The Ooty Government Botanical Garden has a lot to offer for Nature lovers with its 600 varieties of plant species cultivated and exhibited here. The verdant lawns and the exotic varieties of flora are pleasing to the eye because they are very well maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. The mighty Doddabetta peak can be viewed from the garden.
The picturesque Ooty Lake, also known as the Ooty boat house, is a much sought-after tourist attraction located in the midst of serene greenery. The Ooty Lake is an artificially constructed lake, built by John Sullivan in 1824. Surrounded by the majestically-tall eucalyptus trees and dotted with green bushes along the shores, the Ooty Lake is an impressive spot in Nilgiris district. The Lake, spanning over 65 acres, was originally constructed for fishing.
Immortalized in countless Indian movies are the soaring pine woods, awe-inspiring landscapes and pleasant atmosphere of the Pine Tree Forests of Ooty. These woodlands overlooking the majestic view of Sandynulla Lake, are an ideal honeymoon destination. The air scented with pine cones, the rich silence of Nature and the spectacle of dancing butterflies are just a few of the magical elements in these enchanted woods.
The Deer Park in Ooty is the perfect place to observe these docile creatures in their natural habitat. Located on the banks of the Ooty Lake is another beautiful park, a favourite among wildlife lovers. Spread over 22 acres in Udhagamandalam town is another tranquil spot near the Ooty Lake, that is home to a vast number of deer. About six acres of the lake have been used to develop the park.
Imagine waking up to a dreamlike sunrise over the misty mountains, spending a whole day hiking through lush woods and fishing in the blue waters of a serene lake. The Avalanche Lake in Ooty has that and more to offer to travellers looking to be lost in the beauty of nature. Hidden away from the commotions of urban jungles is the Avalanche Lake, a natural, crystal blue freshwater body. Nestled between the green slopes of the Nilgiris, the Avalanche Lake is a picture-perfect location set just over 20 km from Ooty town. The lake, with its refreshing blue waters and soothing greenery of the surrounding woods,
Flirting with the clouds above the Nilgiris is Doddabetta, the highest peak in Tamil Nadu. A spectacular trail with an unparalleled vantage point of Ooty at the end of it makes Doddabetta a rewarding trekking experience and the perfect spot for a fun-filled day out with family as well. Rising above the misty green valleys of Ooty standing tall at 2,637 metres, Doddabetta lives up to its name, which translates to “big mountain.” Perfectly placed between the Eastern and the Western Ghats, the Doddabetta peak is the perfect destination to head to if you wish to cherish the beauty of the landscape of the Nilgiris in its entirety.
A trip along the winding roads of the Ooty-Coonoor route will take you to the jaw-dropping views of one of the largest valleys in the world. Extending from the plains of Coimbatore all the way to the Mysore Plateau, Ketty Valley is an overwhelming expanse of greenery and picturesque hamlets. Tucked away amongst the heights of the Nilgiris in Ooty, Ketty Valley offers an astonishing panorama of the unending greenery guarded by the Western Ghats. The enchanting views of the valley and its pristine ambience are much sought-after guarantors of solace
Hidden well within the lavish greenery of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the Upper Bhavani Lake. The artificial reservoir of the Upper Bhavani dam is an under-explored destination that forms a tranquil scene far from the bustling crowd. Disturbed only by the calls and dances of the wild fauna in the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, Upper Bhavani Lake is an ideal spot to pick as a destination for a light trek through the woods with friends or family and set camp for the whole day. The lake and the surrounding woods offer a great opportunity to admire the raw beauty of Nature up-close.
Reflecting the opulence of the woods and jade tea plantations, the Emerald Lake stands up to its name. Home to countless water fowl and aquatic animals, it offers an idyllic landscape to feast your eyes upon. A relaxing day on the shores of the lake, listening to the songs of the birds and watching them plunge into the water, is a necessary refreshment for a weary mind. Here, on the shores of the lake, you can set your eyes and mind free, and be lost in the wild beauty of this virgin landscape.
About 15 km from Ooty town is Shooting Point, a picturesque patch of meadows amidst the rolling green hills of the Nilgiris. This vast expanse of mist-clad undulating green meadows, formerly known as Wenlock Downs, was once a popular hunting ground for the British and is now home to the Gymkhana Golf Club, the Hindustan Photo Films Company and a state-run sheep farm. This strikingly spectacular meadowland covering a cluster of incessant slopes and opulent woodlands has featured in numerous movies
