1. Summer Festival of Ooty

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Organized in May, the summer festival is celebrated across the Nigiri range of hills. The National Ministry of Tourism and the government of Tamil Nadu are responsible for conducting this yearly festival. This event intends to flaunt the incredible natural beauty of Ooty for travelers across the world. There are several shows on the ​schedule, such as flower, spice, fruit and rose shows during the festival.

Summer Festival

Address: Ooty, India

Website: Summer Festival

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (4th May - 27th May)

Price: 0.5 USD (per show)

2. Dolphin’s Nose

Located 19 miles (31km) from Ooty, Dolphin’s Nose is a viewpoint in Coonoor, the Nilgiris District. The tip of the peak is similar in shape to a dolphin’s nose, hence the name. The view from this spot is truly breathtaking and the 1.5-hour​ drive to reach makes it totally worth it. Additionally, you get to experience a variety of tea plantations on the way.

Dolphin’s Nose

Address: Dolphins nose Rd, Alwarpet, Burliyar, Tamil Nadu 643103

Website: Dolphin’s Nose

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 1 USD (includes camera carrying fee)

3. Botanical Gardens

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Botanical gardens are created to collect, cultivate, preserve and display a diverse variety of plants. There can be a variety of plants that may be sourced from other parts of the world. The garden here is established and maintained by the Indian government ever since its inception in 1848. There is an inherent sense of peace when spending time in nature and this garden is no exception.

Botanical Gardens

Address: Vannarapettai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643002

Website: Botanical Gardens

Opening hours: 7am - 6.30pm (daily)

Price: 0.5 USD

4. Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train

Opened to the public in 1908, the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train ride is one of the most popular ways to reach Ooty. This train was established by the British all the way back in the 19th century as a summer headquarter. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2005. The route passes through multiple tunnels and hundreds of bridges. The surrounding scenery is truly breathtaking as the train passes through thick untouched forested hills. This train journey features an exceptional climb, making it the steepest track in Asia.

Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train

Address: Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu

Website: Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train

Opening hours: 7.10am - 12pm (daily)

Price: 16 USD

5. Toda Huts

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Ooty originally started as a small village; industrial growth and rapid development have resulted in making it a tier-2 city. The Toda huts belong to the original immigrant settlers from the Western Ghats who inhabited Ooty and its surrounding Nilgiri Hills. Todas is the name of the local tribe and these huts represent their unique style of architecture. These huts are used for storage, cattle, and living by the tribe.

Toda Huts

Address: Vannarapettai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643002

Website: Toda Huts

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

6. Doddabetta Peak

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The Doddabetta peak is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Mountain Range. It stands tall at 2,637 meters (8,650 feet). Located a mere 9 km (18 miles) away from Ooty, you should definitely check this place out. The peak features a variety of flora that includes rhododendron trees. On top of this peak, there are two telescopes which are available for the public to enjoy.

Doddabetta Peak

Address: Ooty Kotagiri Road, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643002

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 0.5 USD

7. Fragrant oils

Thanks to the rich floral diversity and exotic plants in Ooty, the hill station is home to an ever-expanding industry of fragrant and essential oils. These oils can be used in a multitude of ways ranging from improving the mood, alleviate health symptoms and even reduce pain and swelling in the body. Do remember to stock up on fragrant oils for your friends and family before you leave Ooty.

8. Tea

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Did you know that tea tastes better on higher altitudes? This is also due to the fact that the majority of the tea available here is cultivated locally and has an inherent freshness to it. A cup of tea is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing. There are plenty of tea factories situated in Ooty, which you can visit to learn about the tea-making process. Additionally,​ there is also a tea museum that pays homage to the rich culture in Ooty, associated with tea.

9. Wax World Museum

The Wax World Museum is located on Coonoor road on National Highway 67. The best way to visit this place would be when you are traveling towards Doddabetta Peak. Though the place is relatively small, it is well worth the visit. It features wax statues of notable Indian freedom fighters and political figures.

Wax World Museum

Address: Coonoor Road, National Highway 67, Ooty, 64301

Website: Wax World Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 8pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: 1 USD

10. Homemade chocolates

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Ooty is well-known for its homemade chocolates. There are dozens of places you can buy locally made chocolates here, especially​ in the market area. Kingstar is one of the oldest manufacturers of chocolate in Ooty and while you need not pick a specific brand, be sure to check out the variety of homemade chocolates.

Come visit Ooty

We have given you a small preview of what this incredible destination has to offer. Be sure to visit these spots when you are in Ooty.