Reviews written by tourists are sure to be the ones that are of more interest to the readers. But here I am a person who was born in this beautiful place, a native of this wonderful place......
Yes, I accept over the last few years, the place is more crowded, dirty and not maintained well. The residents alone are not to be blamed, but the visitors also. There is a ban on using plastic covers, but the visitors are least bothered. The locals have already started using paper bags.
And coming to the place itself...... the regular tourists might be bored with the usual places....... then I suggest start exploring. For that Its better You have a vehicle and are ready to travel up and down hills. Other than the usual tourists attractions, there are some places which are a few kilometers away from the town where the air is filled with fresh air and you can feel yourself the closest to nature.
Glenmorgan:
This place is about 1 hrs journey from the town towards the Mysore road. Its very close to the Pykara dam bout 9 Kms. Its the EB area. protected area and not a commercial place. But if u have time and can plan out your day, you can go trekking around and explore the beauty of nature in those thick forests.also there is a place you can play in the water. On the way there is also a dam which is not be missed(If you are lucky the water would be flowing). But dont forget to carry some food with you because there are no eat out there. But am sure the nature lovers will love this place.
The other places are mostly the interiors of Ooty where most of the villages are situated. For those who dont know, there are more than 400 villages other than the small town area which most of you would have seen. But unfortunately or should I say fortunately the villages are not commercialised. So there are no places to stay or big hotels for food. The oly option is start out early from the town with some packed food and lots of water and enough fuel in the vehicle to explore the Queen of Hill stations.
If you get a good guide, it would be helpful, especially for the ones who dont understand the local language.
To tell a little about the natives, BADAGAS are the major inhabitants who are mostly in the villages. Tea estates and vegetable farms are the basic occupations here.
When you start exploring, dont miss the sight of the different fields around and occasionally a water fall....... depending on the route taken. Those who like trekking will sure have to check the interiors , but hopefully you dont get lost in the forests. Its better to be in groups for that.
If you need help on to reach these odd destinations just ask the localites, there will be more than willing to help u. Some may advice to not do that for lack of facilities interiorly or simply because they want visitors to spare the real beauty of Ooty.But I would suggest you go ahead and explore the places but not exploit them.
When you reach these villages, dont be shocked if the villagers stare at you or start giggling or ask you silly questions.... for they are not used to lots of visitors.... ;)
I have mentioned 7 days of stay for those who want to explore as u really need a lot of time. So plan your vacation.If you can withstand the chillness, go in dec - jan. if possible avoid the monsoon season.Otherwise summer vacation is the best. (i use to go there every summer in my school days, but unfortunately dont get a long break nowadays due to work)
Hope this little piece of my thought helps.
All the best.
Enjoy Ooty a little differently the next time.....