Tourist Guide to the Summer Festival in Ooty

Updated on Dec 21, 2023 | Indian e-Visa

The summer festival in Ooty which is famous worldwide features a wide range of fairs and exhibitions and is just the perfect cause to book a trip down south right now! However, if you are wondering what is in it for you, here is a useful guide that will walk you through all the festival's attractions and activities, as well as other things to do in Ooty.

You might have already heard of Niligiri Hills thanks to its immense beauty, but did you know that they are well-known for hosting the annual Ooty Summer Festival? This festival can simply not be compared to any everyday occasion or any ordinary celebration - instead, it is an outstanding event that has been created with the purpose of encouraging Ooty's tourism and bringing up its natural beauty to tourists from across the globe.

Well, keep reading our article to find out everything that you need to know about the Ooty Summer Festival!

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What is the Ooty Summer Festival and when does it occur?

The Ooty Summer Festival is a 121-year-old event that is organised by the Tourism Department of Tamil Nadu and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture of India. It is one of the most popular summer festivals in the entire country. Although the summer festival in Ooty normally lasts 16 days every year. The dates for the events of 2022 have not yet been released by the authorities.

The main exhibits in the celebration feature all the things that determine Ooty's lifestyle and culture, from dance to music, blooms to fruits. Most of these activities usually occur in the town's botanical gardens, but a few other events, such as the boat races, will take place on the Ooty Lake. It is simply impossible to describe the beauty of the Ooty Flower Festival, as well as all of these other activities if one has not visited it themself.

What are some other things to do in Ooty?

Head over to the Ooty Lake - Taking A Boat Ride is one of the top things to do in Ooty.

Take a stroll around Avalanche Lake.

Enjoy A Ride on A Steam Train.

Doddabetta - Take a Look Around the Magnificent Mountain.

What are some of the exciting attractions of the Ooty Summer Festival?

The Ooty summer Festival is widely known throughout the globe for its endless attractions and surprises. But if we must choose a few shows that strike out a little more than the rest, here is the list of the most exciting attractions at the Ooty Summer Festival!

The Flower Show

The Ooty Flower Show is held to showcase the best floral creations, realistic and contemporary floral creativity, and artistry, as well as to encourage new artists through these magnificent works of art. Because of the brilliant beauties of nature, the Botanical Garden appears to be a paradise on earth, and believe us when we say that it is a sight worth seeing and photographing. So make preparations to attend the Ooty Flower Show in 2022.

Date - To be determined

Hours - From 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Entry fees - Fees are INR 15 for children and INR 30 for adults.

Location - Botanical Garden, Ooty, Tamil Nadu (near Assembly Theater) 

The Spice Show

The Spice Show, which showcases a range of spices as well as the magic of Ooty plantations, kicks off the Ooty Summer Festival. Whether you're a foodie or a connoisseur, this unique show is worth seeing and experiencing while you're in town.

Date - To be determined

Hours - 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Entry fees - Fees are INR 15 for children and INR 30 for adults.

Location - St Thomas School is located at Court Road, NH 67, Gudalur, Tamil Nadu.

The Fruit Show 

The Fruit Show, which takes place during the summer festival and brings all kinds of fruits together under one roof, is a great way to demonstrate how art can be expressed through anything. The Horticulture Department oversees organising this event, which has a history of 50 years.

Date - To be determined

Hours - 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Entry fees - Fees are INR 15 for children and INR 30 for adults.

Location - Sims' Park is located on Walker's Hill Road in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.

The Rose Show

The Rose Show

This show, which takes place every year in the government Rose Garden in Ooty, features over 300 different rose varietals. This event is a marvel in and of itself, with rose towers built of thousands of roses and rangolis made of rose petals. If you're a nature lover or a photographer, you should come to the festival.

Date - To be determined

Hours - From 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Entry Fees - Fees are INR 15 for children and INR 30 for adults.

Location - Rose Garden is in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, and is part of the Bombay Castel complex. 

Other Major Shows & Events

Other than these top attractions, at the summer festival, you will also find a Vegetable Show, a Dog Show, a Boat Race and Pageantry, a Hot Air Balloon Show, a Vintage Car Rally, and Cultural Programs, Photo and Painting Exhibitions, and a Hot Air Balloon Show.

Other Popular Ooty Attractions

Learn about the other ways to enjoy Ooty besides the summer festival below!

Taking a boat ride down the Ooty Lake

Visiting the Ooty Lake in the Nilgiris district is undoubtedly one of the top things to do but taking a boat ride is even more worthwhile and a must-do. You can go to the lake at any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., buy a ticket for your loved ones and yourself, and relax while enjoying the natural beauty around you on the relaxing journey.

Taking a stroll down by the Avalanche Lake

The Avalanche Lake is a popular tourist site in Ooty, located roughly 29 kilometres from the city centre. You can participate in a variety of activities, from hiking to rafting, while admiring the beautiful rhododendron and orchids that surround you.

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Have the experience of your lifetime in the Steam Train Joyride

Since 1908, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway has been a popular historical train in Ooty, and it still runs on a steam engine. Taking this train from Mettupalayam to Ooty through deep pine forests, beautiful eucalyptus trees, and fascinating tunnels is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Ooty.

Exploring around the Doddabetta Mountain Range

Doddabetta is the highest peak in Nilgiris, rising to an elevation of 8,650 feet. It is a terrific site for all types of travellers to view the amazing beauty of the town and nature because it is surrounded by a lush forest area.

What are some tips to keep in my mind during my visit to the Ooty Summer Festival?

Before you pack up your bags and go out to enjoy the Ooty Summer Festival, there are a few tips that you must know -

  • Every year, tens of thousands of people flock to Ooty for this world-famous summer celebration. So, to avoid last-minute hassles, make sure you reserve your tickets ahead of time.
  • Choose a hotel that is close to most of the concerts and book your room ahead of time.
  • In May, the weather in Ooty is pleasant in the mornings and evenings, but hot in the afternoons. As a result, dress appropriately.
  • Remember to bring your camera as well as an additional battery.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and all your necessary medications and toiletries with you.
  • To prevent huge lines at the ticket desk later, reserve your tickets for the events you want to see online.

This summer event, which artistically showcases Ooty's natural beauty, is undoubtedly one-of-a-kind not only in the country but also in the world. So, while there's still time, gather your loved ones and, now that the dates for the Ooty summer festival 2022 are set to be released soon, start planning your vacation to Ooty right away!

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