7 Things To Do In Ooty - Scotland of the East

Situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is known as the Scotland of the East.
You can picture it as quaint and cold with a calming atmosphere which is reminiscent of Scotland. After a short Air Asia flight to Bangalore, you can reach Ooty easily by driving for a while. For a travel seeker, there are several hotels in Ooty to choose from, based on your budget and duration of stay.

With lush green mountain scape, vast grasslands, sprawling tea gardens and cool weather, Ooty packs a lot for a simple hill station. Known for its pleasant surroundings and welcoming people, it’s perfect for outdoor travel.

Here are 7 things that you can do when in Ooty:

Visit the Botanical Garden

Home to some of Ooty’s most stunning flowers and exotic plants, this botanical garden will simply leave you in awe. For those with green thumbs, you begin to appreciate the gardens even more. Look out for sculpted shrubs and hedges, rose gardens, picnic spots and walking areas.




Hop on the Nilgiri Toy Train Ride

Head over to the Ooty train station and enjoy a fairy-tale adventure abode the world famous Nilgiri toy train. This toy train will take you to Coonoor as you encounter wildlife and nature through its unusual route. From a picturesque scenery to children bouncing about and enjoying the ride, there’s a lot in store for the traveller in you. Unlike most trains, you can alight the train at different spots and take as many photos as you like before journeying to the next station

Hiking and Trekking

Ooty is a home to some of the best adventure sports in the country. You can go hiking, trekking, angling, fishing, and even mountain biking with your friends and family. What’s better? Ooty gives you the perfect climate to enjoy your experience all the more.


Boating in Pykara Lake

Another relaxing spot for tourists is the Pykara Lake and Dam. Tourists take time to set up camp and have a picnic or enjoy themselves in a boat ride. From rowing to speed boating, you can take your pick and choose the sights. Similarly, there are several restaurants to choose from as you savour some of the local cuisine.


Scale the Doddabetta Peak

Give into the panoramic view that surrounds the Doddabetta Peak as you scan the horizon. There’s no better view than looking at the valley below on a clear sunny day. Considered as the highest peak in the Nilgiris, at 8,650 feet it is the fourth highest peak in South India. Even on partly cloudy days, you can catch spectacular views from the viewpoints located on the top of the peak.


Spend time with the Toda Hamlets

Initially, the Todas were the original occupants of Ooty before the hill station came under the British rule. The Toda community still live in huts and are kind to visitors that approach them. The live in unique inverted U-shaped huts with a small entrance and no windows. The Todas are known for their embroidered shawls and tourists often flock here to take home a few.


Glen Morgan Tea Estate

For tea enthusiasts, the Glen Morgan tea estate is just right for the taking. With its splendid avenues, tea gardens and estates, it is a must visit for tea lovers of all ages. For the estate, you can spot the Mysore plains and the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.

Before you venture home after your Ooty escapade, don’t forget to shop and try out some home made Ooty chocolates. At Charring Cross, you can get your fair share of chocolates, Nilgiri tea, medicinal oils, shawls, and much more.

image source: mouthshut.com

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