Day 2 - 06th mile, 09th mile, Pykara Boat House, Pykara Lake, Chocolote museum, Elkhill Temple view or Stephen chruch Day 3 - Mudumalai Forest, Bison Valley, Shopping in Ooty Local Market Day 4 - Avalanche, Emerlad Lake, Toda Culture Museum, Radio Astronomy Outview Point
5 Days trip plan : Includes Day 1 - Doddabetta Peak, Tea Estate view point, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Boat House, Honeymoon Boat House. Day 2 - 06th mile, 09th mile, Pykara Boat House, Pykara Lake, Chocolote museum, Elkhill Temple view or Stephen chruch Day 3 - Mudumalai Forest, Bison Valley, Shopping in Ooty Local Market Day 4 - Avalanche, Emerlad Lake, Toda Culture Museum, Radio Astronomy Outview Point Day 5 - Ooty Toy train, Coonoor MRC outer view point, Sims Park, Lamb's Rock, Dolphin Nose, Ketti Valley.
Ooty is one of the best destinations in our country for vacation, if you want some time out of your busy schedule and want to relax in the lap of nature. That is the reason Ooty attracts maximum number of tourists, it has everything to offer a tourist like ideal climate, greenery, waterfalls, boating, trekking, thick forests and so on to forget all about your tensions and stress. Depending upon your budget and number of days you can have for your vacation, you can select your Ooty tour packages. Let it be 1 Day tour plan or 2 Days tour plan or more, you can easily customize the package.
Depending on your budget and number of people coming for the tour, you can select different facilities in your package like hotels you want stay and the kind of vehicle you want for sightseeing. Once the tour package is selected and payment is made then you don't have to worry about any other extra charges like parking or driver charges, you just enjoy the moment with your loved ones.
Normally, people who want to explore Ooty in a good way they select either 5 days tour plan or 6 days tour plan so that you can cover almost interesting sightseeing places in Ooty. If you and your partner love adventure then you can spend one whole day in trekking only through green and mystic mountains. You will always have your taxi at your disposal, so you don't have to worry about transportation from and back to your hotel. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Ooty are Dolphin's nose, St. Stephan church, Dodabetta peak, Tea estates, ooty Lake, Rose garden, Botanical Garden, Avalanche Laek, Kalhatty waterfalls, Wax's world, Hidden Valley, Pykara waterfalls, ride in Ooty toy train and more. It actually needs 5 to 6 days to explore these places in a proper way.
Once you are in Ooty, you cannot afford to miss a chance to visit Mudumalai national park, it is very dense forest that is safe habitat for more than 500 various species of animals and birds. It is also house for various endangered species that are found only in these forests. These different places will definitely mesmerize you with its scenic beauty and you always have the luxury of customizing your tour package as per your requirements and budget.
Let it be any place you select for your vacation, if you want to enjoy the time with least worry then you need to select the best travel company. A reputed and experienced travel company will arrange everything in order before you arrive like vehicle for you to travel, a travel guide who knows all the places, a neat and clean hotel and other facilities. So, before you pack your trips, it is better to search for the best travel companies in Ooty and book their service. You can check for online reviews and ratings of travel companies to get an idea about their service. We plan vacation to get rid of all our stress and tensions, so we should plan it accordingly.
Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu and a popular tourist destination in South India. Booking a personal cab for your one day Ooty sightseeing tour with Avalanche Lake is the best decision as you can lavishly spend time exploring the hill station while you ensure your convenience. Ooty is…
Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu and a popular tourist destination in South India. Booking a personal cab for your one day Ooty sightseeing tour with Avalanche Lake is the best decision as you can lavishly spend time exploring the hill station while you ensure your convenience.
Ooty is the ideal getaway for all types of travelers. You can explore the hill town with your kids, family, and friends. The lush tea plantations, tranquil waterfalls, meandering rural lanes, and attractive colonial buildings make Ooty the true Queen of Hills.The views of the hill station are best captured when riding the Nilgiri Mountain Railway , often known as the Ooty Toy Train. The astounding views of the mountains, along with the pleasant weather, make the location more appealing. Various adventure sports, such as mountain biking and hand gliding are available in Ooty to enrich your experience.
Highlights of ooty sightseeing tour with avalanche lake by cab.
4 seater / sedan.
6 – 7 seater / suv.
12 seater / lcv.
Price on request, book your 1 day ooty with avalanche lake sightseeing tour package.
