Are you planning an Ooty itinerary? Find out the best places to visit in Ooty in 2 days in this ultimate destination list.
From getting recognized as a small idyllic village to becoming an industrially important city – Ooty has had a long transitional phase in promoting South Indian tourism. Factually, Ooty didn’t even exist on the Indian map for about two centuries. Today, its transformation tells what the city has achieved and will achieve in the coming years.
Personally, Ooty has been my favorite South Indian destination. The diversity, culture, scenic locations, and vast landscapes make you go awe and let you get inspired. The city is filled with incredible natural settings, including lush green pastures, dramatic mountain scenery, sprawling tea estates, shimmering water lakes, and stunning botanical gardens.
Ooty has so many sightseeing spots that it’s often impossible to cover everything in a single trip. Especially when you only have 2 days – you might need to shortlist a few locations that you can enjoy entirely. Many of the tour operators in India offer 2-day Ooty tour packages for you to explore – but it’s best to know which destinations can be covered in Ooty in 2 days. Hence, to make your South Indian travel plans easier – we came up with this ultimate Ooty sightseeing list.
So without further ado, let’s get started by exploring these amazing places to visit in Ooty in 2 days.
Best Places to Visit in Ooty in 2 Days
Ooty Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens in Ooty is one of the most-visited attractions in Tamil Nadu. Almost any tourist who plans an Ooty itinerary for themselves includes the Botanic Gardens in their plan. Maintained and protected by the state’s Horticulture Department, the Botanic Gardens should definitely be on your Ooty sightseeing list.
The Botanical Gardens spans 55 acres inland, harboring different flower houses and plantation facilities. These include the fern house, which almost contains 120 species of ferns; the Italian Garden, the New Garden, multiple nurseries, and conservatories. The area also features many natural ponds, floral carpets, and rose gardens. The other main highlight of the Ooty Botanic Gardens is the famous Fossil Tree trunk (20 million years old).
What’s the entry fee? INR 30 for Adults and INR 15 for children.
Timings for the Botanical Gardens: 7 am to 6.30 pm
Ooty Rose Garden
Like the Botanical Gardens, Ooty has another facility primarily dedicated to mixed roses. It approx houses more than 20,000 roses, with well-maintained gardens and organized outer premises. The Ooty Rose Garden has won the title “Garden of Excellence Award” from the Federation of the Rose Societies from South Asia.
Moreover, the garden space is massive in size, and each of its premises has been carved into curving terraces spanning approx 9 acres. If you love photography, then the Ooty Rose Garden is a visual treat to snap unique clicks. Overall, it’s a must-see place in Ooty and should definitely be included in your sightseeing for 2 days.
Best Time to Visit Ooty Rose Gardens: The adequate sunshine during March and June provides great sustainability for the flowers to bloom nicely. Furthermore, its annual event – the Flower Show – is usually held in May. To avoid the summer crowds in Ooty, you can alternatively plan your visit during November and February.
What’s the entry fee? INR 30 for Adults and INR 15 for children.
Timings for Ooty Rose Garden: 7.30 am to 6.30 pm
Wenlock Downs
Wenlock Downs, one of the best places to visit in Ooty, boasts prolific greenery and verdant pastures for as far as our eyes can fetch. Popular amongst tourists, the mountains have lured not only travelers from around the world but also famous movie directors to shoot their film scenes.
The tranquility of the place is so relaxing that you feel away from the hustle & bustle of the city crowd. The terrain slopes, lush green patches, and serene natural beauty – makes the Wenlock Downs look stunning in all seasons. The place is also a great hangout spot for golf lovers. Likewise, hiking and trekking are popular too.
What’s the entry fee? Free.
Timings for Wenlock Downs: 9 am to 6.30 pm
Pine Forests
Nature admirers who love being amidst the lofty trees, dense forests, and jaw-dropping sights can find themselves in one of the best places in Ooty – the Pine Tree Forests. The region lures you with charm, making you awe in the scenic canvas the tall trees present.
The Pine Tree Forests in Ooty is one of the famous film locations for Bollywood productions. The entire area is filled with soaring pines, spirally twisted branches, and molting barks – marking it as a perfect central base for all aspiring filmmakers. Bollywood movies like Sadma and Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak have been shot here.
