THINGS TO DO IN OOTY

The scenic beauty and picturesque terrain have always been a relaxation to mind and body ever since man had been bound to his busy schedule in this world. Having a relaxed and youthful mind is always healthy for the body.

Among the many sublime wonders of the world, there lies Ooty, “Queen of Hills”, in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, one of the states that decorate the south of India.

In the recent past, the flow of tourists to this beautiful spot has been on the rise due to the increasing attention this place grabs for its novel features.

Being in Ooty calls for trying out and experiencing each and everything in this town. Here are the top 7 you must never miss for a lifetime. 

1. The Ride in the Toy Train at Nilgiris Mountain Railway

Adding too much of the surprise, the Nilgiris Mountain Railway is a century-old UNESCO declared heritage site.

The ride is a remarkable and exceptional experience to everyone who takes the ride as it takes one through the steep curves, amazing bridges, and tunnels of the Nilgiri Mountains, helping one unlock the secret beauty of the valleys.

One must not miss this golden opportunity of the exciting 46km journey that stretches from Mettupalayam to Ooty presenting the rider, a joy forever. In this 1.5 hour journey, the steam locomotives pass through the mist, the forest, the valley without disturbing the natural ecosystem of the Mountain Railways of India.

2.Water Trekking at Kotagiri

Mountain trekking is thrilling and adventurous but water trekkings are double the fun! Water trekking at Kotagiri will give you the refreshment and energy that you had been missing for a long time working busily. Trekking can be a good weekend fun and can turn into a great team bonding Corporate event with your colleagues.

The ponds and the water streams here have the magic of providing you with the best of the experience with the trekking through the water. The water at Kotagiri and the natural bath in it has been said to be having several health benefits.

 3.The mesmerizing Doddabetta Peak

Who doesn’t like wide and spanned views that could have never reached your eyes if only you were here?

Doddabetta Peak. Situated at an enormous altitude of 6,606 ft, is the fourth highest peak in South India, Doddabetta Peak gives you an entire view of the Nilgiris region.

The views are much clearer with the help of the telescope house, situated at the topmost point of Doddabetta. The reserved forest at the peak of the hill still has mysteries in it unsolved.

The balanced wildlife and the flora here add importance to the hill as a spot that cannot be missed on your Ooty trip. Travelers say the peak is the most inevitable part of one’s journey.

4. Jeep Safari in Avalanche

If you find wildlife fascinating, then Avalanche is the destination that will indeed please you! Avalanche, the reserve forest area that lies 30 km away from Ooty.

The forest is known for the Avalanche lake and Avalanche sanctuary. The wildlife in the Animal Sanctuary here must be sighted through Jeep Safari which will take you through the lush reserve forest and the lake nearby.

Trout fishing available at the avalanche lake has also been attracting tourists to this spot.

5. Picnic at Emerald Lake

Wanting for an epic sunrise and sunset with your beloved ones? Emerald lake that resides between the blue hills of Nilgiris has been a perfect spot for this when you plan a picnic here.

The lake in the Emerald village is an exemplar of silence and calmness due to the pristine and still nature.

With the tea plantations that surround the lake, the spot is gorgeous and fit for anyone who wants to experience the tranquility of nature. It is the favorite weekend spot for the locals.

6. Culturist pottery at Kotagiri

No journey is complete without knowing the culture and traditions and being part of the place, you visit. Kotagiri, which means, mountains of Kota are the homeland that beholds the true essence of the Kota tribe, the tribal groups of Nilgiris hills.

Kotagiri is filled with adventitious places and hill stations that can excite and attract any urban visitor to unravel the vicious cultures and their traditions.

The Kota tribes are masters of pottery work and one would be amazed by the exclusive art they present before you. The people there are so welcoming and even help you learn the pottery too.

 7. Experiencing diversity and culture of tribal

Knowing new cultures, traditions and cuisine have always been the primary goals of any journey and the lessons and experiences these journey scans give are the major takeaways.

No journey is complete without that. Kotagiri and Ooty hold a lot of tribal clusters, from whom you can learn the history and tradition of the tribal living in Ooty village. The place is home to almost 7 tribes – the Kotas, Todas, Badagas, Kurumbas and the Nayakas being the key ones. They have their own dialect.

All the visitors get chances to interact with the different clusters of tribes during the village visit as well as the organized lunch thereafter with them.

It will unveil their cultures and perspectives, making you realize how colorful each culture is in its own way!

Every journey is a treat to the soul.

The travel, the destination, the experience all teach you different things each time. Ooty, being one of the major spots that encompass almost all of the experiences of a high range will be successful in bringing calmness and tranquility.

Get your bags packed, plan your holidays and breathe in the fresh air of peace!