Ooty
“The Queen of Hill Stations”
An hour’s drive from Kotagiri is a chain of misty hills spread across a lush green carpet – with plenty to see, enjoy and experience. One of the most beautiful hill stations in India, Ooty nestles in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. An erstwhile summer resort of the British Raj in India, Ooty has transformed over the years into one of the most sought-after tourism destinations in Tamil Nadu.
Altitude: 2,240 m (7,349 Ft approx.)
Major Attractions at Ooty
For a day’s Trip from Prakritilaya
Doddabetta Peak
The first major attraction you will reach while driving from Kotagiri to Ooty is the highest peak in Tamil Nadu, Doddabetta which means “Big Mountains”. It offers a bird’s eye view of Ooty framed by the misty green hills of Nilgiris.
Botanical Garden
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.
The famous Ooty flower show is held here annually in the month of May to showcase exhibits of rare plant species and flowers.
Rose Garden
Situated in the slopes of Elk Hill, the rose garden at Ooty has the largest collection of roses in India, with more than 3000 varieties. When in full bloom this will captivate your senses.
Ooty Lake
The Ooty Lake also known as the Ooty boat house is an artificially constructed lake, built by John Sullivan in 1824. This picturesque lake, surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees and green bushes along the shores is a perfect place for boating.
Boat races and boat pageantry are also conducted as part of the summer festival conducted here in May. There is also a garden, a mini train and an amusement park nearby.
St Stephen’s Church
Dating back to the 19th century, on one of the serene hillocks of the Nilgiris stands St Stephen’s Church, one of the architectural marvels from the colonial period and a famous landmark of Ooty.
