Ooty and its neighboring regions offer a wide range of attractions, from lush gardens and serene lakes to thrilling viewpoints and rich wildlife sanctuaries. This guide categorizes all the must-visit places in Ooty, Pykara, Coonoor, Kodanad, Kotagiri, Avalanche, Mudumalai, and Bandipur, providing essential details for each destination.

1. Lakes

Ooty Lake and Boat House (Ooty)

• Description: A large artificial lake perfect for boating and relaxing.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹10 for adults, ₹5 for children
• Parking Fee: ₹30
• Camera Fee: ₹50
• Boat Ride Fees: ₹180-₹450

Pykara Lake (Pykara)

• Description: A scenic lake known for its clear waters and boating facilities.
• Opening Time: 10:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50
• Boat Ride Fees: ₹100-₹150 per person

Emerald Lake (Avalanche)

• Description: A picturesque and tranquil lake surrounded by tea plantations.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 3:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Avalanche Lake (Avalanche)

• Description: A serene lake offering beautiful views and opportunities for fishing.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 3:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹150 (forest department vehicle fee)
• Parking Fee: ₹30
• Camera Fee: ₹100

2. Gardens and Parks

Ooty Botanical Gardens (Ooty)

• Description: A garden with a diverse collection of plants, flowers, and trees.
• Opening Time: 7:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹15 for children
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Ooty Rose Garden (Ooty)

• Description: Features over 20,000 varieties of roses in different colors.
• Opening Time: 8:30 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹15 for children
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Thread Garden (Ooty)

• Description: A unique garden with handmade replicas of plants and flowers made from thread.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹15 for children
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹20

Sim’s Park (Coonoor)

• Description: A botanical garden featuring a variety of plant species and natural beauty.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹15 for children
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Tree Park (Pykara)

• Description: A small park with diverse tree species and scenic beauty.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹10
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹30

Karnataka Garden (Avalanche)

• Description: A beautiful garden showcasing the local flora of the region.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

3. Viewpoints

Doddabetta Peak (Ooty)

• Description: The highest peak in the Nilgiris, offering stunning panoramic views.
• Opening Time: 7:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹10
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Lamb’s Rock (Coonoor)

• Description: Offers breathtaking views of the valleys and tea estates.
• Opening Time: 8:30 AM
• Closing Time: 5:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹20
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹30

Dolphin’s Nose (Coonoor)

• Description: A cliff-top viewpoint resembling a dolphin’s nose, with views of Catherine Falls.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹20
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹30

Ketti Valley View (Ooty)

• Description: Offers a panoramic view of the expansive Ketti Valley.
• Opening Time: 8:30 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹20

Needle Rock Viewpoint (Gudalur)

• Description: Known for its pointed rock formation and stunning sunset views.
• Opening Time: 8:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹20
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹30

Kodanad Viewpoint (Kodanad)

• Description: Offers spectacular views of the Eastern and Western Ghats, and the Bhavani Sagar Dam.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹10
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹30

4. Waterfalls

Pykara Waterfalls (Pykara)

• Description: A cascading waterfall surrounded by greenery, popular among tourists.
• Opening Time: 10:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹5
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Katary Falls (Coonoor)

• Description: A less crowded but scenic waterfall, ideal for a peaceful visit.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Kalhatti Falls (Ooty)

• Description: A beautiful waterfall with a temple nearby, believed to have medicinal properties.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 4:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Catherine Falls (Coonoor)

• Description: A double-cascaded waterfall named after the wife of a British officer.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Law’s Falls (Coonoor)

• Description: A scenic waterfall named after Col. Law, situated near the Coonoor-Mettupalayam road.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

5. Historical and Cultural Sites

St. Stephen’s Church (Ooty)

• Description: A historic church with impressive architecture and stained glass windows.
• Opening Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Parking Fee: Free
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Wax World Museum (Ooty)

• Description: Features lifelike wax statues of famous personalities and historical figures.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 8:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Tribal Museum (Ooty)

• Description: Showcases the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous tribes of the Nilgiris.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹10
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Stone House (Ooty)

• Description: The first British bungalow in Ooty, now a government guest house and museum.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Toda Huts (Ooty)

• Description: Traditional homes of the Toda tribe, showcasing their unique architecture and way of life.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

6. Tea and Coffee Plantations

Tea Factory and Museum (Ooty)

• Description: Offers a glimpse into the tea-making process and the history of tea in the region.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹10
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹20

Glenmorgan Tea Estate (Ooty)

• Description: A scenic tea estate offering guided tours and panoramic views.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free (Permission required for entry)
• Parking Fee: Free
• Camera Fee: Free

Highfield Tea Estate (Coonoor)

• Description: Known for its aromatic teas and beautiful surroundings.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Parking Fee: Free
• Camera Fee: Free

7. Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Eagles Dare Adventure (Ooty)

• Description: Offers various adventure activities like ziplining, rope courses, and more.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Varies per activity (starting from ₹500)
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: Free

Wenlock Downs 9th Mile (Ooty)

• Description: A vast expanse of grassland ideal for outdoor activities and photography.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹50

Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Ooty to Coonoor)

• Description: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a scenic train journey through the hills.
• Train Timings: Multiple departures daily
• Ticket Fees: ₹5 – ₹600 (depending on class)
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: Free

Horse Riding (Ooty)

• Description: Available at various locations, offering a unique way to explore the landscapes.
• Operating Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Ride Fees: ₹150 – ₹500 (depending on duration)
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: Free

8. Wildlife and Nature Reserves

Mudumalai National Park (Mudumalai)

• Description: A wildlife sanctuary home to a variety of animals including elephants, tigers, and leopards.
• Opening Time: 6:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹100 for still camera, ₹200 for video camera
• Safari Fees: ₹135 for a van safari, ₹250 for a jeep safari per person

Bandipur National Park (Bandipur)

• Description: Known for its diverse wildlife and as a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
• Opening Time: 6:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹300 for Indians, ₹1,100 for foreigners
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹200 for still camera, ₹1,000 for video camera
• Safari Fees: ₹300 for a jeep safari per person

Mukurthi National Park (Ooty)

• Description: A biosphere reserve with shola grasslands, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹100 for still camera, ₹200 for video camera

Silent Valley National Park (Near Ooty)

• Description: Known for its rich biodiversity and untouched beauty.
• Opening Time: 8:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners
• Parking Fee: ₹20
• Camera Fee: ₹100 for still camera, ₹500 for video camera

This guide provides a list of all the major sightseeing spots in Ooty and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re interested in nature, adventure, history, or culture, this guide helps you navigate the diverse attractions of this beautiful region. Enjoy your exploration of Ooty and its scenic surroundings!