Doddabetta Peak

Key Facts:

• Houses Indian Air Force station alongside summit towers
• Stunning outlook of Ooty hill station from top
• Recent renovations feature paved view terraces, cafes etc
• Maintained by District Administration

3.Ooty Lake

At the heart of Ooty town lies this placid artificial lake constructed 1825 by the then Collector Mr Sullivan. Take leisurely strolls along tree lined walkways to admire perfect postcard views of Eucalyptus trees reflected over shimmering waters. One can try paddle boats, enjoy horse rides nearby and watch local angling for trout fish. Don’t miss the lake’s shoreline annual Summer Festival held during May that promises loads of entertainment.

Ooty Lake

Key Facts:

• Lake area spanned 65 acres, got reduced to present 25 acre size
• Boats include some shaped like swans plus seater pedal boats
• Lake maintenance by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department
• Part of proposals to reinstate original expansive area

4.Government Rose Garden

With over 20,000 varieties from miniature roses to hybrid bushy giants blooming profusely at Asia’s largest rose garden, it isn’t difficult to comprehend why Ooty bags the ‘Queen of Hillstations’ title! Established 1995 over four hectares nurturing the national flower, walkways cut through vibrant roses from late April to June that remain etched in your memories along with pretty gazebos on emerald lawns amidst blooming rows of heavenly fragrance.

Government Rose Garden

Key Facts:

• Features the largest collections of roses in the country-Includes rare green and black coloured roses-Hunderds of visitors during the Summer Festival month of May
• Maintained by Nilgiris District Administration

5.Nilgiri Mountain Railway

All aboad the blue toy train for a time travel back into the British era chugging along the steepest track up north! Built in 1908, the heritage railway covers 46 km to Mettupalayam passing through hills, bridges and tunnels letting you soak in the gorgeous scenery outside. Try getting front row seats for best views or experience historic rail through its museum at Coonoor! The ride sure is a rare nostalgic experience today.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Key Facts:

• Haulage by special 250 class X steam locomotives
• Features longest tunnel measuring 197 feet
• Train speed maintains 12 km/hr uphill journey
• Maintained by the Indian Railways

6.Thread Garden

Imagine a perfect dreamy garden embroidered to life! Over 50 gorgeous flowery shapes from dancing girls, birds, vegetables to a Christmas tree cover this unique attraction – made entirely by artisans from 150 shades of thread! Glimpse Chinar leaves of Kashmir, exotic orchids and even vegetable vines come alive through frame-worthy thread artistry. Take an interesting DIY session back after appreciating sheer creativity of the human hand at work.

Thread Garden

Key Facts:

• Museum established in year 2004
• Thread art made by 150 shades of thread
• Depicts 50+ flowers, butterflies & birds
• Created & managed by K.P.Bharti

7.St Stephen’s Church

With mustard and cream hues standing out amidst emerald tea slopes is vintage St Stephen’s Church, among Ooty’s colonial landmarks dating to early 19th century. Gaze at sparkling Belgian stained glass panels, gothic arches with intricate carvings plus wall memorials commemorating British officers who helped establish Ooty’s hill station during those times. The well maintained church makes for a peaceful heritage pit-stop up the winding hill roads.

St Stephen’s Church

Key Facts:

• Built in 1829 showcasing European Baroque style
• Features rare painting engraved on wood of the Last Supper
• Original pipe organ brought from England
• Sunday mass held with choir singing hymns

8.Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint

Drive through rolling greens ringed by the Nilgiris to arrive at this unique rock formation next to Catherine Falls that resembles a dolphin’s nose, hence its quirky name! The vista point presents breath-taking vistas of water plunging from heights followed by lush landscape views of the Mettupalayam plains. Named after English lady adventurer Catherine Cockburn who impressed upon makers to carve a path to its spectacular scenery during colonial days.

Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint

Key Facts:

• Located in Upper Coonoor area off Kothagiri Road
• Surrounded by ravines of the Catherine Falls
• Best to visit early mornings for clear views
• Maintained by District Administration

9.Avalanche Lake

Enjoy trout fishing, boating adventures amidst the panoramic landscape or simply relax gazing at pristine emerald waters at Avalanche Lake, just 24 km from Ooty. The area is a protected wetland habitat under the Wildlife Act nestled between rolling hills where one might spot a hare or some exotic birds while trekking. Do admire the unique twin Avalanche Hillocks near the lake resembling a valley corridor that gives this offbeat attraction its name.

Avalanche Lake

Key Facts:

• Formed in 1823 during massive landslide events
• Catch rainbow and brown trout in the waters
• Surrounded by a marsh creating the lake
• Maintained by Tamil Nadu Forest Department

Ooty is home to a lot more than just the Botanical Gardens and Doddabetta Peak landmarks. Here, you can find gorgeous vintage churches, fantasy gardens that look like they came out of a storybook, and breathtaking waterfall views that frame the mountainside. Trust me, this place has all the charming sights you’re going to want to see.