Ooty and Coonoor are absolutely delightful hill stations nestled in the beautiful state of Tamil Nadu in South India. Ooty is also called Udhagamandalam. It’s surrounded by the majestic Nilgiri Hills, offering picturesque views of lush green valleys, enchanting waterfalls, and serene lakes. And just a short drive away from Ooty, you’ll find Coonoor, another stunning hill station renowned for its tea plantations and breathtaking panoramic views.
Both Ooty and Coonoor offer an array of outdoor activities for adventure seekers. Visitors can embark on thrilling treks, invigorating hikes, or stroll through the scenic tea gardens, immersing themselves in the fresh mountain air. Capture the stunning vistas, vibrant flowers, and misty mornings to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Ooty Rose Garden
Rose Garden is a beautiful place filled with myriad vibrant roses in every hue imaginable. Honestly, when I first entered the garden, I was not particularly thrilled, as I thought it might be more suited for families and children. However, as time went by, a sense of tranquility washed over me. The fragrance of the flowers was simply enchanting. The view of the city from a deck of bowers was awe-inspiring, and I couldn’t resist capturing numerous beautiful photographs.
this garden is an absolute marvel! It’s been meticulously designed with terraces, rose tunnels, and bowers adorned with enchanting rose creepers. You’ll have a vast expanse to explore and be captivated by the stunning variety of flowers. The Rose Park, located in Vijayanagaram, Udhagamandalam, spans across five terraces and covers an impressive 4 hectares. It’s a true haven for flower lovers
The view of the hills from the garden is breathtaking! You’ll find numerous terraces to explore and soak in the stunning vistas. And don’t worry about refreshments, you can easily purchase them at the entrance gate. The Rose Garden warmly welcomes visitors every day, starting from 7:30 in the morning until 6:30 in the evening. To enter, the fee is Rs 30 for adults and Rs 15 for children.
Pine Forest
It’s an idyllic spot to immerse yourself in the splendor of nature, enveloped by tall trees and a beautiful lake. Take a leisurely walk or have a peaceful picnic amidst the tranquil ambiance. Interestingly, this small valley has served as the backdrop for numerous movies, songs, and TV shows. The towering pines, crisp air, and picturesque mountain views make it a highly coveted filming location.
This beautiful lake boasts a mesmerizing emerald-green reflection, offering the perfect setting for relaxation. You can even partake in horseback riding. The lake is open from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening, with an entry ticket fee of Rs 5. From the outside, it resembles a lush forest, adorned with magnificent pine trees. As we ventured through the towering trees, we were greeted by the sight of an enchanting lake.
Hotel Lakeview
Hotel Lakeview holds a special place in my heart. It’s situated in a stunning location with beautiful viewpoints. The hotel is built on 8 acres of land housing more than 100 villas. The restaurant, located at the hill’s peak, offers a panoramic view of the hotel and the distant mountains. The hall is quite large. The food is delicious, and the service is impressively swift.
The Villas at Hotel Viewpoint are uniformly designed, with each row at varying heights. You have the option to enjoy a bone fire within your Villa, but please note that the firewood is available for an additional charge. The identical Villas boast a captivating painting, which adds more beauty. The gardens throughout the hotel are well maintained, and you can find a delightful restaurant within the premises.
Pykara Lake
This place is ideal to come and relax while praising the scenic beauty of the waterfall and lush surroundings. You’ll find a boat house and a restaurant near the waterfall, where you can savor snacks while being captivated by the pristine streams of water. The surrounding area is also popular for Toda settlements. If you wish to get a closer look at the lake, there’s a 15-minute walk downhill.
Needle View Point
The Needle viewpoint in Ooty is an absolute must-visit! It’s a highly sought-after destination located just 40 km away from the city. Once you reach there, get ready to be mesmerized by the breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding valleys and lush vegetation. The viewpoint gets its name from a massive pointed rock that resembles a needle, adding to its unique charm. What’s even better is that it’s a hidden gem, so it’s not as crowded as other tourist spots in Ooty. But let me tell you, its beauty is truly awe-inspiring! Fun fact, it’s also a popular shooting spot for many films.
The peak is characterized by a huge rock in the shape of a cone hence the name Needle View Hill Point. The 360-degree view from here is absolutely stunning, showing endless valleys and lush trees. The combination of the terrain, clouds caressing the mountain peaks, and the beauty of the Nilgiris make it one of the most breathtaking vistas you’ll ever witness.