Most pine trees, including Ponderosa and Siberian Dwarf species, are almost 1,000 years old, and many have even crossed the 4,000-year mark. Among the densely populated forests, you can expect to spot moths, squirrels, and various butterflies. Likewise, bird-watching is a popular activity too.
Recommended: Checkout these amazing Ooty sightseeing packages for 2 days.
What’s the entry fee? INR 5 for all tourists.
Timings for Pine Tree Forests: 8 am to 6 pm
Kamraj Sagar Dam
Amongst the major sightseeing spots in Ooty, Kamraj Sagar Dam tops the ‘must-see’ places. Also known as the Sandynallah Reservoir, the Sagar Dam is quite a picnic spot for families and birdwatchers. Tourists from all parts of the city come to the dam to relax, unwind and soothe their mundane routine.
Kamraj Sagar Dam attracts a significant group of nature lovers. Since the spot is abundant with flora and fauna – fishing is a popular activity. You’ll have to come early morning to avoid noise and distraction from the tourist.
What’s the entry fee? Free.
Timings for Kamraj Sagar Dam: 9 am to 6 pm
Doddabetta Peak
Tucked away between the surrounds of palatial tea estates, mist-clad mountains, and lavishly grown forests, Doddabetta Peak is one of the major sightseeing spots of Ooty. It’s also been deemed as the highest vantage point amongst the 24 peaks of Nilgiri houses.
A visit to Doddabetta Peak is a surreal experience. Whether you’re picnicking around or seeking an adventurous outcome – Doddabetta Peak makes it an ideal holiday destination for all types of travelers. The charming beauty of its natural bounties is unbeatable when you compare it with other Nilgiri peaks.
If you’re an avid hiker or love trekking – Doddabetta Peak won’t disappoint you! It’s one of the best places in Ooty to trek, as you tend to get 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Eastern and the Western Ghats. The path to the summit isn’t a strenuous one, but it still requires a moderate fitness level to walk up and down.
The best time to hike the Doddabetta Peak is early morning. The 3km trail to the peak traverses across rugged paths and grassy slopes before reaching your final peak point.
Travel Tip: It’s best recommended to pack enough water, some snacks, and a first aid kit before you hike the Doddabetta Peak. Try visiting early in the morning to avoid tourists.
What’s the entry fee? INR 5 for all tourists.
Pykara Falls
Cascading from the mountains of the Mukurthi peak, Pykara Waterfalls is a magnificent sight to behold. Located 20kksm from Ooty, the waterfalls have been an enjoyable tourist spot to come and explore its beautiful settings.
The surrounding area of the Pykara Waterfalls is famous for its Toda settlement. It’s one of few places in Ooty where you’ll see this indigenous tribe in their most natural habitat.
Travel Tip: It’s advised not to swim in Pykara Falls to avoid unforeseen accidents. Especially during the monsoon, the falls can be very unpredictable owing to the high levels of water in Pykara Lake.
Pykara Lake
If you’re around Pykara Waterfalls, you should ensure to visit the famous Pykara Lake of Ooty. Nestled 2km across the falls, the lake has been a significant tourist attraction of Ooty. The addition of the gaiety boat rides recently has bumped up its tourism – pulling every tourist to admire the beautiful location.
From 8-seaters to 15-seaters, there are several boat trip packages to choose from, and you can book them directly at the Pykara Lake Boat House. You can even try speedboats to add a thrill to your adventure.
Apart from boating, Pykara Lake has been an evergreen tourist spot for all families. You’ll find visitors strolling, picnicking, photography, and thoroughly enjoying the calm atmosphere in the evenings. No matter how you spend your time around Pykara Lake, it should top your list of the best places to visit in Ooty in 2 days.
What’s the entry fee? INR 10 for entrance, INR 770 – INR 1300 for different motorboat seatings.
Timings for the Pykara Lake: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
The Emerald Lake
Nestled by stunning tea plantations, verdant green pastures, and a serene backdrop, the Emerald Lake is a perfect day trip for visitors looking to spend an enjoyable time in Ooty. It’s also one of the best places in the city to admire the sunrise and sunset.
