places to visit
Ooty is situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Many of the forested areas and water bodies are off limits to most visitors in order to protect this fragile ecosystem. Some areas of the Biosphere Reserve have been earmarked for Tourism Development, and steps are being undertaken to open these areas to visitors whilst conserving the area. Much of Ooty has already been damaged by rampant commercialisation as a result of tourism. Some of the most prominent tourist spots around Ooty are as follows:
* Doddabetta Peak
The highest point in the Nilgiri Hills, offering spectacular views over the town and district. There is road access to the summit. There is a reserved forest area around the peak.
* Tea Plantations
Tea plantations are present at a lower altitude and attract a large number of tourists by their picturuesque nature.
* Ketti Valley
This valley is referred to as the 'Switzerland of Southern India' due to the year-round pleasant climatic conditions. There is a view point called "Valley View" on the main Ooty to Coonoor road.
* Pykara Lake Boat House and Pykara falls
This is the most accessible of all the nearby lakes. A boathouse and picnic area has been developed to provide access to this area. Most of the remainder of the lake is within a reserved forest and off limits to visitors.
* Pine Forest
Situated between Ooty and Thalakunda. This tourist destination known as pine forest (locally also known as pinus forest) was once featured in the Tamil movie song "Deena". It is a small downhill region where pine trees are arranged in an orderly fashion.
* Wenlock Downs
This is a grassland area typical of the original bio scape of the Nilgiris. It has gently undulating hills, and is often compared with areas in the British isles such as the Yorkshire Dales. This is a popular film shooting area, particularly two areas situated approximately six and nine miles (14 km) out of Ooty on the main Ooty to Pykara road (also known as Mysore Road). These locations are accordingly named "Sixth Mile" and "Ninth Mile".
* Kamraj Sagar Lake
This lake is situated on the way to Pykara lake.
* Mudumalai National Park
Situated at a lower altitude and easily accessible to visitors. It borders the Bandipur National Park in Karnataka. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
* Mukurthi National Park
A large protected area generally not accessible to visitors. It also contains a lake and peak of the same name.
* Needle hill view point
A viewpoint situated between Gudalaur and Pykara.
* Parsons Valley Reservoir
This is the primary water source for the town and is mainly in a reserved forest and is thus largely off-limits to visitors.
* Emerald Lake
This lake is situated near the town of the same name. There is a view point near the dam. The rest of the are is mainly in a reserved forest and is largely off-limits to visitors
* Avalanche Lake
Adjacent to the Emerald lake, this picturesque lake is mainly situated in a reserved forest and is largely off-limits to visitors
* Porthimund Lake
This is mostly situated in a reserved forest and is largely off-limits to visitors
* Upper Bhavani Lake
This lake is within the Mukurthi National Park and also largely off limits to visitors
