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Ooty, located in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris area, appears to be an exquisite tourist destination, surrounded by the lush greenery of tea plantations, tranquil sunsets, and azure blue sky. If your feet are yearning to walk through tea estates and run across bridges, here is a must-read Ooty guide that will persuade you to buy your tickets.
The Emerald Lake
The fact that Emerald Lake is located in an area dubbed ‘Silent Valley’ should be enough to entice anyone searching for peace and quiet. Located 25 kilometers from Ooty, this is an ideal day trip with your loved one to have a dinner or two and watch the sunset.
The Stone House
The Stone House, one of the few remaining monuments of Ooty’s colonial heritage, is a house erected by John Sullivan in 1822. It is a piece of architecture worth seeing that was formerly known as the Kal Bungalow among the locals.
Lake Ooty
One of the most prominent attractions in Ooty is, of course, Ooty Lake, an artificial lake designed for fishing. Rent a bike and ride around the lake, or rent a canoe and paddle around it. You may also go souvenir shopping at the stores around the lake.
The Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Garden, which spans 55 acres, is an absolute must-see. It is separated into five sections: the Fern House, the Lower Garden, the Italian Garden, the Conservatory, and the Nurseries. It also holds the Fossil Tree Trunk, which is estimated to be 20 million years old.
Pykara
The Pykara town, known for its Pykara Lake and waterfall, is a peaceful refuge where you can enjoy speedboat rides on the lake, stroll through the pine woods, or simply relax with your family.
Toda Huts
The dwellings of Ooty’s indigenous people, the Todas, are worth visiting. They reside in semi-barrel-shaped bamboo huts with thatched roofs. The dwellings feature low doorways and no windows.
Summertime Festival
During the month of May, the magnificent Summer Festival is held. During the event, the Tourism Department of Tamil Nadu organizes a beautiful flower exhibit at the Botanical Garden, as well as boat races.
Toy Train on the Nilgiri Mountains
The century-old Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an absolute must-see. It brings you heaving and puffing through the lovely valley, tunnels, steep turns, stunning bridges, and the Nilgiris Mountain on a 46-kilometer ride from Ooty to Mettupalayam.
Kalhatty Waterfalls
The Kalhatty Waterfalls are located 13 kilometers from Ooty on the Ooty-Mysore Road and may be reached after a 2-mile hike. According to legend, the famous Hindu saint Agastya reportedly resided here. It is extremely popular among birdwatchers because of the richness of its avifauna.
Written by : Saumya Singh
Author’s bio
Saumya Singh is a budding lifestyle and entertainment journalist. She believes that lifestyle journalism is not everyone’s cup of tea. She holds the view that just like hard stories, covering soft stories also deserves their appreciation because it is a part of journalism that appeals to the masses.