Visitors from all over the world enjoy the scenic vistas Emerald Lake boasts. From dusk to dawn, the lake is a visual treat for tourists to relax and soak in the pleasant, positive vibes. There are even tea gardens located next to the lake, which offer deep insights into the production of South Indian tea. You can also sample a variety of tea as per your preference.
What’s the entry fee? Free.
Timings for the Emerald Lake – 6 am to 5 pm.
Ooty Wax World
Ooty has its very own wax museum in the form of Madame Tussauds if you haven’t been to a wax museum and need to explore it, head straight to the Ooty Wax World, which is only 2kms away from the central city.
Apart from its accessibility, Ooty Wax World has received much more fame and recognization for promoting its local tourism. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best places to visit in Ooty – offering a thoroughly enjoyable experience to families traveling with kids. The museum comprises statues of many prominent Indian figures representing national, political, sports, and cultural segments. Some notable names include Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, Mahatma Gandhi, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Mother Teresa.
What’s the entry fee? INR 20 entrance fee.
Timings for the Ooty Wax World: 9 am to 8 pm
Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake, known for its striking views and picturesque settings, is one of the best places to visit in Ooty in 2 days. John Sullivan has artificially created it, making the lake span 65 acres. The lake is stunning, and the entire region is densely covered with eucalyptus trees and lush green bushes.
Initially, creating this artificial lake was to create more opportunities for fishing. Most of the locals rely on fishing as their primary occupation, and thus the lake’s inception provided them with the required jobs. Today, Ooty Lake has gained fame as the ‘city’s most important landmark.’
During the evenings, you’ll see families picnicking around, children biking across the trails, senior citizens gossiping with their spicy stories, etc. Be it any time of the day, the tranquility of the places always remains calm and relaxing. Thus, giving you a perfect chance to break the hustle and unwind leisurely.
Here’s a small list of things to do around Ooty Lake –
Boat Trip Around the Lake – Organized by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Board, the agency offers plenty of boat trip packages to tour across the lake. Usually, the ride is of 30-minutes, taking you through the dense forest areas of the region. Along with regular boat trips – pedal boats, motorboats, and row boating options are also available. The rates usually range from INR 240 to INR 990.
Horse Riding Around Ooty Lake – Horse riding tours are ubiquitous around lakes and large ponds in India. You can find these short trips available at affordable rates at Ooty Lake. An evening horse ride across the lake sounds enjoyable!
What’s the entry fee? INR 13 for Indians and INR 560 for Foreigners
Timings for Ooty Lake: 9 am to 6 pm
Stone House
Deemed an important historic site, Stone House is one of the must-visit places in Ooty. The construction of the house marked the modernization of the city, as this was officially the first house to be constructed. Thanks to John Sullivan, the Collector of Coimbatore, who surveyed the place and thought of creating something visual for the locals. And that’s when Stone House came into existence.
The Stone House is built in a very picturesque area of Ooty. Its location is quite a scenic tour, with plenty of things to see and do around. Every year, travelers visit the place in large numbers, and it is often crowded during the peak season.
So if you’ve planned your Ooty itinerary for 2 days, you must definitely include the Stone House in your plan.
What’s the entry fee? The entry fee is free for all tourists.
Timings for the Stone House: 10 am to 5 pm
Tea Estate View Point
Ooty is a paradisical place for all tea lovers. If you’re an avid tea drinker, the city won’t disappoint you with its varied flavors and spices. But, along with the drink, it’s worth mentioning that Ooty has its own Tea Factory & Museum. It’s one of the best places to visit in Ooty in 2 days, letting you in on the ‘South Indian chai masala‘ secrets.
Visitors touring the tea factory can experience its live production, right from where the leaves are plucked, processed, and then packaged. Knowing its process and finer details will surely elevate your visiting experience. Moreover, you can taste a variety of teas near the plantation area to relish your taste buds.
The Tea Estate also has hiking trails that take you across the plantation area to learn more about the history & cultivation process. Likewise, it’s a surreal quest to find yourselves amidst the luxuriant plantation slopes.
