ooty surrounding tourist places

Places to Visit in Ooty | Top Ooty Tourist Sightseeing Places

Ooty, the Queen of Hill stations, welcomes you with mesmerising meadows, soothing environment, cool weather and a wide array of sightseeing places to visit and admire. Each tourist attraction in Ooty promises a unique and lively experience that will leave you in awe for many days to come. However, if you are wondering what to do in Ooty and what to see in Ooty then have a look at the various sightseeing places that we have mentioned below. With these interesting tourist places to see in Ooty, you can be sure of having a memorable Ooty tour.

You cannot go back from Ooty without spending time at the scenic Coonoor. Hence, we have also added all the popular places to visit in Coonoor that you can explore during your holidays in Ooty.

1. Ooty Lake

• Recommended Duration: 2 Hours
• View details..

One of the most important parts of every Ooty tour, Ooty lake is indeed a place to visit. It is an artificial lake that was built for fishing purposes. This lake is popular for boating. Tourists can be seen enjoying a refreshing ride on its serene waters. There is a boating house located near the lake offering a wide array of boats on hire. Cycling by the side of the lake is also worth experiencing. There are also a few shops located around the lake, selling various locally made items.

2. Ooty Botanical Gardens

Maintained by the Horticultural Department of Tamil Nadu, Botanical Gardens of Ooty is undeniably one of the most popular places to see in Ooty. Spread over 55 acres of land, this garden is divided into five different sections such as Fern House, Lower Garden, Italian Garden, Conservatory and Nurseries. The flower show conducted here as a part of Ooty Summer festival is a major attraction. Another popular attraction of the Botanical Garden is the Fossil Tree Trunk that is said to be around 20 million years old. The wide variety of plants here are worth exploring.

3. Ooty Toy Train

A part of Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Toy Train is an integral part of every Ooty Tour. It runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty via Coonoor. The ride in this historical toy Train is unmatched to any other train ride; passing through lush green landscapes and breathtaking nilgiri mountains, this train runs on a track of 46 km. There are first class and second class coaches to choose from.

4. Ooty Rose Garden

Rose Garden is another popular place to visit in Ooty. Maintained by the Government of Tamil Nadu, this garden is spread across 4 hectares of land and proudly presents more than 20 thousand varieties of roses. A well maintained garden, it also boasts of winning the Garden of Excellence Award for South Asia from the World Federation of Rose Societies. The unparalleled beauty of roses promises a visual treat and an ideal backdrop for photography.

5. Doddabetta Peak

Located at an altitude of 2623 metres, Doddabetta Peak is the highest peak in the Nilgiris. At the junction of Western and Eastern Ghats, it is around 10 km away from Ooty. Covered by dense sholas, this peak is trekkers' favourite point. The view from the top of the peak is absolutely mesmerising. There is a telescope house at the peak with two telescopes presenting a captivating view of the valley around. Rich flora and fauna here add on to the overall charm of Doddabetta Peak.

6. Pykara Waterfalls

Situated on the Ooty Mysore road, this waterfall is around 20 km away from Ooty. Developed as a picnic spot, this place is ideal to come and relax while admiring the scenic beauty of the waterfall and greenery around. There is a boat house and a restaurant can also be found near the waterfall, where you can enjoy snacks while the beauty of pristine streams of water mesmerises you. The surrounding area is also popular for Toda settlements.

7. Pykara Lake

Located on the Ooty-Mysore road, Pykara Lake is 21 km away from the town’s centre. This lake was formed from the dam and power plant built over the Pykara River. Vast spread of calm waters surrounded by greenery creates a spectacular site. It’s a popular site for picnics as well as activities like boating. The Pykara boat house has varied kinds of boats, ranging from motor boats to pedal boats. The small cafeteria, at the boat house offers interesting choices for a quick snack. You can go hiking at the Pykara Falls. On the way to Pykara Lake, you can stop at the Wenlock Downs, which is also a popular picnic spot, owing to its scenic beauty.

8. Government Museum

On the Ooty-Mysore Road, Government Museum Ooty, is another place to visit for a glimpse into the land’s rich history. This museum was established in 1851. It showcases a wide array of sculptures, paintings, artefacts belonging to the tribes of Ooty. Here, you can get an insight into the life of the Todas, one the most prominent tribes of the hill stations. There is no entry fee for this museum. You can visit this museum on all days of the week, except Fridays.

9. Ooty Thread Garden

• Recommended Duration: 1 Hour

Located opposite the Ooty Lake and 1.5 km away from the railway station, Ooty Thread Garden is another unique tourist attraction in the town. Brainchild of a former professor Mr. Antony Joseph, it is a garden made of artificial flowers. All the flowers and the plants are made out of thread, using the four dimensional hand-wound embroidery. It took around 12 years of time and 50 artisans to create an entire thread garden. It was built in 1988. At present, there are more than 100 different varieties of colourful flowers, each made out of thread along with steel, cardboards and copper wires for plant stems.

10. Ooty Honeymoon Boat House

As the name suggests, this boat house is perfect for couples, looking for some peaceful moments in each other’s company. Not just couples, it can be visited by anyone who wants to have the memorable experience of riding in a boat similar to Kashmiri shikara. This boat ride was started in 2004 and has been very popular since then. You can find it on the western side of the main Ooty boathouse. Apart from boating, you can also take a relaxed stroll on the paved pathway along the side of Ooty Lake.

11. Pine Tree Forests Ooty

Pine Trees Forests has been a popular location of film shootings and a site for many hit Bollywood movies like Qayamat tak, Khuda Gawah, Sadma, Dil and Deewana and Tamil Song- Dheena. Its captivating location overlooks the Sandy nulla Lake. It is dotted with pine trees of varying lengths, starting from 3 metres to even 80 meters long. Some of the trees are said to be around 4000 years old. Apart from offering cinematic photographs, it is also ideal for camping and horse riding.

12. Avalanche Lake

Located 28 km away from Ooty, Avalanche lake is a must visit when on Ooty Tour. This lake, beautifully lying amid the lush greenery of mountains and landscapes mesmerises every visitor. It was created due to a massive landslide somewhere around the 1800s hence the name. It is popular for trout fishing and the required equipment for it can be taken from Trout hatchery. Along with exploring the surrounding areas and its rare flora and fauna, other activities that are popular here are camping, rafting and trekking to nearby hilly regions such as Upper Bhavani. It is also an ideal picnic spot.

13. Emerald Lake

Located near the Emerald Village in the Nilgiri District, Emerald Lake lies in a place called Silent Valley. It is situated around 25 km away from Ooty. A beautiful lake offers an ideal place for a picnic where you can relax and spend some quality time with your loved one. Tea plantation surroundings add on to the overall beauty of the lake. The view of sunrise and sunset from here is breathtaking and not to be missed.

14. Wenlock Downs Ooty

Over 80 acres of lush green landscapes also housing Hindustan Photo Films Company presents a vast spread of greenery and calm environment. A walk here, amid the soothing touch of nature and its calm surroundings with nothing but the sound of birds and leaves hustling as the wind passes by, is something that will make your Ooty tour complete. The sight of sheep grazing and a long stretch of eucalyptus trees is sure to mesmerise you.

15. 6th Mile

It is another popular attraction in Ooty known for movie shoots. As you can guess from the name, it’s about 10 km (6 miles) away from Ooty. You can reach here on the way to Pykara Lake. This vast green landscape is surrounded by Shola forest, adding further to its exceptional beauty. Visit 6th Mile for a few insta-worthy photographs of the Ooty trip. From here, you can also spot munds, which are barrel-shaped huts made up of bamboo and grass and are used by the members of Toda tribes.

16. Deer Park

Located at a distance of 2 km from Ooty Lake, Deer Park is easily accessible by road. With its rich fauna along with varieties of deer such as Sambhar and the Chithal, Deer park makes up for an interesting visit, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. Equally rich is the variety of flora in this park. Spread across an area of 22 acres, this park was established in the year of 1986. It is one of the known wildlife sanctuaries of not only Tamil Nadu but of India presenting an amazing opportunity to observe the wildlife and various animals from closer.

17. Kalhatty Waterfalls

About 13 km away from Ooty, on the Ooty-Mysore Road, Kalhatty Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls that you will see on an Ooty Tour. This waterfall can be reached via a 2 mile path from Kalhatti village. It is believed that great Hindu saint Agastya once lived here. With its rich avian fauna, it is often visited by bird watchers as well. Its scenic beauty is sure to leave you spellbound.

18. Tea Museum / The Tea Factory (Doddabetta Road)

The Department of Horticulture and Plantation Crops established this museum to create awareness about tea plantations. It is spread over an area of 1 acre. Here at the Tea factory you can learn the complete process of tea making, from the initial stage of plucking the tea leaves, turning them into small grains by using the CTC method (cutting, twisting, and curling) and then packaging. At the Tea Museum, you can see the origin of various varieties of tea from all over the world and especially in Nilgiris. You can also buy souvenirs from here. As it is located at the height of 1839 metres, the view of the valley from the Doddabetta tea factory and museum is also worth noticing.

19. Kamraj Sagar Dam

A popular place for picnics and film shooting, this dam is situated around 10 km from Ooty bus stand. Also known with the name of Sandynallah Reservoir, this dam offer peaceful environment with beautiful surrounding where tourists can spend some time at ease. Along with being a popular picnic spot, it is also visited by tourists for bird watching as well as for fishing. It is a popular site for researchers who come to study environment.

20. Mudumalai National Park

Connecting Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats, on the Ooty Mysore route, Mudumalai National Park is another place to visit by Nature lovers when on their tour to Ooty. This national park boasts of many wild animals and rich avian fauna along with equally rich flora. It has also been declared as a tiger reserve as it is home to approximately 50 tigers. If interested one can also find accommodation as many guest houses are offered by the Forest Department at different location of the park.

21. Mukurthi National Park

A part of Nilgiri Bio reserve, Mukurthi National Park promises a memorable time to everyone amid its enthralling scenic beauty and rich nature. Spread across 80 sq.km, this national park has various streams and rivers flowing through it, which in turn add to the overall attraction of this place. Many animals and birds can be spotted around these sources of water. There are also a few watch towers located inside the national park. It is a popular site for trekking as well.

22. Needle View Hillpoint/Needle Rock View-point

Located about 8 km from Gudalur, Needle Rock view-point presents a mesmerizing 360 view of the surrounding valley and areas. Gudalur is around 51 km from Ooty. Also known as Soochimalai, it is also a popular spot for trekking. This view point got its name as its shape resembles a needle. The view of clouds meeting hills, crossing you as you stand watching them is sure to take your breath away.

23. Tribal Research Center

Situated around 10 km away from Ooty, Tribal Research Center presents a glimpse into the live of indigenous people. Along with researching into the lives of tribal tribes of SOuth India, it also houses a well stocked library. It also a museum displaying artefacts. Easily accessible by road, this place is an ideal place to understand the lives of local people.

24. Parsons Valley Reservoir Ooty

As the name suggest Parson valley reservoir is located in Parson valley, which is spread over an area of 200 hectares at an altitude of 2,196 meters above sea level. Situated on the Ooty Mysore road, it can be reached via road. This hydel reservoir can be entered after getting a permission from the forest department. It is the primary source of water to the Nilgiri District. The view of the valley around the reservoir is worth travelling for.

25. St Stephens Church

Dating back to 19th century, St. Stephan Church is a place to visit in Ooty for its architectural beauty and religious importance. Although comparatively simpler, this church has beautiful interiors. The painted glass windows along with the painting of Last Supper is especially captivating.It is said that the timber used in the construction of thsi chruch was brought from Srinangapatna as well as from the Tipu Sultan Palace.

26. Ooty Stone House

The first bungalow which was built in Ooty is the Stone House. It was constructed by John Sullivan in 1822. Used to be called as Kal Bungalow by the locals, it was built on the land which was brought from the Toda people. Its an ancient architecture is worth seeing. Many tourists visit this place to have a glimpse of this bungalow.

27. Toda Huts Ooty

One of the most attractive and unique sightseeing places in Ooty are the Toda Huts. These are the residing place for the Toda people, one of the indigenous tribes of Ooty. The huts are made in the shape of a semi-barrel. These huts don’t have any windows and very low doors where one has to stoop and enter. While once you are inside the hut there is space to stand as well. This close-knit community of Toda people mostly depend on cattle herding and farming for living.

28. Wax World Ooty

Located at a distance of 2 km from center of the town, Wax World is definitely as place to see in Ooty. Many real-like statues of great Indian personalities have been displayed here. Some of the statues at this museum are of Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mother Teresa, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, late Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and many more. Replica of local people and their living styles has been been displayed here.

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1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway

1 km from city center 1 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as Toy Train in Ooty, is one of the key attractions of the popular hill station Ooty. Such is the train's popularity and history that it was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005.

2. Ooty Lake

1 km from city center 2 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Ooty Lake lies at a distance of approximately 2 km from Ooty city in the green hills of the Nilgiris district. The stunning lake is spread over an area of 65 acres, and its foundation was laid down by John Sullivan who was the collector of Coimbatore in 1824. 

3. Emerald Lake, Ooty

12 km from city center 3 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Emerald lake is an exquisite lake in the upper plateau region of the Nilgiri hills. It is a part of the silent valley and is beside the Red hill nature resort which is a best picnic place of the region.

4. Pykara Lake

12 km from city center 4 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Pykara Lake has everything that a person on vacation can ask for, right from ambience and comfort to scenic beauty. Nature lovers, photographers and adventure seekers should definitely not miss out on this unique and fun-filled place.

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2 km from city center 5 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

The botanical Gardens of Ooty are one of the most sought after and famous tourist destinations in the whole of India. It is located on the hillock of Ooty which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.

6. Dolphin's Nose, Ooty

15 km from city center 6 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

This is a unique natural site where a protruding rock looks like a dolphin's nose! Climbing up to the spot might require some effort, but it is totally worth it! From this point, one can catch the breathtaking view of the Catherine falls hundreds of meters below and also of the Coonoor stream meeting the Kotogiri stream.

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7. Ooty Rose Garden

2 km from city center 7 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Rose garden lies in the heart and soul of Ooty.The construction stays to be magnificent and there are small tunnels made wherein the roses are planted.

8. Avalanche Lake

15 km from city center 8 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

The Avalanche Lake in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu is a famous tourist spot. Especially renowned among nature enthusiasts and photographers, the lake is set amidst a captivating landscape which is filled with lovely flowers. The waterfalls that fall down the nearby mountains further add to the beauty of the place.

9. Doddabetta Peak

5 km from city center 9 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Dodabetta, literally translating to mean - Big Peak, is located approximately 10 km away from Ooty. It towers to a staggering height of 8650 feet or 2,623 meters above the sea level and is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills. A treat to the eyes, this picturesque land is indeed a great sightseeing place.

10. St Stephen's Church Ooty

1 km from city center 10 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

The St. Stephen's Church in Ooty is indeed a marvellous and breathtaking architectural marvel located on the road to Mysore in Ooty. It is one of the earliest churches that you will find in the Nilgiris district. The structure dates back to the 19th century and was built by the British government.

11. Thread Garden, Ooty

1 km from city center 11 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

The thread garden at Ooty is a popular tourist spot that exhibits some of the most magnificent and exquisite collection of artificial flowers and plants, all made by the expert hands of the skilful artists by using JUST thread.

12. Trekking in Ooty

0 km from city center 12 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Ooty, once the summer capital of the British in India, is bestowed with the bounty of nature. A favorite sport of the area, trekking has gained admiration with the tourists in the recent years.

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13. Kalhatti Falls, Bellikkal

8 km from city center 13 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Kalhatti falls is called as 'Bird Watcher's Paradise' as it gives you a bird point view of the whole valley. The lovely beauty and calm atmosphere of the place makes it the best for spending vacations and for short trips. Elephants visit this lake frequently which becomes a great sight for the travelers. 

14. Tiger Hill Ooty

4 km from city center 14 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

One of the most mesmerizing destinations in Ooty is the Tiger Hill. This exotic spot lies to the east of the hill station and towards the lower end of the Doddabetta peak.

15. Kotagiri, Coonoor

17 km from city center 15 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

A town Panchayat city and a picturesque hill station in the Nilgiris in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kotagiri is famous for its sprawling tea plantations. It is located at an altitude of 1,985 m above sea level and is the third largest hill station in the Nilgiri hills after Ooty and Coonoor. It is an ideal place for some trekking expeditions leading into the Nilgiris.

16. Kamraj Sagar Lake

6 km from city center 16 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Kamraj sagar lake is a dam and is located in the suburbs of Ooty. It is located far away at a distance between the woodlands and thus make an amazing picnic spot.

17. Annamalai Temple

16 km from city center 17 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Annamalai Temple is a situated about 20 km away from Ooty. This place has with time turned into as a famous temple of Lord Muruga, known as 7th Hill house of the lord.

18. Droog Fort, Coonoor

16 km from city center 18 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Droog Fort is located in the area surrounding Coonoor. A trekkers delight, one must undertake some by foot traveling to reach this destination. This old and worn out fort is located 6,000 ft above the plains.

19. Lamb's Rock, Coonoor

12 km from city center 19 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

A popular picnic spot in the region, this place is consistently visited by tourists. The view from this spot is spectacular and a major crowd puller! It is possible to see the Coonoor stream some 5000 feet below. This vantage point also provides you with an excellent view of the Coimbatore plains.

20. Simi's Park, Coonoor

13 km from city center 20 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

An extremely pretty botanical garden - a rare but beautiful sight in the region - was developed back in 1874 by Mr. J.D. Sims and Major Murray. There is an annual fruit and vegetable show that is held in the park that is well attended.

21. Catherine Falls, Coonoor

18 km from city center 21 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Catherine Falls, also known as St. Catherine's Falls, is situated in the area that surrounds Coonoor. This magnificent waterfall falls from an impressive height of 250 feet.

22. Upper Bhavani Lake

109 km from city center 22 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

The Upper Bhavani Lake is a mesmerising and breathtaking lake that is located above the Avalanche Area in the Nilgiri Hills. This beautiful lake, which was previously ignored and consequently unexplored, is now gaining some popularity and credit for its charming beauty and picturesque scenes. 

23. Bison Valley, Bellikkal

9 km from city center 23 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Bison Valley gained its name from the Indian bison that roams throughout this area. Splendid views of the cardamom forests and momentous possible from this beautiful valley.

24. Wenlock Downs

9 km from city center 24 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Wenlock Downs is a famous picnic spot in the outskirts of Ooty. People seeking a spot to escape the polluted environment and the world of concrete often head to this attraction. At Wenlock Downs, they find a vast expanse of lush green meadow over the natural landscape with rolling mountains all covered in dense vegetation.

25. Thunder World

1 km from city center 25 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Thunder World is a themed amusement park in Ooty. Also known as Dinosaur Park, it is famous amongst the young and the old who visit to get a feel of going back into the past and experiencing illusions or witnessing the world of spirits. The park is divided into themed sections – the Jurassic Jungle, the Vortex and the Haunted House.

26. Ketti Valley View

3 km from city center 26 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Located at a distance of 4 kms from the Ooty Bus Stand on the Ooty Coonoor road, Ketti Valley View is a popular vantage point in Ooty. Boasting of utter tranquillity and surreal setting, the place offers mesmerising views of the resplendent valley below with gushing waterfalls, meandering streams and flourishing wildlife.

27. Cairn Hill

3 km from city center 27 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Situated in the hill town of Ooty, Cairn Hill is an eco-tourism and a reserved forest site which came into existence in the 1860s and sprawls over a massive area of approx 168 hectares.

28. Adam's Fountain

2 km from city center 28 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Adam's Fountain is a gorgeous fountain situated at the Charring Cross junction in Ooty. The fountain was built in 1886 as a memorial to the then Governor of Ooty. The cost of the total construction was between INR 13,000 and INR 14,000 and was collected through public funding. It is a very important tourist landmark in the city.

29. Elk Hill Murugan Temple

2 km from city center 29 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Perched atop the Elk Hill in Ooty, amidst picturesque backdrop and a resplendent setting, Elk Murugan Temple is a revered Hindu temple enshrined by Lord Muruga. Besides the gorgeous landscape and astounding panoramic vistas, the hill also boasts of rich and flourishing wildlife and bounteous nature.

30. Wax Museum Ooty

2 km from city center 30 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Located at a distance of just 1 km from the Ooty Railway Station, the Ooty Wax Museum is one of the top places to visit of the place and is housed in a 130 years old charming colonial mansion. Besides, the museum also houses full depiction of the life of a rural household. There are sites where you can see Indian potters and villagers doing pottery and farming, cultivating etc.; all carved out in wax.

31. Kandal Cross Shrine

2 km from city center 31 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Situated on the outskirts of Ooty, Kandal Cross Shrine is a beautiful church popularly known as the Jerusalem of the East. The church houses a life size bronze crucifix and a relic in a small glass case which is believed to be from the original cross that Christ carried. Sacred prayers are offered every Friday.

32. Stone House Ooty

2 km from city center 32 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Stone House in Ooty is famous for being the first bungalow in the town. Also known as Kal Bangala in Tamil, it was built in the early 19th century by John Sullivan, an Englishman, the first Collector of Udhagamandalam and the founder of the British Settlement in Ooty.

33. Government Museum

2 km from city center 33 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

The Government Museum in Ooty was built in 1989 to maintain and promote the culture of Ooty in the form of exhibits and information. The attraction houses an extensive collection of the culture, history, the tribes, tribal objects, sculptures, paintings, handicrafts, nature and the ecology of Udhagamandalam.

34. Pykara Falls

12 km from city center 34 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Pykara Falls are set amidst the backdrop of a lush green forest and are an absolute delight to witness. Pykara is the name of a village which lies at a distance of around 19 kms from Ooty, in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is also the name of a river which runs through the Pykara village, which is sacred to the natives of this land. The Pykara river flows downstream from the mountains, over a series of waterfalls, and these are known as the Pykara falls.

35. Children's Park

1 km from city center 35 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Children's' Park in Ooty is one of the most prominent and popular parks of the city. Blanketted in a lush green grassy carpet, the park has several rides and swings for children. In addition to that, the park also facilitates boating, rowing and horse riding etc as recreational activities.

36. Lake Park Ooty

2 km from city center 36 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Lake Park in Ooty is situated adjacent to the Ooty Lake. Adorned with vibrant flowers and a glossy green carpet, the park is a hot spot for leisure evenings and sunbathing. It also has dinosaur statues and entertaining games for kids.

37. Katari Falls

9 km from city center 37 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Known to be the third highest waterfalls in the Nilgiris, the mesmerising Katari Falls is situated at Adikarratti in Ooty, 10 kms from Coonoor. Boasting of a magnificent height of 180 m, the silvery water gushing down to form a pool at the base is also a popular picnic spot in the region.

38. Halashana Falls

1 km from city center 38 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

The very beautiful and mesmerising Halashana Waterfalls are located in the Nilgiris near the cities of both Ooty and Coonoor. The silvery water falls down a height of 150 feet above the sea level. The area around the falls is owned by a private estate.

39. Tea Factory

39 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Ooty Tea Factory or Tea Museum is situated on the Doddabetta Road in Ooty. Surrounded by emerald green tea plantations, the museum takes you on a tour of tea evolution from the origin to the present. It has a variety of preserved tea leaves on display. It also has an adjacent souvenir shop where you can try and buy various kinds of tea leaves.

40. Shopping in Ooty

40 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

When in the hill town, market browsing for traditional homemade chocolates is one of the top things to do in Ooty. You can try and buy these at the Main Bazaar. Besides that, you can shop for apparels and woollen clothes at the Tibetan Market and spices at the Upper Bazaar Road.

41. Honey & Bee Museum

41 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

Honey & Bee Museum is situated on the Sargan Villa Club Road in Ooty and aims to provide in depth knowledge about the anatomy of a bee and the manufacture of honey from its nascent stage. The tour is a very informative one. And while the other things are common to most hill stations, a tour in this museum is unique and among the most unique things to do in Ooty.

42. Ooty Flower Show

42 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

The Ooty Flower Show is an annual event which is held in the Ooty Botanical Gardens. Often referred to as ‘The Showstopper of the South’, the Ooty Flower Show has been successfully setting the bar to grasp the global trends in floriculture for the past 123 years.

43. Mukurthi National Park

43 out of 43 Places To Visit in Ooty

The culturally rich South-Indian state - Tamil Nadu – calls out tourists from all around the globe, and there is more than one reason to it. Be it the extravagance of architectural excellence in the form of magnificent temples, the serenity of the scenic beaches and the magical charm of the hill stations, Tamil Nadu is an absolute vacationers’ paradise.