It’s best to plan your visit to the viewpoint during daylight hours, rather than waiting for late sunset or darkness. The route to the viewpoint can be quite long, so make sure to bring a water bottle as there are no eateries nearby.
Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta Peak is one of the tallest peaks in South India. It’s one of the best spots to visit in Ooty (Udhagamandalam), known for its scenic beauty and panoramic views. As you make your way to the peak, you will pass through dense Shola forests and open grassy meadows. Once you reach the top, you are greeted with breathtaking views of Bandipur National Park and the open grasslands of Mysore and Coimbatore.
Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake is known as the Ooty Boat House! It’s a popular and must-visit attraction in Ooty, which is often referred to as the queen of Nilgiris. It covers a vast area of 65 acres and was initially constructed by John Sullivan in 1824. Boating is a popular tourist activity at Ooty Lake. One can hire paddle boats, motorboats, and rowing boats from the boathouse. Surrounded by beautiful groves of Eucalyptus trees and the Nilgiri ranges in the backdrop, the Ooty Lake is one of the most serene and peaceful tourist attractions in Ooty.
Coonoor Tea Plantation & Tea Factory
Coonoor’s tea plantations have a fascinating history dating back to the British colonial era. The region’s favorable climate and fertile soil facilitated the rapid growth of tea cultivation. Coonnor’s tea plantations follow a meticulous process to produce the finest teas. Plants are well maintained and plucked by skilled workers, ensuring only the topmost leaves and buds are harvested. Coonoor offers a diverse range of flavors to captivate your taste.
The tea gardens in Coonoor are a sight to behold, with expansive stretches of well-maintained tea bushes adoring the rolling slopes. The vibrant greenery, complemented by colorful blossoms blossoms, provides a picturesque setting that’s ideal for capturing stunning photos. Visitors will have plenty of opportunities to admire these beautiful tea plantations during your road trip to Coonoor.
Your trip to Coonoor won’t be complete without treating yourself to a tea-tasting experience. Some tea estates in the area provide guided tours where you can witness the tea-making process and savor a wide range of delightful teas. Each sip will transport you to a world of rich flavors and aromatic bliss. You’ll absolutely love it!
Dolphin’s Nose View Point
It’s an incredible spot located just 12 km away from Coonoor. you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking natural beauty that awaits you there. Perched at an altitude of 1,550 m above sea level, the viewpoint offers awesome vistas. Although I couldn’t upload a picture of the viewpoint due to the clouds obscuring the view, the entry path is captured in the above photo. This area is adorned with numerous viewpoints, and the ethereal ambiance created by the clouds makes it feel like paradise.
Travel Plan
The climate in Ooty & Coonoor is good all year round. The best time to visit Ooty & Coonoor is in the summer months between March and July. During the daytime, the temperatures gradually rise and the air becomes clearer compared to the winter and monsoon seasons. Visitors can plan for a 4 to 5-day trip to cover both Ooty and Coonoor.
How to reach – Mettupalyam, 40 km from Ooty, is the nearest railhead serving this hill station. The nearest airport is Coimbatore Airport. When you reach the railway station or Airport, you can hire private cabs or take bus services to reach Ooty.
Day 1 – Upon arrival, Transfer to Ooty. In the late afternoon, you can enjoy Boating at Ooty Lake and explore the local market and city.
Day 2 – Sightseeing tour of Ooty. Start with a visit to DodaBetta Peak, and on the way back visit Tea Factory. Later, visit the Rose Gardens, Lalit Kala Academy, and Government Museum.
Day 3 – Visit Pine Forest, Pykara Lake, and Needle View Point.
Day 4 – Take the Ooty toy train to transfer to Coonoor. Enjoy the scenic tea plantation via Sims Park and Coonoor sightseeing.
Day 5 – Visit breathtaking viewpoints like Dolphin Nose, Lam’s Rock, and Ketti Valley.
Where to stay – Hotel Lakeview is a great place to stay. Budget travelers can book accommodation through Hostelworld.
Taste of Ooty – Rajma and Avare Beans, Kaima Idli, Ooty Biryani, Bonda, and Payasam.
Useful Links
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Book your accommodation by using Hostel World. It is an ideal option for finding cheap and highly-rated hostels for foreign trips.
If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use booking.com.It is a reliable platform for booking accommodations, including guesthouses, hotels, and apartments, at the most affordable rates.
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Book a train and bus from Omino for an international trip. It provides all travel options in one place
One of the best places to start looking for cheap rental cars and great deals for international trips.
Redbus offers various bus services such as a chair, sleeper, AC, and non-AC options. Redbus is India’s largest online bus ticketing platform.
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