Ooty officially known as Udagamandalam is a town and a municipality in the Nilgiris district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Ooty (short for Udhagamandalam) is a resort town in the Western Ghats mountains, in southern India's Tamil Nadu state. Founded as a British Raj summer resort, it retains a working steam railway line. Other reminders of its colonial past include Stone House, a 19th-century residence, and the circa-1829 St. Stephen’s Church. Its 55-acre Government Botanical Garden lies on the slopes of Doddabetta Peak.
10:00am-12:00pm : Ooty Lake
An artificial body of water framed by eucalyptus trees and busy vendors, Ooty Lake remains one of the major tourist attractions in town. Created through a network of artificial dams constructed in 1824, the lake encompasses 26.3 hectares (65 acres). A boathouse in the middle of the lake offers refreshments and water sports rentals. Choose your mode of water transport--paddle, row, or motor boat--and cast off on the lake for a trip away from the crowds. Back on land, a small amusement park invites you in for more entertainment, and small gardens provide shady places to sit and rest.
12:30pm-2:30pm : Thread Garden
A handcrafted plant kingdom, Thread Garden attracts tourists from all over the world, especially lovers of artisanal artifacts. Embroidered over the course of 12 years by a group of 50 enthusiasts using 60 million m (190 million ft) of thread, canvas, and wire, this small museum of handicrafts features hand-woven leaves, flowers, and buds--even the lawns and lotus ponds are embroidered. With no machinery or needle used at any stage, the garden aspired for a Guinness world record. Use the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs and gifts. Opposite the boathouse in Ooty on North Lake Road, the garden is easily accessed by car.
3:00pm-4:00pm : Kandal Cross Roman Catholic Church
4:00pm-6:00pm : Upper Bhavani Lake
A huge body of blue water surrounded by rust-colored hills, Upper Bhavani Lake offers an escape into the nature some 90 minutes from Ooty. Giant squirrels, jungle cats, wild dogs, and jackals live in the area, which gets more than its share of annual rainfall and remains dominated by wattle plantations and montane forests. Guesthouses provide overnight stays for visitors coming here to hike, walk, or photograph the lake's big dam.
10:30am-12:30pm : Pykara Lake
Discover Toda settlements and the wildlife habitat around Pykara Lake, where you can see how varied plant and animal life flourishes in and around a reservoir of water created to support a hydro-electric power project. Follow the river that flows over series of waterfalls until your reach the last two, with heights of 55 m (180 ft) and 61 m (200 ft). Book a room at a boat house on the lake for that authentic experience and a chance to explore at your own pace.
1:30pm-2:00pm : M&N Chocolate Museum
Succumb to your chocolate cravings at M&N Chocolate Museum, where you'll discover how a master chocolatier turns cocoa beans into tasty bars. Consider purchasing a do-it-yourself chocolate-making kit to relive this intriguing experience after your visit.
3:30pm-6:00pm : Doddabetta Peak
Soak up the views from the highest point of the Nilgiri mountain range at Doddabetta Peak. At a height of 2,637 m (8,650 ft), the peak looks out across Ooty and, on very clear days, ensures vistas of the distant plains of Coimbatore. Hike or take a taxi to the top, where an observatory provides two viewing stations for the public. Plan to visit early to avoid long queues along the road.
10:00am-12:00pm : Government Botanical Garden
Stroll the slopes and terraces of Government Botanical Garden, and enjoy the extensive collection of both local and exotic plants and trees. Established in 1848, the gardens sprawl across the hillocks of Doddabetta Mountain and thrive in the high-altitude area’s temperate climate. Roam the peaceful, well manicured trails and admire more than 650 different species of trees, ferns, and colorful flowers. See the only cork tree in India, as well as the rare monkey puzzle and paperbark trees.
12:30pm-4:30pm : Thunder World
5:00pm-6:00pm : Western Catchment
Western Catchment is an area of The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, situated about 20 km from Ooty. The Western Catchment area is protected by the Forest Department, and tourists are not allowed in without permission. Earlier some regional movies were filmed here, but due to environmental protection permission is no longer given.