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• 10 Surreal Places To Visit Near Ooty For A Refreshing Getaway

Misty hills, sparkling rivers, dense jungles, and the most blissful weather…there’s nothing that the southern terrain of India doesn’t offer. You’ll find the perfect example of the most picturesque spots in the South in all these awesome places to visit near Ooty listed below. While Ooty in itself is a fascinating destination with rolling tea gardens, cloud-kissed hills, and lush foliage, these places nearby too won’t disappoint. In fact, many of these places lay ignored even when they are just as beautiful and thrilling as Ooty! So, the next time you plan a trip to the famous destinations in southern India, make sure you also include these charming spots on your list!

10 Magnificent Places To Visit Near Ooty

Take a gander and pick the one that suits your fancy. From hills, beaches, pilgrimage sites, historical realms, to offbeat destinations, we’ve collaborated the best places to visit near Ooty !

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Situated at an altitude of 1,930 meters, Coonoor is gradually becoming one of the top cool tourist places in Tamil Nadu. It offers a panoramic view of the Nilgiri Hills and the Catherine Falls, which makes it an ideal hotspot for those whose heart belongs in the hills! Moreover, when traveling from Coonoor to Ooty, one can take a train that runs on a regular basis and exhibits some beautiful landscapes of the surroundings.

Distance from Ooty: 20.2 km Travel time: 42 minutes Best Time to Visit Coonoor: October to March Best places to visit: Dolphin’s Nose, Doddabetta Mountain, Sim’s Park Places to stay: Sree Harshav Cottages, Praveen Kudil Cottage, JJS Cottages Things To Do: Witness Exotic Flowers, Have A Mesmerising View, Go On A Ride Nearest airport: Coimbatore airport Nearest railway station: Mettupalayam railway station

Ooty Summer Festival: An Artistic Celebration Of The Southern Hills

Wayanad is a surreal hill station located in an enchanting part of Kerala and bordered by the beautiful Western Ghats, lofty ridges, and shining crystal-clear lakes. It is home to dense jungles and deep valleys to which this place owes much of its paradisiacal charm! Situated a mere 6-hour drive away from Bangalore, this small piece of heaven makes up for an idyllic weekend holiday destination for travelers and one of the most fascinating places near Bangalore to visit in December within a 300 km radius.

Distance from Ooty: 109.9 km Travel time: 3 hours 28 mins Places to visit in Wayanad: Banasura Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Soochipara Falls Best time to visit Wayanad: October to May Places to stay: Kpm Tripenta Hotel, Treebo Trend Casino Hotel, Grand Plaza Suites Things To Do: Ziplining, Tree House Stay, Tea Estate Tour, Kabini River Nearest airport: Karipur international airport Nearest railway station: Kozhikode railway station

This paradise of coffee plantations does not need any introduction. It is, without a doubt, one of the most popular and breathtakingly beautiful hill stations near Bangalore that lures travelers with its lush green jungles, perfectly pruned coffee plantations, winding roads, rocky terrains, manicured gardens, and secluded backwaters that give it its mystical charm. With a soothing weather year-round and stunning views of picture-perfect coffee estates, Coorg has rightfully earned its place on the list of the most awesome places to visit in December near Bangalore.

Distance from Ooty: 246.1 km Travel time: 5 hours 39 minutes Places to visit in Coorg: Abbey Falls, Talacauvery, Namdroling Monastery, Raja’s Seat, Barapole River, Nagarhole National Park Best time to visit Coorg: October to March Places to stay: Serene Woods, Bhagavathy Budget Cottage, Lotus The Cottages Things To Do: Trekking, Coffee Plantation Tour, Camping, Jeep Safari, Hiking Nearest airport: Mangalore Airport Nearest railway station: Mysore railway station

Ooty In December: Weather, What To Pack, And Family-Friendly Activities

This happens to be the largest district in Karnataka which is famous for its awe-inspiring monuments and a magnificent cultural heritage. Other than being home to some of the most incredible palaces in India, this city is also the production centre of various natural products like high-quality silk, incense, and sandalwood. The Ashtanga Yoga of Mysore also attracts travelers from other parts of India as well as different corners of the world in large numbers. Seeing that there are endless reasons to visit this grand city, would you book a trip to one of the most marvelous places to visit around Bangalore in December?

Distance from Ooty: 125.2 km Travel time: 3 hours 6 minutes Places to visit in Mysore: Mysore Palace, Somanathapura Temple, Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Zoo, Chamundeshwari Temple, GRS Fantasy Park Best time to visit Mysore: Throughout the year Places to stay: Pai Vista, Tulips Homestay, Rainbow Cottage Things To Do: Admire The Grandeur, Wildlife Spotting, Feel The Essence Of Spirituality, Witness The Birdies Nearest airport: Mandakalli airport Nearest railway station: Mysore Junction railway station

5. Coimbatore

Coimbatore happens to be one of the largest cities of Tamil Nadu other than being a major hub for industry, textiles, and manufacturing. But there’s a lot more to Coimbatore than just industrial centers. Home to some ancient temples, glamorous infrastructure, gorgeous mountains, and plenty of jaw-dropping waterfalls, Coimbatore is among the best places to visit in December near Bangalore for couples, backpackers, and pilgrims. Owing to the vast amount of natural landscapes, Coimbatore also makes up for a great trekking and camping destination. Established recently, the gigantic 112-feet tall statue of Adiyogi Shiva Statue has made this city immensely popular and landed it in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Coimbatore is one of the largest cities of Tamil Nadu, famous for its industry, textiles and manufacturing. For a perfect holiday experience, the place offers you gorgeous waterfalls, ancient temples and breathtaking mountains.

Distance from Ooty: 84.9 km Travel time: 2 hours 49 minutes Places to visit in Coimbatore: Kovai Kondattam, Textile Museum, Marudhamalai Hill Temple, Perur Pateeswarar Temple, Vydehi Falls, Vellingiri Hill Temple, Kovai Kutralam Falls Best time to visit Coimbatore: September to March Places to stay: Zuriel Suite, Comfort Nest, Comfort Stay-Double Bedroom Things To Do: Trekking And Camping, Adiyogi Shiva Statue Visit, Experience Wildlife In 3D, Wildlife Safari  Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport Nearest railway station: Coimbatore Junction railway station

10 Ooty Travel Tips To Help You Experience The Town More Like A Local & Less Like A Tourist

6. Bangalore

Bengaluru (also called Bangalore) is the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state. The center of India’s high-tech industry, the city is also known for its parks and nightlife. By Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha is a Neo-Dravidian legislative building. Former royal residences include 19th-century Bangalore Palace, modeled after England’s Windsor Castle, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an 18th-century teak structure.

Distance from Ooty: 271.6 km Travel time: 6 hours 19 minutes Places to visit in Coimbatore: Kovai Kondattam, Textile Museum, Marudhamalai Hill Temple, Perur Pateeswarar Temple, Vydehi Falls, Vellingiri Hill Temple, Kovai Kutralam Falls Places to stay: Serene Mist Resort, The Bougain Villa, Mango Mist Resorts Nearest airport: Bengaluru Airport Nearest railway station: Bangalore Railway Station

A sheer ecstasy for all nature lovers and ‘tree-huggers’, this small yet unknown town of Kabini is just a 2-day trip away to Bangalore. It’s the perfect getaway for those who wish to take a tranquil stroll near some lovely backwaters far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s one of the finest places to visit in December near Bangalore for those looking for a quaint weekend getaway to relax and unwind in pristine and peaceful natural landscapes.

Distance from Ooty: 121.8 km Travel time: 3 hours 14 minutes Places to visit in Kabini: Elephant Safari Camp, Backwaters, Nagarhole National Park, Markets, Kabini Dam Best time to visit Kabini: Throughout the year Places to stay: Kabini River Lodge, The Peepal Tree, The Serai Resorts Things To Do: Elephant Safari, Jungle Safari, Trekking, Bike Riding, Boating, Bird Watching Nearest airport: Coimbatore airport Nearest railway station: Mysore Junction railway station

12 Best Ooty Hotels That Will Make You Realize That There Is A Lot To This Hill Station

8. Kotagiri

Situated in the Nilgiris, this place is a small town known for having one of the best climates in the world. With captivating waterfalls and rich wildlife, Kotagiri is one of the summer tourist places in Tamil Nadu you must visit during your trip to the state.

This is amongst the most famous places in Ooty and also its most beautiful. Catherine Falls is rather a double-cascading waterfall tucked in Kotagiri over the Mettupalayam highway that branches off at Aravenu. It is the second biggest waterfall in the Nilgiris as well as one of Ooty’s most beautiful spots. It’s essentially the River Kallar that cascades down and forms this glorious spectacle of nature called the Catherine Falls. In fact, it is one of the most unique falls since it is surrounded by lovely tea plantations instead of the typical forests and hills.

Distance from Ooty: 30.1 km Travel time: 1 hour Places to visit in Kotagiri: Elk Falls, Longwood Shola, Kodanad trek Best time to visit Kotagiri: November to May Places to stay: Hanging Huts Resorts, Pear Tree Inn, Enchanting Woods  Nearest airport: Coimbatore Airport Nearest railway station: Coimbatore Railway station

9. Mahabalipuram

Popular for its intricately carved temples and caves, Mahabalipuram is another gem to marvel at in Tamil Nadu. Located just a few kilometers from the capital city, traveling from Chennai to Mahabalipuram is not at all a hassle. The city has beautiful beaches, magnificent architecture, soothing weather, and offers a refreshing experience to every kind of tourist.

For a scenic and serene beach, amazing temples and picturesque fishing villages; nothing beats Mahabalipuram. The extremely pleasant weather of the coastal town in winter make it one of the best places to visit in south India in winter. Ideal for beach stroll and sunbathing, Mahabalipuram is a paradise for beach lovers.

Distance from Ooty: 512.6 km Travel time: 9 hours 24 minutes Places to visit in Mahabalipuram: Arjuna’s Penance, Pancha Rathas, Sea Shore temple, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Descent Of The Ganges, India Seashell Museum, Varaha Cave temple, Mahabalipuram Beach Best time to visit Mahabalipuram: November to February Places to stay: Mamalla Beach Resort, Village Retreat, Oceanside Hotel Mahabalipuram Things To Do: Shopping, Fishing Safari, Beach Camping, Surfing, Crocodile Farm Nearest airport: Chennai international airport Nearest railway station: Chengalpattu Junction railway station

10 Cottages In Ooty For Couples That Offer Unmatchable Privacy & Comfort Under Budget

10. Bandipur National Park

The lush green foliage, meandering roads, awesome weather, occasional sight of a deer or two silently grazing in the green fields makes Bandipur one of the best places to visit in December near Bangalore. Blessed with phenomenal scenic beauty, Bandipur National Park is home to rich wildlife like the Indian Elephants, Hornbills, Deer, Pythons, Sloth Bears, and many more. The Bandipur forest is a dedicated site for Project Tiger, which means you may be able to spot these majestic beasts here if you’re lucky! So, if you are seeking quaint spaces amidst nature, then Bandipur is a perfect choice.

Distance from Ooty: 40.8 Travel time: 1 hour 21 minutes Places to visit in Bandipur National Park: Gopalaswamy Betta and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Best time to visit Bandipur National Park: October to May Places to stay: The Serai, Tusker Trail Resort, Country Club Wildlife Resort Nearest airport: Bangalore international airport

So, which of these awesome places to visit near Ooty will you and your travel buddies check out first? Let us know in the comments below. And for now, book an exciting escapade to Ooty to see this town and the ones near it in all their glory!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Ooty

What are the top sightseeing places in Ooty?

There are numerous tourist spots that you can visit in Ooty. Some of the best ones include: 1. Avalanche Lake 2. Ooty Lake 3. Emerald Lake 4. Ooty Botanical Gardens 5. Deer Park 6. Doddabetta Peak 7. Kalhatty Waterfalls 8. Kamraj Sagar Dam

Are 2 days enough for Ooty?

Yes, a 2-3 day trip would suffice to enjoy an Ooty trip. On your vacation, you can visit almost all the charming destinations of the city and you can also partake in adventurous activities if you wish to.

Can I visit Ooty during the Covid situation?

Yes, you can plan a vacation to Ooty during the current Covid situation. However, make sure to follow all the Covid protocols. Stay masked at all times when in a crowd or going out, sanitize your hands at certain intervals, and maintain the required social distance.

How can I plan 2 days in Ooty?

You can enjoy sightseeing on the first day of your trip and visit attractions like Ooty Botanical Gardens, Deer Park, Avalanche Lake, Kalhatty Waterfalls, Kamraj Sagar Dam, etc. To enjoy your day 2, you can indulge in some adventurous activities like horse riding, hand gliding, mountain biking, and more.

Which are some of the best places to visit near Ooty?

Coonoor, Mysore, Wayanad, Coorg, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Kabini, Mahabalipuram, Kotagiri, and Bandipur National Park are some alluring destinations that you can visit near Ooty.

What is the best time to visit Ooty?

While being a lovely little hill station, Ooty is one of the best destinations in India that you can visit throughout the year. However, to witness the best of it, it is recommended to plan a visit from April to June and September to November.

Which are some best restaurants or cafes in Ooty?

Some of the best eateries in Ooty include Place To Bee, Hyderabad Biryani House, Shinkows, Willy's Coffee Pub, Earl's Secret, Angaara, Hotel Junior Kuppanna, Garden Restaurant, and more. Here, you can enjoy local as well as international delicacies.

What is the distance between Ooty and Coonoor?

Coonoor is around 20.2 km away from Ooty and you can reach there via taxi or bus.

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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.

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• Places to Visit in Ooty

47 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Ooty

• Ooty Overview
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Ooty Lake & Boat Club

#1 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

About Ooty Lake

History of ooty lake.

...read more

Botanical Gardens

#2 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

About Botanical Gardens

History of botanical gardens, layout of botanical gardens, dodabetta peak.

#3 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

About Doddabetta Peak

Telescope house at doddabetta peak, pykara falls.

#4 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

About Pykara Falls

Height of pykara falls, mudumalai wildlife sanctuary.

#5 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

About Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

History of mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, wenlock downs.

#6 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 16 km from Ooty, Wenlock Downs is a vast expanse of grassy meadow located on the way to Pykara in Ooty, Tamilnadu. It is one of the most scenic places in Ooty and also one of the best Ooty tourist places . Along with Ooty Lake , this place is most commonly represented for Ooty Tourism . Wenlock Downs is a spectacular meadow named after Sir Arthur Lawley's sibling Beilby Lawley, third Baron Wenlock. The downs spread majestically across 20,000 acres of rolling lands that seems to be stretching endlessly. The entire place is covered with Shola forest. More popularly known as the Shooting Point, Wenlock Downs has two popular movie filming points known as Sixth Mile and Ninth Mile named so because of they are located at 6 miles and 9 miles away from Ooty. The extensive grassland of .....

Kamaraj Sagar / Sandynalla Reservoir & Pine Forest

#7 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 9 km from Ooty Bus Station, Kamraj Sagar Dam, also known as the Sandynalla Reservoir, is a very quiet and scenic dam situated on the slopes of the Wenlock Downs in Ooty . It is one of the top Ooty tourist places and also a must include in every Ooty Tour Packages . The dam, built on the Kamrajar Lake, is spread over 400 acres and is situated on the way to Wenlock Downs & Pykara. The dam is a monsoon fed water body and measures about 6 km in length. The dam and the serene location make it a heavenly place and a favorite haunt for the nature lovers. It is also a popular destination with honeymoon couples because of its picturesque natural beauty. It is a popular shooting location in Ooty. There are several walking trails around the lake and visitors can also explore several tourist places in the area through these .....

Pykara Dam & Reservoir

#8 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

About Pykara Dam

Emerald lake.

#9 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 17 km from Ooty and 27 km from Coonoor, Emerald Lake, a serene lake with emerald blue waters, is located near Emerald village in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Situated amidst dense forests, it is one of the top Ooty tourist places . The lake is part of the Silent Valley National Park situated on the way to Avalanche village. The blue waters of Emerald Lake surrounded by lush green meadows and forest is simply mesmerizing. The water is crystal clear and of course cold. This is a great place to enjoy the day with breathtaking views of the slopes of Nilgiris. Emerald Lake is also a haven for a variety of birds. It is a mini paradise for bird lovers and ornithologists as they get to see and study a number of native birds. It is also notable for the scenic sun rise and sun set views near the lake. The Tea gardens is a great spot to spend some time as it gives a memorable experience. Trekking .....

Tea Factory & Museum

#10 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 4 km from Doddabetta Peak and 5 km from Ooty Bus Station & Ooty Railway Station, Tea Factory & Museum is situated on Doddabetta Road in Ooty. Amidst the blue hills of Nilgiris, it is one of the popular tea factories in Tamilnadu and among the must visit Ooty Tourist Places. Perched at an altitude of 1839 m, the Ooty Tea Factory is spread across nearly an acre; all covered with the emerald green tea plants. Visitors can see the entire processing method right from the freshly plucked green leaves to its packaging at the factory. It also houses the Tea Museum where visitors can learn about the origin of different kinds of tea leaves that are used across the globe along with the history of tea in India and its evolution in the Nilgiris. The Doddabetta tea factory in Ooty also offers beautiful views of the valley, and the towering mountain peaks surrounding it. The Ooty Tea Factory features a small shop where free tea is offered to all visitors. This hot cup of .....

Rose Garden

#11 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 2 km from Ooty Bus Station & Railway Station and 3.5 km from Ooty Lake , the Government Rose Garden is a beautiful garden situated near Charring Cross in the beautiful hill station of Ooty. Formerly known as the Jayalalitha Rose Garden or Centenary Rose Park, the Rose Garden is one of the largest rose gardens in India and also one of the popular Ooty tourist places . The Rose Garden was established in 1995 to commemorate the centenary of Ooty flower show. It is situated at an altitude of 2200 m on the slopes of the Elk Hill in Vijayanagaram area of Ooty town. This garden consists of five terraces in an area of 10 acres and has more than 2800 variety of roses. This garden has been beautifully laid out in terraces with rose tunnels, pergolas and bowers with rose creepers. This garden is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. .....

Ooty Toy Train / Nilgiri Mountain Railway

#12 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 0.5 km, Ooty Bus Station, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as Toy Train, is a world heritage toy train in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the mountain railways in India and among the must-visit places as part of Ooty Tour Packages. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway was built by the British in 1908 and was initially operated by the Madras Railway Company. Now it is operated by Indian Railways, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty, and is one of the popular train journeys in India. In July 2005, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway was declared a UNESCO world heritage site of the Indian Mountain Railways along with the Himalayan Railway in Darjeeling, and the Shimla-Kalka Toy Train. The idea of the toy train was thought of in the year 1854, which took around 40 years to be finally executed. The initial line was built by a Swiss inventor, Riggenbach, and created a lineup to Coonoor by the year 1899. The line was later extended up to Fernhill .....

Avalanche Lake / Sanctuary

#13 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

About Avalanche Lake

History of avalanche lake, ketti valley viewpoint.

#14 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 4 km from Ooty and 12.5 km from Coonoor, Ketti Valley View Point is a popular vantage point situated on Ooty - Coonoor Road in Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu. It is one the most beautiful sightseeing places in Ooty and also one of the top places to experince Ooty Tourism . As the name suggests, the view point provides a panoramic view of the Ketti Valley, the largest valley in the Nilgiris, and its beautiful surroundings. Ketti Valley is home to several tribes, such as Todas and Badagas. There are over 14 villages in this valley that belong to the tribes of Badagas. These tribal people are experts in cultivating fresh vegetables and fruits in the valley. Also known as Switzerland of Nilgiris, the Ketti Valley is a heaven for nature lovers and photographers. The view of Ketti from the viewpoint is majestic and often compared .....

#15 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 20 km from Coonoor, 29 km from Ooty, and 72 km from Coimbatore, Kotagiri is a small hill station in the Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu. It is one of the lesser-known hill stations in tamilnadu , and among the top tourist places to visit near Ooty . Situated at an altitude of 1793 m, Kotagiri is the oldest and the third largest hill station in the Nilgiris after Ooty, and Coonoor. The name Kotagiri literally means mountains of the Kotas that refers to the Kota tribe who lived here in the past. It is one of the top attractions you must include in Ooty tour . Kotagiri was the first British settlement in the Nilgiris and preferred summer retreat, till a road was built from Mettupalayam to Coonoor. The region was discovered by two civil servants of the Madras government in pursuit of outlaws. .....

Wax World Museum

#16 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 4 Km from Ooty Railway Station and 1 km from Ooty Botanical Gardens, Wax World Museum is housed at a prominent 130 year old Colonial Mansion in Ooty. The Wax World Museum in Ooty is a great alternative to sightseeing mountains and natural valleys of Ooty and also one of the top places of interest in Ooty . This Wax World Museum was conceptualized and initiated by Shreeji Bhaskaran, an IT professional and business man, who dreamt of having the first wax museum in India. This museum was inaugurated by Sri. Santosh K. Mishra, Collector, Nilgiris district in March 2007. The Wax World Museum in Ooty houses exquisite wax statues of Indian Freedom Fighters and Political Leaders such as the world renowned Mahatma Gandhi, Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Bal Gangadhar Tilak amongst the many others. The Wax Museum also displays stunning wax replicas of social figures such as Mother Teresa and Dr. A.P.J. .....

Needle View Hillpoint / Needle Rock Viewpoint

#17 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 9 km from Gudalur and 40 km from Ooty, Needle View Hillpoint is a vantage point situated on Gudalur - Ooty Main Road in Tamilnadu. It is one of the most popular viewpoints in Ooty and among the best places to visit as part of Ooty tour packages . Also known as Soochimalai, the Needle Rock Viewpoint or Needle View Hillpoint presents a mesmerizing 360-degree view of the surrounding valleys and plains. The viewpoint gets its name from its huge pointed rock that resembles a needle. It is hidden away from public view and not frequented too much by tourists like other tourist places in Ooty . The sight is truly magnificent and also a shooting spot for many Tamil films. Needle Rock Viewpoint is located on the way to Gudalur from Ooty. One needs to walk about 1 km to reach this point but it's worth going there. The view from the top of the point .....

#18 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 8 km from Ooty Bus Station, Tea Park is a park situated near Doddabetta in Ooty. It is one of the popular gardens in Ooty, and among the must-visit places as part of Ooty tour packages. The Tea Park at Doddabetta was developed by the Department of Horticulture and Plantation Crops to increase the awareness of the process of tea making amongst the tourists, and also to promote TEA as a healthy drink. This Tea Park also serves to de-congest the tourist traffic during the peak period as people may visit it after visiting Doddabetta and then go towards Kotagiri. Tea trekking path inside the Tea garden with a display of tea history and its origin, entry to China, India, and to the Nilgiris by providing display materials engraved in granite stones at regular intervals with musical arrangements on the path. There are two gazebos- one at the top view the entire tea garden and the other near Kotagiri road end to view the Karnataka state sceneries as well as the mountain .....

#19 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 16 km from Gudalur, 40 km from Sulthan Bathery, 41 km from Meppadi, 66 km from Ooty and 125 km from Mysore, Devala is a small hill town in the Nilagiri district of Tamil Nadu, India. Located on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, it is one of the hidden hill stations in Tamil Nadu and among the top places to visit near Ooty. Devala is a plantation area set between Mudumalai and Wayanad forest reserves. This pristine hill town is an ideal destination for those who want to spend some time amid the natural surroundings away from the hectic city life. Devala is also referred to as the little Cherrapunji of South India because it receives rainfall throughout the year. Devala is famous for its undulating hills, thick forest, and vast tea plantations. This small hill town is much more peaceful and less crowded than other famous hill stations like Munnar, Ooty. This green paradise is an unexplored part of the Nilgiris that one must visit on a long weekend from Bangalore. .....

Kalhatty Falls

#20 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 14 km from Ooty, Kalhatty Falls is an attractive waterfall situated on the Ooty - Mysore Road or Sigur Ghat Road. Also known as the Kalahasti Falls, it is one of the top places to visit in Ooty and also one of the best waterfalls in Ooty. Situated on the slopes of Kalhatti Mountain, the Kalhatty Falls cascades down from a height of 120+ feet and is considered to be an ideal destination for trekking. It is situated at an average height of around 400 feet in the Sigur Plateau of Tamil Nadu. The Kalhatty-Masinagudi slope is rich in wildlife such as Panthers, Bisons, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Dogs, Spotted Deers, Sambars and different types of hill birds. The falls are accessible from main road through a private tea estate. There is a viewpoint that offers a far view of the falls. One can walk down through a narrow path for 15 minutes (one way) from viewpoint to take a closer view & reach .....

#21 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 0.5 Kms from Ooty Bus Station & Railway Station, The Ooty Deer Park is a unique wilderness situated in the vicinity of the Ooty Lake. It is one of the high altitude animal park in India. The park is a beautiful place and offers a unique opportunity to observe and study wildlife in near natural habitat. It was inaugurated in the year 1986. The total area of the Deer Park is 22 acres out of which an area of 6 acres has been developed and is open to public. This park is maintained by Tamilnadu Forest Department. Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM Entry: Free

Adam's Fountain

#22 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 2 Kms from Ooty Bus Station & Railway Station, Adam's Fountain in the Charing Cross junction is built in 1886 in the memory of Governor who spent his last days in Ooty. It is situated at a distance of 3.5 km from Ooty Lake. This fountain is built with public subscription and total cost was about Rupees 14,000. It was initially installed infront of the Collector's office. Due to insufficient water suppy at it's previous position, it has been moved to the current position in 1998.

