Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a scenic hill station nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. Known for its cool climate, lush greenery, and colonial charm, Ooty is a popular getaway for travelers seeking peace, nature, and adventure.
Key Highlights of Ooty
Natural Beauty: Surrounded by rolling hills, dense forests, and tea plantations, Ooty’s landscape is a vibrant mix of lush greenery and misty mountains. The Ooty Lake, a tranquil water body, is perfect for boating and picnics, while the nearby Dodabetta Peak offers panoramic views of the region.
Botanical Gardens: The Government Botanical Garden, a sprawling 55-acre park, is a top attraction with over 650 species of plants, including rare trees and vibrant flower beds. It’s a serene spot to enjoy nature walks and admire unique flora.
Tea Plantations: Ooty is known for its expansive tea estates, where visitors can explore tea gardens, learn about the tea-making process, and taste a variety of locally grown teas at the Tea Factory and Museum.
Colonial Architecture: Remnants of the British colonial era, such as the St. Stephen's Church, Stone House, and charming bungalows, give Ooty a distinct historical charm.
Toy Train Ride: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a picturesque toy train journey from Mettupalayam to Ooty. Passing through tunnels, over bridges, and along steep slopes, it provides breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills.
Wildlife and Adventure: Just outside Ooty, Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is home to elephants, leopards, and tigers. For adventure enthusiasts, Ooty offers options like trekking, horse riding, and mountain biking.
Day 1: Exploring Ooty Town and Lake
- Morning:
- Breakfast:
Start with a local breakfast at a nearby café.
- Ooty
Botanical Gardens: Begin at the Government Botanical Garden, where you
can admire a vast variety of flowers, exotic plants, and trees.
- Afternoon:
- Ooty
Lake: Enjoy a scenic boat ride, then stroll along the lakeside and visit
the mini amusement park.
- St.
Stephen’s Church: Explore this colonial-era church, known for its
beautiful stained glass and historic architecture.
- Evening:
- Nilgiri
Mountain Railway (Toy Train Ride): Take the UNESCO-listed toy train to
Coonoor (or just ride a segment if short on time) to enjoy panoramic
views of the Nilgiri hills.
- Return
and Relax: End the day with a cozy dinner at your hotel or a popular
restaurant in town.
Day 2: Tea Plantations and Coonoor
Excursion
- Morning:
- Tea
Factory and Museum Tour: Start the day learning about the tea-making
process, with opportunities to taste and buy local varieties.
- Sim’s
Park, Coonoor: Head to Coonoor (30-minute drive), where Sim’s Park offers
unique plant species and stunning views.
- Afternoon:
- Lamb’s
Rock: Visit this viewpoint in Coonoor to enjoy breathtaking vistas of the
Coimbatore plains and tea estates.
- Dolphin’s
Nose: Another great viewpoint, where you can see Catherine Falls in the
distance.
- Evening:
- Shopping
in Coonoor: Explore local markets for handmade chocolates, teas, and
souvenirs.
- Return
to Ooty: Head back for a relaxing evening and dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Adventure and Scenic Views
- Morning:
- Dodabetta
Peak: The highest peak in the Nilgiris, offering panoramic views of the
surrounding valleys and towns. Ideal for photography and hiking.
- Afternoon:
- Pykara
Falls and Lake: Drive to Pykara, a serene lake and waterfall. Enjoy a
boat ride on the lake and explore the peaceful area around the falls.
- Evening:
- Shopping
and Leisure: Spend the evening strolling through Ooty's local markets,
where you can pick up local tea, chocolates, and handicrafts.
- Dinner
and Departure: Enjoy a final dinner in Ooty, savoring the local flavours
before heading back or preparing for your journey home.
INCLUSIONS
Â
Pick up and drop from
airport/railway/bus station.
Accommodation on
double/twin sharing basis.
All breakfast
included at hotels.
All transfers and
sightseeing by private A/C vehicle.
Driver’s bata, toll,
parking, road tax, fuel charges All applicable taxes.
Â
EXCLUSIONS
Â
Service Tax – 5% GST
Extra.
Any air/bus/rail fare
Any other meals not mentioned in package inclusions.
Any other destination
not mentioned in itinerary.
Any personal expenses
such as laundry, room service, mini bar, telephone etc.
Guide charges/boating
charges/entrance fees for any sightseeing
Any services or
activity charges other than those included in inclusions.
Supplementary cost
for festival period, long weekend or peak season.