10:00am-6:00pm : Mukerti National Park and Lake
prawling across the plains, Mukerti National Park and Lake attracts nature enthusiasts wishing to spend some quiet time with friends or family. While driving to the lake, past rural villages and through lush woods of conifers and eucalyptus trees, keep your eyes open for wildlife. The park offers a home to a variety of endangered animals, including several species of deer, jackals, jungle cats, and many birds. The lakeshore offers plenty of picnic spots, so bring a blanket and a basket of goodies. You can also rent a boat or bring a pair of binoculars and enjoy bird-watching.
10:30am-12:00pm : Highfield Tea Factory
Head to the evergreen hilly Indian countryside and learn about tea-making at Highfield Tea Factory. A guided tour of the farm educates visitors about the process, from planting and fermentation, all the way through to brewing. Naturally, it finishes off with a tea tasting. In the processing factory, take in a bird's-eye view of tea manufacturing. Before you leave, head to the souvenir shop and pick up a box of your favorite flavor of tea.
1:00pm-2:00pm : Raj Bhawan
3:00pm-5:30pm : Sanctuary Avalanche
10:00am-12:00pm : Government Rose Garden
Walk through the pruned bushes, blooming flower beds, and lush lawns of Government Rose Garden, a well-maintained park showcasing an extensive range of plant life. With around 3,600 varieties of roses, the garden possesses one of the largest such collections in the country, including many rare species and unusually colored hybrids. Skillfully arranged to form tunnels, adorn arches, and climb pergolas, the roses here benefit from the ideal tropical mountain climate. The garden extends across five curved terraces, with plenty of peaceful walking routes to take across the site..
12:30pm-1:00pm : Elk Hill Murugan Temple
Carved into the hillside and set among the picturesque forested hills, Elk Hill Murugan Temple offers views of the town of Ooty. Dedicated to the god of love and war, the temple features a large statue of Lord Murugan and several smaller statues of other deities from the Hindu pantheon. The meditative surroundings and calming atmosphere attract visitors who come to enjoy some peace and quiet. Be prepared to climb a flight of nearly 85 steps to reach the top of the temple.
2:00pm-3:00pm : Lamb's Rock
The vantage point of Lamb's Rock looks out onto green hills enveloped by mist, and a jagged mountain cliff rising 1,250 m (5,000 ft) above sea level. Right next to the cliff you can explore the ravine, where a stream flows through the humid valley. Have a picnic party at this popular natural haven, which an Englishman named Captain Lamb made accessible by cutting a path towards it. Nowadays, rustic cottages cluster here, each private veranda offering a view of the vibrant tropical landscape.
3:30pm-5:30pm : Sim`s Park
Weave your way around snaking staircases, hidden paths, and perfectly kept lawns at Sim`s Park, a lush attraction in the heart of Conoor. Boasting more than a 1,000 species of tropical plants, the park is a colorful sanctuary with a hillside location. Enjoy a quiet ramble through a well-kept botanical landscape, keeping a keen eye out for the crimson tinted rosefinch, often found on the aromatic branches of the cinnamomum trees scattered across the park. Established in 1874, the garden remains a popular spot and can get quite busy at the weekends. Restrooms and concessions are located on site.
10:30am-12:30pm : Pykara Water Falls
Formed after a dam and power plant was introduced to the village, Pykara Water Falls is surrounded by lush greenery and makes the perfect spot for picnicking. Look toward the end of the dam to see the waterfall, and take a boat ride on the lake. A nearby boat house offers visitors a place to eat and relax, with more dining options available in the village. Come here to relax, admire the scenery, and take a few photos.
1:30pm-2:30pm : Holy Trinity Church
4:00pm-5:00pm : Kodanad View Point
Connect with the nature in this scenic spot and let your inner artist out by taking many pictures. On your way to the viewpoint, you will also pass tea estates, another worthy addition to your itinerary.