Shopping Places in Ooty
Nestled amidst the lush Nilgiri Hills, Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a charming hill station in southern India renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and colonial-era charm. For tourists seeking a delightful shopping experience, Ooty offers an array of vibrant shopping places.
Stroll through the bustling Commercial Road, where vibrant markets offer everything from local handicrafts to aromatic spices. Explore the Tibetan Market for exquisite souvenirs and handicrafts crafted by local artisans. Don’t miss the Upper Bazaar for a blend of traditional clothing, jewelry, and authentic local produce. Immerse yourself in Ooty’s vibrant culture through its bustling shopping avenues.
Shopping Spots in Tamil Nadu
1. Tibetan Market
If you’re ever caught without warm clothes in Ooty, don’t worry! Simply make your way to the Tibetan Market near the Botanical Gardens. You’ll discover a wide selection of woolen clothing items such as shawls, pullovers, cardigans, gloves, jackets, and hoodies at reasonable prices. Ooty’s weather tends to be cool, particularly at night, so it’s best to be ready!
Location: Vannarapettai, Ooty
Specialty: Woolen products
2. Main Bazaar
Main Bazaar in Ooty is a popular shopping destination with a variety of stores selling clothing, fashion accessories, groceries, and more. While exploring this market, you can shop for Nilgiri oils, tea, winter wear, ready-to-wear outfits, and local delicacies.
Some shops at Main Bazaar offer paintings and handicrafts created by local artists, which make for wonderful souvenirs. Additionally, you can find exquisite Toda silver jewelry for sale here.
Location: City Centre, Ooty
Specialty: Clothing, Nilgiri Products, Handicrafts, Paintings and Toda Jewelry
3. Ooty Lake Market
Situated right in front of one of the most popular attractions in Ooty, this bustling market is home to numerous small stalls and street vendors. Here, you can find an array of fresh flowers, Nilgiri tea powder, and locally-produced oils.
Additionally, there are a handful of shops that showcase traditional embroidered jholas, bags, and clothing. Once you’ve had a delightful boat ride on the picturesque Ooty Lake, make sure to pay a visit to this market for a well-deserved shopping spree.
Location: Near Ooty Lake, Ooty
Specialty: Nilgiri tea, aromatic oils and flowers
4. Charring Cross
Charring Cross, located at the intersection of Commercial Road and Ooty-Coonoor Road, is undeniably the most popular shopping spot in Ooty. From branded showrooms to street vendors, this market has it all. If you visit during mid-day, you’ll see the entire town bustling with shoppers.
Don’t miss out on the woolen items, toys, gift items, handicrafts, and locally-made chocolates that are sold in many shops here. Make sure to check out Nilgiri Shopping Complex while you’re there. And be sure to catch the beautiful Adam’s Fountain, which lights up the market in the evenings.
Location: Ooty-Coonoor Road, Ooty
Specialty: Handicrafts
5. Upper Bazaar Road
One of the well-liked spots in Ooty is Upper Bazaar Road, which is home to numerous upscale restaurants and various shops offering a variety of Indian spices and local Nilgiri goods. In addition to tea and coffee powders, chocolates, aromatic oils, and baked goods are also available for purchase at this market.
The most enjoyable aspect is that you have the opportunity to taste the chocolates and baked goods before making a purchase, allowing you to choose what you like best before making a payment!
Location: City Center, Ooty
Specialty: Nilgiri products, Spices, Chocolates
6. Lower Bazaar Road
The Lower Bazaar Road near Ooty Lake is a bustling shopping center in town. It is home to a variety of restaurants, hotels, stores, and travel agencies. This vibrant bazaar offers a wide range of items for purchase, including dress material, readymade clothing, and delicious chocolates.
However, what truly captures the attention of visitors are the exquisite Toda shawls (puthukulli) and jewelry, crafted by local artisans. Additionally, you can find a selection of daily-use crockery and cookware items here. Don’t forget to explore the assortment of locally grown teas available at this market.
Location: Near Ooty Lake, Ooty
Specialty: Toda Jewelry, Toda Shawls, Crockery, Cookware
7. Commercial Road
Commercial Road serves as a bustling business center in the hill town, brimming with activity from the break of dawn. It is the ultimate destination for those seeking locally-crafted treasures such as exquisite handmade chocolates, fine leather goods, and fragrant eucalyptus oil.
On either side of this road, you’ll find a delightful array of shops offering handicrafts, antiques, jewelry, cozy woolen clothing, and practical utensils. Additionally, Commercial Road is home to a handful of supermarkets and prominent commercial establishments, including the Handicrafts Development Corporation of Kerala and Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan.
Location: Near Charring Cross, Ooty
Specialty: Handmade chocolates, Handicrafts
8. Ooty Municipal Market
It is essential to visit the Municipal Market in Ooty, as it is a massive complex with over 1500 shops. Fortunately, there are approximately 15 entry and exit points, making it easily accessible. This market is a bustling center of daily business for both locals and tourists.
People flock here to purchase their daily provisions, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other items like chocolates, flowers, and locally-made oils. As you immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this market, we recommend trying a cup of hot tea or coffee from one of the street-side stalls.
Location: Commercial Road, Ooty
Specialty: Fruits and vegetables
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ooty offers a plethora of shopping destinations that add to its charm as a tourist destination. Visitors can explore the vibrant markets like the Commercial Street and Upper Bazaar for authentic local crafts, souvenirs, and delicious homemade chocolates. The Tibetan Market is a must-visit for its exquisite handmade woolens and unique trinkets.
Furthermore, the Government Rose Garden provides a serene backdrop for purchasing aromatic oils and floral products. From bustling streets to serene gardens, Ooty’s shopping places cater to every traveler’s taste, making the shopping experience an integral part of the overall tourism allure of this picturesque hill station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ooty boasts several renowned shopping destinations. Among them, the Commercial Road and Charing Cross area are famous for their bustling markets offering a variety of items ranging from local handicrafts to souvenirs.
Ooty offers a diverse array of products, including homemade chocolates, aromatic oils, tea, spices, woolen clothing, handicrafts made by local artisans, and decorative items crafted from bamboo and wood.
Yes, for authentic homemade chocolates, the Lower Bazaar Road is a must-visit. Additionally, the Tibetan Market near the Ooty Lake is renowned for its collection of woolen clothing, shawls, and handicrafts.
Most shops in Ooty open around 10:00 AM and close by 8:00 PM. However, it’s advisable to check the timings of individual stores, as some may have variations in their opening and closing hours.
Bargaining is common in many markets in Ooty, especially in local bazaars and street stalls. However, remember to bargain respectfully and avoid excessive haggling. Aim for a fair price, and be willing to compromise to ensure a pleasant shopping experience for both you and the vendor.
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