Planning a quick, but fun getaway to beautiful Ooty Hills? Popularly known as the Queen of the Hills, Ooty is a paradise for all nature lovers with beautiful landscapes, endless tea gardens, calm lakes and magical gardens. A 3 day Perfect plan to visit the best of Ooty and its miniature sister city, Coonoor. From its famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway (ideal for a train enthusiast) to its vast Botanical Gardens; breathtaking waterfalls; to the Wildlife conservation park, the Hill station has them all. The top 25 places to visit in Ooty and Coonoor in 3 days ensure that your vacation is unforgettable, be it adventure, relaxation or culture you crave.
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Places to Visit in Ooty and Coonoor in 3 Days
1. Ooty Lake & Boat Club, Ooty
If you want to know about Ooty and Coonoor places to visit in 3 days, head to Ooty Lake. This man-made lake features lush eucalyptus trees and hillsides 1 km from the city, and is an idyllic spot to visit. Created by John Sullivan in 1824 for fishing, it now offers opportunities for paddle boat, motor and row boat rides. People can enjoy the lush landscape, watch water birds and even join in the boisterous May boat races. There’s an amusement park and toy train, too, as well as shops, making Ooty Lake the ideal place for a fun-filled holiday.
2. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
In fact, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a historic meter-gauge train which offers a beautiful trip through picturesque hills of Ooty and Coonoor. So, the “Toy Train” is a heritage ride for 5 hours and 46 km in the midst of tea gardens, green forests and quaint hill stations like Mettupalayam, Coonoor and Lovedale. Apart from this, the journey which consists of winding tracks, dark tunnels and wonderful vistas of the valley below- then it is an experience all by Itself. The train was constructed in 1908 and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Riding the train is the best thing to do on your list of places to visit in Ooty and Coonoor in 3 days.
3. Government Botanical Gardens
If you’re a lover of nature, then this is one of the best places to visit in Ooty and Coonoor in 3 days. Even if you’re not an avid plant–lover, you will fall in love with its beauty. Graham McLvor built it in 1848 and the garden has six sections, such as the Conservatory, Nurseries etc., including the Italian Garden. A vivid tapestry of orchids, ferns and tropical flowers. Cultivering herbs and other plants in 22 hectares, it houses a range of flora species, including a 20-million-year-old fossil tree trunk from the National Fossil Park in Thiruvakkarai, so if you are in Ooty to experience the beauty of nature, this is an attraction you must visit.
4. Doddabetta Peak
Overlook at Doddabetta Peak The highest peak in Ooty has an altitude of 2,623 meters. It is surrounded by deep forests and misty hills and serves as a refuge into the lap of mother nature. It is a photographer’s and an adventure seeker’s haven and one of the prime tourists’ spots for Ooty and Coonoor in 3 days. It offers a cool breeze and quietness in the environment and is the ideal spot to have time with nature and view the hills. A visit to Doddabetta will revitalise you, so don’t miss this.
5. Catherine Falls
Coonoor is not just nature and wildlife, it’s also a thrill seeker’s destination. There are places in Coonoor with stunning landscapes and hiking trails, of which the major highlight are the Catherine Falls. The areas are also steep and green uphill making the trip to the falls an exciting adventure. It’s a treat to the eyes to see the water fall over the rocks. It’s a must see city in Coonoor. If you are on a short visit and going to Ooty and Coonoor in 3 days, then you must visit Catherine Falls.
6. Tiger Hill Cemetery
One of the major cemeteries of the city, established in 1905, this historic place is a mix of Grecian, Gothic and Renaissance style. It used to have a decorative fountain but now it has a smashed figure of a mourning angel, belonging to John Thompson, of Madras Survey Department, a tomb close to this. The 4-acre place is surrounded by a serene tea estate, makes it too spooky.
This is not a popular place, but offers a good photographer’s spot. There are no public transport buses to this area, so you would have to hire a cab or an auto-rickshaw to get there. It is difficult to find, and requires traversing the wall – so do this with caution, and be wary of snakes.
7. Lamb’s Rock
Lamb’s Rock is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Coonoor with beautiful viewpoints of the tea gardens, the valley and the mountain ranges beyond. Perching on a steep gorge, it is a photographer and trekkers’ delight, even more when shrouded in mist. Cool breeze blowing from the mountain and the refreshing scent of the tea gardens makes it a great place to relax and rejuvenate. You can catch a glimpse of wildlife from the woods, too. Lamb’s Rock is one of the must visit places in Ooty & Coonoor in 3 days to enjoy adventure or you just want peace and quiet – Lamb’s Rock has something for every visitor.
8. Kalhatty Waterfalls
Another beautiful place that draws the attention of visitors, is Kalhatty Waterfalls. It is a beautiful waterfall which, it is believed took its roots from Saint Agastya and many of the plants and animals are a rare treat for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. These waterfalls create a lot of beauty, as they come down from the green forests surrounding them, enchanting an off-beat hide-away from the worldly life. It’s one of the must visit places for a trip to visit Ooty & Coonoor City in 3 days to relax and cherish your memories.
9. Pykara Falls, Ooty
One of the most beautiful places to see in Ooty and Coonoor in 3 days, is Pykara Falls – a beautiful falls, indeed. Located 23 kms from Ooty, this waterfall is simply exquisite as it is here that the Pykara River creates two picturesque cascades – 55 m and 61 m to be exact! Amidst nature, it is a getaway for nature enthusiasts and honeymooners. Waterfall swimming here is not encouraged, the views are spectacular. The best time to explore these beautiful waterfalls is after monsoons when the falls are at their peak, making falls one of the best tourist attractions in Ooty.
10. Mudumalai National Park
Mudumalai National Park is a great tourist destination to spend your 3-day visit to Ooty and Coonoor, situated between Karantaka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is home to a rich variety of plants – such as fragrant 12-foot-tall Elephant Grass and Rosewood, Mahogany and Teak trees – and is the first Biosphere Reserve in India.
It houses tigers, panthers, barking deer and Malabar giant squirrels and is also home to over 260 birds, such as whistling thrushes and Malabar pied hornbills. Spot herds of elephants by the Moyar River, go for an adventure safari or walk the trekking and bird-watching trails. Be sure to visit the Elephant Camp, where you can bathe the elephants.
Ooty, in the beautiful Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, is best experienced to comprehend its charm. Enchanting hill station, it boasts serene views of the hills, placid lakes and vibrant gardens for a breathtaking escape. There are minimal or no entry costs at many sightseeing destinations that make it a family-friendly, couples’ , or solo travel destination, with abundant options.
Its view-laden sister city Coonoor has tea plantations and offers panoramic views. An itinerary of the top 3 best sights Ooty and its neighbour Coonoor have to offer will definitely rejuvenate you, whether you are an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover.
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