The biodiversity of this small town offers a welcome getaway from a weary city life
Parks and Gardens - The rare flora and fauna of Ooty make it a tourist's paradise. The endless greenery and the tranquil atmosphere of Ooty enchant tourists. The noted gardens include:
Botanical Garden -Laid out in 1847, the garden is spread over a huge lot of 55 acres. The place is known for its rare species of trees like the paper bark tree, cork tree etc. A 20-million year old fossilized tree, an Italian style garden, a variety of flowers and ferns are some of the other highlights at this garden.
Rose Garden - A popular tourist destination, the rose garden has more than 2000 varieties of the flower. Roses in all colours including black and green can be found here. The garden itself is spread over 10 acres.
Children's Park - Maintained by the Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation, this garden is famous for its children's amusement park.
Lakes and Falls
Ooty Lake - This irregular L- shaped lake is very close to the Ooty Railway Station and the main City Bus Stand. John Sullivan formed this artificial lake. The lake offers boating facilities, has a children's park with a mini toy train for recreation of families. Close to the lake is a deer park and outside the lake tourist can enjoy a pony ride.
Kamraj Sagar Dam - Located on the slopes of the Wenlock Sagar Downs, the Kamraj Sagar Dam is great picnic spot. The area also offers ample fishing opportunities to tourists.
Hills and Mountains
Doddabetta Peak - Situated about 10 kms from Ooty, this is the highest peak in the Nilgiris. Located at a height of 2623 metres above sea level. It offers a spectacular view of Ooty.
Tiger Hill - Located to the east of Ooty, this is a beautiful peak in the Nilgiri range. This hill is at the lower bend of the Doddabetta Peak.
Palaces
Fernhill Palace - The summer residence of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore, the palace today has been converted into a luxury heritage hotel.
Religious Places
Churches
St. Stevens Church - One of Ooty's first colonial structures, this small gothic style church is a reminder of the British Raj. The cemetery adjacent to the church houses the grave of John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty.
Kandal Cross -This is one of the holy shrines of the Nilgiri Catholics. It is believed that a relic of the true cross is here. It is known to cure the sick.
Museums
Government Museum-Located on the road to Mysore, this museum has a large collection of tribal artifacts. It showcases a lot of the materials used by the Toda tribe.
Others
Charing Cross -One of the important intersections in Ooty. Charing Cross embodies today's Ooty. The main shopping bazaar and the vegetable market are here. Charing Cross has been built on the lines of the main square in an Old English town.