Best Off Beat Places To Visit In Ooty

Every tourist destination has few hot spots for which it is famous for. Most first-timers visiting a tourist destination arrive with a preset list of things to do, mostly suggested by friends, family, brochures and tourist websites. These spots are often famous for a reason; however, if you have visited the place multiple times, you might want to escape the hordes of visitors and explore the hidden attractions of the city. Same goes with Ooty. Every first time tourist comes to Ooty to stroll across the botanical garden, trek up the Doddabetta peak, take a ride on mountain railway or go for boating at the Ooty Lake. But if you are on your second or third visit and have already covered the must-visit attractions of the hill station, you might want to do something new. There are many less touristy and incredibly beautiful places in Ooty, that under the radar yet you never knew existed. We have curated a short list of hidden gems in Ooty that are untouched, unspoiled and lives up to your expectations. Porthimund Lake Porthimund Lake is uniquely placed in the heart of Nilgiris, almost 20 km from the city. It is a beautiful drive through the forest worth investing your time and effort. The road to the lake is a little narrow with less ground clearance, but the bewitching view is worth the drive. A few kilometers from the lake is the Porthimund Dam. You can spot wild animals on the way. As there is no mobile phone connectivity once you enter the forest area, you will have to use the word of mouth for directions. The roadside signboards have faded over time and have very poor legibility. The quaint lake and placid reservoir is a peaceful getaway as most tourists have not taken advantage of this hidden gem. No entry fee, but you need to take permission from forest guards at the check post. Where: Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu Google Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/qxwwSQkzscU2 Parsons Valley Parsons_Valley_Reservoir_-_Copy Parson’s Valley is another close to nature location in Ooty. Parson’s valley is named after the British engineer who built it in 1862. The valley is located close to Mukurthi peak and is a preferred spot for trekkers and adventure junkies. The valley reservoir is located inside the dense forest almost 18 km from Ooty at a height of 2196 meters above sea level covering an area of 202 hectares. The reservoir is a major source of hydel power to most cities around Nilgiris. Prior permission required to enter the reserved forest area. You can spot wild animals on the way. Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm all days Where: Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/NPiSm3Q4zaB2 Davis Park The park is named after J A Davis who had contributed immensely as Chairman to the development of Ooty municipality. The park is located below Club road, Ooty. Though the park was neglected for a long time, it has been renovated recently. Timings: 9:00 am to 8:30 pm open all days Where: Upper Bazaar, Ooty, Tamil Nadu Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/YWkWMHLo6K32 Sri Mariamman Temple Located near Ooty market, this is a small yet beautiful temple with a magnificent gopuram on top. The primary deity of the temple is Mariamman, goddess of rain. A grand festival is celebrated at the temple every year in the month of April. During this festival, many devotees walk on burning coal to show their devotion to Goddess. The temple is based on Dravidian architectural style. Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm all days Where: No 1, Main Bazar, Nilgiri District, Ooty, Tamil Nadu Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/zRheEGGGTYF2 Kamari Sagar dam Kamaraj_Sagar_Dam Also, known as Sandhyanalla reservoir, this beautiful dam is located almost 10 km from Ooty town. The dam is built over Kamrajar lake and spans over an area of 400 acres. With the blue mountains at backdrop and forests lining it from both sides, the place is a perfect choice for a one-day family picnic. The lake is a home to various species of birds which makes it a favorite spot for bird watchers. The path to the reservoir is slippery during monsoons. You can opt for horse riding if you do not want to walk the steep slopes. There is no entry fee to the place. Timing : 9:00 am to 6:00 pm all days Where: Coimbatore-Ooty-Gundlupet Hwy, Sholur, Tamil Nadu Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/kdmnCu9ZDPq Adams fountain Adams fountain Located at the entrance of Charring’s cross, almost 2 km from Ooty bus stand is this beautiful fountain. Adams fountain was built in 1886. This public display is an important landmark of the city and is amazingly beautiful at night. So don’t forget to carry a camera when you visit the place. There is no entry fee. Timing: Open all time all days of the week. Where: Upper Bazaar, Ooty, Tamil Nadu Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/r1SCVs4FRkw Nasiyan Jain temple Visit Nasiyan Jain temple and marvel the intricate carvings and architectural brilliance of this Jain temple. The holy temple was built in 1864 and is one of the oldest Jain temples in the country. There is a museum right next to the temple. The temple is devoted to the first Jain Tirthankara Rishabhdeoji. The Swarn Nagri Hall behind the temple exhibits wooden representations from Jain mythology. Spend an evening at the temple and its divinity is going to stay with you all throughout your trip. Where: Prithvi Raj Road, Ooty, Tamil Nadu Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/d3qW9eXH9kS2 Toda temple Toda_HutrnThe temple located in Muthunadu hill is a place of worship of the local Toda tribe of Ooty. The construction of temple is uniquely shaped like a hut, similar to Toda houses. It is constructed in a circular pit lined with stones. Timing: Open 24 hours Where: Vannarapettai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/fibxPvKiMLu Wenlock Downs Want to explore the beauty of Ooty countryside, then visit Wenlock Downs. The vast acres of green expanse will leave you awestruck. The place has been a favorite shooting location for many movies. It is accessible by bus and cab. You can even go horse riding along the lush green meadows. The history of the name “Wenlock Downs” dates back to British era when they found a close resemblance of the place to Yorkshire Dales of British Isles. It was then a popular hunting ground of British officers. The green meadows are skirted with eucalyptus and shola trees on either sides. Feel close to nature at the green pastures, enjoy the cool weather and get lost at the postcard perfect view of the blue mountain Nilgiris. There is no entry fee. Gymkhana Club and Government sheep farm is located at Wenlock Downs. It also houses Hindustan Photo films Company. Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Where: Coimbatore-Ooty-Gundlupet Hwy, Tamil Nadu Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/6JXKbbH11zp Ooty hidden valley Jungle Camp If you are interested in some adventure activities while in Ooty, visit the hidden valley jungle camp which is a private forest almost 20 km from the city. Various animals that can be found here include barking deer, panther, bear, python, bison, sambar deer, elephants etc. Accommodation will be arranged in an English styled bungalow with three bedrooms. There is no electricity. Kerosene lamps or solar lamps will be provided. Winters and summers are equally recommendable to visit the place. Timings: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Where: 68K2 Rolston Club Road, Ooty, Tamil Nadu Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/9S9LGE127U42 Holy Trinity Church Holy Trinity Church is one of the oldest churches in Ooty, located opposite to St Stephen’s church. The church has a marvelous construction and the interiors are decorated with colorful paintings. Visit the place and feel the positive vibe and divinity it has to offer to visitors. There is no entry fee. Where: Summer House Road, Summer House Colony, Upper Bazaar, Ooty, Tamil Nadu Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/Ns74aLQfdY62 Sorry Ooty folks, we have now revealed your hush-hush list of fabulous hot spots. Get ready to experience a different Ooty this time with less crowd, more peace. Why always follow the same guidebook destinations? Hope we have helped you find what you were looking for.