Kandal Cross

#23 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 3 Kms from Ooty Bus Station & Railway Station, Kandal Cross is a holy shrine of Roman Catholics situated at a distance of 2 km from Ooty Lake. The Catholics of the Nilgiri region call it as the 'Calvary of Tamil Nadu'. Kandal Cross is a shrine which is considered very holy and is referred to as the Jerusalem of the East. Pilgrims and devotees flock the region on every Fridays to attend the special Novena Prayers and Holy Masses organized at Kandal Cross. The Kandal Cross in Ooty has a relic of the true cross, brought to the church by a delegate of Apostles. It is considered very holy by the Roman Catholics. They believe that it showers heavenly blessings to the pilgrims and tourists who visit the shrine. Every year on 3rd of May a grand feast is organized by the authorities of the church and pilgrims from far off places come here to receive the blessings.

#24 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 4 Kms from Ooty Bus Station & Railway Station (1 Km from Botanical Garden), Government House (Raj Bhavan) is built in 1877 by the Duke of Buckingham when he was the Governor of Madras. Built in an area of 87 acres, this cream-coloured mansion, overlooking the Botanical Gardens stands a silent reminder of the grandeur that it had seen in the days of the Raj. It was visited by the Governors of Madras during summar to escape from the hot sultry weather of Madras. A ballroom was added by Sir Arthur Havelock in 1900. The entire building was electrified in 1904.

Wellington, Near Coonoor

#25 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 3 Kms from Coonoor & 16 kms from Ooty, Wellington is a small and peaceful town in Nilgirs. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Coonoor . Wellington is a military town with rows of barracks. It is the headquarters of the Madras Regimental Centre and also home for the Defence Staff College. There are few accommodation options available here. Distance (From Ooty): 16 Kms Trip Duration (From Ooty - Including Travel): 2-3 Hours .....

#26 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 18 km from Ooty, 71 km from Coimbatore and 32 km from Mettupalayam, Coonoor is a Taluk and a municipality in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular places to visit in Tamilnadu and among the best hill stations near Bangalore . At an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level, Coonoor is famous for its verdant environs and for a variety of wildflowers and birds. It is the second-largest hill station in the Nilgiri hills after Ooty. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train) is one of the oldest mountain railways in India. The train ride in the midst of the Nilgiris, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an unforgettable travel experience as part of Coonoor tour packages . Besides, this stunning hill station is well-known for its production of Nilgiri tea. Coonoor can be visited along with Ooty tour packages . ..... Distance (From Ooty): 19 Kms Trip Duration (From Ooty - Including Travel): Full Day .....

Law's Falls, Near Coonoor

#27 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 10 km from Coonoor & 26 km from Ooty, Law's Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated in Coonoor. Located on Coonoor - Mettupalayam Road, it is one of the popular waterfalls in the Nilgiris, and among the must-visit Coonoor tourist places . The beautiful Law's Falls is set inside the Coonoor forest range with vast stretches of undisturbed nature around. Named after Col. Law, who constructed the new Coonoor ghat, this waterfall is formed by the Coonoor river. The height of the waterfall is about 30 feet through multiple cascades. This small & pretty waterfall attracts a huge crowd, especially during post-monsoons as part of Coonoor packages . Since this place is close to the main road, it does not need much walk/trek. One can enjoy the force of the water at bottom of the falls. The place is rocky and slippery. Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM Entry: Free Distance (From Ooty): 26 Kms Trip Duration (From Ooty - Including Travel): 3-4 Hours .....

Catherine Falls, Near Coonoor

#28 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 7 km from Kotagiri, 21 km from Coonoor, and 36 km from Ooty, Catherine Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated near Kotagiri in Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu. It is the second largest waterfalls in Nilgiris and one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore . It is also one of the best Coonoor places to visit . Cascades down from a height of 250 feet, the stunning Catherine Falls is a double-cascaded waterfall located at Aravenu. The River Kallar descends down the rocks as Geddhehaada Halla stream, to form the Catherine Falls. Also known as Geddhehaada Halla by locals, this waterfall is named after Catherine Cocburn, the wife of M.D. Cocburn, who had introduced coffee plantation to the areas of Kotagiri and Yercaud. Catherine Falls is surrounded by beautiful views of forest, tea plantations and the Mettupalayam plains. The ..... Distance (From Ooty): 30 Kms Trip Duration (From Kotagiri - Including Travel): 2 Hours .....

Mukurthi National Park

#29 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 40 km from Ooty, Mukurthi National Park is a protected area located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu state. It is one of the most attractive wildlife sanctuaries in South India and among the best places to visit as part of Ooty Tour Packages. Previously known as the Nilgiri Tahr National Park, Mukurthi National Park is situated in the western corner of Nilgiris Plateau. The entire area of Mukurthi National Park was declared as a Reserve forest in 1886. The area was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1982 and upgraded to a National Park in 1990 in order to protect the Nilgiri tahr. The park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India's first International Biosphere Reserve. As part of the Western Ghats, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1st July 2012. Covering over an area of 78.46 sq. km, the park is characterized by montane grasslands and shrublands interspersed with sholas in high altitude areas. It is sandwiched between the Mudumalai .....

Parsons Valley & Dam

#30 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 9 km from Wenlock Downs and 15 km from Ooty Railway Station, Parson Valley & Dam is situated in Ooty Hill Station in the Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu. It is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for nature lovers. Parsons Valley is a reserved forest area and a part of Mukurthi National Park. The valley was named after Parson, a British engineer who happened to discover this valley way back in 1862 and was instrumental in developing it into one of the most beautiful sites near Ooty from where numerous trekking routes commence. The valley is a flawless nature setting with flowing streams, little waterfalls, and pine trees of Pandiar slopes, overwhelming forested regions and some uncommon creatures among them. The valley and its encompassing give a pleasant perspective of the Nilgiri Mountains. Parsons Valley Dam is a Hydel Reservoir constructed by the Tamil Nadu Government in this region. Placed within the panoramic Parson's Valley at an altitude of 2,196 .....

Tribal Research Center & Museum

#31 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 9 km from Ooty Bus Station, the Tribal Research Center & Museum is a museum located at M. Palada, Udhagamndalam, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the prominent places to visit in Ooty, especially for history buffs. Established in the year 1983, the Tribal Research Center in Ooty is dedicated to the study of various types of minority hill tribes inhabiting South India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It spreads over an area of 25 acres of hilly terrain at M. Palada on Ooty - Avalanchi road. The research center maintains records on all the social, cultural, economic, and religious activities of the tribals. The center also conducts in-depth research on the lifestyle, habits, and living conditions of tribes of the state, including the Todas, Kotas, and Paniyas, and puts in a lot of work to improve their lives without much disturbing their present lifestyle. The Tribal Museum is located within the Tribal Research Centre campus that was started in the year 1995. Initially, .....

St Stephens Church

#32 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 1 km from Adams Fountain and 2 km from Ooty Railway Station, St. Stephen's Church is an Anglican church situated near the Collectors office in Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris district and among the must include places in Ooty - Coonoor Tour Packages. The St. Stephen's Church, Ooty is one of the architectural marvels that the British left for us. The foundation stone of the church was laid down by Stephen Rumbold Lushington, the Governor of Madras in 1829 and was opened to the public in 1831. Captain John James Underwood was in charge of the construction and designing of the entire church. The date of the commencement of construction was chosen to coincide with the birthday of King George IV. It would be interesting to note that the timber that was used in the construction process was brought from Tipu Sultan's Palace after the British had successfully defeated him in the Mysore War. Following the independence of the country, .....

Chocolate Museum

#33 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 5 km from Ooty Bus Station, the Chocolate Museum is a modern museum located at Indunagar, Udhagamndalam, Tamil Nadu. Situated on Ooty - Mysore Road, it is one of the attractive places to visit during your Ooty trip. Founded in 2013, the M & N Chocolate Museum in Ooty showcases tools and technology used to make chocolates throughout history. It is run by a local family who aim to create awareness about the benefits of chocolates. It takes us through the journey of chocolate right from extracting cocoa beans to harvesting, grinding, brewing, roasting, blending, and manufacturing the chocolate bar. The museum also exhibits both ancient as well as modern techniques of preparation of chocolate. The M & N Chocolate Museum has over 100 chocolates on display. The museum has entered the Limca Book of Records for making the largest chocolate bar of 18 meters in India. The best part is that the museum also has a life-sized mannequin which is dressed in clothes made out .....

Ooty Stone House

#34 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 1 km from Adams Fountain and 3 km from Ooty Railway Station, the Stone House is an old bungalow in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most significant and ancient monuments of the town and among the prime places to visit as part of Ooty Packages. The Stone House is the very first bungalow of Ooty built by John Sullivan, then Collector of Coimbatore in 1822. It marks the beginning of the modernization of the city, as its facade is reminiscent of a colonial structure. The mansion is called the stone house because it is completely made of stones. The Toda tribes call the Stone House as Kal Bangala. The word 'Kal' means stone and 'Bangala' means mansion. It is located in an extremely picturesque location, and offers beautiful views of the lush greenery all around, including views of the mountains that stand sentinel around it. Nestled in the picturesque hills of Nilgiri, the house is soaked in history and architectural beauty. The house was built by the concept .....

Annamalai Temple & Viewpoint

#35 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 35 km from Ooty, Annamalai Murugan Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located at Manjoor, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the lesser-known places to visit near Ooty. Annamalai Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and now is known as the 7th Hill House of the Lord. It was founded by Guru Krishnanandaji. As per the legend, Guru Krishna Nandaji was wandering in the forests of this region around 30 years ago, and meditating in a cave. It is believed that on one fine day, his inner voice asked him to build this temple in honor of Lord Murugan. Afterward, he performed the first Kumbabisekam ritual in the year 1977, followed by the same in 1989 and 2001. The temple is laden with silver oak trees and tea estates, and thus, is a serene site to visit. Also, there is an observatory at the top of the hill for the public to enjoy the spectacular panoramic view. Hence, if you wish to find a place that is beautiful and serene, the Annamalai temple is to your rescue. Soak inside you .....

Bison Valley Viewpoint

#36 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 19 km from Ooty, Bison Valley viewpoint is a spectacular viewpoint located in Bellikkal near Ooty. Situated on Ooty - Masinagudi road, it is one of the most thrilling tourist places in Ooty. Surrounded by cardamom forests and tea estates, Bison Valley derives its name from the Indian Bison that roams in large numbers throughout this area. Besides, the tree has a diverse range of wildlife animals in its natural habitat, including tigers, bears, elephants, deer, etc. Here, one can also spot various birds roaming from here to there. Morning droves, drongos, bulbul, shrikes, and woodpeckers are some of the common birds to spot here. One can enjoy splendid views of the cardamom forests and verdant tea plantations from this stunning vantage point. Taking leisurely walks on the numerous pathways that meander around the valley is a popular pastime for tourists. Bison Valley is also a place that gives an equal opportunity to adventure enthusiasts, as mountain biking .....

Thread Garden

#37 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 1.5 km from Ooty Railway Station, the Thread Garden is an artificial flower garden situated opposite to Boat House in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular places to visit in Ooty. Created by a former professor Mr. Antony Joseph in 1988, the Ooty Thread Garden exhibits some of the most magnificent and exquisite collections of artificial flowers and plants, all made by the expert hands of the skillful artists by using JUST thread. Antony Joseph, the mastermind behind this unique inception along with his 50 skilled workers and craftsmen has worked constantly for 12 years, to create the marvels of thread we see today. Approximately 6 crore meters of embroidery thread has been employed in the creation of this attraction. Initially, the garden was located in Malampuzha in Kerala but later in 2002, it was moved to its present location opposite to the Ooty Boat House. Today the garden boasts of 100 different flower species put together after tedious labor and .....

Upper Bhavani Lake

#38 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 55 km from Ooty, Upper Bhavani Lake is an artificial lake located in the Western Catchments of Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India. Situated near the Avalanche area, it is one of the lesser-known but among the most beautiful and captivating lakes in Ooty. Upper Bhavani Lake was created by the Upper Bhavani Dam, which was constructed across the Bhavani River. It is a must-visit for anyone who admires nature in its raw beauty. The lake is an entry point to view the flora and fauna of the Nilgiri hills. The view of the lake surrounded by the hills is fantastic. Tourists are left speechless by the scenery, the lush greenery, and the clouds that fill up the blue sky. Prior permission from the Forest Department is required to enter the area. One can drive to the forest department check post, after which private vehicles aren't allowed. From the check post, mini bus and jeeps take you on a safari to Upper Bhavani Lake. The entire journey is a 2-hour affair since .....

Elk Hill Murugan Temple

#39 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 1 km from Rose Garden and 4 km from Ooty Railway Station, the Elk Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple situated atop Elk Hill in Ooty. It is one of the revered temples in Ooty and among the best places to visit in Ooty. Amidst picturesque backdrop and a resplendent setting, the Elk Hill Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. The highlight of the place is a 40 feet tall statue of Lord Murugan that stands tall outside the enclosures of the temple and attracts pilgrims and devotees from far and wide. The statue is a replica of the Murugan Statue in Batu caves, Malaysia. In addition to that, the temple premises also have idols of Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva, Goddess Shakthi, Nava Kanika, Navagrahas, etc. The hill is surrounded by dense forests. The scenic beauty and calm atmosphere add an extra attraction to the devotees visiting the place. One can get some picturesque views of Ooty town and its surrounding areas from the temple. Besides the gorgeous landscape and astounding .....

#40 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 6 km from Ooty Bus Stand, Tiger Hill is a beautiful vantage point located in Ooty. It is one of the most famous places to visit as part of Ooty Packages. Tiger Hill is perched on the lower side of the famous Doddabetta Peak. There is an ancient cave along with a water reservoir located on the top of the peak. Here, one can also explore the British-era graves and statues that draw the attention of thousands of tourists every year. If you're looking to be close to nature and admire the panoramic view of the valley on your Ooty tour, then Tiger Hill is the perfect place for you. Surrounded by flower-clad meadows and mighty hills, it is an awe-inspiring point to have a grand view of the scenic beauty around. The sunrise looks breathtakingly beautiful from here and so do sunsets. Tiger Hill also offers several trails that go through rough and rugged terrain, and are ideal for both beginners as well as experienced trekkers. One can also set up a tent to sleep under .....

Katary Falls

#41 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 13 km from Ooty Railway Station and 13 km from Coonoor, Katary Falls is a stunning waterfall situated at Adikaratti village near Ooty. It is one of the popular waterfalls in Ooty and among the must include places in Ooty - Coonoor Tour Packages. The Katary Falls is cascading down from a height of about 130 feet into a pool at the base. It is the third-largest waterfall in the Nilgiris. It is a 2-tiered waterfall and can be reached by trekking from the main road. It is also the site of India's first hydroelectric power project, the Kateri hydroelectric system. The hydroelectric power plant generated 1000 KW of electricity from the mechanical energy of the falling water from the Katary Falls. The hydroelectric power station is an attraction on its own and attracts hundreds of visitors. The waterfall is a sight to behold during the rainy season when the water cascades in all its glory amidst lush green woods enveloped in mighty mountains. The height of the location .....

Kolakambai Waterfalls

#42 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 24 km from Coonoor and 31 km from Ooty, Kolakambai Falls is a magnificent waterfall located near Kolacamby, Tamil Nadu. Also known as Kullakamby Falls, it is one of the highest waterfalls in the Nilgiris and among the prominent places to visit as part of Ooty - Coonoor Packages. The very beautiful and mesmerizing Kolakambai Waterfall is located in the Nilgiris near the cities of both Ooty and Coonoor. Standing tall at a height of 400 feet, this is the highest falls in the Nilgiris mountain range. It descends from the northern side of Kolakambai Hill, which is an important peak of the Nilgiri Hills range. A visit to these falls during the monsoon season can be quite breathtaking. The way to this falls is popular for hiking, trekking, and biking through the wild area full of natural flora and fauna that is typical of this mountainous range. Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM Entry: Free

#43 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 8 km from Kotagiri, 28 km from Coonoor and 30 km from Ooty, Elk Falls is a magnificent waterfall located at Uyilatty village near Kotagiri in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the top waterfalls in the Nilgiris and among the prominent places to visit during your Ooty Tour. Locally known as Uyilatty Falls, the stunning Elk Waterfall is located in the midst of the idyllic Echoing Valley of Kookal in the South Nilgiris district. A lofty falls with patter water which shower downstream gives the amazing scenario and surrounds with blossom green tea and coffee plantations. A European house or Kannerimukku, constructed by British collector Sullivan is located near the falls. This house was built during the colonial times of the British in India, in the year 1819 and was the first British residence in Tamil Nadu. At present, it can even be considered as a historical ancient monument! Though this waterfall comes in full gush only in the rainy season it is worth visiting this .....

Cairn Hill Reserve Forest

#44 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 3 km from Ooty Railway Station, Cairn Hill is an eco-tourism and a reserved forest site on the Avalanche Road in Ooty. It is one of the peaceful places to visit in the hill station of Ooty. Cairn Hill came into existence in the 1860s when it was developed as an eco-tourism site by the British. It sprawls over a massive area of approximately 168 hectares. It has one of the oldest Cyprus Plantation in the Nilgiris (planted in 1868). The name 'Cairn Hill' has been derived from the English word 'cairn' which means 'a mound of rough stones built as a memorial or landmark, typically on a hilltop'. Originally, the hillock was a prehistoric burial site of the tribes and had a pile of stone accumulated at the top for the same. It is one of the oldest converted forests in the Upper Nilgiris Plateau. This eco-center has an interpretation center and an orchidarium. The highlight of the spot is a trekking trail that is at the center was one of the few original walks enjoyed .....

Ooty Golf Course

#45 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 4 km from Ooty Railway Station, the Ooty Golf Course is located near Wenlock Downs in Ooty. It is one of the most popular tourist places in Ooty. Situated at an altitude of 7,200 feet, the Ooty Golf course is one of the ultimate Golf Courses in the world. Owned by the Gymkhana club in Ooty, the course extends over 193.56 acres and comprises 18 holes. Colonel Fane Sewell, the then Secretary of the Blue Mountains Tennis and Cricket Club formed the golf course in 1891, which initially comprised nine holes. Golf enthusiasts formed a golf club nearby, called the Gymkhana club in 1896. The Ooty Golf Club was redesigned in 1929 by Ross Thompson who turned the browns into greens. It is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course, which is very challenging and difficult. The entire course is surrounded by an avalanche range that contains thick woods. The golf course itself contains many copses of aromatic eucalyptus, oak, rhododendron, and fir, which provide a very scenic atmosphere. An .....

#46 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 20 km from Bandipur, 30 km from Ooty, and 98 km from Mysore, Masinagudi is a small beautiful hill station and a well-established tourist hotspot nestling amidst the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular places to visit near Ooty, and among the must include places in Mysore Tour Packages . Situated on Mysore-Ooty Road, Masinagudi forms a part of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Lush green forest cover, stunning waterfalls, gushing rivers and rivulets, and picture-perfect landscapes make Masinagudi an ultimate weekend retreat for all those who love wildlife safaris. It is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. Masinagudi is considered one of the most perfect jungle getaways near Bangalore as it is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. The town boasts of the famous Mudumalai National Park, Moyar River, Pykara Falls, Theppakadu Elephant Camp, Maravakandy Dam, and more. .....

Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden

#47 of 47 Places to Visit in Ooty

At a distance of 1.5 km from Ooty Lake, and 3 km from Ooty Railway Station, Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden is an inter-state garden located at Fern Hill in Ooty. It is the second-largest garden in the hill station of Ooty, and among the must include places in Ooty tour packages. Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden (KSHG) was developed by the horticulture department of Karnataka to pave the way for inter-state co-operation through tourism. Spread across 38 acres, the garden was established on land which was once the property of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom and gifted to the Karnataka government by the Maharaja in 1964. The garden was inaugurated in the year 2018 and is relatively a new tourist attraction in Ooty. Spread amidst slopes, and valleys, Topiary Garden, lawns, flower beds, Italian Garden, Maze Garden, Rose Garden, Sunken Garden, check dams, and Tea Garden are the main features of this garden. The Maze garden is an outdoor labyrinth in which hedge walls are made .....

Most Asked Questions on Ooty

Ooty can be visited through out the year, however, post monsoon and winter are the best seasons to visit Ooty to witness the great beauty of Ooty. This is also the time when the waterfalls & lakes are pleasant and enhance the beauty of beautiful hill station of Ooty. Summer is the busiest season in Ooty and often hotels run full and tourist places are crowded.

Ooty usually requires around 3 days to visit the most important attractions. However, there are several wonderful places to visit around Ooty like Coonoor, Mudumalai Sanctuary & Avalanche which usually take additional day for each. One can also mixed their Ooty trip with some of the popular places to visit near Bangalore like Mysore, Coorg, Coonoor, Wayanad by adding few additional days to your trip.

Budget of Ooty trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Ooty tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 4950 per person for a 2D/1N trip and from INR 7400 per person for 3D/2N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Ooty like Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Dodabetta Peak, Pykara Falls, Wenlock Downs, Pine Forest, etc. Boating at Ooty lake is a must do activity. If you have time, you can dedicate a day to visit Coonoor as well. Dozens of beautiful tea estates are spread across and Ooty and Coonoor and visiting one of them is a must do activity while visiting Ooty. Ooty Mysore tour packages is a popular circuit frequented by tourists.

Ooty is very famous for Tea plantations and buying local made of tea powder is a great idea. Ooty is also well know for spices like cardamom, cloves, pepper, etc, You can get these spices at low prices in Ooty if you bargain a bit.

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13 Best Tourist Places To Visit Near Ooty

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The Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty, welcomes you with mesmerising meadows, a peaceful area, chilly weather, and various places to Visit Near Ooty to explore and enjoy. Every tourist destination in Ooty guarantees a distinctive and exciting adventure that will amaze you for several days. However, if you're unsure what to do or see in Ooty, peek at the different tourist attractions we've listed below.

The southern region of India has it all: misty hills, clear rivers, jungles, and perfect weather. The fantastic sites to visit close to Ooty featured below are the best representations of the most scenic locations in the South. While Ooty is a wonderful destination in and of itself, with its tea gardens, beautiful hills, and lush vegetation, these nearby locations are also fascinating. Many of these locations go unexplored while being just as stunning and exciting as Ooty! Therefore, add these attractive locations to your bucket list the next time you schedule a trip to the well-known Best Hiking Trails Near Ooty.

List of Top 13 Beautiful Places to visit near Ooty 

Look through them all and select the one that appeals to you. We've compiled a list of the top Family-Friendly Attractions in Ooty, including hills, beaches, historical sites, holy places, and eccentric locales.

• Coonoor | Breathtaking Natural Beauty
• Wayanad | Known for Its Lush Greenery
• Bellikkal | Perfect Destination for Nature Enthusiasts
• Coimbatore | Manchester of South India
• Ooty Lake | Surrounded by Scenic Eucalyptus Trees
• Kotagiri | Good for Peaceful Escape
• Bandipur | Famous National Park and Tiger Reserve
• Mudumalai | Known for Its Rich Biodiversity
• Kabini | Known for Its Stunning Backwaters
• Avalanche Lake | Surrounded by Dense Forests
• Thread Garden | Known for Its Exquisite Artwork
• Kalhatti Falls | Waterfall Surrounded by Lush Greenery
• Tiger Hill | Famous for Its Breathtaking Sunrise

1. Coonoor | Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Known for its lush tea gardens, Coonoor offers breathtaking natural beauty and a serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore attractions like Sim's Park, a botanical garden showcasing a variety of plants, and enjoy scenic views from the Dolphin's Nose viewpoint. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway also passes through Coonoor, adding to its allure.

• Distance from Ooty: 19 km
• Highlights: Ideal destination for those seeking an escape amidst picturesque landscapes.

Read More: Best Places To Visit Near Ooty

2. Wayanad | Known for Its Lush Greenery

Wayanad, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, is a pristine and picturesque district known for its lush greenery, tea and coffee plantations, and rich biodiversity. This serene destination offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore dense forests, visit waterfalls like Meenmutty and Soochipara, and go on wildlife safaris in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Distance from Ooty: 110 km
• Highlights: Popular choice for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

3. Bellikkal | Perfect Destination for Nature Enthusiasts

Bellikkal, a quaint village in Tamil Nadu, India, is in the Nilgiri Hills region. Known for its serene and natural beauty, it's an ideal escape for those seeking peace. Surrounded by lush forests and tea gardens, Bellikkal offers opportunities for trekking and bird-watching. It's a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those looking to unwind in a serene, off-the-beaten-path location.

