Udagamandalam, which is better known as Ooty, is a hill station in Tamilnadu and is preferred as a popular tourist and honeymoon destination in India. Touching the Nilgiris, this hill station is connected by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which is one of the oldest running trains in India and gives some exceptional views of this valley as you move from Coonoor to Ooty. The climate is beautifully cool throughout the year, which attracts the fans of this place. Ooty has some exceptional and stunning feel.

Ooty Lake

It’s situated in the center of the city and has a bunch of activities around for kids and adults.  Moving over to the paddle boat here just after the rain and can see mist floating over the water and icing the tips of your noses. You can also chance upon some ducks swimming around your boats and spot dears peeping their heads out of the surrounding thickets! Your inner child will come out when you’ll go for some thrilling rides on the lakefront, and it will be worth every penny that you’ll spend.

Pykara Lake and Falls

Located at 20km from the center of the town, this lake is Scenic with forest all around it and turns into tumbling waterfalls as you move ahead. The waterfalls don’t have a ‘magical’ drop, but the soothing volume of flow and the trickling sound of water make this place beautiful and lovely. The white clouds and the clear blue sky make it a very photogenic location as well.

Needle Rock View Point

Near the border of Tamil Nadu & Kerala, Needle Rock View Point is at a distance of 40km from Ooty. This site attracts hardly any visitors, but you will find it totally worth the travel. The needle rock rises in the midst of a valley, and you can trek right up to the pinnacle and could get panoramic views of the entire valley. You will also get hundreds of pine trees here with monkeys playing around them. It’s better to come via private vehicle as it’s difficult to find public transport over here.

Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake is situated at a distance of 20km from Ooty and is a part of the Avalanche Forest Reserve. It is named so because it was formed due to landslides, two centuries back. Exploring in the middle of the forest and drinking chilled water from the trickling streams here is a treat. You’ll see the waterfall and will get some panoramic views of the lake.

Ooty Forest Walk

One of the most under-visited spots in this town, this forest walk is near the centre of the city, and yet you’ll find that you are the only one there! It takes about two hours to complete the trail and the trek to the summit of the forest. The entrance to the park is covered by tea gardens, and later the forest gets denser. You can find some ages-old inscriptions on marbles. You will find an old sentry tower at the hilltop and climbing it, will take you above the treetops and will give stunning views of the town and the valley.

Overall, this will be a journey full of joy.