Top 7 Unique Places to Visit in Ooty (2023)

Unique Places to Visit in Ooty– The Queen of Hill Station Ooty has soothing surroundings, nice weather along with beautiful scenic views. Listed below are some of the best unique places to visit in Ooty if you are planning your next vacation there. 

Best Unique Places to Visit in Ooty

1. Nilgiri Toy Train

Ooty is connected through railway lines and roads. The city has old-school style trains in Mettupalayam town. The best part, the train is pulled by a steam engine. Even UNESCO has regarded it with a World Heritage status. If you love exploring and enjoying the mountains in this style then all you have to do is get on a train every morning from Mettupalayam station and by afternoon you will be in Ooty. 

2. Bison Valley, Belikkal

Just 26km away from Ooty, Belikkal is surely a place worth your time if you love to be in nature. It will take an hour and a half from Ooty. The valley got its name from famous Indian Bison that are very common in the area. Plus, elephants, monkeys, leopards and tigers to name a few can also be found here. The place has one of the best amazing routes filled with greenery and mountains. 

3. Pykara Lake

If you wanna see heaven on earth then Pykara Lake is where you should go. The only disadvantage is that the route has a lot of traffic because a lot of people want to visit the lake. Once you reach the place, you will be amazed at the surrounding and their beauty. If you are looking for a blissful place for your honeymoon then this is where you and your partner are meant to be. 

4. Sim’s Park, Coonoor

The park is situated in the middle of Coonoor town and takes just an hour and a half to reach the park from Ooty. Sim’s Park is spread over 16 hectares of land filled with tall trees and exotic plants with boating services. Here you will find a lot of new species of plants such as pines, camellias, phoenixes and tree ferns etc. If you want to spend quality time with your partner then don’t miss boating in the middle of the lake. 

5. St. Stephen’s Church

Fun fact- Ooty used to be the summer capital of the Madras Presidency under British rule. Back in those days, Britisher felt the need for the church in Ooty. In 1829,  St. Stephen Chruch was built by Stephen Rumbold Lushington. Later in 1831, it was opened to the public. All the materials used in the church come from the Tipu Sultan’s palace. Plus, they have amazing paintings along with stained glass windows. 

6. Lawrence School, Lovedale

Famous Sir Montgomery Lawrence is behind the foundation of this school. The main building is a part of the heritage structure made in the 19th century in Gothic architecture. Later after independence, the school continued to work under the same name. Still, the school is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the country. Its alumni include Sanaya Irani, Arundhati Roy, and Anand Mahindra to name a few. 

7. Rose Garden

The garden sits in the heart of Ooty and will surely take your breath away. It is situated on Elk Hills and is one the most famous sights of Ooty. The place is known by many names including Jayalalithaa Rose Garden and Centenary Rose Park and Nootranju Roja Poonga.