• Distance from Ooty: 24 km
• Highlights: Explore the pleasant climate and panoramic views of the Nilgiri Mountains.

4. Coimbatore | Manchester of South India

Coimbatore, often called the "Manchester of South India," is a vibrant city in Tamil Nadu. It's a major industrial and commercial hub known for its textile and manufacturing industries. The city is also famous for its educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and pleasant climate. Its proximity to picturesque hill stations like Ooty and pristine natural attractions like Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve makes it one of the most popular Ooty Weekend Getaways to explore urban and natural wonders.

• Distance from Ooty: 85 km
• Highlights: Learn more about several cultural and historical landmarks.

5. Ooty Lake | Surrounded by Scenic Eucalyptus Trees

Ooty Lake is a man-made lake in the charming hill station of Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India. Created in 1824, it is one of the region's oldest and most popular attractions. The lake covers an area of about 65 acres and is surrounded by scenic eucalyptus trees and rolling hills. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the lake, offering a peaceful and picturesque experience.

• Distance from Ooty: 1.6 km
• Highlights: Go for leisurely walks picnics, and capture the natural beauty.

6. Kotagiri | Good for Peaceful Escape

Kotagiri, situated in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, is a serene hill station known for its tea estates, verdant landscapes, and cool climate. It is the oldest hill station in the Nilgiris and offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Kotagiri has lush tea gardens, trekking trails, and viewpoints like Kodanad and Catherine Falls, which provide breathtaking Ooty Tourist Spots.

• Distance from Ooty: 29 km
• Highlights: Perfect for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.

7. Bandipur | Famous National Park and Tiger Reserve

Bandipur, located in the southern state of Karnataka, India, is a renowned national park and tiger reserve. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and spans approximately 874 square kilometres. Bandipur is celebrated for its diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species. The Ooty Nearby Places to Explore offers exciting safaris and wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Distance from Ooty: 50 km
• Highlights: Picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and a peaceful environment.

8. Mudumalai | Known for Its Rich Biodiversity

Mudumalai National Park is a prominent wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, India. It covers an area of about 321 square kilometres and's known for its rich biodiversity and lush landscapes. The park is home to various wildlife species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and numerous bird species. Visitors can enjoy thrilling wildlife Ooty Day Trips to witness these creatures in their natural habitat.

• Distance from Ooty: 40.7km
• Highlights: Explore the beauty of the Western Ghats and its diverse flora and fauna.

9. Kabini | Known for Its Stunning Backwaters

Kabini, situated in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is a serene and picturesque destination known for its stunning backwaters and rich wildlife. The Kabini River flows through this region, creating a thriving ecosystem. The area is famous for its wildlife sanctuaries, including the Nagarhole National Park and the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot elephants, tigers, leopards, and various bird species.

• Distance from Ooty: 90 km
• Highlights: Enjoy wildlife safaris, boat rides on the Kabini River, and amazing stays at luxury resorts.

10. Avalanche Lake | Surrounded by Dense Forests

Avalanche Lake, located approximately 28 kilometres from Ooty in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, is a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by dense forests and picturesque landscapes. This water body gets its name from a massive landslide that occurred in the area many years ago. Visitors can reach the lake through a trekking trail, making it a favourite Ooty Sightseeing Spot for nature enthusiasts.

• Distance from Ooty : 26 km
• Highlights: Explore the peaceful ambience, clear waters, and lush greenery.

11. Thread Garden | Known for Its Exquisite Artwork

Thread Garden, located in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India, is a unique botanical garden known for its exquisite artwork made entirely from colourful thread. It features various meticulously crafted flowers, plants, and other natural elements created using threads of different colours. The intricate detailing and vibrant hues make it a captivating and one-of-a-kind attraction for visitors.

• Distance from Ooty: 1.6km
• Highlights: Explore the artistry and blend of art and nature.

12. Kalhatti Falls | Waterfall Surrounded by Lush Greenery

Kalhatti Falls, situated near Ooty in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, is a mesmerising waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. It's known for its picturesque setting and serene ambience. The waterfall cascades from approximately 200 feet, creating a stunning sight and a refreshing atmosphere. The falls provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature in the Nilgiri region.

• Distance from Ooty: 15km
• Highlights: It is a popular spot for nature lovers and trekking.

13. Tiger Hill | Famous for Its Breathtaking Sunrise

Tiger Hill is a hill station in the Darjeeling district of the Indian state of West Bengal, not to be confused with Tiger Hill near Ooty, Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayan mountain range, including the world's third-highest peak, Kangchenjunga. It's a popular Ooty Sightseeing Spots, and trekkers trek to its summit in the early morning hours to witness the spectacular sunrise, where the mountains are bathed in golden hues.

• Distance from Ooty: 18km
• Highlights: Explore the beauty of nature.

Read More : Places To Visit In Ooty

Ooty has plenty to offer everyone, whether seeking a road trip, a trekking vacation, or a peaceful retreat. There are numerous sights in Ooty and Coonoor, its sister town that will fascinate you. Which Best Hiking Trails Near Ooty will you and your travelling companions visit first? Now, reserve a thrilling trip to Ooty to explore this town and the ones nearby in all its splendour! You can trust Adotrip for the best services and packages. We will curate the best deals for you.

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Q1. What are some scenic viewpoints or hill stations near Ooty for panoramic vistas? A1. Some scenic viewpoints or hill stations near Ooty for panoramic vistas are:

• Doddabetta Peak
• Ketti Valley Viewpoint
• Lamb's Rock
• Catherine Falls
• Kodanad Viewpoint

Q2. Can you recommend any trekking trails or outdoor activities near Ooty? A2. Here are some popular trekking trails and outdoor activities near Ooty:

• Nilgiri Mountain Railway
• Doddabetta Peak Trek
• Kotagiri Trek
• Kodanad Viewpoint Trek
• Tiger Hill Trek

Q3. Are there any tea gardens, botanical gardens, or natural attractions near Ooty? A3. Tea gardens, botanical gardens, or natural attractions near Ooty are:

• Ooty Tea Gardens
• Ooty Botanical Gardens
• Avalanche Lake
• Pykara Lake and Falls
• Emerald Lake

Q4. What adventure sports or water-based activities can I enjoy near Ooty? A 4.  Here are some Family-Friendly Attractions in Ooty:

• White-Water Rafting
• Horse Riding

Q5. Which nearby villages or towns provide a taste of the local culture? A5. Here are some Ooty Weekend Getaways that offer unique cultural experiences:

Q6. Are there any wildlife reserves or sanctuaries near Ooty for nature enthusiasts? A6. Here are some notable wildlife reserves and sanctuaries near Ooty:

• Mudumalai National Park
• Bandipur National Park
• Nagarhole National Park
• Silent Valley National Park
• Kalhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary

Q7. What historical landmarks or architectural sites can I visit near Ooty? A7. There are some historical landmarks and architectural sites in the surrounding areas that you can visit:

• St. Stephen's Church
• Stone House
• Dolphin's Nose
• Nilgiri Library
• Fernhill Palace
• Government Museum

Q8. Can you suggest any nearby attractions that are off the tourist path? A8. Here are some hidden gems and lesser-known Ooty Nearby Places to Explore:

• Kamaraj Sagar Dam
• Law's Falls
• Ketti Valley View

Q9. How far is Coonoor from Ooty, and what attractions can I explore there? A9. Coonoor is located approximately 19 kilometres (about 12 miles) from Ooty in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It's a short and scenic drive from Ooty to Coonoor, making it a popular day-trip destination. Coonoor offers its own set of attractions and a distinct charm.

Q10. What are some family-friendly activities or attractions near Ooty? A10. Ooty offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions that are perfect for a memorable vacation with your loved ones.

• Botanical Gardens
• Thread Garden
• Rose Garden
• Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

--- Published By  Adotrip

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Tourist Places to Visit in Ooty

Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, has been a top choice for a holiday in Tamil Nadu since ages. Established by the British colonizers as a summer town, people to this date, plan trips to the many places to visit in Ooty as the temperature rises up in the plains. The architecture and city layout still serve as reminders of the English presence in that town. It is, however, overpowered by the intense Indian spirit reflected in the everyday activities of the town. Growth of the city’s population and commercial tourism has taken a toll on its centre, but you only need to go further towards the fringes to dive into its elegant natural beauty encapsulated by the places to visit near Ooty. From riding in the toy train to marvel at its sights or driving through its empty roads lined up with pine trees, it is impossible to not lose yourself to such serenity. There are plenty of places to visit in Ooty and around it which continues to contribute to the charm of the city.

Places to Visit in Ooty: Lakes and Waterfalls

This lake is one of the places to visit in  Ooty that observes a huge number of tourists. Nestled amidst lush valleys with a heavenly view of the Nilgiris, the atmosphere around the lake is pleasant. You could take out rented bicycles for a spin beside the lake or go boating on it. While riding the toy train, you can enjoy a distant view of the lake. The best time to visit this tourist attraction is in summer owing to the annual festival organised for which boating competitions and pageantries are organised. Next to the lake, you can find local sellers setting up stalls with souvenirs and shawls everyday. Since this is one of the most popular places to visit in Ooty, it may often get crowded. Pykara Lake and Falls

Pykara Lake is among the best places to visit in Ooty at its outskirts. It is an artificial lake formed by the dam at the Pykara village. The banks of the lake are ideal to spend an evening of quietude — especially for those looking for a respite amidst nature. You can enjoy the lake on a motorboat or the boathouse. Photographers and adrenaline junkies have a great time exploring the surroundings of this destination. After strolling beside the lake, you can climb up to Pykara Waterfalls, located in the middle of shola forests. Many local films have been shot here. Due to its popularity, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation runs appropriate rest stops and restaurants for travellers to promote the destination as one of the top places to visit in Ooty. Avalanche Lake

This lake is a natural beauty formed in the aftermath of a landslide. The bewitching scenery the waterbody partakes in is why Avalanche Lake is one of the top places to visit in Ooty. Apart from the lake, you can explore the mountains close by that are graced with refreshing waterfalls. You and your travel companions can indulge in several activities for your amusement. For example, a trek can be undertaken up the mountains for a bird’s eye view of the city or to the Upper Bhawani Lake. This is also among the most famous places to visit in Ooty where you can go fishing, rafting, rappelling, horse riding and camping. Kalhatty Waterfalls

At the fringes of the city, Kalhatty village is one of the places to visit in Ooty where you can see splendid waterfalls. Inundated by luscious greenery, the waterfall is a great destination for trekking and enjoying the cold stream outpouring from a height of 40 metres. The thickets surrounding the falls are home to diverse flora and fauna. You are likely to spot animals such as deer, bison and even panthers besides a variety of exotic birds. The village is also close to other places to visit in Ooty such as Sholur, Kamarajasagar Dam and Pykara. Kamraj Sagar Dam

Also known as Sandynalla Reservoir, Kamraj Sagar Dam is one of the most popular places to visit in Ooty. It serves as a common picnic spot owing to its charming surroundings with mighty hills in the backdrop.The verdant setting is one of the well-known places to visit by local film-makers that has increased its popularity among tourists. To pass your time, you can engage in activities such as bird watching and fishing here. This is one of the most well-known places to visit in Ooty by academics too. You will often find study groups here making observations about the environment. Emerald Lake

One of the cleanest places to visit in Ooty, Emerald Lake is situated in the Silent Valley National Park. It is a perfect destination to set up camp where you can avoid throngs of tourism yet immerse yourself in the region’s beauty. Not often included in the list of tourist destinations in Ooty, it remains largely untouched and is a great location to explore. The deep blue lake with Nilgiri hills in the backdrop and a number of birds adding to the scenic beauty makes this one of the wonderful places to visit in Ooty for photographers. You can ride a bicycle around the lake, go trekking, fishing or just be engrossed in a book — there is not a wrong way to spend your time here. There are some tea gardens in the vicinity that you can make a stop at as well.

Places to Visit in Ooty: Gardens and Parks

Government Botanical Garden

The Government Botanical Garden had its foundation laid out in the 19th century itself, yet to date, it continues to be one of the most popular places to visit in Ooty . It has a terraced layout, graced by over 600 species of indigenous plants, ferns, herbs and trees. The garden is divided into six segments: New Garden, Conservatory, Lower Garden, Nurseries, Italian Garden and Fountain Terrace. Each part showcases a different aspect of the garden housing distinct kinds of plants. A relaxing park to stroll in, this is one of the top places to visit in Ooty. Mudumalai National Park

Among places to visit in Ooty that should not be missed, Mudumalai National Park is situated on the Nilgiri Hills linking the Eastern and Western Ghats. A tiger reserve, it is an abode to many other endangered species such as Indian elephant, leopard and white-rumped vulture which makes it an important centre of biodiversity. It is even in the running to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To spot a flurry of animals here when nature is at its peak bloom, the best time to visit is early summer or post monsoon. Other than its denizens, the national park is known for its landscape that makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ooty — the deep blue sky is agreeably in contrast with the lush greenery of the different kinds of flora found here, with the rugged Nilgiri Hills in the backdrop overlooking this pleasant scenery. The Moyar River gushes through the reserve and is a source of water to the animals, hence it is a good spot within the park to encounter animals. If booked in advance, it is possible to find accommodation within the park run by the Forest Department. Mudumalai National Park is one of the important places to visit in Ooty which is a haven for nature lovers and must be visited. Rose Garden

This garden is among the best places to visit in Ooty if you are looking for a nice, quiet spot for a picnic. A decent location to amble along while enjoying a pleasing view of myriad roses infusing a sweet scent in the air, you are bound to exit the garden feeling relaxed. It is not preferred to plan a visit here during winter. The best time to visit the garden is in summer, between March and June, as that is when the flowers are blooming. Besides, the Ooty Flower Show is hosted then too when the various types of roses and plants are put on display. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Ooty as the collection here is one of India’s largest, consisting of over 20,000 roses and 2,800 plants. People interested in botany especially enjoy this place to see in Ooty. Shooting Point

A stretch of green meadows underneath a bright blue sky at the outskirts of the city is known as the Shooting Point, named so as it is one of the places to visit in Ooty often frequented by filmmakers and photographers. Many popular Bollywood films have been shot here. Often uncrowded, this location is ideal for some serene downtime. The picturesque vistas amidst thickets and hills make for a lovely getaway for a picnic. This is not one of the places to visit in Ooty with anything particular to see; it is a good spot to saunter about or go on a horse ride and simply admire the surroundings. It is recommended to climb up to the top for a bird’s eye view of the Nilgiris. There is a dearth of eateries in its vicinity, hence you should carry enough food and water to last a couple of hours. This is among the top tourist places in Ooty for sightseeing that is extremely clean. Don’t forget to bring your camera along to capture some of the best shots you can of the destination and yourself. Mukurthi National Park

Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site Western Ghats, Mukurthi National Park is one of the important places to visit in Ooty. It is bordered by other biodiversity hotspots such as Mudumalai National Park and the Silent Valley National park. Some of the flora and fauna endemic to this region bear resemblance to the Himalayas, which makes it an intriguing destination to visit. Although its main purpose was to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, it houses hundreds of species including some endangered animals such as the Asian elephant and royal Bengal tiger. This is one of the places to visit in Ooty well-known for its avifauna, hence it has become a preferred spot for bird-watching. The vast grasslands and valleys are interspersed by the indigenous shola thickets. The park also consists of peaks that are enjoyed by experienced trekkers.

Places to Visit in Ooty: Other Landmarks

Doddabetta Peak

Probably the best out of all the places to visit in Ooty for a panoramic view of the extraordinary landscape, Doddabetta Peak is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills situated in the middle of the Western and Eastern Ghats. The summit also has a telescope house, through which you can have a better look at the forests and the hills. In the absence of mist, you can even see some parts of Mysore and Coimbatore. You can reach the top via a vehicle or on foot, hence this place to see in Ooty is accessible to all travellers of all ages and preferences. But if you are seeking adventure and want to enjoy nature at its best, you should make your way to the peak by trekking the craggy slopes of the hill. Since it is a fairly easy climb, it is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for trekking. This hill is also known to be covered by the rare Kurinji flowers every 12 years. After visiting Doddabetta Peak, you can head on over to other places to visit in Ooty around it such as the Tea Factory and Museum, Thunder World, Government Botanical Garden, Rose Garden and Ooty Lake. St. Stephen’s Church

The origin of St. Stephen’s Church dates back to the 19th century and is one of the oldest places to visit in Ooty . It is built in the typical British fashion and is a symbol of the colonial presence in the region. The pastel yellow building is on most travellers’ places to visit in Ooty list. Some of its elements that are appealing to visitors include the painting of The Last Supper and various biblical settings portrayed on the church’s stained window panes. It also has a unique structure that uses hammer like tools attached to wooden planks to produce sounds when pulled, instead of a regular bell. The holiday season in December is the best time to visit the church as the Christmas spirit is ostentatiously on display with merry festivities held here. Toda Village

Before Ooty’s industrialization and commercialisation, it was home to many indigenous tribes. Although now a more developed civilization has taken over the region, a few tribes still inhabit some areas in the city. One of those tribes are the Todas. Their location of residence has become one of the places to visit in Ooty that provides a unique experience to travellers. The Toda community is significantly small in number, sustaining itself through herding cattle and farming. Although tourists are not allowed to enter their temples, you can engage with individual members of the humble community. This is a great experience to learn about an endangered tribe’s culture and lifestyle. Their settlements are called munds that typically only have three to seven huts. They are constructed in a semi-barrel shape without any windows, and only a small door in the front for entry. If lucky, you can have a taste of their traditional meal. Tea Factory and Museum

The Tea Factory is one of the landmark places to visit in Ooty. It is a fun experience for tea lovers to see how tea leaves are processed and packaged after plucking. It also has a small shop where all visitors get a free cup of tea. You can also buy souvenirs such as cups and plates with engravings related to tea. Homemade chocolates of different flavours make for popular gift items here as well. From the factory, you can head on to the Tea Museum within the complex. Its various exhibits narrate the history of a variety of tea from different parts of the world. You can learn about the origin and growth of tea in the Indian context too. Besides that, the gorgeous view of the valleys and hills from this location is unmissable. This is among the tourist destinations in Ooty that has become an essential part of the city’s experience. After the factory, you can make a stop at the Glenmorgan tea estate and participate in tea plucking. Wax World Museum

Among the few interesting places to visit in Ooty if you want a break from the outdoors is the Wax World Museum. It is a great place to see in Ooty especially for children. The museum is set in a grand colonial mansion more than a century old. A number of eminent personalities such as political leaders, freedom fighters and social workers are memorialized here. For example, Mahatma Gandhi, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mother Teresa, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and former American president Obama are some prominent wax figures found in the museum. You will also come across exhibitions of rural settings and lifestyles moulded of wax. Although not one of the most impressive places to visit in Ooty, the colonial building is worth seeing and families with young kids seem to enjoy the place.

Written by Shruti Mishra, an in-house Tripoto writer.

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18 Must Visit Places In Ooty – The Queen Of Hill Stations

Table of contents.

How does this sound to you: bright green soothing slopes, mystical pathways, and clouds that kiss your hair? Ooty is replete with such immense beauty and has enough activities and elements to keep every traveler happy and satisfied.One of the largest hill stations in India, Ooty has a reputation of being the most popular one among them. There are many places to visit in Ooty and also many tourist places near Ooty that will make a memorable trip for you on a low budget. One of the largest hill stations in India, Ooty has a reputation of being the most popular one among them. There are many places to visit in Ooty and also many tourist places near Ooty that will make a memorable trip for you in low budget Planning a trip can be a tedious task if you want to see everything the lovely location has to offer! Worry not, we have prepared a list of the top places to visit in Ooty for you

Most Popular Ooty Tour Packages

Best places to visit in ooty, 1. toy train.

Here is a cute toy train in ooty

Also known as the Nilgiri Mountain Railway Toy Train, the Toy Train is the key attraction of all the Ooty tourist places . Incepted in the year 1899, it continues to charm its visitors with the best views of forests, tunnels, sloes, fog, and birds bestowed upon them. Rated as one of the most visited Ooty tourist places , this toy train ride is a must-try for all the travellers.

• Operating hours: The rides are available every day.

2. Ooty Lake

If you are fond of gaiety lake rides, then Ooty has got your back. Home to some wonderful and glistening lakes, Ooty is a hub for all the water lovers. The most famous among them, being the Ooty Lake, it is an artificial lake in the shape of an irregular ‘L’. It was artificially formed by the founder of Ooty, John Sullivan by damming the streams flowing through the hill station. Definitely a gem in the Ooty places to visit,  this lake is the most famous among the tourists as the best place to visit in Ooty.

• Operating hours:  9 am to 6 pm.

3. Ooty Botanical Gardens: One of the best places to visit in Ooty

The most charming pick among the Ooty tourist places list, this botanical gardens is a treat for all the nature lovers. It bears some amazing plants that attract the gardening lovers from all over the country to the place only to view the rare species of plants. The botanical gardens were laid out in 1848 and are maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. Replete with various stunning varieties of flowers, ferns, and orchids, the gardens are a sight to behold. It is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for all the nature lovers.

• Operating hours:  8 am to 6:30 pm.

Also Read:  Top 10 India Holidays That Would Fit Your Budget

4. Ooty Rose Gardens

One of the Ooty’s best places , This garden is in charge of conducting the best flower show and has the highest rose production in the country. The roses grown here are lovely and hold great market value. Doesn’t this spot make it to the list of top places to visit in Ooty , as well as the list of places you wouldn’t mind getting lost at?

• Operating hours:  9 am to 6 pm from Sunday to Monday

5. Thread Garden

Image source: thebetterindia

The thread garden of Ooty is filled with some of the most beautiful collection of artificial flowers and plants that have all been made by skilled artists using only thread. Antony Joseph is the mastermind behind concept and has worked constantly for 12 years to bring his idea to conceptualization.

• Operating hours:   9 am to 6 pm every day.

6. Doddabetta Peak

The highest peak in the region of Ooty, the Doddabetta peak stands at an impressive 2,623 meters above sea level. One of the most impressive choices among the Ooty tourist places list , the Dodabetta peak breathes fresh air into your body, making you feel amazing from the tip of its peak.

• Operating hours:  7 am to 6 pm every day.

7. Dolphin’s Nose

A natural site, this is a protruding rock that looks like a dolphin’s nose. It is also a prize spot for trekking opportunities. You can capture some stunning shots from the tip of the Dolphin’s Nose, making it one of the best places to visit in Ooty for all the photographers and travellers alike.

• Operating hours:  9 am to 6 pm every day.

8. Kalhatti Falls

Image Source: travelomiles

These falls are also known as ‘Bird Watchers Paradise’. The spot is great for short trips and picnics because of the calm and tranquil atmosphere surrounding it. The fresh water lake is also an important attraction of Bellikkal, making it one of the favored places to visit in Ooty !

• Operating hours:  8 am to 6 pm every day.

9. Emerald Lake

Emerald lake is located in a region called Silent Valley. It is one of the favored spots in Ooty for picnicing and fishing. The lake is also surrounded by a plethora of tea plantations with amazing tea products. Another beautiful lake in the Ooty town, Emerald Lake holds the record for being the second best lake in the Ooty tourist places .

• Operating hours:  9 am to 6 pm every day.

Also Read:  Top 50 Hill Stations In India

10. Tiger Hill: Amongst Popular places in Ooty

This hill lies to the east of Ooty and is located towards the lower end of the Doddabetta peak. It is located at a distance of 6km from the main town and is replete with plenty treks. The Tiger Hill is the perfect place to visit in Ooty for all the people who are fond of trekking and hiking, and a little adventure on their trip.

11. Kamraj Sagar Lake

Kamraj Sagar Lake is a dam located in the suburbs of Ooty. Surrounded by a wide variety of herbs and shrubs, it comes as no surprise that many good movies have been shot in this neighborhood. Due to the flourishing of the fishing industry here, the local delicacies at this high ranker on the list of places to visit in Ooty are a treat for the eyes and the tastebuds alike!

12 Kotagiri

Kotagiri is the second largest hill station after Ooty. It is an ideal location for trekking expeditions, and has schools as a major contributor to the local economy.  One of the most visited tourist places near Ooty . Kotagiri is one of those hill stations that beholds the beauty of the country.

• Operating hours:  24/7

13. Annamalai Temple

Image Source: Tamil Nadu Tourism

Annamalai Temple is situated close to 20km from Ooty. It is also home to an observatory at the top of the hill for the visitors to enjoy the panoramic views. This sacred place in ooty is for all the religious people who embark on a trip to this hill station. One of the Ooty’s best places , the Annamalai temple is a right source of positivity and energy.

• Operating hours:  5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm every day.

