Towering mountains, picturesque grasslands, sprawling tea gardens, and a peaceful transit is how one can get close to defining Ooty. Rightly known as the ‘Queen of Hill-stations’, Ooty lies curled up in the charming Nilgiri Hills at a distance of about 80 km from Coimbatore.
Ooty usually experiences pleasantly mild conditions throughout the year with temperatures settling in the 20s for most part of the year. Ooty is famous for a number of things and as a tourist you can never get bored. We bring you 8 things that you must do while in Ooty. Take a look!
Visit the Botanical Garden
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Ooty’s beautiful botanical garden is home to some stunning and exotic plants spread out in well-maintained lawns. There are shrubs, roses, and other flowers and trees, which make for a good and pleasant outing.
Nilgiri Toy Train Ride
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You can grab your backpack and set off for a fairy-tale ride in the famous toy train which will take you to Conoor. The mind blowing scenery combined with the ‘old world charm’ train ride make for an excellent trip. Moreover, you can step out every time the train stops and click photographs.
Hiking and Trekking
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Ooty is home to some of the most terrific adventure sports. You can go hiking, trekking, angling, fishing, and even mountain biking with your friends and family. Moreover, the pleasant climate further enhances the experience.
Boating in Pykara Lake
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Visitors also have the option of going for a boat ride in the Pykara dam and lake. You can go for the traditional rowing or you can try the trendy speed boating. There’s a variety of boats you can choose from along with a restaurant and a toilet.
View from Doddabetta Peak
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The Doddabetta Peak offers a stunning panoramic view of the region and one must not miss it for anything. On a clear sunny day, the view is to die for. But even on a partly cloudy day, one can enjoy the amazing angles and viewpoints offered by the peak.
Check out the Toda Hamlets
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Todas were the original occupants of Ooty before the hill station came under the rule of the East India Company. The Toda community people live in huts which are famous among visitors. These are unique inverted U-shaped huts with a tiny entrance and no windows at all. Shawls embroidered by the Todas are a rage among tourists.
Glen Morgan Tea Estate
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The Glen Morgan tea estate is more for the wanderers than for tea enthusiasts. No doubt the location is a must visit for tea lovers. But the fact that it is surrounded by lush green avenues makes it a must visit for anyone. You can even spot the plains of Mysore and the famous Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary from the estate.
Shopping and Eating
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How can a trip to any location be considered complete without shopping and eating? If you wish to buy stuff to take back home, simply rush to Charring Cross. You can get chocolates, Nilgiri tea, medicinal oils, shawls, and other items. And don’t you dare come back without tasting the very famous Chettinad Chicken Pepper which is a local specialty. Local restaurants also offer other sumptuous vegetarian dishes as well as non-vegetarian meals.
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