The Nilgiri Mountain Railway built by the British in 1908 is a World Heritage Site. It’s a 46-kilometre beautiful toy train journey that starts from Mettupalayam and goes through tunnels, curves, bridges and beautiful scenery to reach Ooty in five hours. From 300 feet to 7200 feet, the Ooty toy train is definitely a ride to cherish. Here’s a tip – try to sit on the side that looks out in to the valley for the best views on the way up.

Ooty Lake is a popular destination for picnicking, paddle boating and enjoying Ooty leisurely. Built in 1825, it is a 2.5-kilometre long lake meandering through the scenic beauty of the Nilgiris.

Ooty Botanical Garden, spread over a huge area of 22 hectares and with more than 650 species of flowers and trees, is a horticulturist’s delight. The highlight of the garden is a fossil tree that is believed to be 20 million years old. Another attraction here is the Toda tribe settlement towards the top of the garden. Be privy in to the lifestyle and culture of this tribe during your visit.

4.Pykara Waterfall: Pykara Waterfall situated 20 kilometres from Ooty, is a great picnic spot with a lake, pine trees and of course, the waterfall. Pykara is sure to inspire the photographer in you. Adventure lovers will enjoy speedboat rides available at the lake, while honeymooners may like to take long walks amidst pine trees.

If you are looking to have some fun while you learn, then take your kids to the Government Museum. Located on Mysore Road, it is a storehouse of interesting relics of tribal art and culture. It offers a great way to learn about the history of ancient India.

A must-visit for all tea lovers, Tea Museum, located adjacent to the Dodabetta Tea Factory in Ooty is a sprawling 1-acre area surrounded by tea plantations amidst the magnificent Nilgiri Mountains.  Learn all about the evolution of tea at the museum where you will find three broad sections on the history of tea - Origins of World Tea, Tea History in India and Evolution of Tea in the Nilgiris. Don’t forget to visit the souvenir shop where you can buy a variety of tea leaves, souvenir cups, plates and more.

A famous tourist spot, Pine Forest is situated between Ooty and Thalakunda, and has been featured in a number of popular Hindi movies.  The towering pine trees are arranged in a small downhill area and the forest makes for a delightful scenic view and offers an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The Kamaraj-Sagar Dam, a popular picnic spot, is also visible from the bottom of the hill.

Dropping from a height of about 250 feet, the stunning Catherine Falls is a double-cascaded waterfall located in Coonoor near the hill-station of Ooty. The drive up to the falls is breathtaking and filled with scenic views. Catherine Waterfalls can also be seen from top of Dolphin’s Nose.

The Government Rose Garden located in the heart of Ooty is one of the largest rose gardens in India and also a popular tourist attraction. The beautiful garden is spread across 10 acres of land and houses some of the largest collections of roses in the country including miniature roses, hybrid tea roses, floribunda, ramblers, black and green roses and many other unique varieties. The Rose Garden is not only a delight for the eyes and the senses but also a must-visit for those interested in horticulture.

Doddabetta Peak: If you are fond of nature photography and want to capture the best possible views of the valleys below, Doddabetta Peak should be your first pick without any second thought. Approx 10 km from Ooty, this mountain peak is one of the best tourist attractions in Ooty. If you are climbing the peak on a clear day, you can have distant views of Mysore or even Coimbatore.