14. Droog Fort

Ooty not only bears natural beauty, but also the historical monuments. The best example for this is the Droog Fort. One of the most ancient places to visit in Ooty ,  The Droog Fort is an old and worn out fort located about 6000ft above the plains. History says this fort was used by Tippu Sultan as an outpost, owing to its impressive location and all-inclusive views. However, only a wall remains in its place as a reminder and a popularly lovely tourist spot.

• Operating hours:  6 am to 6 pm every day.

15. Lamb’s Rock

One of the top places to visit in Ooty is Lamb’s Rock in Coonoor. It is located on the slopes of the Nilgiri Hills and has a fascinating view of the Coimbatore Plains. You can also spot the Coonoor stream from close to 5000 feet below. This less explored place in the Ooty tourist places list is a must-visit for all the nature lovers.

16. Catherine Falls

Imagine a huge stream of falls landing onto the Earth from an enormous height, and transferring little droplets of water on all the sides around the stream. This pretty much explains the beauty of the Catherine Falls. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Ooty,  These impressive falls gush down from a height of 250 feet! You can take a road trip to the very top of the falls. Really gives you some perspective in life, to look at the gushing water from such a height, we imagine!

• Operating hours:  9 am to 6:30 pm every day.

17. Bison Valley

The valley gleans its name from the Indian bison that roams freely throughout the area. Bison valley is home to beautiful greenery, a wide variety of wildlife such as bears, deer, tigers, bison, and elephants. The valley also provides popular activities to enjoy such as mountain biking and trekking. The Bison Valley is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for all the adventure seekers and the nature lovers alike.

18. St. Stephen’s Church

One of the most famous tourist places near Ooty, this Anglican cathedral was sounded in 1829, and is among the oldest churches in Nilgiris. It depicts various religious scenes through wooden works and glass paintings. This cathedral stands apart from all the other places to visit in Ooty , in respect of beauty and glory. The stained glass and wooden beams are a beauty to behold!

• Operating hours:  10 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm every day.

Most of the places listed above have no or minimal amount of entrance fee. Ooty is a beautiful place in the mystical lands of Tamil Nadu that can be afforded by almost everyone. Apart from these places, there are many places to visit in Ooty that will bring out the charm of the town. However, if you wish to visit the famous spots, then this list of places to visit in Ooty is the ideal one for you to go. Ooty is one of those places in India which you have to experience to know the beauty of it. One cannot describe its beauty in mere words.

FAQs about OOty:

1. what are the top ten places to visit in ooty.

Almost every place you visit in Ooty is worth all the hype. However, if you want to enlist ten places, then here is a list of it:

• Thread Garden
• Doddabetta Peak
• Kalhatti Falls
• Emerald Lake
• Catherine Falls
• Stephen’s Church
• Annamalai Temple

2. What are the things you must carry when roaming around in Ooty?

The temperatures in Ooty might be low, but there is going to be sun scorching all the time of the year. So make sure you are packed with loads of sunscreen and clothes depending on the season in which you are visiting.

3. What are the adventure activities you can do in Ooty?

Among the list of places to visit in Ooty , there are a considerable number of waterfalls and hills. Hence, there is going to be trekking, mountain climbing, hiking, and many other adventure sports that you can involve yourself in Ooty.

4. What to expect when you are visiting Ooty?

Most of the places to visit in Ooty are related to nature and its panoramic views. So, when you are planning to visit Ooty, make sure you carry your camera to capture all the scintillating views from the top of the hills.

The list is made, the pictures have been looked at; what are you waiting for? Book your Ooty tour package right now and head to the mysterious and lovely Ooty to experience Ooty tourism now!

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• 50 Places to Visit in Ooty

Places to See in Ooty

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Must Visit Places in Ooty

Nilgiri mountain railway.

World Heritage Site also is known as The Toy Train, built by the British, is an unparalleled activity to experience in our list of the best places to visit in Ooty. A journey in the toy train gives its passengers a lifetime experience as the ride offers you the captivating landscapes, dense forests, a flowing river and the sun shining beautifully over them. It is the steepest track in Asia and as the train takes you to the higher altitudes, you will experience how treasured Nilgiri is. You're going to witness a whole lot of panoramas on the ride. The 5 hours long Journey to Ooty is the time you won't regret spending on this 46 Km track as it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Location: The one-way journey starts from Mettupalayam  Timings:  7:10 am, and from Ooty at 3 pm Charges: The ticket, costing INR 205, can be booked from the IRCTC website. Popular Reads: 35 Best Resorts in Ooty for amazing stay

Avalanche Lake

A lake, artificially constructed just for the fishing purpose has now become one of the most popular tourist places in Ooty which has scenic views in every direction you see. It is a place you just cannot miss on your trip to Ooty. Also, the famous summer festival organised here in which the boat races and other such games attract the crowd. There is also a boathouse, boating in it is the favourite thing of tourists. You can always spend peaceful and quality time here with your close people. Plus you can do cycling here by taking a cycle on rent. If you want to take something with you from here, there're shops selling shawls and other stuff you might like Location: The Nilgiris Timings:  09:00 AM to 06:30 PM Charges: Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 560 for foreigners

Checkout:  Ooty Trip Packages

Best of Bangalore

Emerald Lake

This pristine lake is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Ooty. Located at a distance of about 17 km from the main town, Emerald Lake offers more than its healing blue water. It is surrounded by the exquisite Nilgiri range and unexplored trails that lead to intense wilderness. It is recommended to watch the sunset from this lake because it is mesmerizing in every sense of the word.  There are also many resorts and hotels located close to the lake in case you are planning a longer stay. The area around this lake is quite soothing as well. Thus, if you are tired with the bustling city noise, head over this lake and calm down your senses.  Location: Emerald Village Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM Charges:  No entry fee.

Also Checkout: Best Ooty Tour Packages for Family

Rose Garden

Who does not love roses? Lying in the heart of Ooty, this garden will not fail in taking your heart away. Located on the slopes of Elk Hills, It is one of the famous Ooty sightseeing places and has a wide variety of roses and other flowers which not only attracts tourists but also botany students. It is known by multiple names like Centenary Rose Park, the Jayalalithaa  Rose Garden and the Nootranju Roja Poonga. The stretched lush area offers a great place for a family picnic.

Being maintained by Horticulture Department it is also famous for the flower show during which the most number of flowers are grown here. Do not forget to buy a bouquet from here on your next visit to Ooty! Location: Horticulture House, Bombay Castle Timings:  08:30 AM to 06:00 PM Charges: Rs. 20 per person Book & Checkout:  Ooty Tour Packages From Delhi

St. Stephen’s Church

This place is all about a peaceful atmosphere and good vibes to heal you spiritually. Being a place of worship, it’s very calm and quiet and offers positive vibes to make you feel comfortable. The architecture is very elegant and intricate. The details will blow your mind away with its intrinsic carving, which will make you appreciate the structure. The Church holds within its premises an aesthetic garden with various flowers that adds more beauty and charm and further pacify the environment, allowing you some time with nature. The church also houses a cemetery in its backyard and is among the famous Ooty attractions Location: Club Road, Ooty. Timings: Open on all days except Sunday. Mass timings from 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM and from 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM Charges: No charges Applicable Checkout :  Ooty Tour Packages From Mumbai

Best of Coorg

Botanical Garden

One of the most popular places to visit in Ooty, Botanical Garden is one place where you will find a unique collection of flowers, trees and ferns. The garden is divided into three horticultural sections that is spread across an area of 55 acres and embellished with lush green lawns and artificial ponds.   There are more than 600 species of plants and flowers cultivated here. Thus, this place is a haven for nature and plant lovers. Botanical Garden is also famous for sightseeing, nature walks, photography, and flower and plant exhibition. It takes about 3 hours to finish a tour of its premises Location: Vannarepettai Timings:  07:00 AM to 06:30 PM Charges:  Rs. 30 per person  ( Extra Rs. 50 For Camera) Recommended Reads: 25 Best Homestays in Ooty for a relaxing stay

This is one of the best places to visit in Ooty, if you are a wildlife enthusiast.  The park does full justice to its name as there are different varieties of deer found within its boundaries, such as Chital Deer and Sambhal Deer. However, the deer park is also home to a large number of wild animals, such as rabbits, hares, and birds. You can also go for a stroll near Ooty Lake which is located quite close to the Park. This popular site in Ooty is also home to a number of flora and fauna. There are also a large number of hotels and resorts near the Park, in case you are looking for a longer stay.  Location: Near Ooty Lake Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM Charges: No charges applicable Suggested Reads: 13 Best Adventure Tours in Ooty

Ooty Boat House

Best of Munnar

Doddabetta Peak

Government Museum

Kalhatty Waterfalls

About 14 km from Ooty, Kalhasti waterfall is another name for this place. It lies in Kalhatty village, water graciously descends down from a height of 120-122 feet.  You're going to spot a wide variety of hill birds. Wildlife here includes Panthers, Bisons, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Dogs, Spotted Deers, Sambars and monkeys. Also, it is a house of various spices like cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, sandalwood, pepper, and rosewood. It is one of the Ooty famous places and also perfect places for trekking in Ooty. Kalhatty Hills are going to a lot to your beautiful memories from Ooty. Location: Ooty-Mysore Road Timings: 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM Charges: No Entry Fees Checkout:  Ooty Tour Packages From Hyderabad

Best of Wayanad

Dolphin’s Nose

It is the go-to place for nature lovers. The panoramic view it gives you is unquestionably beautiful. Adventure lovers and photographers would love it here, adding an adventurous blend to the places to visit in Ooty. The vast scenery decorated with Catherine Falls, Nilgiri Hills and lots of greenery is purely spectacular. You are offered a telescope to have a better experience of the beauty spread in front of you. It is mesmerizing. Coonoor tea served here will energize you. March to May is the best time to visit as it gets extremely cold in winters. One thing is guaranteed; this mystical place is going to leave you awestruck. Location: Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. Timings: Visit during the day to avoid fog blocking the view. Charges:  No charges Applicable Checkout:  Ooty Tour Packages From Pune

Needle View Hillpoint

Also famous by the name of Oosi Malai, it’s one of the preferred places to visit in Ooty if you are planning a picnic with your loved ones or simply want to spend some time in the lap of nature. Away from the hustle and bustle of city-life, Needle View Hill Point serves as an ideal place to calm your soul. You can climb up the rocks and get a panoramic view of the splendid scenery spread here. The cool breeze and the setting sun will make the whole experience more pleasant. It will bring out the romantic in you and make you fall in love with nature if you aren’t already. Location: Gudalur Timings:  From 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM every day. Charges:  No Entry Fee Book Now:   Ooty Tour Packages From Ahmedabad

Stone House

Stone House is an old building that belonged to the British-era. It tells the story of the lives and struggles of Nilgiri residents who lived during that time. You can find their weapons, coins, postal stamps, and utensils as artifacts inside the house. You can also acquire unique information about the social life and agricultural techniques that were used during that time. The place also serves as the heritage house of the bygone era and is one of the best Ooty places to see. It is a boon for archaeologists, historians, and lovers of art and culture.  Location:  Stone House Area, Stone House, Ooty Timings:  All days – 10 AM to 5 PM Charges:  No fees Book & Checkout:  Ooty Tour Packages From Kerala

Best of Chikmagalur

Wax World Museum

Located at a distance of 2km from the main town, Wax World Museum should be on your list of places to visit in Ooty.  The museum is an art in itself. It exhibits wax figures of popular Indian personalities, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mother Teresa, APJ Abdul Kalam, and Shirdi Sai Baba. There is also an indoor museum, which is open for visitors all day. The museum is quite an answer to the popular Madame Tussauds Museum of London.  There are also some fine-dining restaurants nearby to have exquisite meal before or after you visit the museum.  Location: Kotagiri Road  Timings: 9.00 pm to 8.00 pm  Charges: Rs 20 per person You can also checkout & book    Ooty Honeymoon Tour Packages

Mudumalai National Park

It has been declared as a tiger reserve thereby increasing its importance and making it a must in the best places to visit in Ooty if you are a wildlife enthusiast. To see around, you can either use your own vehicle or hire one. You can enjoy the shades of nature from Needle Rock View Point and Frog Hill View Point. There’s a Spice garden to visit and also Chanadanmalai Temple to satisfy you spiritually. If you love treks, this place won’t disappoint you in the least. You’d be offered to go on jungle safari and elephant safari. You’re strongly recommended to take it. Location: It’s a 3 km journey from Gudalur; or go via the NH- 67. Timings:  06:00 AM – 06:00 PM Charges:  Rs.30/person. Additional charges for camera and safari.

Best of Dandeli

Located in the beautiful city of Ooty, Tiger hill is an awe-inspiring point to have a grand view of the scenic beauty around this place and is one of the best places to see in Ooty. On the hill, there is a cave and a water body which adds to the beauty and gives fresh water to the people here. It is situated away from the chaotic atmosphere of the city and will give you peace and liberate your mind. The sunrise looks breathtakingly beautiful from here and so do sunsets. The hill allows trekking and adventurers are surely going to love it. Location: Ooty, Tamil Nadu. Timings: Avoid going in early mornings and late evenings because of fog.  Charges:  No charges Applicable

Thread Garden

The artful creation of plants and flowers from something as underrated as threads is totally going to amaze you. Its beauty lies in how realistic it all looks. The thread is woven magically in the shape of petals and leaves and it’s so incredible that you will be stupefied and it is among the famous Ooty attractions. The technique they adopted is called “Four Dimensional Hand Wound Embroidery”. It was done without any mechanical help which is stunning in itself. If you call yourself a lover of arts and artifacts, there is no way you can skip this beauty when you are visiting Ooty.

Location: Ooty

Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Charges: Rs. 30/ person and additional charges for camera.

The Tea Factory and the Tea Museum

Residing in the lap of appeasing Nilgiris and spreading over an area of 1 acre, it is one of the Ooty sightseeing places and a highly recommended place for nature lovers and especially tea lovers. Tea Museum will let you in on the facts about tea, like, its origin, its evolution over time and other notable details that will blow your mind and you’ll never look at this refreshing beverage the same way as before.

You’ll be intrigued by it. The Tea Factory will show you the mechanical and technical details of the entire procedure of tea making. You will get to taste it too. Location: Dodabetta Road, Mel Koddapmund, Ooty. Timings: Everyday from 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM. Charges: Rs. 10/ person for factory visit and Rs. 10/ person for Museum visit Suggested Reads:   15 Best Places to Visit in Ooty in 2 Days for your next trip

Best of Sakleshpur

Other Places to Visit in Ooty

Ooty golf course.

Mini Car Museum

Kamraj Sagar Dam

Ooty is full of must-visit places and Kamraj Sagar Dam is surely one of them. In the lap of Nilgiri village, the dam is has become the favourite picnic spot to go with family and friends. A quiet place surrounded by hills, there are a variety of fishes, mostly trout, in the reservoir. Also known as Sandynalla reservoir, this place is famous for film-shooting. You also can't resist capturing the charm of this place in your camera. This place won't take much of time but it definitely offers picturesque views to your eyes, making it one of the most serene tourist places in Ooty. Location: Coimbatore-Ooty-Gundlupet Highway Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM Charges:  No charges applicable

Best of Pondicherry

Thunder World

Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden

Tribal Research Centre

If you are an archeologist, architect, art enthusiast, or lover of nature, this place will bring you closer to your passion/profession/interest. One of the best places to visit in Ooty, the museum is well-maintained and exhibits prehistoric artifacts and social, cultural, economic, and religious activities of tribal community that live in South India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The center also conducts in-depth research on the lifestyle, habits and living conditions of tribals. It also puts in a lot of work to improve their lives and make them a part of regular life.  Location: Nanjanad Road, Muttorai Palada, Ooty. Timings:   All days (except Friday and national holidays) Morning hours – 10 AM to 1 PM, Evening hours – 2 PM to 5 PM Charges:  No entry fee Also Checkout and Book:  Sydney Harbour Cruise

Best of Kodaikanal

Mukurthi National Park

Located in Nilgiri, this place offers a spectacular view of varied flora and fauna. It treasures the Nilgiri Tahr and other endangered animals like the Asian Elephant and the Bengal Tiger. The park is about montane grasslands decorated with sholas lined with shrubs and it is one of the best Ooty places to see. The area is windy and cold, giving it a mystic touch. It experiences high rainfall so you should come prepared. You can trek your way to happiness. Take a tour around and observe the details it hides. It has uncanny resemblance to the Himalayas and proves to be a soothing escape from your hectic schedule. Location: The Ooty-Gudalur-Mysore route is the easiest to get in. Timings: From 09:00AM – 05:30 PM. Closed on Tuesday. Charges: Rs.15/person. Rs.2 for students. Additional charges for camera. Book Now:  Musée D Orsay Tickets

Chocolate Museum

Cairn Hills

Best of Yelagiri

Tibetan Market

Adam’s Fountain

Established in the year 1886, it is a historical landmark made in the loving memory of a Governor who rendered his remarkable services in Ooty at that time and is one of the famous places to see in Ooty. The fountain is pretty detailed and intricate and the beauty of it attracts the tourists. The night view of the fountain looks ineffable with the spring of water glowing in the dainty lights. The photographers have a special liking for this spot due to its photogenic look. If you are in Ooty, you would surely want to have a picture of you with your loved ones with the magnificent fountain in the background. Location: Charring Cross, Ooty. Timings: Open at all times. Charges:  No charges Applicable

Best of Yercaud

Elk Hill Murugan Temple

It is a Hindu temple located in the stunning city of Ooty. There are no charges or permissions needed as it is a place of worship. In order to see the Lord Murugan statue and go to the temple, you will have to climb 108 steps barefoot which is quite fun with family and friends. It will leave you with loads of memories to cherish throughout your life. This place is a dazing blend of spirituality and natural beauty which will steal your heart. It is a beautiful way to escape your busy life and hectic schedule. It will bless you with new zeal and enthusiasm. You must visit and see around here. Location: Elk Hill, Ooty Timings: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM Charges:  No charges Applicable

Wenlock Downs

On your way to Pykara, you will come across Wenlock Downs which will soothe your mind and calm yourself, which makes Wemclock Downs one of the most quaint places to visit in Ooty if you are an offbeat traveller. You should take time to see around here. It will satisfy the photographer in you and will be an ideal place to break your journey and rest for some time. The downs are spread over the vast area of 20,000 acres making it look endless. This land has its own stories to tell and is historically important. The Pykara backwaters form a lake which looks beautiful when seen from Wenlock Downs. Location: 16 km from Ooty. Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM  Charges:  No charges Applicable

Kandal Cross Shrine

Nestled in a quaint region, Kandal Cross is one of the must-visit tourist places in Ooty. It is a Roman Catholic Church known to fulfill all the wishes of the devotees, albeit their heart and intentions behind the wishes are pure. For this reason, it is also known as ‘Calvary of Tamil Nadu.’ The path to this Shrine is quite captivating and the minute you lay eyes on this religious edifice, it will take your breath away with its intricate architecture. There are holy masses conducted every Friday and a holy feast is held on 3rd May every year.  Location: Nilgiri Timings:  09:00 AM to 06:00 PM Charges:  No entry fee

Best of Coonoor

Bison Valley

Camp at Tea Gardens

Best of Kabini

Annamalai Temple

 Located at a distance of 20 km from the main city, Annamalai Temple is built in reverence of Lord Murugan.  The temple is set amidst lush green lawns. The place is also laden with silver oak trees and tea estates, and thus, is a serene site to visit. The temple is one of the lesser popular tourist places in Ooty, and thus, not many people know about it. It is looked after by an aged man. It also has an ashram for people and marginalized people. A ritual of ‘Anna-Dana’ takes place in the temple during ‘Nakshatra’ and ‘Karthigai’ days of every month, where food is distributed among poor people. Location: Kil Kundha Post, The Nilgiris

Timings: Everyday  Morning hours – 5 AM to 12 PM,  Evening hours –4 PM to 9 PM Charges:  No Entry Fees

Ketti Valley View

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, in the Nilgiris district, Ketti is the second largest valley in the world and one of the best Ooty places to see.  A heaven for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, Ketti Valley is also known as the ‘Switzerland of the Nilgiris.’ Some of the popular places to visit near the valley are Ooty Lake, Rose Garden, Doddabetta, and Thunder World.  The valley is smeared with lush green hillside, prolific tea estates and dense forests, making it a quaint place to visit and explore.  Location: Ooty-Coonoor Road Timings: Everyday at Anytime Charges: Rs. 5/person

Parsons Valley Reservoir

 If there is one word to describe Parsons Valley, it’s wild. This valley is not for weak-hearted since it is home to a variety of tigers, panthers, and other wild animals. One also needs to acquire a permit from the Forest Department. Parsons Valley Reservoir is part of Parsons Valley, which is largely a forest area, and a part of Mukurthi National Park. The area surrounding the reservoir is truly magnificent in every sense of the word. If you are lover of strolls amidst vibrant nature, then do visit this place. Location: Ooty Taluk, Nilgiris Timings:   Every day – 10 AM to 5 PM Charges:  No Entry fees

Best of Horsley Hills

Ooty coffee house.

Waterfalls In and Around Ooty

Pykara waterfalls.

Sacred to the Todas, the river of Pykara running along the village of Pykara is a beautiful place to be at. You are given the luxury to spend some time here in the boathouse or forest rest house. They make for an ideal holiday package for you, taking you to the most attractive places to visit in Ooty. It will be spiritually uplifting to be here. The clean meadows and interesting animals are a major attraction. The Pykara waterfalls will leave you spell-bound and you will leave only to come back again. The food served here is absolutely delicious. Photographers will love it here. Location: Pykara, Sholur, Tamil Nadu. Timings: Open all days from 08:30 AM to 05:00 PM Charges: Rs. 175/ person for boating. Must Read:   Best Honeymoon Tours in Ooty for couples

Halashana Waterfalls

Best of Nagarhole

Katary Falls

It is a breath taking place and will have you enchanted by its beauty and charm. It is situated around 10 km away from Coonoor and is the third largest waterfall in the blue hills of Nilgiris. To go near the waterfall, you need to take special permission from the Defence. Once you have it, you can go close to this mystical fall and experience its magical view from up close. You can reach there by trekking which is fun and quite photoshoots. It can give you some mind blowing photographs to make your friends swoon over. Location: Adikaratti Timings: It is recommended to visit during afternoons.  Charges:  No charges Applicable

There are many words to describe the beauty of Elk Falls, such as magnificent, beautiful, mesmerizing, and breathtaking, but none can do justice to how majestic it looks to a naked eye. Apart from its rambling water, these falls offer a grand view of the Echoing Valley of Kookal. The fall is also known for a European house, called Kannerimukku, which was constructed by a British collector who went by the name Sullivan. The house was built in 1819 and is known to be the first British construction in Tamil Nadu. Other attractions near the fall are green tea estates, coffee plantations, and Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar. Location: Uyillatti village in Kotagiri, Nilgiris District. Timings: Anytime Charges:  No Entry Fees.

One of the most popular tourist locations near Ooty, Laws Falls speak of charm and beauty in every sense of the word. These enchanting falls ramble down from a height of approximately 180 ft. and create a splendid pool that travelers must jump into at least once. The fall is named after the late Colonel Fall who discovered these falls and also constructed the popular Coonoor Ghat on the banks of Coonoor River. Some of the popular nearby attractions of the falls include Sims Park, Lamb's Rock, Dolphin Nose, and Catherine Falls. These falls are truly splendorous. Location: Mettupalayam Road, Coonoor Timings:  Every day – 9 AM to 6.30 PM Charges:  No Entry Fees

Catherine Falls

People Also Ask About Ooty

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The Mudumalai national park happens to reside on the northwestern side of the great Nilgiri hills. It has been one of the most important wildlife corridors of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The national park is flourished with many other adjoining forests and wildlife reserves like the Mukurthi National Park, Silent Valley National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Bandipur National Park. The Mudumalai National Park is also referred to as the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. There are more than 48 tigers in the park and they are allowed to roam freely inside the park without any restriction. The National Park is not only a house to the elephants and tigers, but it is also home to countless other endangered wildlife species like amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. As per the reports, more than 13% of the total mammal species in India is present in the Mudumalai National Park and more than 8% of birds find their home in the National Park. The National park has got a perfect balanced ecosystem. The National Park also houses various medicinal as well as rare plant species like Pongamia glabra, Mangifera indica, Dalbergia latifoli, Terminalia arjuna, Syzygium cumini and the bamboo. Visit this amazing place in your next holiday vacation and spend some time in the serene atmosphere.

