After a cold, rainy night in Ooty on the second day of my trip last November, I woke up to the sound of soft drizzle outside my window. It was one of those mornings where you just want to wrap yourself in a blanket and watch the clouds float by — but travel has its own rhythm, and mine was calling me to explore the Government Botanical Garden, one of Ooty's most iconic spots.
I grabbed a quick breakfast at the little restaurant called Utsav across from my hotel, Maneck. The food was comforting, though a bit on the expensive side — typical of tourist towns. With my backpack ready and my phone charged, I stepped out to wander through this beautiful hill station once again.
Walking Through Ooty Town
The weather was cool but not freezing, just the way I like it. Clouds hung low over the hills as I made my way through Ooty town, heading towards the garden about 2.5 kilometers away.
At Charring Cross, the heart of the town, I stopped for a moment at Adam's Fountain. Built back in 1886 in memory of William Patrick Adam, the Governor of Madras, it still stands proudly, surrounded by the daily rhythm of local life. Right beside it, a creative "I ❤ Ooty" sculpture made entirely from plastic bottles caught my eye — a lovely mix of art and awareness. A bust of Gandhiji stands nearby, a quiet reminder of India's spirit amid the mountain mist.
Reaching the Botanical Garden
Soon, I reached the gates of the Government Botanical Garden, one of the oldest in India. The entry fee was ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children, and it's open from 7 AM to 6:30 PM — plenty of time to lose yourself among the flowers.
Spread across 55 acres, the garden has a history that dates back to 1848, when it was created by the East India Company to grow vegetables for European residents. Later, a Scottish horticulturist named William Graham McIvor designed its present layout, completing it in 1867. Even though it wasn't the blooming season, the garden was alive with visitors, families, and photographers. The air was cool and earthy, the kind of freshness you can only find in the hills.
Among Flowers and History
As I walked through the curving paths, I noticed layers of green — from manicured lawns to ancient trees that have seen generations of travelers like me pass by. The garden might not be at its most colorful this time of year, but its charm lies beyond the flowers.
There's a sense of quiet history here — a feeling that the place has stories to tell. I could imagine how stunning it must be in April, May, and September, when the annual Flower Show transforms the garden into a burst of colors and fragrances.
A Peaceful Farewell
By the time I stepped out, the evening mist had returned, wrapping the hills in silver light. The tiny shops outside the gate were buzzing — selling tea, souvenirs, and handcrafted trinkets. I lingered for a while, sipping hot tea and watching the clouds drift over the Nilgiris. As the drizzle returned, I started my walk back to the hotel. The streets glistened under the rain, and the sound of my footsteps blended with the rhythm of Ooty's evening calm.
Another day of travel came to a close — simple, peaceful, and full of moments I'll remember.
Until the next story from Ooty… 🌿
