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Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

Ooty, 'Queen of Hill Stations', mixes Indian bustle and Hindu temples with beautiful gardens, an international school and charming Raj-era bungalows (which provide its most atmospheric accommodation). It may be a bit hectic, but it doesn't take long to escape into quieter, greener areas where tall pines rise above what could almost be English country lanes.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

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    Botanical Gardens

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    Established in 1848, these pretty 22-hectare gardens are a living gallery of the Nilgiris' natural flora. Keep an eye out for a typical Toda mund (village…

  • Tribal Research Centre Museum

    Tribal Research Centre Museum

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    If you're interested in the Nilgiris' tribal communities you'll love this slightly scruffy, erratically open museum, with its fascinating exhibits on…

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    St Stephen’s Church

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    Perched above Ooty's centre, immaculate pale-yellow St Stephen’s, built in 1829, is the Nilgiris' oldest church. It has lovely stained glass, huge wooden…

  • Nilgiri Library

    Nilgiri Library

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    This quaint little haven in a crumbling, earthy-red 1867 building houses more than 30,000 books, including rare titles on the Nilgiris and hill tribes,…

  • Doddabetta

    Doddabetta

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    About 7km east of Ooty, Doddabetta is the highest point (2633m) in the Nilgiris. On clear days, it's one of the best viewpoints around; go early for a…

  • Rose Garden

    Rose Garden

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    With terraced lawns and over 20,000 rose bushes of more than 2000 varieties – best between May and July – the Rose Garden is a sweet place for a stroll,…

  • St Thomas' Church

    St Thomas' Church

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    Set between trees at the eastern end of Ooty Lake, simple St Thomas' dates back to 1870.

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