It is important for everyone in the family to go out on a holiday during the vacation. It helps to refresh and rejuvenate our mind and body and instils in that freshness that is required to take on the challenges of life. We do lead a busy life becomes monotonous. Although there are several hill stations to visit in South India, the one that has been fascinating every tourist, compelling them to visit at least once in a lifetime is Ooty, Tamil Nadu. It is rightly termed as the ‘Queen of Hills’ and popular among tourists from all walks of life and coming from all parts of the world. This can be a wonderful trip for your family this coming vacation and you can also visit as a group involving friends and office colleagues.
Visiting Ooty
Ooty is a popularly visited hill station in Tamil Nadu and its local name is Udhagamandalam. Its climate is cold all through the year. This place is surrounded by pilgrim trees. There is also a huge artificial lake that offers boating, swimming and other water based activities. There is also an airport offering direct fight to metro cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, etc. Mettupalayam is the closest railway station from where you can aboard the famous Toy Train that got established during the British Raj and moves up to Ooty. The scenic beauty during the trip is something to be captured on the camera.
This is a serene place offering peace and calmness to those who look forwards to being away for few days from the hustle and bustle of city life. Children of all ages, romantic couples and even the elderly visit Ooty in winter to relax.
Things to do
- Ooty Lake: This is a beautiful lake in Ooty and is huge where you can hire and use paddle boat on your own or have a boat along with driver. There are also present on the banks of this lake, few small restaurants offering South Indian and North Indian meals, Tiffin and snacks, which can be enjoyed at any point of time.
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway: This small train departs from Coonoor and terminates at Ooty and takes few hours to reach its intended destination. During the journey, you can get to view the stunning and beautiful waterfall and tea garden. You can get to enjoy the surroundings and delve in its natural beauty. The sweet fragrance and beauty of the fresh flowers and the lush green flora around will make you feel in heaven. The train moves at a very slow speed and has very few halts in its entire journey. You need to book the ticket much in advance to avoid disappointment later.
- Botanical Garden: It is a popular garden boasting of having exotic flora and fauna that is worth watching. There is well-built walking path that takes travellers to move through the garden easily. Also are present iron chairs, where you can take rest and relax if you feel tired. You can come across several very old trees that are really exciting. The garden is well maintained and tickets are affordable. Nature lovers and study groups will simply enjoy this place. You can take several beautiful pictures with your camera or video.
- Cairn Hill: It is a beautiful place and meant for those who love to be among the midst of nature, away from the rush of the city. You can breathe in pure air here and feel lively. There are different species of animals and birds here. The animals generally noticed here are bison, giant squirrels and Nilgiri monkeys. You can also enjoy the bridge walk and visit the museum that showcases the history of the place and its surroundings and about the original inhabitants of the place. It is located at West Mere, just behind JSS School, Mullikorai PO, Theetukkal, Ooty.
- Mukurthi National Park: Special permission will be necessary to get entrance into this national, preserved park from the local forest department. It is popular for its exotic wildlife and is known as Tiger Sanctuary. There is also offered night stay here including 3.1 miles (5 km) ride into the park in a jeep, where you can get to see nature’s interesting activities and animals in its wild habitats. Besides tiger, bison and deer can also be seen at the park. The park has a wonderful environment and the perfect place to splurge in nature.
- Toda Temple: Located just 9.3 miles (15 km) away from Ooty, this temple has been established by the local Toda community. There is a separate temple constructed for men and another for women. Tribal men visit this temple and according to their customs are required to life a stone. If they win, then they are allowed to marry. Buffaloes are given to women as dowry. Agriculture and dairy products are the main livelihood of the tribal communities in this region. You can visit the place and get to know the tribes and their customs and traditions. It is located at Vannarapettai, Ooty.
- Thunder World: If you are looking for some interesting activities for your small or teenage children to engage with, then Thunder World is the perfect place to be. This museum has artificial dinosaurs that appear very much like real! Your children are sure to love the rain forest, horror room and the 5D show that is offered regularly. It is a great place to be and you can spend several hours here without getting bored. It is located at North Lake Rd., close to the Bus Stand, Ooty.
- Jolly World Children’s Park: This is another fascinating place for children. Although there are several parks present in Ooty, this one is perhaps the most interesting one and visited by children in huge numbers with their parents or guardians. There are several games and rides here. Boating is also offered. It is full of fun for the entire family.
The hotels in Ooty are very clean and affordable. You will be pampered by the staffs here.