After crossing 36 hairpin bends & breathing tons of fresh air, we reached Ooty from Mysore, in 6 hours.

A city that knows no season other than Spring, Ooty (or Udhagamandalam), is a beautiful hill station in the Nilgiri hills. Beautiful mountains, green valleys, tall Eucalyptus trees & colorful flowers all around have together given the town beautiful hues and an underpinning blue tinge.

Popularised by the Bollywood movies of 70s & 80s, Ooty was a famous honeymoon destination for many. Whether you are planning to steal some time with your soulmate or looking forward to have some fun with friends, Ooty is a great place either way.

Here is a list of 11 experiences that are inherent to the queen of hill stations, Ooty.

1. Have a cup of Nilgiri tea:

My readers know how much of a big fan of tea, I am. Nilgiri tea is indigenous to the place & is fresh as that of Munnar. Apt for the tea lovers & those who enjoy an occasional cup in spring.

 

2. Visit Botanical Garden:

We have never seen a better garden than this. Planned, structured & beautifully designed, Botanical Garden is a nature lover’s paradise and would delight all gardening enthusiasts beyond measures.

3. Bite into a local fruit:

Ooty is home to many English fruits. Grown organically, these fruits taste yummy – full of juice & farm fresh smell. We discovered many new fruits there.

Do you know what this baby is called?!

4. Enjoy a boat ride in Ooty lake:

I love boat rides – clear, fresh water all around, a cool breeze rubbing your face while you paddle your way to happiness.

Take a boat ride in Ooty lake. You won’t be disappointed.

5. Take a look from Doddabetta peak:

Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiris, about 10 km from Ooty. It is situated at the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats. Have an eyeful of Pine trees, standing at the peak.

6. Capture the roses of the Rose Garden:

Rose Garden in Ooty is the most beautiful thing. The sheer variety of roses that they have here will surprise you. This place is well maintained & simply gorgeous. Do pay a visit.

7. Relish a plate of local chana chaat:

Every place has got some local delicacies that taste wonderful because of the local spices and locally grown veggies. I discovered a new taste in the chana chaat from Ooty. You might find something else.

8. Get yourself a few packets of flower seeds:

This place is beaming with flowers. Buy a few packets & sow some seeds back at your place. When you seed blossoms into the flowers, your joy would know no bounds.

We bought a few seeds & one of them grown into this:

9. Buy a few kgs. of home made chocoloates:

Who doesn’t love chocolates? If you don’t; you are missing a great deal.

10. Eat biryani at Hyderabad Biryani House, Ooty:

I have never tasted a better biryani than the one they serve in Hyderbad Biryani House. Both veg. and non veg. versions taste finger licking good. Taste for yourself.

11. Book a toy train ticket:

If you can, do enjoy the toy train ride from Ooty to Coonor. That said, let me tell you that the train runs at the speed of a tortoise. Some might not like that.

 

Ooty can offer you joy, peace, love & fun. You can take your pick.