Ooty Summer Festival 2025: A Floral Extravaganza in the Queen of Hills

The Ooty Summer Festival 2025 is all set to turn the beautiful hill station into a colorful celebration of flowers, fruits, and spices. Organized by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, the festival showcases the rich horticultural and cultural traditions of the Nilgiris. It is one of the most awaited summer events in India, attracting tourists from across the country and the world. If you are planning a trip to Ooty, this is the perfect time to experience the region’s natural beauty at its best.

Key Dates and Events for Ooty Summer Festival 2025

The festival will be held throughout May 2025 with different events at various locations around Ooty and nearby towns:

• Vegetable Show: May 3–4, 2025 – Nehru Park, Kotagiri
  
• Spice Show: May 9–11, 2025 – St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Gudalur
  
• Rose Show: May 10–12, 2025 – Government Rose Garden, Ooty
  
• Flower Show: May 16–21, 2025 – Government Botanical Garden, Ooty
  
• Fruit Show: May 23–25, 2025 – Sim’s Park, Coonoor
  

Each show focuses on a different aspect of the region’s rich biodiversity and farming practices.

Highlights of the Ooty Flower Show 2025 (May 16–21)

The Flower Show is the main attraction of the Summer Festival. Held at the Government Botanical Garden, this event displays thousands of colorful flowers and exotic plants.

Key attractions include:

• Floral Sculptures: Large displays shaped into animals, famous buildings, and cultural icons made entirely from fresh flowers.
• Rare Plants and Flowers: You will get to see over 50,000 flower pots and more than 500,000 saplings, some of which are very rare.
• Horticulture Competitions: Gardeners and florists from around India participate and display their best work.
• Cultural Programs: Folk dances, music performances, and local art shows bring extra life to the festival atmosphere.
• Garden Tours and Workshops: Some guided tours and workshops are organized to promote gardening and eco-friendly practices.

Ooty Summer Festival 2025: Entry Timings and Ticket Prices

• Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily

Ticket Prices:

• Adults: ₹100
• Children (5–10 years): ₹50
• Still Camera: ₹50
• Video Camera: ₹100
• Professional Photoshoot: ₹5,000
  

Note: Tickets can be booked online through the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department’s official portal or bought directly at the venue.

Where to Stay in Ooty: Hotels and Resorts

Since the Summer Festival attracts a large number of visitors, booking your hotel in advance is highly recommended. Here are some good options:

Luxury Hotels

• Savoy – IHCL SeleQtions: A colonial-era hotel with beautiful gardens and luxury facilities.
  
• Gem Park Ooty: Offers modern comforts with wonderful views of the hills.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Fortune Resort Sullivan Court: Known for its comfortable rooms and easy access to major attractions.
  
• Hotel Lakeview: Offers private cottages in a peaceful setting near Ooty Lake.
  

Budget Hotels

• Hotel Darshan: Affordable rooms close to Ooty Lake.
  
• Zostel Ooty: A lively hostel ideal for young travelers and backpackers.
  

Other Accommodation Options

• Sterling Ooty Fern Hill: A good choice for families.
• Club Mahindra Derby Green: A charming resort with British-style cottages.

How to Reach Ooty

• By Air: The nearest airport to each Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport, about 85 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Ooty.
• By Train: Mettupalayam Railway Station is the nearest major railhead. From there, the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway offers a scenic ride to Ooty.
• By Road: Ooty is well connected by road to Coimbatore, Bangalore, Chennai, and Mysore. In addition, buses and private taxis are easily available.

Also Read: Thrissur Pooram 2025: Dates, History, Events, Hotels, and Everything You Need to Know

Tips for Visitors

• Weather: Ooty has pleasant weather in May, but evenings can be a little chilly. Carry a light jacket.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because you may have to walk a lot during the festival.
• Camera Rules: Photography is allowed, but if you are carrying a professional camera, you will need to pay an extra fee.
• Cash and Payments: While most places accept cards and UPI, carrying some cash is advisable for small vendors.
• Food: Local food stalls offer a variety of South Indian snacks and traditional Tamil Nadu dishes during the festival.

Takeaway

The Ooty Summer Festival 2025 is set to be a colorful celebration of nature, culture, and tradition. From the breathtaking flower displays to lively boat races and food festivals, it offers something for every kind of traveler. If you are planning a trip to the Nilgiris, visiting during the Summer Festival is the best way to experience the true charm of Ooty. Make sure to plan ahead, book your stay early, and soak in the cool breeze and vibrant energy of the Queen of Hills. Whether you love flowers, adventure, or simply want a relaxing break, Ooty Summer Festival promises memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the Ooty Summer Festival 2025 happening?

The Ooty Summer Festival 2025 is expected to take place throughout May, with the main flower show usually scheduled around the third weekend of May. Exact dates will be announced by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department closer to the event.

Where does the Ooty Summer Festival happen?

Most events of the Ooty Summer Festival take place at the Government Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, and nearby venues across Ooty town.

What are the major highlights of the Ooty Summer Festival 2025?

The biggest attractions are the Flower Show, Rose Show, Fruit Show, Vegetable Show, Dog Show, and the thrilling Boat Race at Ooty Lake.

Which are the best hotels to stay near the Ooty Summer Festival?

Popular hotels include Taj Savoy Hotel, Sterling Ooty Elk Hill, Fortune Resort Sullivan Court, and Gem Park Ooty. Early booking is recommended due to the high tourist inflow during May.

How is the weather in Ooty during the Summer Festival?

The weather in Ooty during May is cool and pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 15°C to 25°C, making it perfect for sightseeing and attending outdoor events.

Is Ooty crowded during the Summer Festival?

Yes, Ooty sees a large number of tourists during the Summer Festival. It is advisable to book accommodations and travel tickets in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Can I visit the Ooty Rose Garden during the Summer Festival?

Absolutely! The Ooty Rose Garden hosts the famous Rose Show during the festival. It showcases thousands of varieties of roses and is a must-visit attraction.

What are the best travel tips for visiting Ooty during the Summer Festival?

• Book your stay early.
• Carry light woolens as evenings can get chilly.
• Hire local taxis for sightseeing.
• Stay hydrated and wear comfortable walking shoes, especially when exploring gardens and parks.

Are pets allowed at the Ooty Summer Festival venues?

Generally, pets are not allowed at the main event venues like the Botanical Gardens and Rose Garden. It’s best to check specific venue policies before planning.

How can I reach Ooty for the Summer Festival?

You can reach Ooty via Coimbatore Airport (about 90 km away), or by taking a scenic train ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Buses & private taxis are also available from nearby cities.

Is the Ooty Summer Festival suitable for kids and families?

Yes! The colorful events, fun shows, and boat races make it a fantastic family getaway, especially for kids who love flowers and outdoor activities.

(Featured Image taken from utsav.gov.in/)