Following are the car rental companies that are organizing this private tour, select your preferred vendor from the list, check availability and book your tour!
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What’s included.
Start your sightseeing tour in Ooty early so we can cover all spots along with Avalanche Lake. Pick-up from your accommodation will be scheduled for early morning from your hotel in Ooty and we will drive you straight to Avalanche Lake. You can enjoy the serenity of the lake and its pristine surroundings.
After enjoying the scenic views we will head to Emerald Dam, where you can capture the best photos of your one day Ooty. To explore the local culture and heritage we will head to the Toda Village. As we drive around the hill station, you can enjoy the outer view of the verdant tea gardens. The fresh vegetables and fruits growing at the Vegetables Land are also a treat to the senses. You can catch a glimpse of these as we drive you back to your accommodation.
Pickup from your Hotel in Ooty at 9:00 AM
Drop back at your Hotel in Ooty by 5:30 PM
PLEASE NOTE: Guests can visit all the tourism places near Ooty listed above or remove any of the places that they don’t want to visit. In order to include any other sightseeing place, guests can check with their cab provider while booking this Ooty city tour by private car.
1. avalanche lake.
The Avalanche Lake, which is especially popular among nature enthusiasts and photographers, is one of Ooty’s main sightseeing attractions . Renowned for its beauty, the lake is placed in a beautiful setting loaded with beautiful flora. The waterfalls that cascade down the neighboring mountains contribute to the natural splendor of the area.
Mountain hiking, rafting, and trout fishing are popular activities to enjoy at Avalanche Lake . You may also go horseback riding, rappelling, or open jeep driving.
It is believed that Avalanche Lake got its name from a landslide that happened in the region in 1823, causing the lake to appear naturally. This name, however, is a misnomer, as evidenced by the fact that the lake was formed by a landslide rather than an avalanche.
Must See / Things to Do: Marvel at the natural beauty of the region.
The Emerald Dam is located in the Nilgiris District and is part of the Silent Valley National Park . The lake and its environs are much cleaner and offer a fantastic area to have a leisurely time.
It is untouched by the hordes of visitors that visit the area each year. Nature enthusiasts and photographers can capture the panoramic splendor of Emerald Lake . The verdant Nilgiri hills and tea plantations add to its beauty.
Must See / Things to Do: Enjoy the calm ambiance and mesmerizing views.
Toda Village is around 15 kilometers from Ooty and should not be missed on your one day Ooty tour. We take you on a tour of the village to learn about the culture, food, clothing, and lifestyle of the Toda tribe. You may also visit the Toda temple, which looks identical to traditional Toda huts and permits only males.
Toda is among the indigenous tribes of the Western Ghats who inhabited Ooty and the adjacent territories long before immigration from other parts of the nation began. They continue to dwell in these places and constitute a sizable proportion of the local population. They are mostly pastoralists who subsist on cattle herding and farming.
Must See / Things to Do: Explore the tribal culture and heritage of the Toda community.
Ooty also boasts acres of tea estates scattered across the hill town. Although there are various locations to stop and enjoy the hypnotic aroma and mesmerizing vistas, the Tea Estate View Point , also known as Tea Garden, near Doddabetta Peak is well worth a visit.
The refreshing views of hill slopes covered with tea plantations offer a perfect backdrop for your memories of Ooty one day trip. It is a great view for nature lovers and photographers. You can soak in the greenery as you enjoy going around the hill station.
Must See / Things to Do: Treat your senses to the natural grandeur of the region.
Vegetable Land Ooty has fields that cultivate cabbages, carrots, Brussels sprouts, French beans, and Lettuce. You can witness the area where these fresh vegetables and fruits are grown. Seeing local vegetable gardens is one of the best things to do on your one day Ooty sightseeing tour with Avalanche Lake.
Ooty’s environment is also ideal for growing exotic fruits and vegetables. On the hills, various veggies from across the globe are produced. The fruits and vegetables grown here through organic farming are sold in the local market as well as in other towns. Depending on the season, you can view mangosteen, rambutan, strawberry, and other fruit fields.
Must See / Things to Do: Enjoy the visuals of fresh produce from the hill station
Ooty is a charming town nestled in the Nilgiri Hills and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India . Surrounded by verdant forests and tea plantations, Ooty offers a refreshing break from the bustling cities. The town is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
A visit to Ooty would be incomplete without some shopping as the lovely hill station has a lot to offer. Apart from its natural beauty, Ooty also features a plethora of shopping opportunities, making it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the country.
