Places to see
The Ooty Lake
One of the two most important tourist centres of the city, the Ooty lake spans an area of one and a half miles. A large graveyard of St. Thomas' church overlooks the beautiful lake. Paddle boats and rowing boats are available here for tourists.
The Botanical Gardens
The second most important tourist attraction of Ooty, the Botanical Gardens lie on the slopes of the Dodabetta peak, the highest point of Ooty. Sculptured bushes, lily ponds and an innumerable variety of plants make the Botanical Gardens an important tourist destination. The Roman Catholic Cathedral can be seen in close vicinity from these gardens.
The Ootacmund Club still retains its old British charm. Golf and tracking jackals with hounds are the most famous activities of this exclusive club.
Also, the Ooty races are very famous for their racy action. The Ootacmund Derby attracts top Indian jockeys and is a passion among locals.
Kotagiri
This oldest hillstation is 29 kms from Ooty. It is noted for its favourable climate and natural scenery. Ragaswami Rock and Pillar, Kodanand view point, St Catherine Falls and Elk Falls are worth seeing.
Kaltatti falls
This lovely picnic spot is 13 kms from Ooty.
Mukurthi park & Mukurthi National Park
Mukurthi peak is 40 kms from Ooty. The Mukurthi National Park is located on the south earstern corner of the Nilgiri plateau. The Kollaribetta and the Nilgiri Peaks are the major peaks. The Silent Valley in the Western ghat is located on the Western side of these ranges.
Pykara
21 kms from Ooty on the Ooty Mysore road. Well protected fenced sholas, toda settlements, grassy meadows and a good wildlife habitat. Pykara dam and the reservoir attracts many tourists. There is a Forest Rest House at Pykara.
Glenmorgan
17 kms from Ooty and an ecologically rich forestery spot. An electricity board winch trolley carries people from Glenmorgan view point to power house at Singara. All 4 kms of the winch track passes through the wildlife habitat. Prior permission of authorities needed to enter the viewpoint zone. There are ten Toda settlements.
Avalanchi
28 kms from ooty a lake sorrounded by forest cover.
Charing Cross
Charing Cross is a road junction with markets around it. A short walk from Charing Cross is the Spencers.