Karnataka Horticulture Park in Fernhill, Ooty, is one of the most beautiful yet underrated attractions in the Nilgiris. Spread across acres of manicured landscapes, the park is maintained by the Karnataka Horticulture Department and offers a peaceful alternative to Ooty’s more crowded gardens.
It’s especially famous for its fern maze, hanging bridge, life-size fern sculptures, and themed floral gardens. The combination of fresh mountain air, lush greenery, and creative landscaping makes it a must-visit for families, photographers, and nature lovers.
🌿Why Karnataka Horticulture Park is Special
Unlike other gardens in Ooty, this park is designed not just for plant lovers but also for those looking for interactive and family-friendly attractions. Here’s what makes it unique:
Fern Maze: A beautifully trimmed hedge maze where visitors can wander through winding green pathways. Great fun for kids and a lovely spot for photos.
Hanging Bridge: A small suspension-style bridge that gives a fun vantage point over the gardens and valleys.
Fern Sculptures: Artistic installations and statues made from live plants, shaped into animals and creative forms.
Seasonal Flower Displays: Vibrant blooms arranged in patterns during peak seasons, especially in summer.
Panoramic Views: Elevated points in the park provide sweeping views of Fernhill and surrounding tea estates.
Karnataka Horticulture Park Ooty Entry Fee & Timings
Entry Fee:
Adults: ₹30
Children: ₹15
Camera: ₹20 (Video: ₹100)
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (All days)
Best Time to Visit:
March–May for Summer Festival blooms
September–November for fresh greenery after monsoon
Winters (Dec–Feb) for fewer crowds and crisp weather
Location & How to Reach Karnataka Horticulture Park
Address: Karnataka Horticulture Park, Fernhill, Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Distance from Ooty Town: 3 km (10 minutes by taxi or auto)
Nearest Railway Station: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) – 2 km
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore – 90 km (3 hours by road)
Getting There:
By Auto/Taxi: Easily available from Charing Cross
By Bus: Local buses from Ooty bus stand stop near Fernhill Palace
Top Things to Do in Karnataka Horticulture Park
🌿 Explore the Fern Maze
A hedge-style maze made from neatly trimmed plants. Kids love the challenge of finding their way out, and it’s a great spot for playful photos.
🌉 Walk Across the Hanging Bridge
A small suspension-style bridge inside the park that gives you elevated views of the gardens and nearby hills, fun, slightly bouncy, and great for selfies.
🐘 Admire the Fern Sculptures
Life-sized animal figures (like elephants and deer) crafted entirely from live plants. They make unique backdrops for Instagram-worthy pictures.
📸 Photography in Themed Gardens
Different garden zones feature seasonal flowers arranged in patterns, offering endless opportunities for colorful landscape photography.
🧺 Picnic in Shaded Lawns
Large grassy areas under tall trees where you can spread a mat, relax, and enjoy homemade snacks in a peaceful setting.
🚶♂️Nature Walks
Paved paths winding through flower beds and lawns, with benches for resting. Perfect for a slow stroll while soaking in the mountain air.
Facilities at Karnataka Horticulture Park, Fernhill
Parking
Paid parking space available near the main entrance.
Suitable for cars, two-wheelers, and small tourist vans.
Charges: ₹20 for two-wheelers, ₹50 for cars, ₹100 for mini-buses.
The lot is shaded in parts, but it can fill quickly during weekends and the Ooty Summer Festival, arrive early for a spot.
Restrooms
Basic restrooms available near the ticket counter.
Cleaned daily, but it’s advisable to carry your own tissues/hand sanitizer.
Separate facilities for men and women.
Other Amenities
Drinking water stations near the entrance and in the picnic lawn area.
Benches placed throughout the garden for resting.
Waste bins in all sections, visitors are encouraged to keep the park clean.
👨👩👧👦For Families & Kids
The maze and bridge are favorites among children.
Open lawns provide safe play space.
Shallow slopes and benches make it accessible for elderly visitors too.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Your Visit
Fernhill Palace – 1 km (Historic heritage hotel)
Ooty Golf Course – 3 km
Ketti Valley Viewpoint – 6 km
Ooty Botanical Garden – 4 km
Doddabetta Peak – 10 km
🛍️ Shopping Tips
Charing Cross Market: Homemade chocolates, essential oils, woollens
Commercial Road: Tea, spices, and souvenirs
Upper Bazaar: Fresh Nilgiri honey and local produce
💡 Hidden Tips for Visitors
Visit in the morning for softer light and cooler weather.
Bring a light jacket, Fernhill stays breezy even in summer.
The maze and hanging bridge are less crowded before noon.
Tripods are allowed for photography but avoid blocking walkways.
Karnataka Horticulture Park Traveler Reviews
🌿The Good
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Peaceful, clean, and perfect for families.”
We visited during the Ooty Summer Festival, and the flowers were in full bloom. The fern maze kept our kids entertained, while we enjoyed the quiet shaded lawns. Much calmer than the crowded Ooty Botanical Garden.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Photography heaven with unique plant art.”
The hanging bridge and fern animal sculptures are beautifully maintained and perfect for Instagram shots. The upper garden offers sweeping views of Fernhill and the Nilgiri hills.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Well-maintained and budget-friendly.”
For just ₹30, you get themed gardens, a maze, picnic lawns, and clean restrooms. Parking is reasonably priced, and staff are friendly.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Hidden gem in Fernhill.”
We found this while visiting Fernhill Palace. The gardens were quiet, the benches plentiful, and the views lovely. Perfect spot for a slow, peaceful walk.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Fun for kids, relaxing for adults.”
Our children loved the maze and running on the lawns, while we sat under the trees enjoying the fresh mountain breeze. Great for family picnics.
🚫The Bad
⭐️⭐️⭐️“Not many food options inside.”
There’s no cafeteria, only a few tea stalls outside. Carry snacks and water if you plan to spend more than an hour here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Looks dull in off-season.”
We went in January, and some flower beds were empty. Visit during the Summer Festival or post-monsoon for the best views.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Small parking area gets full fast.”
On weekends, parking fills up quickly and you might have to park on the road.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Signage could be better.”
While the maze and bridge are easy to find, other attractions like the orchid section aren’t well-marked. A map at the entrance would help.
⭐️⭐️⭐️“Closes too early.”
The park shuts at 5 PM, which is too early for summer evenings. Arrive before lunch to enjoy it fully.
Karnataka Horticulture Park, Fernhill, is not just another garden in Ooty, it’s a fun, scenic, and peaceful escape with interactive attractions like the fern maze, hanging bridge, and creative plant sculptures. Whether you’re visiting during the flower-filled summer or the misty monsoon months, it’s a refreshing stop for families, couples, and nature lovers alike.
Plan your trip, pack your camera, and let Fernhill’s green magic leave you spellbound! 🌸