Best Time to Visit the Tea Estate: October through March is the best time to explore the tea plantation area and its factory. The winter season in India provides favorable climatic conditions for the plants to grow and sustain themselves fully. Furthermore, temperatures around the daytime range between 20°C – 22°C, making activities like trekking and hiking more suitable.
What’s the entry fee? There’s no entry fee to explore the tea plantation area. However, the Tea Factory and Museum cost INR 20 per person.
Timings for the Tea Factory and Museum: 9 am to 5.30 pm
Toda Hamlet
Ooty is still home to many indigenous tribes who immigrated from the Western Ghats. Most of these tribal communities settled in the city decades ago, forming an essential part of the local population. Amongst these tribes, one such community that inspired the history and timelines of Ooty was the Todas.
Located at a distance of 15kms from Ooty lies the famous Toda Village – the home of the Toda tribal community. A visit to this tiny hamlet amazes you with the influx of history, culture, traditions, food, and much more. Moreover, exploring the village takes you back in time to learn & understand the practices followed by the Toda tribals.
The highlight of visiting the Toda Village is its semi-barrel-shaped huts. These houses were built next to each other, with open grounds used for cattle herding and farming.
What’s the entry fee? Free.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most important national parks in India. Based in the Nilgiri district, on the borders of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the national park is a treat for wildlife lovers to explore and spectate a rich diversification of animal species.
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary boasts more than 500 birds, species, and reptiles, and it is even declared a Tiger Reserve, featuring 103 tigers in the national park. As you journey through the forests, you ought to come across many native species in their natural habitats.
Needless to say, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Ooty in 2 days.
Things to do in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary –
Take a Jungle Safari – The safaris are the most popular activity in any national park. Especially in Mudumalai – the jeep safaris bring you up close to the wildlife species in the best possible way. Common sightings include tiger, deer, leopards, panthers, grey langurs, and pit viper.
Take an Elephant Safari – You will need to book your elephant safaris in advance to get a slot. The elephant rides at Mudumalai aren’t like your jeep safaris, as they don’t venture deep into forests. However, it’s perfect for visitors who want to get an upper view of the forest reserves and surroundings.
Go trekking – Trekking is another popular activity in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The forest rangers won’t allow you to take the trails leading to the core national park; however, they’ll guide you to venture designated pathways for mountain hiking & climbing.
What’s the entry fee? INR 30 for entry, INR 340 for jungle bus safaris, INR 4000 for jungle jeep safaris, and INR 1100 for elephant rides.
Timings for Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary: 6 am to 6 pm
Places to Visit in Ooty in 2 Days Schedule
Please refer to the schedule below to plan your Ooty sightseeing for 2 days. This will help you structure your Ooty itinerary accordingly.
Places to Visit in Ooty on Day one
Kamraj Sagar Dam
Tea Estate View Point
Pine Forests
Wenlock Downs
Pykara Lake
Pykara Waterfalls
The Emerald Lake
Toda Hamlet
Places to Visit in Ooty on Day Two
Ooty Botanical Gardens
Ooty Rose Gardens
Ooty Wax World
Stone House
Doddabetta Peak
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (could be done separately on day 3)
FAQs for Ooty Itinerary
Are 2 days enough for Ooty?
Ooty is considered to be a perfect weekend getaway destination. Ideally, 2 days in Ooty is more than enough to explore its tourist attractions, sightseeing experiences & other popular activities. Moreover, you can add an extra day to your trip to explore Ooty in all its entirety.
What should you not miss in Ooty?
You shouldn’t miss out on exploring the Ooty Botanical Garden, Ooty Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak, and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Even if you’re short on time, try to prioritize these places in Ooty to explore the South Indian charm.
How much does the Ooty trip cost?
The cost of your Ooty sightseeing trip will depend on its inclusions & exclusions. Ideally, tour operators in India charge INR 30,000 – INR 35,000 for a 4N/5D all-inclusive package. However, the cost may get reduced depending on the type of accommodation you choose, attractions you book, and other tour-related add-ons.
When is the best time to visit Ooty?
Though Ooty is a year-round destination with a good climate & considerate temperatures, the best time to visit the town is between March and June. The period marks the summer season in India, with daytime temperatures rising up to moderate levels. Also, all of the attractions in Ooty are open during this time.
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