Top Things to Do in the Ooty | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Ooty

Places To Visit In Ooty

Adam's Fountain

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.

A not so famous destination for traveller's list is Annamalai temple which is situated 20 km away from Ooty on the outskirts of Coonoor. The temple is built in dedication of Lord Murugan and now is known as the 7th Hill House of the Lord. It is a lesser known attraction for people not belonging to Coonoor. The locals perform poojas here, and an aged man runs a small ashram beside it. The lush green grasslands above the hills add seven stars to its glory. Hence, the temple lands on one of the most picturesque locations. Guru Krishnanandaji founded this temple. The devotees irrespective of their caste, religion, or nationality perform the ritual of 'Anna-Dana' for the people who visit the temple during Nakshatra or Karthigai days every month. More than a hundred people take part in this kind cause of distributing food. The Annamalai Temple sees itself in the village of Onikandy. Moreover, placed within the green tea estates and silver oak trees, the scenery it has is indeed a treat to every visitor's eye. 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 the blessings of Lord Murugan and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Read More

At a distance of 26 kilometres from Ooty, the Avalanche Lake in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu is a famous tourist spot. Especially renowned among nature enthusiasts and photographers, the Avalanche Lake is counted as one of the star attractions that Ooty houses. 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. It is believed that Avalanche Lake derives its name from the landslide that occurred in the year 1823 in the area, as a result of which the lake was naturally formed. This name is, however, a misnomer as is evident in the fact that the lake was created as a result of a landslide, and not an avalanche.Once you are at Avalanche Lake, you can enjoy mountain trekking, rafting and trout fishing. Tourists can also choose from horse riding, rappelling and open jeep driving at the lake. All in all, the enchanting views of the Lake, coupled with the host of fun-filled activities offered here, attracts tourists from all over the world to visit this marvellous place and to be awestruck by its sheer simplicity, elegance and grace. Read More

Bison Valley, Bellikkal

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. Beautiful greenery exists in almost every place that you look. A wide variety of wildlife inhabits this valley. The wildlife includes such animals as bears, bison, deer, tigers, and elephants. Taking leisurely walks on the numerous pathways that meander around the valley are a popular pastime for tourists. Mountain biking and trekking are also popular activities to participate in. Bird watching is another popular activity in Bison Valley. Such birds as woodpeckers, drongos, morning doves, shrikes, and bulbuls can be seen in the area. Read More

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. Considered to be the land of one of the oldest and most massive Cyprus plantations in the Nilgiris, the beautiful natural hotspot is dotted with resorts and hotels offering a tranquil stay owing to its serenity, quietude and ataraxy. The highlight of the spot is a trekking trail in the centre of the attraction, that is a calling for the several tourists, enthusiasts and nature lovers for its solitude and picturesque setting. Undertaking this soulful trek is one of the prime things to do at Cairn Hill. In addition to that, it has a watchtower which can let you enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Known to be a haven for birdwatchers, Cairn Hill also has bird watching facilities and jeep safari activities available for the tourists. Read More

Children's Park

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.

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.

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. Dodabetta is one of the most preferred places to visit in Ooty and is also a popular trekking destination. The summit offers an astounding view of the nearby areas which are covered with dense forests and, on clear days, one can see as far as Mysore.Dodabetta is strategically located between the Western and Eastern Ghats, thus it is an ideal vantage point for the entire Nilgiris. The peak, or the Dodabetta viewpoint, can be accessed via a vehicle as well as on foot, this feature makes it a perfect destination to visit whether you are seeking leisure or adventure. Read More

Dolphin's Nose, Ooty

Located about 12 km away from Coonoor is the Dolphin's Nose about 1,500 meters above sea level. The tip of the peak of this enormous rock resembles a dolphin's nose and this is one of the most visited tourist spots in The Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. It is set amidst the rolling hills of the Nilgiris Hills (or the Blue Mountains). The gigantic rock formation is entirely unprecedented. There are enormous canyons found on both the sides of the destination and there is a clear view of the Catherine Falls, another popular tourist destination with its ongoing current several thousand meters below, which is located at a short distance from the Dolphin's Nose. Read More

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. For the same reason, the place is considered ideal for meditation and yoga practices. In addition to the brilliant architecture of the temple, the highlight of the place is a 40 feet tall statue of Lord Muruga constructed in brick and mortar that stands tall outside the enclosures of the temple and attracts pilgrims and devotees from far and wide. In addition to that, the temple premises also have idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Shakthi, Nava Kanika, Navagrahas etc. Read More