Ooty and Coonoor, nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, are among the most scenic hill stations in South India. These destinations boast breathtaking landscapes, lush greenery, serene lakes, and a pleasant climate. Whether you’re planning a two-day getaway, a one-day trip near ooty, or a family vacation in ooty, this guide provides a detailed list of must-visit places in Ooty and Coonoor to ensure an unforgettable journey.

Top Tourist Places in Ooty and Coonoor

1. Ooty Lake & Boat House

  • Location: Ooty Town
  • Entry Fee: ₹10 per person (Boating extra charges apply)
  • Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Best Season to Visit: October to June
  • Attractions: Boating, Cycling, Toy Train Ride, Amusement Park
  • Speciality: This picturesque lake is a popular boating destination where visitors can enjoy pedal boats, rowboats, and motorboats. The surrounding lush greenery makes it an ideal picnic spot.

2. Government Botanical Garden

  • Location: Near Ooty Bus Stand
  • Entry Fee: ₹30 (Adults), ₹15 (Children)
  • Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Best Season to Visit: April to June
  • Attractions: Exotic plant species, Fossil tree trunk, Flower exhibitions
  • Speciality: Spread across 55 acres, this lush garden is home to thousands of plant species, including rare orchids and a 20-million-year-old fossil tree.

3. Doddabetta Peak

  • Location: 9 km from Ooty
  • Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
  • Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Best Season to Visit: September to May
  • Attractions: Trekking, Panoramic View, Telescope House
  • Speciality: The highest peak in the Nilgiris, Doddabetta offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley. The Telescope House provides a closer look at the surrounding landscapes.

4. Rose Garden

  • Location: Elk Hill, Ooty
  • Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
  • Timings: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Best Season to Visit: March to June
  • Attractions: 20,000+ varieties of roses
  • Speciality: One of the largest rose gardens in India, featuring an incredible variety of roses from across the world, making it a paradise for flower lovers and photographers.

5. Ooty Toy Train (Nilgiri Mountain Railway)

  • Route: Mettupalayam – Ooty
  • Ticket Price: ₹145 (First Class), ₹30 (Second Class)
  • Timings: Multiple departures daily
  • Best Season to Visit: All year round
  • Speciality: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this train ride through tunnels, bridges, and lush tea gardens offers a mesmerizing experience of the Nilgiri Hills.

6. Glenmorgan Lake

  • Location: 25 km from Ooty
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Best Season to Visit: Year-round
  • Attractions: Tea Estates, Serene Lake Views, Hydroelectric Power Plant
  • Speciality: A hidden gem, this secluded lake is surrounded by tea estates and is perfect for a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

7. Emerald Lake

  • Location: 17 km from Ooty
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Best Season to Visit: Year-round
  • Attractions: Scenic Views, Birdwatching, Fishing, Photography
  • Speciality: A pristine and lesser-known lake that offers stunning sunrise and sunset views, making it a great spot for nature lovers and photographers.

8. Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden

  • Location: Fern Hill, Ooty
  • Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
  • Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Best Season to Visit: April to June
  • Attractions: Unique flora, Landscaped Gardens, Children’s Play Area
  • Speciality: This well-maintained horticulture garden boasts diverse plant species and stunning landscape designs, handging bridge in ooty making it ideal for a relaxing stroll.

9. Needle Rock Viewpoint

  • Location: 51 km from Ooty (Near Gudalur)
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Best Season to Visit: October to March
  • Attractions: Panoramic Views, Sunset Spot, Trekking
  • Speciality: A breathtaking viewpoint known for its 360-degree views of the surrounding forests and valleys, especially stunning during sunrise and sunset.

10. Kodanad View Point & Horticulture Park

  • Location: 18 km from Kotagiri
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Best Season to Visit: October to March
  • Attractions: Moyar River View, Bhavanisagar Dam, Garden with Exotic Plants
  • Speciality: A scenic spot with views of the Eastern and Western Ghats, along with a well-maintained horticulture park featuring exotic plants.

11. Sim’s Park

  • Location: Upper Coonoor
  • Entry Fee: ₹30 (Adults), ₹15 (Children)
  • Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Best Season to Visit: April to June
  • Attractions: Exotic Plant Species, Play Area for Children

12. Dolphin’s Nose

  • Location: 12 km from Coonoor
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Best Season to Visit: October to March
  • Attractions: Tea Plantations, Catherine Falls View

13. Lamb’s Rock

  • Location: 8 km from Coonoor
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Best Season to Visit: September to May
  • Attractions: Trekking, Valley View

14. Highfield Tea Factory

  • Location: Coonoor
  • Entry Fee: Nominal fee for guided tours
  • Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Best Season to Visit: Year-round
  • Attractions: Tea Tasting, Plantation Tour

15. Droog Fort

  • Location: 15 km from Coonoor
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Best Season to Visit: October to March
  • Attractions: Trekking, Historical Ruins

Top Tourist Places in Ooty Map & Top Tourist Places in Coonoor Map

Best Waterfalls to Visit in Ooty and Coonoor

1. Pykara Waterfalls

  • Location: 20 km from Ooty
  • Entry Fee: Free (Boating charges apply)
  • Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Best Season to Visit: August to January
  • Attractions: Boating, Scenic Waterfall Views, Photography

2. Catherine Falls

  • Location: 8 km from Kotagiri
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Best Season to Visit: October to February
  • Attractions: Waterfall View, Hiking Trails, Tea Estates

3. Law’s Falls

  • Location: 10 km from Coonoor
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Best Season to Visit: October to February
  • Attractions: Cascading Waterfall, Bird Watching, Nature Trails

4. Kolakambai Falls

  • Location: Near Kolakambai, 15 km from Ooty
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Best Season to Visit: October to March
  • Attractions: Highest Waterfall in the Nilgiris, Trekking, Scenic Views

5. Halashana Falls

  • Location: Near Upper Bhavani, 30 km from Ooty
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Best Season to Visit: Post-monsoon (October to February)
  • Attractions: Hidden Gem, Trekking, Serene Waterfall

Ooty and Coonoor offer a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation, making them must-visit destinations in Ooty and Coonoor for all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a honeymoon, or a solo adventure, these hill stations cater to every interest. Explore the beautiful mountains, waterfalls, tea estates, and historic sites, and experience the serene charm of the Nilgiri Hills! 🌿🌄🚞

Recent Posts