty Botanical Gardens | 7 am to 6:30 pm | Kids: 15 INR
Adults: 30 INR Still Camera: 50 INR Video Camera: 100 INR |
| Children’s Park | Sunrise to Sunset | None |
| Ooty Rose Garden | 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM | Kids: 15 INR
Adults: 30 INR Still Camera: 50 INR Video Camera: 100 INR |
| Thread Garden | 9 am to 5 pm | Kids: 15 INR
Adults: 30 INR Still Camera: 50 INR Video Camera: 100 INR |
The best time to visit a hill station is during summer. And Ooty also sees a huge crowd during the hotter months. People from around the country visit here to enjoy the pleasing weather and climate. See summer flowers at the multiple well-maintained gardens in Ooty. The place has a wonderful climate throughout the year and rain is also a constant here so that helps it in getting many seasonal and perennial flowers throughout the year.
People can enjoy the beauty of flowers at multiple places but the best amongst them is the Ooty Botanical Garden which is spread over 22 acres and has a collection of approximately 650 species of flowers. That’s a nature bouquet and a gift to nature lovers, well preserved by people. Other parks and gardens you should visit include Arboretum Tree Garden, Government Rose Garden, Thread Garden (It is an artificial garden), and Siri Horticulture Garden.
5. Chocolate shopping
| Name of the shop | Customer Reviews/ 5 | Timings of the shop | Location of the shop |
| Ooty Chocolates | 4.5 | 10 am to 10 pm | Divi Chocolates, near Hotel Divi paradise, Ooty |
| Mila Homemade Chocolates | 4.7 | Monday to Thursday: 8 am to 5 pm
Friday & Saturday: Opens 24 hours Sunday: 5 am to 9:30 pm |
Mysore Rd, Indunagar, Ooty |
| Jai’s Kingstar | 4.3 | Friday to Wednesday: 12:30 pm 9 pm
Thursday: Closed |
54, Commercial Road, Upper Bazaar, Ooty |
| King Star Chocolate | 4.1 | 10 am to 9 pm | 53, Charring Cross Complex, Garden Rd, Ooty |
Coco is one of the main ingredients of the majority of chocolates and coffee plantations are abundant in Ooty and places around. Although Ooty is popular for its tea plantation, still coffee has been a wonderful thing for the people here. The fresh coffee here is brewed with milk, and water and is also used for chocolate making. You can shop for specialty handmade chocolates which are readily available at many shops on Mall Road.
You can taste the chocolate before buying. White chocolate is also a thing here. There is a huge variety of handmade chocolates in Ooty. All you need to do is look for a shop, taste the chocolate and buy the one that you like.
6. Nilgiri tea shopping
Another good thing that people rejoice about here is tea tasting sessions and tea shopping. There are a few tea factories where tourists are taken for tea tasting sessions. Some shops in Ooty and Coonoor also offer this activity.
You can simply get a few flavors to taste and pick up locally grown Nilgiri tea from the shops of the factory. It completely depends on you. But while you are visiting here do not miss out on Elaichi Flavour and Chocolate Flavour teas. Do try them once.
7. Colonial churches
| Name of the Colonial Churches | Location of the churches |
| CSI Holy Trinity Church | Summer House Road, Summer House Colony, Upper Bazar, Ooty |
| St.Thomas Church | Fern Hill, Ooty |
| Zion Assemblies Of God Church | St Thomas Church Rd, Fern Hill, Ooty |
| St. Stephen’s Church | Near Collectors office, Club, Road, Ooty |
| St. Mary’s Church | St. Mary’s Church, St. Mary’s Hill, Ooty |
| St. Teresa Church | Brick Field Rd, Fingerpost, Ooty |
Queen of Nilgiris Hills is what Ooty is referred to as and that’s not a name given by Indians. Even when India was under British Rule, Ooty was a hub spot for a lot of reasons. There are many parts in the hill station that shows how dominant and prominent Britishers were in Ooty.