Also known as the Ooty Boat House, Ooty Lake is one of the major attractions of Ooty, the queen of Nilgiris. Spread over a vast area of 65 acres, this lake was first constructed by John Sullivan way back in 1824. Made with the water flowing down from the mountain streams in Ooty, the lake was initially made solely for fishing. However, gradually it became more of a tourist attraction, and when it was taken over by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation in 1973, the lake was transformed into a tourist park and more attractions were built around it. Surrounded by groves of Eucalyptus and the Nilgiri ranges in the background, the Ooty Lake is one of the most serene and peaceful tourist attractions in Ooty. If you are lucky, you can also spot some rare birds near the lake. But it is not just the beauty of the lake that makes this place so popular - the fun activities for kids and adults alike are also a major crowd puller. Boating is a popular tourist activity at Ooty Lake. One can hire paddle boats, motorboats, and rowing boats from the boathouse in Ooty Lake and take a ride across the pretty lake. Kids can enjoy a joyful ride on the mini train and take a tour of the lake and the park. The amusement park that houses a haunted house, mirror house, and other fun activities like horse riding, is also loved by tourists that visit Ooty Lake.

Emerging from the Mukurthi Peak, the beautiful Pykara River transforms into gorgeous waterfalls, which ultimately forms a Pykara Lake. Guarded by a lush green cover of the Shola forests, Pykara Lake is believed to be an outcome of the dam constructed across the Mukurti River. The tranquillity of the green surroundings, a thick forest cover at the shores of the Pykara Lake and the tall pine trees in its backdrop gives rise to a pleasing atmosphere. In fact, you can say that the Pykara Lake is blessed with everything that you need to make your family outing an endearing one. Irrespective of whether you are a solo traveler or a couple in love, you probably shouldn’t miss on this tourist hotspot on your Ooty tour. If you feel like adding some adventurous flavor to your weekend celebrations, you can simply hop at the Pykara Lake Boat House. Here, you have various motorboats and speed boats to give you a perfect boating experience. As the captain is busy maneuvering your boat around, you can simply get candid moments of your fellow tour mates. Besides boating adventure, you can also hike up to the rumbling Pykara Falls. As you proceed from the Lake to the Pykara Falls, be ready to treat yourself with the melodious bird sounds and a cool breeze of air blowing in here and there. There are paid battery car services for those who want to embrace the cascading illustration of the Pykara Falls without a hiking adventure

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The Ultimate Guide to Ooty: Must-Visit Attractions in the Queen of Hill Stations

Welcome to Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, the Queen of Hill Stations! Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is a picturesque destination in Southern India that offers stunning landscapes, pleasant weather, and a plethora of attractions. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful hill station, you’re in for a treat. This travel guide will take you through the top attractions and must-visit places in Ooty.

1. Botanical Gardens Ooty

The Government Botanical Gardens in Ooty is one of the most popular attractions. It covers an extensive area and is home to a diverse collection of plants, flowers, and trees. This garden is perfect for a leisurely walk amidst nature’s beauty.

2. Ooty Lake

Ooty Lake is an artificial lake and a major tourist attraction. It offers boating facilities, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon. The surrounding views and the cool breeze add to the charm of this place.

3. Doddabetta Peak

Doddabetta Peak is the highest point in the Nilgiri Mountains, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It’s a great spot for photography and nature walks.

4. Tea Gardens in Ooty

Ooty is famous for its lush tea gardens. A visit to the tea estates offers a chance to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy some fresh tea. The tea gardens are also perfect for picturesque walks.

5. Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as the Ooty Toy Train, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A ride on this train offers stunning views of the hills, valleys, and tea gardens, making it a must-do activity.

6. Rose Garden

The Ooty Rose Garden is home to thousands of varieties of roses. It’s a colorful and fragrant paradise and perfect for a romantic walk or a family outing.

7. Pykara Falls

Pykara Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near a serene lake. It’s a great place for picnics and nature photography. The nearby Pykara Lake also offers boating facilities.

8. Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake is a beautiful and peaceful spot surrounded by dense forests. It’s perfect for trekking, trout fishing, and camping. The area is rich in flora and fauna, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

9. Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is another tranquil destination in Ooty. It offers stunning views and is perfect for picnics and nature walks. The lake is surrounded by tea plantations and lush greenery.

10. St. Stephen’s Church

St. Stephen’s Church is one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris. It features beautiful architecture and historical significance, making it a peaceful place to visit and reflect.

Ooty offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Whether you enjoy adventure activities, relaxing landscapes, or historical sites, Ooty has something for everyone. Start planning your trip today and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Queen of Hill Stations.

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Top 20 beautiful escapades for an amazing holiday in ooty, tamil nadu.

Ooty is often called as ‘Switzerland of India’ and no doubt the beauty of Ooty totally justifies this name.  Ooty is dotted against the highest peak in Nilgiris, Ootacamund. The deep verdant valleys, clear blue skies, emerald grassy slopes, traditional and colonial style buildings, beautiful tea and coffee plantations and mesmerizing forests of Eucalyptus will seduce your eyes and tickle your lenses for amazing pictures. It is one of the best scenic hill stations of South India. It has something for every traveler. The vintage feel of Ooty will lure the history buffs, the gorgeous vistas will soothe the soul of every nature lover and honeymoon couple. In fact, due to its immense beauty and pleasant climate Ooty is one of the most preferred honeymoon destinations in India.

This popular summer as well as winter retreat in South India is blessed with many interesting tourist attractions. The stunning government Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, mesmerizes Doddabetta Peak to one of the largest valleys in the world, Ketti Valley. The sights and sounds of Ooty will never fail to surprise you.

In order to plan a trip to Ooty just keep reading this guide to sightseeing tours in Ooty. We are sure you will thank us later.

Quick Info on Ooty Tourism

List of Top Tourist Places in & around Ooty, Tamil Nadu

• Doddabetta Peak
• Botanical Garden
• Rose Garden
• Upper Bhavani Lake

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Avalanche lake.

• St Stephen Church
• Mariamman Temple

Mukurthi National Park

Ooty golf course, kalhatti waterfalls, ketti valley view, tribal research center, lamb’s rock, glenmorgan, ooty, mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, stone house.

• Catherine Waterfalls

Recommended Tour Packages

• 3 Nights 4 Days Ooty Hill Station Tour
• 4 Nights 5 Days Ooty Kodaikanal Tour
• 6 Nights 7 Days Ooty, Munnar & Kodaikanal Tour
• 7 Nights 8 Days Best of South India Hill Station Tour

Doddabetta Peak should not be missed on your travel itinerary if you are in Ooty. It is one of the highest peaks of the Nilgiris. If you are a nature lover, then this sight will definitely delight your heart. The place is decorated with stunning eucalyptus plants, ferns and sholas. On clear days, you will be spellbound to behold the picturesque green landscapes.

Not only that, the most gorgeous summits of Kulkuri, Kattadalu and Hecuba offer the most stunning views to cherish for a lifetime. Here you can also hold the hand of your loved ones and spend some quality time together. It is indeed one of the top sightseeing attractions in Ooty.

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• Best Hill Stations to Visit in Tamil Nadu

At an elevation of 2500 ft, the stunning Botanical Garden at the lower slopes of Doddabetta mountain is one of the most popular attractions to see in Ooty. If you love to spend time amidst the serenity of nature then this place is perfect to listen to the silence of nature.

The garden is divided into six sections-, Conservatory, Fountain Terrace and Nurseries, Lower Garden, Italian Garden, New Garden. It houses natural flora of Nilgiri Peaks, Cork Tree, 20 million old fossil trees, manicured lawns, rare species of floras, Italian garden, fern house which has a variety of ferns and orchids, a monkey puzzle tree to blow your heart away. Visiting here would be a one-of-a-kind experience with nature.

Highlight – Every Year a Flower Show is organized by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department in the month of May.

• Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Dale Carnegie has well said that “We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.” If you are in Ooty then the Rose Garden is one of the best attractions for your honeymoon trip. It is a perfectly romantic setting to spend some special time with your beloved.

It has around 2500 varieties of roses which till now is considered as the largest collection of roses in India. You will behold hybrid tea roses, ramblers, green roses, miniature roses, black roses, floribunda and rose creepers and so on. The breathtaking view of the entire gorgeous landscape from Nila Maadam offers much delight to the eyes and soul of a traveler.

• Must Visit Beautiful Gardens in India

If you had the most beautiful evening and the most joyful boat ride then Ooty Lake must be the reason behind it. The most interesting thing apart from a delightful boat ride is to see several boat races which can be seen throughout the year. The awesome amusement park and mini garden are the major attractions here that will make your weekends in Ooty more cheerful.

The lush greenery all around and stunning eucalyptus trees makes the ambiance of this lake worth capturing on your lens.  The lake covers an area of around 65 acres and was constructed by John Sullivan in 1824. It is also one of the most favorite spots for birdwatchers. The beautiful backdrop of the Nilgiris makes this place a scenic wonder to escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

• Must Visit Hill Stations in South India

If by nature you love thrill and adventure then Deer Park in Ooty is a perfect place for a lot of adventures. This Park is exclusively made for deers. Variety of deer species like Sambhar deer, chitals, different species of flowers and plants, varieties of birds, hares and rabbits makes the ambiance of Deer Park soul pleasing.

The Park is very close to Ooty Lake. So, if you are planning a great weekend or a family vacation in Ooty, you must visit Deer Park for long lasting memories.

Timings – 10;00am to 5:00pm

Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Tamil Nadu

Hidden in the Nilgiri Hills and located above the avalanche area, Upper Bhavani Lake’s blue waters are a sight of serenity and tranquil bliss. The lush green mountains covered in mists and fog and verdant forests are the thing of beauty and joy forever. These sights will never fade away from your memory even after you have left this scenic place.

The immense beauty of greenery all around, the lofty mountains will again call you to spend some moments of peace. It is one of the best places to visit for honeymoon couples in Ooty. Spend an evening roaming around the greenery enriched lakeside or simply sit idle to feel the romanticism of solitude.

Also Read: Popular Lakes in Tamil Nadu

Do not miss the amazing ride of Nilgiri Mountain Railway otherwise you will miss the best opportunity to view the stunning landscapes. Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs from Mettupalayam to Ootacamund or Ooty. It covers 16 tunnels and 250 bridges during the journey. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The structure and design of Nilgiri Mountain Railways has still kept the aura of colonial times intact. The steam locomotives look absolutely stunning. The first two stations are lovedale and Ketti which are surrounded by enchanting forests which opens up to emerald tea plantations, lush green valleys, from Coonoor to Mettupalayam the route is a bit steep, the misty hills and coconut and palm trees all around will take you to the world of bliss. This toy train ride is one of the best things to do in Ooty.

• Journey Through the Mountain Railways of India

If you are looking for day trip options from Ooty avoiding sound and crowd, simply head to Avalanche Lake which is around 28km from the center of the city. The emerald lake is surrounded by thick forests, even the light of the sun finds it difficult to come here. The entire landscape is blessed with shadows.

It is said that the lake got its name from a major landslide that took place in the 1800s. It is one of the best spots for adventure activities in Ooty. Tourists can enjoy trekking, camping, fishing and rafting for a memorable family holiday. Just imagine your day around the blooming flowers, the lush foliage and the stunning lake with plenty of opportunities for adventure. Isn’t it amazing?

• Top 50 Places to Visit in South India

Apart from the scenic natural wonders and adventure activities, one must look for surreal bliss and spiritual wisdom. There is no better place than St Stephen Church which you must not miss if you are planning a trip to Ooty. Built in colonial times, St Stephen Church is an amazing piece of British style architecture.

It houses the painting of ‘The Last Supper’ and the wall paintings which depicts the scenes from Jesus Christ’s life.  The stained-glass windows, wooden architecture delights the eyes of the tourists. It is one of the most popular religious tourist attractions to visit in Ooty.  The peaceful ambiance of the church and the surreal architecture of the bygone times makes the church a beautiful retreat for solace seekers.

• Famous Temples in South India

Embrace the divine peace in the abode of goddess of Rain, Mariamman Temple. The temple is located near the market of Ooty. The goddess Mariamman is a form of Goddess Kali who is also known as Mahamaayi or Sheetala Gowri.

As per the legends it is said that one day two sisters of divine look appeared in the market of Ooty. When they asked the locals for a place to stay they were told to stay under a tree nearby. The locals didn’t know that those two sisters were goddesses. When they were under the tree, a sudden flash of lightning appeared and the sisters disappeared. Locals after seeing that understood that they were goddesses.

So, they built the temple for the two sisters, Goddess Kaliamman and Mariamman. It is the only place where the goddesses are seen together. Tuesday is considered as an auspicious day to worship Goddess Mariamman. In case you are in Ooty in April, try to look up the dates of Ooty Mariamman Temple Festival so that you can fix an appointment. It is one of the best places to visit in Ooty.

Also Read: Pilgrimage Tourism in Tamil Nadu

Higher altitude of Nilgiris is one of the top places to visit in Ooty as it is blessed with the most beautiful Mukurthi National Park. extremely stunning landscapes, dense sholas, ferns, Orchids and Rhododendrons and lush vegetation teeming with rich wildlife like Sambhar, Barking deer, Otter, Jungle Cat, Nilgiri Tahr, Butterflies, woodcocks, wood pigeons, black eagles and so on. Your eyes will not be able to rest, there are infinite things to behold.

If you want to enjoy the best of Ooty tourism then camping and trekking in Mukurthi National Park is absolutely a must not miss to enrich your travel experience. It is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Visiting Mukurthi is absolutely worth it for an amazing family vacation in Ooty.

• Popular Wildlife Tourist Destinations in South India

Have you ever played the game of golf amidst the thick woods and that too at an altitude of 7200ft? No? then do visit Ooty Golf Course. No doubt it is one of the most popular tourist destinations and an attractive golf course in Ooty.

The gorgeous lush greenery all around, avalanchi ranges and amidst the thick forests playing a game of golf in an eighteen-hole golf course is one-of-a-kind experiences difficult to find somewhere else. The trees of Eucalyptus, Rhododendron, Oak, Fir will soothe your eyes as it enhances the scenic beauty of this golf course.

Also Read: Adventure Tourism in Tamil Nadu

In the village of Kalhatti, lies the scenic and forever enchanting Kalhatti Waterfalls. The journey to this cascading waterfall requires a 2-mile trek which is a wonderful adventure in itself.  On your way to this waterfall, you will witness an age-old bridge and a stone path which was built during colonial times. The stunning waterfall offers the mesmerizing views of picturesque landscapes teeming with rich wildlife. You will come across bison, wild buffaloes, rare black panthers, deers, and wild dogs. The entire landscape is decorated with greenery.

It is also one of the best spots for bird watching if you are a bird watcher and a nature lover. The spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, pepper and sandalwood plantations around the area increase the magnificence and beauty of Kalhatti Waterfalls. It is one of the top tourist destinations to visit around Ooty.

Also Read: Best Nature Sightseeing Places in Tamil Nadu

Starts from the plains of Coimbatore and ends in Mysore plateau, Ketti Valley View is one of the largest valleys in the world. It is a must not miss tourist destination if you are in Ooty for a family vacation. It is decked with 14 scenic villages which are an epitome of refreshing vibes and bliss.

The stations of Lovedale and Ketti look absolutely gorgeous and they are worth spending some quality time with family and friends. The absolutely stunning mountain ranges, green Oaks, scenic tea plantations will make your day. This is also one of the best honeymoon destinations in Ooty. The place has so much to offer in terms of beauty, serenity, refreshment, nature escape, romantic views and peace. One can also visit the World Wax Museum and needle making industries.

Also Check Out: Chennai Tourism Guide

If you are interested to know about the tribal culture and traditions of Tamil Nadu in minute detail, perhaps TRC (Tribal Research Centre) of Ooty is the best option. You will definitely get useful insights on tribal culture and heritage. Artifacts like ornaments, paintings, hunting and fishing materials, agricultural tools, pottery, weapons and sculptures of 36 different ethnic communities of Tamil Nadu will blow your heart away.

It is a great way to spend time in Ooty. After all, what is fun is seeing only attractions without knowing deeply about the traditions and culture of the place? The center has an open-air tribal museum along Audio-video system where you can enjoy tribal dance and song. It is definitely one of the top tourist destinations to explore in Ooty.

• A Memorable 10-Day South India Trip on Shoestring Budget

Lamb’s Rock is a popular tourist spot in Coonoor where you should travel only if you know to respect the relationship between solitude and the beauty of nature. If you can reach here in the morning at around 8 or so you get to see the valley at its best. Placid, coated with the layers of cloud and decked with abundant greenery, this viewpoint lets you witness the beauty of Coimbatore Plains along with the coffee estates and tea estates growing on the slopes of the Nilgiri Hills.

Timings – 9:00am to 5:00pm

Also Check Out: South India Travel Guide

Glenmorgan offers the panoramic views of picturesque landscapes and a chance to spend best quality time with friends and family. It is very popular for its rich wildlife and tea estate. From the foot of the tea estate, you will witness the forever enchanting Moyar Valley, it is a valley dipped in serenity and Pykara powerhouse.

Also, the breathtaking views of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary will rejuvenate your toil – weary soul.  If you are a birdwatcher, you should definitely head to this place. It also has a small ropeway running from a power house in Singara to Glenmorgan. The beauty of this place is so magical that one cannot resist to satiate the hunger of greenery-loving eyes. It is one of the must-see places for an amazing holiday in South India.

• My Trip to Ooty, Tamilnadu: A Mesmerizing Experience

Located on the banks of the river Moyar, lies the extremely scenic paradise for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary which is also considered as one of the top tourist destinations to see in Ooty. It is the most popular Tiger Sanctuary and a bird watcher’s paradise.

Birds like black woodpecker, brown dove, falcons, king vultures are in abundance here. The park houses around 266 species of birds along with critically endangered Indian white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture. Apart from that you will witness elephants, sambhar deers, mouse deers, reptiles like crocodiles and snakes, Indian Leopard and Gaur etc.

• The Incredible Bird Sanctuaries of India

Stone House is considered to be an identifier of Ooty as it was built by the first collector and the founder of the British settlement in Ooty- John Sullivan. It is one of the most popular heritage attractions to explore in Ooty. It is believed to be the first ever British bungalow constructed in Ooty.

The bungalow was called Kal Bangla by the tribals. Today, the house is converted into Government Arts College of Ooty. The night view of the house is superb and you should explore the collection of relics inside the house. Currently you cannot explore it from inside but the outside and fence will take you back in colonial times.

Also Check Out: Top Tourist Destinations of Tamil Nadu

Popular nature escapades, serene ambiance and refreshing vibes that can heal your mind, body and soul, Catherine Waterfalls near Ooty is a blissful attraction to spend some quiet time with your family. Lush greenery of Nilgiris, stunning landscapes, the gorgeous views of the Kallar river and from beyond the mountains the stunning Catherine waterfalls – what an amazing view this could be to captivate your senses. The emerald tea gardens and lush forests around the waterfalls look absolutely stunning for some adventurous trekking trails. Claimed to be the second highest waterfall in Nilgiris, this double-cascaded mountain stream is one of the most favorite destinations to visit around Ooty.

• Must Visit Waterfalls in India

Holidaying in Ooty would be so much pleasurable if you consider all these places in your Ooty travel itinerary. Trust us you will never regret visiting these places. Ooty is considered as one of the best hill stations to visit in South India. No matter how beautifully we write about such destinations, the real aura of the place can only be felt after visiting it. So, if you are planning a trip to Ooty, don’t wait, pack your bags and hurry up. Also share your delightful travel experiences with us in the comment section of the blog.

Other Important Tamil Nadu Tourism Resources

• Complete Tamil Nadu Travel Guide
• Popular Tamil Nadu Tour Packages

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. what is the best time for holidaying in ooty.

The climate of Ooty is pleasant throughout the year. Ooty always gives refreshing vibes. It is one of the best hill stations to visit in South India. March to June is the best time to visit Ooty to escape the sultry weather of plains and during winter Ooty is very popular for adventure and trekking, if you like misty mountains and chilly weather then winter is the best time for you to visit Ooty. During monsoon Ooty gives the best views of nature. The waterfalls will not be dry, you will feel the freshness of nature, the flowers will bloom, the rain will shower on you frequently but the roads get slippery and fog will decrease the visibility on roads.

Q. What is the nearest airport & railway station to Ooty?

• Nearest Airport - Coimbatore Airport is closest to Ooty. Apart from that one can also consider Mysore Airport which is 4 hours away from Ooty.
• Nearest Railway Station- Mettupalayam Railway Station is the closest railhead to Ooty and one can also consider a toy train ride from Coonoor to Nilgiri Hills.

Q. How many minimum days are required to explore the best of Ooty tourism?

It depends on you how much time you want to spend amidst the refreshing vibes and serenity of Ooty. It has so many places to explore and with the thrill of adventure activities you can enjoy the best of Ooty tourism. Come here for a week to explore this scenic hill station and enjoy some fun filled activities for a memorable holiday.

Q. What are the best activities to do in Ooty for tourists?

• Nilgiri mountain Train Ride
• Botanical Garden Visit
• Pubs and Bars of Ooty
• Wax World Museum
• Visit Deer Park
• Kotagiri Trek
• Temple hopping
• Enjoy Tea and Tourism Festival

Q. What are the top tourist attractions in Ooty?

• Kalhatti Falls
• Nilgiri Mountain Train

Published: 07 Dec, 2021

About the author

Pallavi Roy

She is a candle who burns and melts in the chaos of infinity, from where her visceral whistles and leaves an imprint of desire in her heart to know the map of an Island where there are different sunrises and sunsets. Her curiosity brightens to conquer the hearts unrelieved and sometimes mysterious. Her name is - Pallavi Roy - A traveller by soul and a writer by Profession.

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15 Incredibly Glorious Places to Visit in Ooty!

• Travel Tips
• April 12, 2019 in City Tours , Travel Tips
• Places to visit tourist places

Ooty also is known as Udagamandalam, is a popular holiday destination nestled in the beautiful Nilgiri Hills in the southern state of  Tamil Nadu . This ‘Queen of Hill Station’ is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level and has a favourable climate all-round the year, making it a mountain-lovers dream destination. Ooty with its delightful mountain trails, lush green scenery, never-ending meadows, crystal clear lakes that stretch for miles, and cascading waterfalls that suddenly appear as you take a hairpin bend, holds a charm like no other hill station. Go for hotels in Ooty as soon as you can to enjoy a great vacation.

Ooty is one tourist destination that you cannot rush through just so you can move on to the next place on your itinerary. This lovely destination stands tall and can hypnotize anyone with its cool peaceful landscape, awe-inspiring hills, winding country lanes, aromatic tea gardens, tasty bakery goods, and a joyful ride on the miniature toy train that infuses fresh air into the souls of the weary travelers.

Find Best Hotels in Ooty

Ooty is a fundamental part of the  Western Ghats  and is one of the most bio-diverse regions of the world. Monsoon is the best time to visit this pleasant hill station. In this season, you will be greeted by forests laden with rare blooming flowers and hill slopes covered with colourful species of plants not likely to be traced anywhere else in India. You can also spot a plethora of exotic wild animals and reptiles, a few of which are the elusive panther, the rock python, majestic cobra, and the big cats. A variety of rich pharmaceutical plants and herbs with medicinal qualities can also be found here. Hotels in Ooty are equipped with the best services for tourists to avail and enjoy.

15 Best Places To Visit In Ooty

• Botanical Garden
• Needle View Hillpoint
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway
• Rose Garden
• Emerald Lake
• Wenlock Downs
• Kalhatti Falls
• Dolphin’s Nose
• Kamraj Sagar Lake
• Kotagiri in Coonoor
• Doddabetta Peak
• Upper Bhavani Lake and Avalanche Lake

1. Botanical Garden

Located right in the heart of this beautiful scenic hill station is the famous Ooty Botanical Garden. It is one of the top places to visit in Ooty. Sprawling over 55 acres of land, the gardens house hundreds of different varieties of plants and flower species. Built in 1847, this beautifully landscaped garden is split into various sections, namely Lower Garden, New Garden, Italian Garden, Conservatory, Fountain Terrace, and Nurseries, and encompasses large varieties of both indigenous and exotic plants, shrubs, ferns, herbal, orchids, and bonsai species all of which present a natural colourful endearing sight. The garden has a temperate climate ideal for a variety of plants, shrubs, ferns, and bonsai. During the summer month of May, a special two-day exhibition of flowers is held here with various flower-related activities and prizes given to the best display. All these account for a charmingly scenic delight to the senses and make it among the best places to visit in Ooty. Also, budget hotels in Ooty are there to be found with ease. 

Location:  Vannarapettai, Ooty

Timings:  6:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Entry fees:  INR 30 for adults and INR 15 for children

Activities/Attractions: Cork Tree (only one species in India), Paper Bark tree, and Monkey Puzzle tree (even the monkeys cannot climb

2. Ooty Lake

This manmade lake was artificially constructed just for fishing purposes but is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ooty. This lake is very popular for its boating and the boathouse here provides paddle boats, motorboats, and rowing boats. A graceful and refreshing ride on the calm waters is a very popular activity enjoyed by family and honeymoon couples. Cycling and horse riding around the lake is another favourite amongst tourists. For a quick tour around the lake, there is even a mini-train for the kids. The beautiful lake spread over an area of 65 acres is surrounded by Eucalyptus trees and one can also see small streams flowing down the hills around it and is brimmed with shops selling local products as well as beautiful shawls and stoles. It is one of the ideal places for top sightseeing in India .