You can pick the unique handmade items as souvenirs from your one day Ooty sightseeing tour with Avalanche Lake. You should visit the local shops to hunt for some unforgettable gifts for your loved ones. Shopping in Ooty is enjoyable since the weather is pleasant, and the markets are easily accessible.
Ooty’s fresh indigenous goods like authentic spices, honey, coffee, and tea are its specialty. You will come across a number of stores and kiosks offering handicrafts prepared by the local Toda tribe. Ooty is most known for its locally made culinary presents like homemade chocolate and gourmet cheese. The hill station has some of the oldest bookshops in our country where you can pick classic favorites.
Ooty may take you on a journey through dream-like indulgences in chocolate and all things sweet. Explore the hill town’s bakeries for treats including white chocolate, strawberry chocolate, fudge, chocolates, and cakes. Abundant in tea plantations, the hill station offers a wide variety of tea. A hot cup of local coffee is a popular thing to enjoy here. Another drink to try in Ooty on your local sightseeing trip is the wine from local vineyards.
North Indian and Chinese cuisines, as well as sandwiches, pizzas, and hot bread, are also available. Try the vegetarian South Indian platter here, which includes Idli, Dosa, Chutney, Vada, Sambhar, Rasam, Upma, Sweet Pongal, Payasam, and Kesari.
Ooty also features tea plantation yards. Try the roadside tea vendor’s tea to enjoy the true flavors of the tea. It is a lifetime experience to sip on tea while watching the Nilgiri hills. Avial is a mouth-watering local dish of Ooty. Avial is a stewed vegetable dish. It is cooked in coconut oil and topped with shredded coconut.
Travelers are requested to follow the given itinerary for 1 day Ooty city tour package. Ideally this full day tour package cannot be customized, however if guests prefer to visit different set of places during this Ooty sightseeing tour by private car, they can check the possibility of the same with the above listed car rental companies and request for a custom quote.
We recommend our guests to stick to the time spent at each tourist attraction in Ooty as per the Itinerary schedule. In case of any delays or additional time spent at a particular place, driver or car rental company will not be responsible to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary.
Please also note that if a particular sightseeing place is closed on the scheduled day of the tour, it may not be covered from the list of sightseeing places. Please check the possibility of visiting an alternate place with listed cab vendor before you book the tour.
Ideally, no. However guests can check if it’s possible to customize the tour with the above listed Ooty cab vendors before booking the trip. Additional charges might apply.
Ooty is a charming hill town nestled in the Nilgiri Hills. Surrounded by verdant forests and tea plantations, Ooty offers a refreshing break from the bustle of the city. Booking a private car for your one day Ooty sightseeing tour with Avalanche Lake is the ideal way to explore all of the tourist attractions of Ooty, without looking around for local transport. A private cab will give you enough time at each spot to relax and enjoy. It will make your vacation better and more pleasurable because your schedule will be more flexible.
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Avalanche, an inspiring vista located 25kms from Ooty came into existence in 1823 as a result of huge landslide. The place in itself is an epitome of enchantment, rewarding the visitors with a visual feast. Avalanche Lake, sanctuary, and Emerald dam are the prominent tourist spots in Ooty that make the place so riveting. Ooty Tours brings in a package of one day Ooty Avalanche tour for a beguiling and enigmatic travel experience.
Nestled amidst the elegant lush green landscape, Avalanche lake in Ooty is a perfect spot for camping, trekking and trout fishing. The most-visited travel hotspot gives you jaw-dropping views of 2700 species of blooming flowering plants.
The serenity of the place is breath-taking as it boasts of the marvellous Shola forests, the gurgling rivers, spectacular mountain ranges, plantations and renowned Avalanche Lake. The densely populated forest has trees like Pygeum gardneri, Itex deticula, Syzium spp, and Rhododendron and is also a habitat for more than 60 species of birds.
Avalanche also accommodates a power generation unit, the Kundah Power House. The thick Shola forests are infested with wild animals like Sambhar deer, Tiger, Nilgiri Thar, Sloth Bear, Barking Deer, Leopard, Nilgiri Langoor and Gaur. The forests have thick concentration of mosses and are covered with more than 160 species of ferns. It is a home to endemic flora and fauna with consists of continuous canopy of trees that are coated with mosses, climbers, lichens and orchids.