You can take a tour of the grand colonial-era churches. Here are a few names that you should put on your list while going sightseeing in Ooty- Zion Assemblies Of God Church, CSI Holy Trinity Church, The Church Of The Ascension, St. Stephen’s Church, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and St. Joseph’s Church. There are approximately 15 churches throughout Ooty and each of them is flawless in its ways.
8. Traditional meal
Tamil Nadu is also known for its tasty, healthy, and scrumptious meals. The food that’s offered here is highly healthy and you will find less junk food at even the roadside stalls.
Feast on typical idli & dosa meal but Uttapam, Parotta, Upma, and Vada are some other food items that can be savored here. All of these items clubbed with Sambar and Chutneys make for lip-smacking dishes.
9. Bakery treats
Sample special snacks at local bakeries are also a great thing to do in Ooty. You can enjoy your time taking a bite at the delicious and fresh bakery items.
There are many shops on Mall Road where you can get a lot of items. All of them will be fresh and luscious. Some of these shops have their own bakery to make these products. Whatever your choice, make sure you do not skip the treat offered by the bakery.
10. Natural souvenirs
If you want to buy some souvenirs there are terrific shops on the mall roads, near the bus station, railways station and other areas too. Shop for locally made natural products because they are going to be durable. The artisans in Ooty have a thing for creative designs and amazing products. You can see that in their products. All in all, you will love all their products, and each one of them has the capability to serve as a wonderful souvenir in your house.
11. Charing Cross cafes
Charing Cross is one of the most happening places in Ooty and there is no denying that many people stop here for a good time. From bars, restaurants, to cafés- one can find a lot of things here. So take some time out and hang out in cafes at Charing Cross.
12. Explore the Botanical Garden
Visiting Ooty and not planning at least half a day in and around the Botanical Garden will be a bummer. It is one place that offers a delightful and satiating experience to all nature lovers. Botanical Garden is one of the best attractions of the hill station and you will find a lot of people visiting and enjoying their time here. Exploring the species of flowers and plants in the botanical garden is one of the most popular things to do in Ooty for couples.
| Location | Nilgiris, Vannarapettai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu |
| Timings | Monday to Sunday (7 am to 6:30 pm) |
| Fees | For Adults: 30 INR
For children: 15 INR Still Camera: 50 INR Video Camera: 100 INR |
| Exploration Time | 3-4 hours |
| Variety of Plants | 50,000 |
13. A boat ride at Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake is an ideal attraction and amongst the most popular ones too. It is one of those attractions where people can go enjoy some time and click pictures. Visiting here and taking a boat ride should surely be there on your list of things to do in Ooty with family. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery on all sides that makes clicking pictures a treat for photographers. Also, while you are taking a boat ride, do enjoy the peaceful and serene environment that’s spread across the place.
| Location | Ooty Lake, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu |
| Timings | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Entry Fee |
|
| Best time to visit Ooty Lake | October and May |
14. Enjoy clicking pictures at Pykara Lak
Ooty has another fine lake where you can head and have a good time with your family or friends. Among the finest things to do in Ooty with friends; visiting Pykara Lake, boating, and exploring the surroundings are going to be the best. The lake is filled with a lot of serenity and captivating sights. The allowance of boating around the place also offers a lot of thrill and enjoyment to people. The lake has a calming environment and clear water.
| Location | Pykara, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, 643237 |
| Timings | Monday To Sunday- (8:30 am to 5:30 pm) |
| Charges |
|
15. Trek to the Doddabetta Peak
Ooty has many view points and trekking trails, but there is none like Doddabetta Peak. It is one of the finest attractions of the entire hill station. One can enjoy their time by visiting here for some time. If you are looking for things to do for couples on honeymoon, adventure activities for friends, or even solo; trekking to this peak answers all of that.
Conclusion
A lot of people from North India fear their trip to the Southern States just because of the language barrier. If you too are holding yourself due to this reason, let loose this thought because it is invalid. From cab drivers to staff in hotels- Ooty has people who speak Hindi and English. This makes communicating and commuting simply amazing and hiccupless. So, what do you think of it now?
See also: Things to do in coorg | Things to do in munnar
