Annamalai Temple

The peak of Dodabetta (literally meaning the big mountain) stands at an altitude of 2,623 m. It is the highest peak in Nilgiri and the second highest peak of South India. About 8 km from Ooty the peak provides panoramic view of the surrounding area. On a clear day the views can extend to the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore. There are boards highlighting the area viewed. The peak houses a tower-like structure known as the telescope house. This elevated circular structure provides a great view of the surroundings. The place houses several eateries and makeshift shops. The area is a wildlife zone and the peak can only be reached by car and auto, as trekking is prohibited.

Be sure to visit this palace-turned-hotel of the Mysore Maharaja. Extremely beautiful place and quite affordable tea-snacks and slightly expensive buffet dinner. The palace and its estate are beautiful and are open to guests. The locals often will call it Mysore Palace to avoid confusion with the Fern Hill Hotel.

If you are on a sightseeing tour to Ooty, you might want to visit the Government Botanical gardens, which were laid out in 1847. The picturesque gardens that are maintained by the Horticulture department of the state, cover an area of about 22 ha. The gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. The garden is very popular with nature lovers and those who long to walk among greenery and see rare ferns and shrubs up close. If you are in Ooty in the month of May, then you can also be a part of the summer festival, which is held here annually. The festival holds flower shows and various cultural programs showcasing the talent of the locals and the renowned artists.

Todas were the original inhabitants of Ooty region. They are one of the tribes of the Nilgiri region. The Toda temple consists of an inverted U-shaped structure made of Bamboo. The temple strands at the centre of a circular enclosure, located below ground level. A small, low gateway leads to the interiors of the temple. One has to crawl through the gateway to access the interiors of the temple. However, outsiders are not allowed inside the temple. The entrance is marked with several motifs representing the sun, moon, stars and buffaloes. Buffaloes are an integral part of Toda culture. A group of buffaloes can be seen roaming near the temple complex. The Toda dress consists of a shawl with bright red and black stripes. Several festivities are held at the Toda temple complex. Ask the locals for the festivity details.

It is an amazing and very large area garden. There are 27,000 rose plant of 400 varieties. It is the largest collection of roses in India. It is a beautifully landscaped garden spread across several terraces. A paved pathways meanders through the garden. Decorative fountains are also part of the garden. The garden offers a great view of the town of Ooty. A shop sells rose seeds. The roses blooms from late April to early June, so going there off-season is not very interesting.

It is a private investment not supported by the government. Don't expect much like other foreign wax museums which are helped by tourism authorities for advertisements and promotions. But for sight seeing its good. More attractive is the very old house, where the museum is set up. Candles are available. But it is suffering from a lack of funds for expansion so they request tourists to visit and to get financial help from them, which is the only form of support.