Government Botanical Gardens, Ooty, Nilgiris district

The Government Botanical Gardens in Ooty, Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, were established in 1848 and designed by the Scottish horticulturist William Graham McIvor during the British colonial period. Spanning about 55 acres, the gardens are located on the lower slopes of Doddabetta Peak and are renowned for their lush lawns, diverse collection of exotic and indigenous plants, rare trees like the cork tree and monkey puzzle tree, and a 20-million-year-old fossilized tree.

The gardens include notable sections such as a fern house, Italian-style garden, and Toda Mund, which showcases the traditional dwellings of the Toda tribe. Originally developed to cultivate vegetables and plants for colonial needs, the gardens evolved into a center for botanical research, conservation, and public enjoyment.

Today, they are meticulously maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department and remain a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers, especially known for the annual flower show held in May. The cool climate and well-organized layout make it an attractive spot for education, leisure, and environmental awareness in the picturesque hill station of Ooty.