Ooty may be a bit frantic for some tastes, and the heart of the town is an ugly mess, but it doesn’t take long to get up into the peaceful, greener areas where tall pines rise above what could almost be English country lanes. Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations, mixes up with the bustle and Hindu temples with pretty gardens , parks and charming bungalows.
The town was entrenched by the Britishers in the 19th century as the summer headquarters of the Madras government, and known as ‘Snooty Ooty’. Development started through a few decades ago, but somehow old Ooty survives. You just have to walk a bit further to find it out. The journey up here on the miniature train is romantic and the landscape is outstanding. Even the road up from the plains is exciting. From April to June, Ooty is a relief from the hot plains, and in the colder months you’ll need warm clothing, which you can buy here in cheap prices, as overnight temperatures sometimes drop to 0°C. Ooty tour packages are the best way through which you can explore the city. The train and bus stations are at the west end of Ooty’s track, in almost the lowest part of town. West part is the lake, while the streets of the town goes upwards all around. It is a 20 minutes walk from the bus stand to Ooty’s commercial centre that is Charing Cross.
Botanical Gardens
Established in 1848, the government Botanical Gardens is situated at the hills of the Doddabetta peak. The terraced garden is sustained by the Tamil nadu horticultural society which covers an area of 22 hectares. The perfect time to visit the place is anytime but not in the monsoons. This place will be the first thing the people would acknowledge when you visit ooty, and well, in my opinion it is pretty stunning. Now be prepared for a long walk when you visit this place, kids or people who can’t walk for long should be avoided to accompany with you. The place is incredible for photographers and you can also buy some snacks at the gardens. You will be totally amazed due to the amount of greenery and flowers around you under an unbelievably cool weather.
Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta Peak is one of the main reason to visit Ooty in the first place. The picturesque Nilgiris and the marvelous views, this place has a lot to offer. The place is at an altitude of around 8,650 feet, also makes it the highest peak in south India. This place offers amazing hiking spots and plethora of quiet and charming locations to lonely wanderers. You must pack some really good pair of binoculars when you reach this place to enjoy it to the fullest. There is a small eatery placed here by the tourism department of Tamil nadu that offers some okay tempting food at a cheap price.
