Ooty beckons with flower show, rose show and more: Venues, ticket rates

The Nilgiris have been charming the tourists with their scintillating hill tops and mesmerising scenic views. Now, the hill station is all set to welcome visitors with unique summer festivals, including the famed Ooty flower show, held at various spots. The festival spots are 73 kilometres from the Morning Star School ground in Gudalur and Katteri Park. Here are some exclusive details of the six summer festivals and some interesting places nearby. So, those planning a vacation trip to Ooty shouldn’t forget to include these festivals in their itinerary.

Spices Show
Venue – Morning Star CMI Higher Secondary School
Dates – May 9 – 11
The venue is just 1.1 kilometres away from Gudalur Junction in the Sulthan Bathery Road.
The exhibition of 25 varieties of spices lure spice lovers from around the world. Besides, statues made using spices is an interesting attraction. Those who are travelling to Ooty should turn to Gundelpet Road at Gudalur Junction; and then turn to the Sulthan Bathery Road to reach the venue. The school is just half kilometres away on the right side. The spices show has been conducted at the school ground for the last 11 years.

Rose Show
Venue – Government Rose Garden, Ooty
Dates – May 10 – 12
Rose Garden is 2.2 kilometres from the Ooty bus stand on the Elk Hill Road
The exhibition will feature more than three lakh rose flowers. It is touted as an exhibition of colours as roses of myriad varieties, shapes, sizes and colour would be used to make the spectacular rose statues. Besides, lots of varieties of rose plants are grown at the Rose Garden which is one of the popular tourist destinations in the Nilgiris. The headquarters of the Nilgiris Horticulture Department also functions in the premises of the Rose Garden.

Flower Show
Venue – Government Botanical Garden
Dates – May 16 – 21
The Botanical Garden is 3.2 kilometres away from Ooty bus stand
The iconic flower show is the most popular event during the Nilgiris summer fest. The 127^th edition of the flower show will feature some amazing statues and figurines made using colourful flowers. Besides, the visitors will get a chance to see unique varieties of plants and flowers. Interestingly, the authorities haven’t revealed what forms and statues would be made using flowers this year. The Botanical Garden which is one of the most crowded spots in Ooty will be welcoming more visitors during the flower show.

How to book tickets?
Tickets can be booked from the venue and also online, in advance. While you can always go to the show venues to book tickets, you can also book them early online through the official website. All you have to input are the dates of visit, venue, number of tickets required in various categories (adult, children, camera, etc.), and personal information. Once booked, tickets will not be refunded.

Ticket rates
Adults - Rs 100
Children from 5 to 10 years - Rs 50
Still camera - Rs 50
Video camera - Rs 100
Photoshoot - Rs 5000

Fruit show
Venue – Sim’s Park, Coonoor
Date – May 23 – 25
Sim’s Park is 21 kilometres from Ooty
3.5 tonnes of fruits in more than 40 varieties would be used to make various figures and statues. Sim’s Park is a beautiful garden that sprawls across the valley in Coonoor. A children’s park, boating and a spectacular garden with unique varieties of trees and plants are the highlights of the park.

Plantation Crop Show
Venue – Government Katteri Park
Dates – May 31 and June 1
The venue is 24 kilometres away from Ooty in the Coimbatore – Gundelpet Highway
This is the first time an exhibition is conducted exclusively for the plantation crops. It will feature plantation crops like coffee, areca, coconut tree and betel. The plantation crop show is likely to attract farmers and merchants from Kerala. The exhibition and sale of various value-added products and statues made using these crops will be arranged as part of the show. Katteri Park is five kilometres away in the Mettupalayam route from Coonoor. Although the park isn’t too big, it offers amazing views and a peaceful ambience. The lush tea estates on the hillside, the layams (cluster of workers’ quarters), the waterfall and the stream, the rail route of the Mettupalayam – Ooty heritage train and the iconic Katteri railway station are some of the attractions here.