While visiting Ooty Lake, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Wax Museum right next to the lake. A visit to this museum is not only informative but also thrilling especially for kids who are left in awe by the beautiful wax statues stationed inside the 130-year old Colonial Mansion in Ooty. One can see numerous look-alike wax statues of eminent personalities of Indian history and culture. Go for budget hotels in Ooty to enjoy a great stay this summer. 

Location:  Ooty Lake, Ooty, The Nilgiris

Timings:  9:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Entry fees:  INR 10 for Indians and INR 560 for foreigners

Activities/Attractions:  Wax museum, boating, sightseeing, photography, shopping, and walking

3. Needle View Hillpoint

Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Needle View Hill Point is also known as Oosi Malai is an ideal place to calm your soul and spend quality time in the lap of nature with your dear ones. One can climb up the rocks and get a panoramic view of the splendid scenery all around. The cool breeze, the setting sun and the 360-degree view of the surrounding terrain make the whole experience more pleasant and romantic. Hotels in Ooty are available for bookings for all. 

Needle View Hillpoint derives its name from a cone-shaped rock-inhabiting it and is much more than just a viewpoint. Leagues apart from a usual sunrise and sunset point, it’s a gorgeous place and is quite different from other sunrise and sunset points. The drive from Ooty all the way to this spot is another major draw, which offers tourists breathtaking views of grasslands and the valley of the Nilgiris. Nature enthusiasts find it thoroughly enchanting and such surroundings transport them to an entirely different world.

Tip:  Make sure to carry some warm clothes with you as the temperatures can stoop down during the end of the day even during the monsoon.  

Location:  Gudalur, Ooty Main Road, National Highway 67, Ooty

Timings:  8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry fees:  N/A

Activities/Attractions:  Sightseeing, nature photography, and walking

4. Nilgiri Mountain Railway

A trip to Ooty is incomplete without embarking on a ride in the Toy Train run by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which gives its passengers a lifetime experience as it chugs its way through captivating landscapes, dense forests, and sparkling river with the sun shining brightly over them. It is one of the places to visit in Ooty in one day. The Toy Train was built by the Britishers and is said to be the steepest track in Asia. As the train climbs to higher altitudes one can witness how treasured Nilgiri is, and from your seat, you can have a panoramic view of the sparkling blue waterfalls, lush green forests, steep hills, plunging ravines, fragrant tea plantations, and breathtaking locales. At the end of the journey, you will not regret spending 5 hours on this 46 kilometers track as it is a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Hotels in Ooty near the Nilgiri Mountain Railway are available for bookings at all times during the year.

The journey commences from Mettupalayam up to Udagamandalam and crosses 250 bridges and 16 tunnels while passing through a number of other stations on the way including Coonoor, Kellar, Wellington, Lovedale, and Ootacamund. The hit song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ starring Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora Khan dancing on top of a train was shot on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway with the Nilgiri Mountains in the background. Nature enthusiasts and photography buffs would love to be in such surroundings that transport them to an entirely different world. It is a place for top sightseeing in Ooty.

Location:  The one-way journey starts from Metupalaiyam at 7:10 AM and arrives in Ooty at 12:00 PM and from Ooty, it starts again at 3:00 PM

Entry fees:  The ticket costs INR 205 and can be booked from the IRCTC website.

Activities/ Attractions:  Train ride, sightseeing, nature photography

5. Rose Garden  

Lying in the heart of Ooty on the slopes of the Elk Hills, this is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ooty, this mesmerizing garden will not fail in taking your heart away. Called by multiple names like the Centenary Rose Park, the Jayalalithaa Rose Garden, and the Nootranju Roja Poonga, it is a true paradise for nature lovers who are captivated by its lush gardens with areas dedicated to captivating perfumed roses. As you walk around the garden you feel like you have entered a different world altogether. Hotels in Ooty for tourists are available for bookings online. 

 Built in 1995 to commemorate the Centenary Flower Show, this is one of the famous botanical gardens maintained by the Horticulture Department of Tamil Nadu, covering a vast expanse of over four hectares on the hill slopes. One can spot a variety of roses in different colours, sizes, local, non-local, and hybrid.

 Families with kids as well as couples can be seen having a joyful time here. The annual flower show is the time the garden has the highest production of colourful and fragrant roses and visitors can purchase saplings or beautiful bouquets for their loved ones. The layout of the garden consists of bowers with rose creepers, Pergolas, and Rose Tunnels, and there is an observation center called the Nila Madam, from where tourists can get a beautiful view of the whole garden. With an assortment of about 20,000 roses and 2,800 plants, it has one of India’s largest collections of roses. Go for budget hotels in Ooty in case you are running on a tight budget.

Location:  Horticulture House, Elk Hill Rd, Bombay Castel, Ooty

Timings:  8:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry fees:  INR 20 per person

Activities/Attractions:  Flower show, bowers, fountains, Nilamaadam, variety of roses, viewpoints, and Gazebos

6. Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake situated in Emerald Village at a short distance from the main city of Ooty, is a part of the Silent Valley National Park in the Nilgiri District. Away from the maddening crowd, this serene lake with its picturesque surroundings, green Nilgiri slopes, and beautiful tea plantations offers a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely time in the lap of nature and tranquillity. It is not overcrowded by tourists and is one of the unexplored and virgin places of this South Indian hill station. For families, it’s a perfect picnic spot and for nature photography enthusiasts, bird lovers, ornithologists, and landscape artists, the delightful place provides a perfect subject and composition. If you are wondering how to travel from Delhi to Ooty can check online reservations and bookings. 

The azure blue water of this charming lake and the woods around it are home to a number of colourful native birds. For a better experience of the region, one can indulge in trekking and mountain biking around the lake or just sit and chill with a book or a fishing rod and enjoy the breathtaking view. Strolling around the Tea Gardens near the lake is another experience, which is a must for city dwellers and tourists. Nilgiri tea is famous for its strong flavourful taste and easily available in shops near the lake and one can be sure of the quality and authenticity when purchasing it from here. Top sightseeing in Ooty is possible at the lake. 

Location:  Emerald Village

Timings:  9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Activities/Attractions:  Trekking, mountain biking, bird-watching, photography, sightseeing, and fishing

7. Wenlock Downs

Have you ever seen those vast open expanses where the hero and heroine often dance in Bollywood films? Chances are that the scene was shot in Wenlock Downs. The downs are a popular picnic spot in the outskirts of Ooty. There is a vast expanse of lush green meadows and depending on the season one is visiting in, one can also enjoy horse riding here. The name of the place is derived from a British soldier Baron Wenlock and the downs presently cover 8000 hectares between Ooty and the region of Pykara. The area also served as a hunting ground for the British back then and the area is still known as Shooting Point as many blockbuster Hindi movies have been shot here. The meadows are still used for event photography. Do book hotels in Ooty beforehand to keep last-minute booking issues at bay.

It is a great place to get away from the chaos of the city to enjoy some peace and quiet. The climate here is pleasant round the year and the temperatures can dip considerably at night. The foggy and misty mornings create a romantic mood. Nature lovers and photographers come here in dozens during the weekend.

Location: Outskirts of Ooty

Timings: 9 am to 6:30 pm

Entry Fees: INR 10

Attraction: Lush meadows and vast expanse of vegetation / popular shooting spot

8. Kalhatti Falls

Kalhatti Falls in Bellikal is known as Bird Watcher’s Paradise and it is located just about 1.5 hours away from Ooty. The Kalhatti Falls in Bellikal is located in the Sigur Plateau and the falls themselves are about 400 feet high. The magnificent Falls are the main attraction here and the lush greenery all around as the falls make their way through the hills is a breathtaking sight. It is one of the best spots in India to watch some endemic birds and their way of life. The flora and fauna are as diverse as they can get. Hotels in Ooty near Kalahatti Falls are available to tourists of all budgets. 

The weather here is almost always calm and pleasant and a truly dreamy atmosphere is created when it rains. The falls are also a source of fresh drinking water for the surrounding area. The most exciting part of the trip, especially if there are children with you, is the visiting elephants which often come to the falls to enjoy a drink. The area is a walker’s paradise and there are many trails that one can follow through the greenery. The falls provide a wonderful view of the Nilgiri Mountains from an elevation and also play a crucial role in nature conservation here. Budget hotels in Ooty are available online. 

Location: Bellikal, about 1.5 km away from Ooty

Timings: Any time

Entry Fees: Fees

Attraction: The Falls/ Elephants/ Migratory Birds

9. Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is located merely 6 km away from Ooty City Center and is located in the lower region of the Doddabetta Peak, near its foothills. It is one of the most popular and beautiful vantage points in the entire Ooty and tourists mostly come here early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise and the sunset. The spot is wonderful to take some great pictures and there are flower meadows all around. There is an ancient cave atop Tiger Hill which explorers often like to explore. There are a number of local legends and myths around this cave. Trekking to Tiger Hill from Ooty is a major activity here and the trail will mesmerize you with its sights at every turn. There is also a freshwater reservoir here. There is also a British-era cemetery here that many tourists visit to pay their respects or to know about the history of the region. The marble statues in the premises are especially noteworthy. Go for hotels in Ooty near Tiger Hill to enjoy a memorable getaway to India’s south. 

Location: 6 km from Ooty city center

Timings: 5:30 am to 7 pm

Entry Fees: NA

Attraction: Sunrise and sunset view/ British era cemetery

10. Dolphin’s Nose

Dolphin’s Nose is located about 1500 m above sea level and is frequented by all who come to Ooty. It can be reached in about a couple of hours drive and the view of the Nilgiri Hills en route is a visual treat. The place gets its name because of the peak that resembles the nose of a dolphin. The region has gigantic rock formations and there are canyons and valleys on either side which are filled with greenery and are home to a large variety of flora and fauna. One can also get a clear view of the Catherine Falls from here. There are innumerable tea plantations here but the most exciting part of the ride is traversing the various hairpin bends that come along the way. Once up the peak, one can get a splendid view of the hill villages strewn around the valleys of the Blue Mountain. The region is breathtaking and the play of clouds and mist adds a new dimension to its beauty.

Location: A couple of hours drive from Ooty

Entry Fees: Free

Attraction: Tea plantations/ Dolphin’s Nose Peak, View of Catherine Falls  

11. Kamraj Sagar Lake

This scenic lake in the suburbs of Ooty has a majestic dam over it and is a very popular picnic spot in the region. There is also a woodland close by which makes for some fun exploration. There are also a number of shrubs and wild herbs to be found here and the region provides some beautiful backdrops for the family vacation pictures. The region is also a very popular shooting spot and many Hindi as well as South Indian films have been shot here. The lake is also a great place to enjoy some quiet fishing. The fish industry here is very robust and once here, one can enjoy some good fish delicacies with local rice preparations. The best hotels in Ooty are available near this lake. 

Location: Suburbs of Ooty

Timings: Anytime

Attraction: Fishing/ picnic spot/ shooting location

12. Kotagiri

Located in Coonoor, this small Panchayat hill city is just a few hour’s drive from Ooty and is a splendid locale for relaxation. The hill city is famous for its tea plantations, which are among the most prominent ones in the Nilgiri Hills. The tea factories here are an added attraction and one can go for a tea tour as well and know all about how premium tea is made. The region is 1985 m above sea level and it is a popular trekking destination as well. There are a number of boarding schools here and were established in the British era. Kotagiri has the best hotels in Ooty . 

The tourist footfall has decreased here in recent times but that has only helped in maintaining the scenic beauty of the place and those who want to travel somewhere that has not been overpowered by commercialization will find this to be the ideal spot. Adventure enthusiasts come here frequently for rock climbing and hiking. The weather here is almost always pleasant through the monsoons see some heavy rainfall. Even then, the lush greenery lends extra beauty to the place. Do book hotels in Ooty right away. 

Location: Few hours’ drive from Ooty

Attraction: Tea plantations, tea factories, rock climbing

13. Doddabetta Peak

Literally translating to the “Big Peak”, the Doddabetta is the highest peak in Ooty and reaches a height of 8650 feet. It is a great place for sightseeing and the 10 km trek to the hill draws trekkers from all over the country. The summit offers some splendid views and one can see as far as Mysore city when the day is clear. The entire Nilgiri range can be seen from here as the peak has a strategic location between the Eastern and the Western Ghats. The Doddabetta Peak can also be accessed by vehicles so there is no need to worry if your elderly parents are traveling with you. The scenic beauty around is mesmerizing and there are a number of lodges and hotels near the foothills of the peak where you can enjoy a few days of leisurely stay as you explore the region around.

Location: 10 km from Ooty

Entry Fees: free

Attraction: Trekking/ Hiking/ views of the surrounding hills in Nilgiri

14. Droog Fort

The Droog Fort is located about 15 km away from the foothills of the Nilgiri and according to the legends, it was said that the demon Bakasura resided here. The region also has a rich historical heritage as in the 18th century, Tipu Sultan used the fort here during his campaigns. The Fort is located about 1800 m above sea level so one can enjoy some truly mesmerizing views of the surrounding region from the high watchtowers of the fort.

There are a number of coffee plantations and eucalyptus plantations here and the air is always aromatic because of them. Bird watchers also frequent the place because the woodlands around the fort are home to a large number of local and also migratory birds during the winters. The trekkers come here frequently to enjoy the hike up to the fort. Malabar squirrels and foxes are also to be seen here, especially in the late evenings. However, it is important to keep an eye out for bison that often come out of the forests. The Nonsuch tea estate and the Law Falls are other attractions here and wonderful scenic spots for day trips.

Location: 1 hour from Ooty

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

Attraction: Nonsuch Tea Estate/ Law Falls/ Coffee plantations

15. Upper Bhavani Lake and Avalanche Lake

The two lakes in the Avalanche region are almost indescribable in their beauty. Located high on the hills, the waters of the lakes reflect the blue hills around. Avalanche Lake gets in name from a major landslide that occurred in the area in 1863 but the topography is steady now. The region is full of lovely flowers and lush meadows and one can enjoy horse riding and jeep safari by the lake. Boating in the lake is also allowed at specific times of the year. Upper Bhavani Lake is also well known for its beauty but the lake is situated in a niche of the hills and was overlooked for a long time. It has gradually drawn the attraction of the tourists and a lot of new activities have been introduced here recently, though tourists are requested to maintain the ecological balance of the lakes.

Location: Avalanche area in Nilgiri Hills

Attraction: Boating, horse riding, bird watching, open jeep safari 

Where to Stay in Ooty

Ooty provides scores of options when it comes to accommodation and there are both high-end luxury hotels as well as budget hotels to choose from. Due to the pleasant climatic conditions of Ooty, it is a popular tourist destination throughout the year so it is prudent to make the bookings some time in advance. Oyo App has a number of hotel booking options and you can choose hotels depending on their location, access to transportation, or other facilities. Ooty hotels are mostly situated in the foothills of the Nilgiri and hill view rooms are the most preferred here.

Where to Shop in Ooty

Shopping in Ooty is definitely a pleasurable experience and it is quite possible that you will end up emptying your wallet before long. It is the perfect location to buy light woolens and trendy jackets and hiking shoes. Charing Cross is the shopping street here which is lined by local markets and they sell souvenirs and especially handmade chocolates. On the other hand, if you want to buy fresh spices, then head to Upper Bazaar Road and you can whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, peppers, and cumin seeds for your kitchen. Commercial Street in Ooty is especially famous for tourists who want to buy shawls and stoles, junk jewelry, and fresh cakes and chocolates. Local coffee and tea are also to be found in the food stores here.

What to Eat in Ooty

Ooty is a great place to indulge in some mouthwatering food and because tourists come here from all parts of the country, there is something to suit every taste bud. One, of course, has to try the traditional South Indian fare here which is served in many South Indian restaurants that line the streets. Nahar Restaurant is one of the places for it and the food is completely vegetarian. For some authentic and inexpensive Chinese food, head to Hinkow’s on Commercial Street and you are sure to taste some of the best pork in your life. Kingstar Confectionery is a great place to find authentic homemade chocolates and they are one of the first family-owned chocolate makers in the city.

How to Reach Ooty

Ooty can be reached by flight and you will be landing at Coimbatore Airport, which is about 85 km away from Ooty city. You can get cabs to the city from here, or even a bus. There are many direct and connecting flights to Coimbatore from most Indian cities.

One can reach Ooty by road by taking the NH 209 and NH 275. There are frequent buses from Bangalore and the Tamil Nadu state transport corporation has maintained the roads here very well.

If one is traveling by train, then they would have to take a train to Mettupalayam, which is about 40 km away from Ooty. Once there, one can avail a cab or arrange for transport from one’s hotel to travel to Ooty. There are also buses to be taken. The ride is mostly through tunnels as one travels uphill and it is definitely the experience of a lifetime.

Revive yourself along with your family and friends with an eventful vacation by rushing to the heart-winning tourist places to see in Ooty. This southern gem will take your breath away with its bountiful greenery and awe-inspiring scenery, allowing you to relish the nuances of nature at their best. The spellbinding magic of this quaint little hill station never gets old, regardless of how many times you visit. Each season in Ooty presents the town in a new form and none of the seasons is too harsh for its visitors. The ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ looks forward to serving you a delightful treat away from home, in the lap of nature. Be it the heritage toy train or the pristine waters of the Emerald Lake, the tourist attractions here leave no stone unturned to make you crave for more. Ooty is an ideal destination for you to revive yourself along with your friends and family.

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20 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Ooty

August 13, 2024

For urban families burrowed in the never-ending struggle of routine, the planning of a vacation in the mountains can be music to the ears. If the harsh winters of Northern India are too much for you, then Ooty as a tourist destination can be ideal for you! 

Oozing with natural beauty, the best places to visit in Ooty offer a much-needed break from the never-ending grind. Tucked away in the Nilgiris, the unique topography of Ooty promises numerous memories to travellers. The lush tea gardens, verdant vistas, and tranquil ambience allow you to spend a few memorable days in the lap of nature. 

Whether seeking a weekend escape or the finest wedding destinations in India , Ooty can be your versatile destination. For adventure seekers, the Pykara Dam and Wenlock Downs offer many relaxing adventure activities like hiking or boating. You can sit at various vantage points and meadows, sipping your favourite beverage while pondering life. Exploring the rose garden feels like you are reliving a scene from your favourite fairy tale, bringing you closer to your partner. In essence, Ooty offers an enchanting experience to honeymooners, backpackers, and family vacationers alike. 

Looking for a quick escape to Ooty? Take the Tamil Nadu Tour Packages from Trip Planners India to make your excursion memorable. 

Explore The List of Places To Visit In Ooty

Officially called Ootacamund, the little hill town of Ooty is loved by families, solo travellers, couples, and even Bollywood directors. Wondering why? To satiate your curiosity, we have compiled together an Ooty tourist places list with images so that you gain comprehensive knowledge about the place before reaching your destination. 

1. Ooty Lake

Originally constructed artificially for fishing, the Ooty Lake has gained immense popularity among tourists. Known for its scenic locations and famous summer festival, this is one of the main tourist places in Ooty. Spend some quality time here with your loved ones while boating in the cerulean water of the lake, or take a rental bike to wander around one of the best places to visit in Ooty. 

• Location: The Nilgiris
• Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM
• Charges: Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 560 for foreigners

2. Doddabetta Peak

Looking to try your limbs at exploring the challenging terrains of Ooty? You are in for a treat, as Doddabetta Peak is one of the best places to visit in Ooty. The telescope house is the main highlight of the area, from where you can look over the charming flora and fauna of this place. The area's beauty increases in folds after the rains, making it one of the best places to visit in August in India . 

• Location: Ooty-Kotagiri Road in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, India
• Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
• Charges: Rs 6 per person

3. Botanical Gardens

If you are looking for places to visit in India during the summer , then the Botanical Gardens of Ooty is a plant lover's paradise. The climate is cool and pleasant around this time, and the garden hosts the Ooty Flower Show, which marks the onset of festivities in Nilgiris. To feast your eyes on the exquisite flower sculptures or explore other attractions like toy train rides and a children's fairy castle, this is one of the best tourist places to visit in Ooty. 

• Location: Vannarepettai
• Timings: 07:00 AM to 06:30 PM
• Charges: Rs. 30 per person  ( Extra Rs. 50 For Camera)

4. Rose Garden

The government rose garden is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for people looking for romantic escapades. The symphony of colours and fragrances makes it one of the most romantic places in the world , where you will feel like you have stepped into a fairytale. Stroll hand in hand in this garden and capture some beautiful moments amidst the vibrant blooms to cherish later. 

Include this destination in your Honeymoon packages in India and plan for a post-wedding photoshoot in this garden with the help of local photographers. If you are in these parts, you can visit the Elk Hill Murugan Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, which is one of the famous temples in South India . 

• Location: Rose Garden, Davisdale, Bombay Castle, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001
• Timings: 7 AM–6:30 PM
• Charges: INR 40 for adults and INR 20 for children

5. Nilgiri Mountain Railway Tea Gardens

To experience the vintage-themed train meandering up the track, taking you through the stunning hills and valleys, book a ticket to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway to explore one of the best places to visit in Ooty. Sit back, relax, and ponder over the majesty of nature on this toy train ride while basking in the beauty of one of the finest places to visit in Ooty in 2 days.

• Location: The one-way journey starts from Mettupalayam 
• Timings: 7:10 AM, and from Ooty at 3 PM
• Charges: The ticket, costing INR 205, can be booked from the IRCTC website.

6. Pykara Lake, Waterfalls, and Dam

One of the must-explore places to visit in Ooty in 2 days package, enjoy the tranquillity of Pykara. Travellers indulge in a boat ride in the crystal clear waters of the lake while learning about the legends of this area from the oarsmen. Head to the cascading waterfall and dam at dusk to experience a beautiful sunset at one of the best places to go in Ooty. 

• Location: Pykara village in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, India
• Timings: 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM
• Charges:   10 per person

7. St. Stephen’s Church

The serene atmosphere and sacred ambience of St. Stephen’s Church will heal you spiritually. Soak yourself in the impeccable architectural beauty of the best tourist places to visit in Ooty. This landmark is a window into the long history of the queen of hill stations. The building is decorated with beautiful stained-glass windows and antique artefacts. It is a jewel in the crown of the queen of hills and one of the famous places in Ooty. 

• Location: Club Road, Ooty.
• Timings: Open on all days except Sunday. Mass timings from 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM and from 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM
• Charges: No charges Applicable

8. Emerald Lake

As beautiful as its name, the lake is surrounded by the mighty peaks and jade hillocks of tea plantations, making it one of the best places to visit in Ooty. Yet to be discovered by most travellers, the under-explored landscape is nothing short of a scene from a fairy tale. It is a perfect location to enjoy a picnic, making it one of the finest places to visit in Ooty with family. 

• Location: Emerald Village
• Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
• Charges: No entry fee.

9. Wenlock Downs

Wenlock Downs is a must-see place in Ooty, where lush green grass stretches endlessly and doesn't seem to end no matter how much you walk. Once a renowned hunting ground, it has transformed into a renowned filming location. You can have a picnic in the meadows or wander around on horseback. This is one of the most mesmerizing places to visit during monsoon in India , especially on cloudy days when people feel like they are walking in the clouds. 

• Location: 16 km from Ooty.
• Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM 

10. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

To explore the best of the wilder side of Tamil Nadu, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the must-visit places in Ooty. As one of the most picturesque and sought-after sanctuaries, nature thrives here, and the majestic beasts of the jungle roam freely. Take a safari down the forests or pitch your tent during daybreak to bask in the natural beauty of one of the must-watch places in Ooty. 

• Location: It’s a 3 km journey from Gudalur; you can go via the NH- 67.
• Timings: 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM
• Charges: Rs.30/person. Additional charges for camera and safari.

11. Sim's Park

You must put Sim's Park in your Ooty visit places list. This unusual park cum botanical garden was created more than a century ago. Native trees and shrubs co-habitat with various imported foliage, attracting researchers and avid plant lovers. If you are looking for the best season to go Ooty, it is definitely during the summer, as the annual flower and fruit show in Sim’s Park is in May. Alternatively, it can be one of the best honeymoon places in India in December , as the weather is pleasant, allowing you to make the most of your trip. 

• Location: Sims Park, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu 643101
• Timings: 7 AM–6 PM
• Charges: INR 30 for adults and INR 15 for children

12. Government Museum

Although Ooty is known for its natural beauty, it also houses some of the popular historical places in India . The Government Museum in Ooty houses a remarkable collection of different tribal objects. Displaying the unique collection of art, crafts, sculptures, and items of the local tribes, it is one of the best places to visit in India with family .  Be sure to visit this museum if you are interested in learning about the history of the hill station. 

