Summer Season:
Held in the month of May, the festival is organized by the Government of Tamilnadu to capitalize on the peak tourist season. The prestigious annual flower show held in the Botanical gardens are a part of the celebrations.
There are also a number of cultural programs organized during the festival.
Horse Racing:
A very popular sport during the summer season. You can see thoroughbreds in action here. The race course, located in the heart of Ooty, is about 2.4 kms long and is one of the best courses in India. Ooty figures in the Indian horse racing circuit. The racing season which begins from April 15th. ends in June.
Boating:
Boating on the lake is a favorite pass time for visitors. There are paddleboats, rowboats and even motorboats to choose from.
Fishing:
Trout fishing is available in Avalanche and Sandinalla lakes with prior permission from the Fisheries Department, located near the Ooty bus stand.
Billiards & Snooker:
Snooker was invented in the Nilgiris at the Ooty Club. Today, apart from the Ooty Club, Coonoor Club, Gymkhana Club, the Lawley Institute and the bigger hotels, there are quite a few snooker parlours in town offering good entertainment
Golfing:
The Ooty Golf Course is unique and playing on it is an exceptional experience. It is an 18 hole natural golf course located at a height of 7,400 ft above MSL and is spread over an area of 193 acres. It is said that if you can play to a single digit handicap on this course, you can play under par anywhere in the world.
Hang Gliding:
In the summer months, the adventurers can do hang gliding at Kalhatty Ghats. The take-off point is exhilarating. You can fly over dense sholas and beautiful waterfalls and streams. For more information contact the local tourism office.
Treks and Walks:
The beauty of the Nilgiri Hills and the local reserve forests offer many opportunities to enjoy nature in solitude. You can either opt for an overnight trek or settle for a short walk on the outskirts of the main town.
The region towards the west has largely uninhabited country with magnificent views. Springs, rivers and rivulets, grasslands, natural forests (shola)- with a wide variety of rhododendrons and orchids, man-made eucalyptus and pine forests all add to the experience.
Wildlife that can be spotted include nilgiri, tahr and sambar deer, wild dog, elephant , panthers and the occasional tiger. The bird population is small; grey jungle fowl, hawks and harriers.
At higher altitudes, nights can be very cold. Hence warm clothes are advised.
Lower areas of the north and east are completely different. It is a dry, rough rocky terrain with patches of dense thorny scrub. The terrain is populated by diverse wildlife, including sambar, sloth bear and the Indian bison.
Though it is possible to trek throughout the year, the intense heat between March and May works against long walks. You could hire a guide to accompany you.
Horse Riding:
Horses can be hired near the lake. You could hire a horse for short periods, or even for treks.
General Information
