Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Ooty, officially known as Udhagamandalam, is a picturesque hill station famous for its breathtaking landscapes, pleasant weather, glistening lakes, vast tea plantations, magnificent waterfalls, and colonial history. This unspoiled hill station attracts numerous tourists throughout the year as part of Tamilnadu tour packages. During your visit to Ooty, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as taking a ride on the toy train, boating on Ooty Lake, exploring the Botanical Gardens, and leisurely strolling through the lush tea gardens. Additionally, shopping in Ooty is a must-do activity, offering a delightful experience with its blend of traditional handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs. If you are a shopaholic, here are some of the top places to visit in Ooty as part of Ooty tour packages.
Commercial Street
Located near the Charring Cross, Commercial Street is a bustling hub that encapsulates the charm and vibrancy of this stunning hill station of Ooty. True to its name, this street is flanked by numerous commercial establishments, ranging from large supermarkets to small independent shops and boutiques, on both sides. Here, one can discover a diverse range of products, catering to various tastes and preferences, including traditional handicrafts, fashionable clothing, fragrant spices, and delectable homemade chocolates. Additionally, the street is adorned with colonial-era buildings, which contribute to its nostalgic ambiance. Amidst the hustle and bustle, visitors have the opportunity to indulge in local delicacies at the road side eateries or enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Nilgiri tea at delightful tea stalls, as part of their Ooty tour.
Also Read : Must visit Hill Stations near Coimbatore
Lower Bazaar Road
Lower Bazaar Road is one of the popular shopping centers in Ooty, among the popular places to visit near Coimbatore. If you are looking for budget-friendly shopping in Ooty, then this is the places for you. Renowned for its market atmosphere, it is a vibrant hub where locals and tourists alike gather to explore the various shops selling traditional Indian wear, Toda jewellery and shawls. In addition, Lower Bazaar Road is dotted with eateries serving delicious local cuisine, snacks, and beverages like dosas, idlis, vadas, and homemade chocolates, as well as freshly brewed tea and coffee.
Upper Bazaar Road
Upper Bazaar Road in Ooty is an important business hub of the hill town and thus, you will find lots of activity in this area as the day starts. Situated amidst the lush greenery of the Nilgiri Hills, this bustling street lined with a diverse array of shops, boutiques, and stalls. It offers a delightful shopping experience to locals and tourists alike while in Ooty, among the most visited hill stations near Bangalore. From traditional handicrafts to exquisite souvenirs, visitors can find an assortment of treasures to take home as mementos of their Ooty trip. The street is also renowned for its aromatic spices, aromatic oils, and delectable homemade chocolates, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts.
Charring Cross
Charring Cross is a well-known landmark and a popular tourist place in Ooty. This bustling intersection is located at the heart of the town, where several important roads meet, such as Commercial Street, Club Road, and Garden Road. Surrounded by colonial-era buildings, Charring Cross has a charming old-world ambiance that harmonizes perfectly with the vibrant atmosphere of modern-day Ooty. Here, visitors can explore a wide range of shops, boutiques, and restaurants offering a diverse range of products, from local handicrafts to international cuisine. Charring Cross Road is particularly renowned for its woolen clothes, Toda Embroidery, antiques, horticulture plants, and flower seeds, which are highly recommended purchases. Not only a commercial hub, but it also serves as a cultural center that hosts numerous events, festivals, and gatherings throughout the year. During peak tourist seasons, Charring Cross becomes alive with street performances, colorful decorations, and a festive ambiance.
Tibetan Market
Located near the Charring Cross Road, Tibetan Market is a bustling market offers a unique and immersive experience for shopaholics while in Ooty, among the best places to visit near Bangalore. As you stroll along the vibrant lanes of the Tibetan Market, you will be welcomed by a vibrant assortment of stalls and shops offering a wide range of handicrafts. These include exquisitely crafted jewelry, prayer flags, and cozy woolen garments like shawls, pullovers, cardigans, gloves, jackets, and hoodies, all available at reasonable prices. Moreover, the Tibetan Market is not only a paradise for shopaholics but also a culinary delight for food enthusiasts. Here, you can savor a variety of delectable Tibetan delicacies such as momos, thukpa, and butter tea, all prepared with authentic flavors and ingredients.
Must Visit : Most Popular Hill Stations in Tamilnadu
Main Bazaar
Main Bazaar is another prominent shopping center lined with a diverse array of shops, boutiques, and stalls in Ooty, among the best places to visit near Mysore. As its name suggests, it is the main commercial hub of Ooty and offers a delightful shopping experience catering to various interests and preferences. When visiting this market, you can find Nilgiri oils, tea, winter clothes, and ready made clothes available for purchase. Additionally, there are a few shops at Main Bazaar that specialize in selling paintings and handicrafts created by local artists. You can also find exquisite Toda silver jewelry for sale here. Furthermore, Main Bazaar is a haven for food enthusiasts, with numerous eateries, cafes, and street food vendors offering a tempting selection of treats such as piping hot samosas and freshly brewed tea.
Also Read : Scenic Hill Stations in Karnataka
Ooty Lake Market
If you are looking for a peaceful shopping experience after enjoying a few hours of boating at the lake, then make sure to pay a visit to the Ooty Lake Market. Situated close to the tranquil Ooty Lake, this charming market provides a one-of-a-kind shopping experience amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding landscape of Ooty, among the top hill stations near Coimbatore. Here, you will come across a variety of shops selling flowers, handwoven shawls, embroidered textiles, intricately crafted jewelry, locally produced oils, handmade bags, and indigenous tea leaves and powders. The market is also a paradise for food lovers, as it boasts numerous food stalls and vendors offering a delightful array of snacks and refreshments. Visitors can indulge in local delicacies such as piping hot bhajis, crispy dosas, and delectable treats like freshly made chocolates and homemade fudges.
*Featured Source