• Location: Near Arts College, Stone House Area, Stone House, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643002
• Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Charges: Free

13. Dolphin’s Nose

The unquestionably beautiful Dolphin's Nose is one of the best places to visit in October in India to experience nature in its raw form. A scenic drive along the winding ghat roads will take you to Dolphin’s Nose. This mesmerizing viewpoint offers an enthralling view of the blue mountains and tea estates on its slopes. Let your eyes wander freely along the marvellous view of one of the best places in Ooty to visit with the help of the telescope from the vantage point. 

• Location: Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.
• Timings: Visit during the day to avoid fog blocking the view.

14. Glenmorgan

Glenmorgan is a beautiful village adorned with age-old tea estates and lakes. As one of the Best Places to Visit in India Before You Turn 30 , this hamlet welcomes you with its picturesque landscapes and aromatic tea plantations. To explore the best places to see in Ooty, you can go trekking or take the ropeway around these parts and look around the Pykara powerhouse at Singara. 

• Location: Nilgiris, India 
• Timings: Accessible throughout the day
• Charges: NA

15. Lamb’s Rock

Lamb's Rock is probably one of the best places to visit in Ooty if you plan a quick picnic amidst the blue hills. Comprising views beyond compare, the Hulical ravine and the mesmerizing Coimbatore plains attract tourists from all over the country. The valleys around this place breathe back to life after the monsoons, and the skies are usually clear, making it one of the finest places to visit in September in India . 

• Location: Burliyar, Tamil Nadu 643103
• Timings: 9 AM–5:30 PM
• Charges: INR 30 for adults and INR 10 for children

16. Kalhatti Falls

The Kalhatti Falls, situated amidst the undulating Nilgiris, are well-known for its 36 hairpin bends. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India , cascading from the Sigur plateau. This route connects Ooty to Masinagudi, where you can enjoy a hike to the viewpoint. From there, you can ascend 150 steps to reach the foot of the waterfalls that attract birds during dawn and dusk. Dotted with paddy fields near the fall, offering a unique experience to city dwellers, this is best places to visit in Ooty. 

• Location: Ooty-Mysore Road
• Timings: 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Charges: No Entry Fees

17. Ketti Valley View

As one of the popular Ooty tourist places to visit, Ketti Valley looks like an endless green ocean surrounding the place. As they head to this region, a picturesque view of multiple hamlets awaits travellers. Known as the Switzerland of South India due to its panoramic views, this is one of the best places to visit in March in India . 

• Location: Ooty-Coonoor Road
• Timings: Everyday at Anytime
• Charges: Rs. 5/person

18. Coonoor

Looking for near Ooty tourist places? Seek the best of nature at Coonoor! With its mesmerizing viewpoints, rolling hills, and luxuriant greenery, Coonoor can be your perfect getaway spot. Add this place to your list of places to visit in Ooty for 3 days to stroll along the misty tea plantations and click some amazing photographs. As one of the top places to visit in February in India , Coonoor offers an idyllic winter charm appropriate for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

• Timings: NA

19. Ooty Chocolate Factory

Looking for unique places to visit in Ooty? Indulge your senses in the finest homemade chocolates and experience the essence of the blue mountains at your fingertips! You can witness the chocolate-making process, indulge in some sweet treats, and bring home souvenirs to distribute among your loved ones. So definitely add this store to your Ooty points of interest list. 

• Location: 218E, N Lake Rd, Kathadimattam, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001
• Timings: 10 AM–9 PM
• Charges: Variable 

20. Needle Rock Viewpoint

Capture the impeccable vistas during dusk as you traverse around Needle Rock. As one of the popular places to see in Ooty, the site offers unparalleled views of the deep gorges and rolling hills. It is one of the best places to visit in November in India if you want less crowded places. Relax here for a while, indulging yourself in the tranquil surroundings to experience the magic of this viewpoint. 

• Location: Gudalur
• Timings: From 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM every day.
• Charges: No Entry Fee

Best Time To Visit Ooty

Ooty experiences salubrious weather throughout the year. To explore the best places to visit in Ooty comfortably, you must visit the hill station at the right time. However, the ideal time depends on the experience you are looking for. In this section, we bring you a comprehensive overview. 

The best month to visit Ooty oscillates from March to June. The average temperature ranges between 23-35° C; the days are warm, and the evenings are pleasant. The air is also less misty than the monsoons or winters, and the roads are safer. 

Additionally, summer is the best season to visit Ooty as you can participate in many activities on the colourful terrains. Moreover, Summer festivals are also celebrated around this time of the year, offering ample opportunities to experience local culture. Therefore, it is the best time to visit Ooty with family. As the hill station sees many tourists trying to escape the summer heat, the sightseeing places and the hotel get crowded. Be prepared for heavy traffic jams and higher charges during the peak seasons. 

However, visiting the Queen of Hill stations in the offseason can be beneficial if you are looking for holiday or honeymoon destinations in India on a low budget . Visit these parts during the monsoon season to get hefty discounts on accommodation or transportation. 

Ooty can be one of the ideal places to visit in winter in India if you are looking for a pleasant climate paired with less crowded places appropriate for outdoor exploration. The romantic mist during this season makes it an ideal ambience to book the Ooty tour packages for a honeymoon. However, during the winters, be prepared to pack in a couple of extra woollens and sturdy trekking shoes. 

How To Reach Ooty

Many flights, trains, and buses go to one of the best hill stations in India . Come, let's take a look: 

How to reach Ooty by flight

Coimbatore is the nearest railway station at a distance of 100 km from Ooty. It is well-connected to the major cities and has international connections to places like Singapore. On reaching the airport, you can take a cab or bus to Ooty, one of the popular tourist places in Tamil Nadu. 

How to reach Ooty by train

Coimbatore and Tirupur are the two nearest railway stations connecting Ooty to Mettupalayam. On reaching Mettupalayam, you can board the toy train to reach your destination while enjoying a scenic ride. 

How to reach Ooty by bus

The most adventurous way to reach Ooty hill station is by boarding a bus. You will pass the heavily forested winding roads with many sharp hairpin bends. The Tamil Nadu route is well-maintained and offers a smooth journey. Although all the routes are toll roads, the tolls are quite normal. 

Here is a list of the most frequently searched routes to Ooty

By taking the comprehensive tour packages in India from Trip Planners India, you can skip the hassle of booking your transportation as we do on your behalf. 

Book Ooty Tour Packages With The Help of Trip Planners India

By booking a customizable package from the best trip planners in India , you can discover the magic of a well-planned holiday. 

Whether you are looking for peaceful exploration or adrenaline-spiking activities in the challenging bungee jumping places in India , we can make your excursion memorable with our carefully curated itineraries. From advising you about the best time to visit to arranging your accommodations, we will look after it all. 

As catering to your needs is our top priority, we have kept our packages flexible. So book an experience with us, and let us take you to some of the finest Ooty sightseeing places you will remember for years.

What is the famous in Ooty?

Ooty is famous for its scenic beauty, tea plantations, Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, and Doddabetta Peak. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway and homemade chocolates also draw visitors to this charming hill station in the Nilgiris.

Is 2 days enough for Ooty?

Two days in Ooty is sufficient to visit key attractions like Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, and Doddabetta Peak. While it's enough for a brief visit, a longer stay allows for a more relaxed exploration of the area.

Which food is special in Ooty?

Ooty is known for its homemade chocolates, fresh tea from local plantations, and South Indian cuisine. Specialties include Varkey , a local biscuit, Ooty buns , badaga cuisine (traditional tribal food), and a variety of flavorful curries and dosas.

What Are The Things You Must Carry When Roaming Around In Ooty?

• Warm Clothing : Ooty's weather can be chilly, especially in the evenings, so pack jackets, sweaters, and shawls.
• Comfortable Shoes : For exploring hilly terrain and walking through tea gardens.
• Umbrella/Raincoat : Ooty experiences sudden showers, so it's good to be prepared.
• Sunscreen & Sunglasses : To protect against UV rays during the day.
• Water Bottle : Stay hydrated while exploring.
• Camera/Phone : To capture the stunning landscapes.
• Medicines : Any personal medications, plus basic first aid supplies.
• Snacks : For quick energy boosts during your outings.
• Cash : Small denominations for local purchases, as not all places accept cards.
• Power Bank : To keep your devices charged on the go.

What Are The Adventure Activities You Can Do In Ooty?

• Horse Riding
• Mountain Biking
• Rock Climbing

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Moscow

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023

Moscow is one of Europe's most enigmatic destinations, home to a fascinating history and colorful, awe-inspiring architecture you won't find anywhere else in the world. Moscow might be one of the most populous cities in the world with over 11 million inhabitants, but this hasn't changed its strong cultural and social traditions.

Walk the cobblestone streets of the Red Square or the banks of the Moskva River early in the morning, and it's hard to tell what century you're in.

Tsarist architecture, must-see churches, and glamorous shopping opportunities blend together for a visual experience you won't forget. For ideas on what to see and do while visiting Russia, here's our list of top tourist attractions in Moscow.

Marvel at the Size of the Kremlin

Catch a performance at the bolshoi theatre, shop at the luxurious gum, make your way into lenin's mausoleum, spend an hour (or three) at red square, discover history at the museum of cosmonautics, ride the stunning moscow metro, explore the moscow state integrated museum-reserve, spend a rainy day at the tretyakov gallery, walk up and down arbat street, stop by the vdnkh all-russian exhibition centre, wander around gorky park, map of tourist attractions & things to do in moscow.

Moscow's most recognizable structure is without a doubt the Kremlin, a 15th-century fortified complex that covers an area of 275,000 square meters surrounded by walls built in the 1400s.

The Grand Kremlin Palace -which has over 700 rooms- was once home to the Tsar family and is now the official residence of the president of the Russian Federation, although most heads of state choose to reside elsewhere.

The massive complex also includes many other buildings, some of which are open to the public and can be visited regularly. Aside from three cathedrals (including one where the Tsars were once crowned) and a number of towers, the Kremlin is also home to the Armory building, a museum holding everything from the royal crown and imperial carriages to the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and Fabergé eggs.

The Bolshoi Theater is home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world . While the theater has undergone several major renovations over the past century-including a recent one in 2011 to restore some of the imperial architectural details-it still retains all of its Neoclassical grandeur.

The Bolshoi Theater you see today opened in 1824, after several older versions burned down. Inside, red velvet, a three-tiered crystal chandelier, and gilt moldings give the place a Byzantine-Renassaince grandiose feel like no other.

Catching a show from the resident ballet and opera troupes is a treat, as the theater often presents a number of classic performances, such as Tchaikovsky's Mazeppa and Rachmaninoff's Francesca da Rimini, both of which originally premiered here.

Moscow's oldest and most upscale shopping center is an architectural marvel. GUM (short for Glávnyj Universálnyj Magazín or "Main Universal Store") was built in the late 1800s in neo-Russian style to showcase a beautiful mix of a steel skeleton and 20,000 panels of glass forming an arched roof.

This was a unique construction at the time, since the glass had to be strong enough to support the snow-heavy Russian winters. The building is just as impressive outside, with all three levels covered in marble and granite.

While GUM is no longer the largest shopping center in Moscow, it's still by far the most beautiful. Home to brands like Gucci and Manolo Blahnik, this might not be the ideal destination for most budget-conscious visitors, but the beauty of the building itself is worth a visit.

On the third floor, there are also great dining options, including a Soviet-style canteen that serves traditional Russian food, and a stand selling ice cream made by hand using an original 1954 recipe originally approved by the Soviet government.

Lenin's Mausoleum, the final resting place of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, occupies a central spot in Red Square. His body has been in the mausoleum since his death in 1924-and although the original plan was for him to be buried after a short period of public display for mourning, the plan quickly changed.

After over 100,000 visited the tomb over a period of six weeks, it was decided that a new sarcophagus and a more permanent display space could actually preserve Lenin's body for much longer than expected-and Lenin's Mausoleum was built.

Over the years, the mausoleum and its marble stairs also became the main spot from where Soviet leaders would watch parades and events happening in Red Square.

Lenin's embalmed body can still be seen today, lying down in a bulletproof glass sarcophagus as if he's sleeping. While a visit to the mausoleum is certainly unusual, it has become a must-do for history buffs looking to understand how Lenin's legacy truly changed the nation. Come ready to wait, though -there are usually lines to get in.

All of Moscow's main streets start at Red Square, so it's easy to see why this is considered the heart of the city. A massive space of 330 meters by 70 meters, the square is flanked by the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, two cathedrals, and the State Historical Museum.

In 1945, a massive Victory Parade was held here to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Armed Forces.

St. Basil's Cathedral , one of the most recognizable buildings on the square, was built in 1555. The unique cathedral has architectural details inspired by Byzantine and Asian design, as well as details that resemble those found in famous mosques. There are nine individual chapels inside the church, all decorated with colorful mural art.

Both the square itself and the Kremlin are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . On weekends, there are sometimes stalls selling souvenirs and traditional items here, such as matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls), at the entrance of the square.

At one point, Russia and the US were toe-to-toe when it came to space exploration. While that might no longer be the case, the museum's amazing collection-which includes over 85,000 items-is still awe-inspiring.

Main exhibits include the space capsule used by Yuri Gagarin , the first human to travel into outer space; a USSR flag with moon fragments; a Soviet spacesuit; and a rocket propulsion unit from the 1960s. A special two-story hall showcases sections of the Mir space station interior, and there are also models of the first sputniks and a replica miniature spaceship.

English-language tours are available, and there's also a Cinema Hall showing subtitled short films about the history of space exploration programs and the first manned space flight.

The museum is located inside the base of the monument to the Conquerors of Space, which was built almost 20 years before the museum opened.

Riding the Moscow metro is an experience all in itself, but even just heading underground to walk through the stations is something no visitor should miss. With 223 stations and 12 metro lines crosscutting through Moscow, however, this can be tricky, so visiting at least a few of the most impressive ones is a good start.

Arbatskaya station was designed by a skyscraper architect, so it's no surprise that it features multicolored granite slabs and impressive bronze chandeliers.

Park Kultury station , located next to Gorky Park, is covered in marble and features reliefs of people involved in sports, while Teatralnaya station is decorated with porcelain figures dancing and wearing traditional Russian costumes.

The metro is open between 5:30am and 1:00am but it's very crowded in the early morning and after 4pm, so it's better to visit in the late morning or early afternoon to really appreciate the architecture without the crowds.

The Moscow State Integrated Art and Historical Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve is a cultural open-air museum complex comprised of four different historical sites.

The most important site, the Kolomenskoye Estate, was once the summer residence of Tsars as far back as the 14 th century. The complex, which covers almost 300 hectares, is home to fairy-tale wooden palaces; a tent-roof stone church built in the 1500s; a water tower; fort towers and structures; and the 24-room Museum of Wooden Architecture , which includes the restored dining room of Tsar Alexei I.

Beautiful manicured gardens , riverside picnic areas, and a massive collection of both artifacts and structures make this a great destination to help you see what medieval Russia looked like. English-language tours are available, but you're also free to wander the grounds on your own.

The largest collection of Russian art in the world sits here, with over 180,000 paintings, sculptures, and religious art dating back to over a millennia ago. The gallery, built using beautiful red and white colors from classical Russian architecture, is located near the Kremlin and it was built in the early 20 th century.

Significant art pieces include the Vladimir Mother of God; a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and child dating back to the 1100s; Andrei Rublev's The Trinity icon from the 15 th century; and several works by Ilya Repin, the most famous realist painter in Russia.

On the grounds of the museum, there is also an 86-meter-tall statue of Peter the Great, as well as a number of Socialist Realism sculptures.

Moscow's one-kilometer-long pedestrian street has been around since the 15 th century. Originally a trade route in the outskirts of the city, Arbat Street is now very centrally located, home to posh buildings and lots of places to eat and shop.

Beautiful street lamps and two significant statues-one of Princess Turandot (from Puccini's last opera) and one of Soviet-era poet Bulat Okudzhava-adorn the street, which fills up with both locals and tourists on evenings and weekends.

A great place to pick up souvenirs or sit down at an outdoor café, Arbat Street also offers a chance to visit the former home of poet Alexander Pushkin and the café both Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy used to visit.

Although it was originally designed as a general-purpose trade show venue, this park complex now houses amusement rides , ice rinks , and a number of galleries and other attractions for all ages.

The park's most famous landmarks are the Moskvarium, a marine biology center home to over 8000 species of marine animals, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and a shopping center selling traditional products from former Soviet countries.

There's even a film museum showing Soviet cartoons or even a full-length film (for an extra fee) and an education center offering masterclasses on everything from becoming a barista to video montage (call or write in advance to find out which ones are English-friendly).

Soviet-era pavilions, sculptures, and fountains abound here as well, including the famous Friendship of the Peoples Fountain, which features statues of women dressed in costumes from different former Soviet countries.

Named after the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky (who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times but never won it) and sitting right across the Moskva River, Gorky Park covers 120 hectares of beautiful ponds and green spaces.

Popular with both locals and tourists, the park offers a variety of things to enjoy-from sunbeds, hammocks, and drinking fountains to free yoga classes and children's playgrounds. There's free Wi-Fi and sockets for charging your phone, as well as many food stands and plenty of wild animals, including deer, rabbits, and pheasants.

Visitors can rent paddle boats and bicycles to explore the park-and from May to October, there is also an open-air movie theater, as well as scheduled presentations by street performers, musicians, and artists. Gorky Park attracts the young and old, so don't be surprised to see a mix of people exercising, playing chess, and sunbathing.

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Exploring Russia: Whether you are interested in history, nature, or architecture, there's much to see in Russia. For a good introduction to some of the most fascinating spots in the country, take a look at our article on the Best Places to Visit in Russia . For more on Russia's second-largest city and all it has to offer, check out our piece on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg .

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9 Things to See in Moscow's Red Square

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In most cases, you'll be entering Red Square from the north, passing landmarks such as the Bolshoi Theatre and Duma parliament building as you make your way southward. Although you don't necessarily have to pass through the Voskresensky (or Resurrection in English) Gates in order to gain access to the square these days, they definitely provide a sense of arrival, to say nothing of the way their left arch frame's St. Basil's Cathedral if you look from just the right angle.

An interesting fact is that while a gate of some kind has stood here since the mid-16th century, the one you currently see wasn't built until 1994, having been destroyed in 1931 so that tanks could enter and exit Red Square during military parades.

St. Basil's Cathedral

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Few sights are as iconic not only of Moscow and Red Square but indeed of Russia than St. Basil's Cathedral, whose colorful, onion-shaped domes are a symbol of the country around the world. Officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this church has stood since 1561, which is quite miraculous when you consider all the turbulent history that has transpired since then.

Among other things, religion was severely prohibited during the Soviet period , which led some to believe that this emblem of the Russian Orthodox church might not withstand the tenure of the USSR. 

An interesting fact is that St. Basil's is the so-called "Kilometer Zero" of Russia; all of Moscow's main roads (which can take you anywhere in Russia) begin at the exits to Red Square. In this way, St. Basil's iconic status also has an extremely tangible element.

The Kremlin

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

When you think of The Kremlin, it's unlikely that positive images enter your mind. The fact that simply saying the word "Kremlin" is too vague a descriptor (most Russian cities have their own Kremlin complexes; you should say "Moscow Kremlin") notwithstanding, this misunderstood place is incredibly beautiful, even if you don't like the policy that comes out of it.

Senate Square

In spite of its name, which refers to the role the building that rises above the square played during Imperial Russia, Senate Square is actually home to Russia's presidential administration, currently helmed by Vladimir Putin. In order to see where Russia's legislature operates from, walk just outside Red Square to the Duma parliament building.

Dormition Cathedral

Dating back to the year 1479, the gold-domed Dormition Cathedral pays homage to an Orthodox religious feast that commemorates the death of the Virgin Mary . As is the case with St. Basil's, it is curious that such a conspicuously religious structure was able to survive through the Soviet period.

Armoury Chamber

Though it takes its name from the fact that it housed Russia's royal arsenal when it was built in the 16th century, the most notable resident of the Kremlin's Armoury Chamber today is the Russian Diamond Fund.

Notable Kremlin Towers

Robert Schrader

The interior of the Moscow Kremlin is more beautiful and inviting than you'd expect, but the walls and towers that rise around it better live up to the intimidation with which the complex is associated. 

Borovitskaya Tower

Named to commemorate the dense forest that once stood atop the mount where it's built, this tower is extremely picturesque. Built in the late 15th century, it's visible from most places in the square, and also as you walk along the Moskva River.

Nikolskaya Tower

Also built in the year 1491, this tower currently suffered destruction at the hands of Napoleon's army in the 19th century. What you see now is the result of an 1816 re-design and renovation, though artillery fire during the Russian Revolution also caused superficial damage to the tower, named to honor St. Nikolas of Mozhaysk , so it's difficult to know which elements of it are original.

Spasskaya Tower

Known in English as the "Savior's Tower," this iconic, star-topped tower is perhaps the best-known of all the Kremlin's towers. Built in 1491 like the other two towers on this list, it's certainly the most photographed. As a result of its proximity to St. Basil's, it often makes its way into tourists' pictures.

Mausoleum of Lenin

Just as it's strange to learn how many religious monuments survived through the Soviet period, it's a bit odd to think that Lenin's preserved body still sits in a mausoleum just beneath the walls of the Kremlin on Red Square, given the lack of consensus about the ultimate impact of his Revolution, even in Russia.

It's not guaranteed that you'll be able to see the body (which, believe it or not, seems to be improving with age ) when you go, and if you do you will likely have to wait in line, but even strolling past the outside of the Lenin Mausoleum, flanked by stone-faced guards that almost look like statues, illuminates the gravity of his body still being here.

GUM Shopping Center

You might cringe, at least initially, when you realize that one of the most iconic stops on a tour of Red Square is a department store—until you see said department store, that is. Built in 1893 and known during Soviet times as the State Department Store, GUM  ( Glávnyj Universáľnyj Magazín​ or Main Universal Store in English) hearkens back to the grandeur of the late 19th century, both seen from the outside (especially, when lit up at night) and the interior, which might have you feeling like you're further west in Europe.

A trip inside GUM is a particularly good idea during winter, when frigid temperatures outside will have you savoring the heat, the quality of souvenirs, confections and other goods sold inside notwithstanding. Also, make sure not to confuse GUM with CDM, which sits near the Bolshoi Theatre, even though both are stunning and iconic in their own right.

State Historical Museum

The Russian State Historical Museum is located near Voskresensky Gates, though you should wait until after you've seen the first few attractions of Red Square and the Kremlin to head back there and go inside. To be sure, as you pass by its facade (whose late-19th century grandeur somewhat obscures that fact that it's currently a museum accessible to the public) you might not even think to try and gain entry.

Once inside the museum, you can plan to spend at least a couple of hours, given that artifacts here date back to the very beginning of the Russian state in the ninth century. As is the case with GUM, this will be a particularly alluring prospect if you visit in winter, when Moscow is arguably at its most beautiful, but certainly at its least tolerable. 

Minin-Pozharsky Monument

It's somewhat easy to disregard this monument, which pays homage to the two Russian princes who ended the so-called "Time of Troubles" in the mid-16th century, during which Polish-Lithuanian forces occupied Russia, among other awful things including a famine. That's because the statue currently sits just at the base of St. Basil's Cathedral, which makes it very difficult to photograph or even see without being overwhelmed by that much more famous edifice.

Though the statue originally sat at the very center of Red Square, it came to be an obstacle to the movement of tanks during the Soviet period, much like the Voskresensky Gates. As a result, authorities moved it during that time, and it's stayed where you currently find it ever since.

Kazan Cathedral

Taken by itself, the smokey-pink Kazan Cathedral is an architectural marvel; originally built in the 17th century, the church you find here today, located just north of the GUM department store, dates back only to 1993.

Unfortunately, since it sits not only in the shadow of GUM, but also in the shadow St. Basil's and the Towers of the Kremlin, it's easy to miss entirely if you aren't looking. As a result, you might wait until you've seen just about everything else in Red Square before coming here to take photos, and to appreciate the understated beauty of this oft-overlooked cathedral.

Moskva River

As you head south from St. Basil's Cathedral to exit Red Square, make sure to walk onto Bolshoy Moskvoretskiy Bridge, which crosses the Moskva River. If you look due north, you can get an excellent shot of the church framed, on the left, by the towers of the Kremlin. Directing your gaze a bit to the west allows you to see the skyscrapers of Moscow City as they rise above the Kremlin's walls.

Walking westward along the riverbank is also a worthwhile excursion, for the views it provides of Red Square and the Kremlin, as well as the fact that doing so takes you to other iconic Moscow attractions, including Gorky Park and the Pushkin Museum. The views you enjoy from the river and the bridge are particularly stunning at night, though you should make sure you bring a tripod if you want to get a clear picture, given how strong winds over and near the river can be.

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17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

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