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Avalanche is an authentic place to gaze at nature’s beauty encompassing of majestic valleys, lush green grasslands, thick forests and the backwaters of the Avalanche and Emerald Dams. It proves to be a perfect trekking destination for trek enthusiasts.
Another interesting place to be hankered with our 1 day Ooty tour packages is the Avalanche Valley a beautiful Valley known for its plethora of birds. An ecstasy for bird lovers, watching an array of birds including the Nilgiri Pipit will allure the birdwatchers in abundance.
Strolling through the tall Eucalyptus and Pine trees is going to be a delightful experience. We have strived to make your visit to this gorgeous landscape a memorable trip with our one day Ooty Avalanche local tour by private car.
The stunning peaks of the picturesque landscape showcase the aura of serenity. The evergreen grasslands coated with wildflowers, the misty clouds, the verdant woods make it an idyllic travel destination.
Dive into the immense beauty of Avalanche with our one day Ooty Avalanche local tour exploring the meticulous beauty of Avalanche Lake, the tribal Toda Village, evergreen tea plantations, Emerald Dam and the vegetable land. The tour entices travellers of all age groups alike with its panoramic views and is truly a photographer’s paradise.
Pickup from your Hotel at 9:00 AM
Drop at your Hotel by 6:00 PM
NOTE : You can visit all these listed places in Ooty and around or remove any of the places that you don’t want to visit. However, inclusion of any other sightseeing place, except the ones mentioned below is not allowed with this Ooty fixed itinerary package.
Looking for a Customized Package? : Submit the enquiry form and we call you back right away and help you with a Customized Ooty Package..
Below is the list of sightseeing places included in the Ooty Avalanche tour package.
Situated amidst the beautiful Shola thickets and beautiful valleys, Avalanche Lake would entice nature lovers with its awe-inspiring scenic spots. Undulating meadows, lush green wavy grasslands and eucalyptus forests circles the lake.
The thick forests surrounding the Avalanche lake are so dense that it is difficult for sunrise to penetrate in. Glittering waters of the crystal clear lake beckons every traveller. The lake also provides a majestic view of orchids, magnolias, and other wild flowers.
It provides endearing experience for people looking for trekking, hiking and fishing. It is also admired for trout fishing. You can get access to fishing rod and other fishing essentials from a trout hatchery located near the Lake.
It was in 1907 that a pisciculture expert, Mr. Henry C Wilson set up the Avalanche trout hatchery. The best time to get indulged in trout fishing is after monsoons as it increases the water level of the lake. Other key interesting activities are camping and rafting across the lake.
Embark on the blissful trip to Avalanche Lake with our one day Ooty Avalanche local tour and get tucked into the sheer beauty of the relishing surroundings enveloping the lake.
Head to stay marvelled as we visit our next destination, the Emerald Dam. A short detour to Emerald dam is welcomed with beautiful pine trees and farms. Emerald Dam along with Avalanche Dam is the major source of water supply to the Kundah Hydro Power stations.
The pristine Emerald lake located in the upper plateau region of Nilgiri Hills is another charming spot for activities like trekking, fishing and mountain biking. It is notable for a varied species of fishes and birds.
Discover the majestic charisma of the place amidst the chirping of the birds and have a tryst with nature as you watch the dazzling sunset and sunrise. Every corner inspires you to arrest its panoramic vista in your camera especially if you are a passionate photographer.
Embark on a trip to the Toda Village as the next destination of one day Ooty local tour that gives a deeper insight into the lifestyle and culture of the Toda tribes. The pastoral tribal community coexisted with other tribal communities of Koda, Badaga, Irulas and Kurumbas.The ancient and unique tribes of the Nilgiri Hills have their own language, customs and tradition. They survive by grazing buffaloes and indulge in dairy farming.
Witness the distinctive homes of the Todas which are built in the shape of half-barrels with small doorways to protect themselves from wild animals. Built with bamboo, the houses are tinted with Toda art form. They drape themselves with an idiosyncratic single piece of cloth known as put-kuli.
The home spun cotton shawls are decorated with red and black embroidery which are worn by both men and women. Known for their typical jewellery the Toda tribes, are mostly vegetarians and live majorly on dairy products. Toda land is now a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and their territory is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tea gardens that span across thousands of acres of land prove to be an ultimate visual retreat for visitors. It is the salubrious climate and the high altitudes of the Nilgiris that supports the growth of a large variety of tea the most popular among them being the Black tea and Oolong.
Partake in an exhilarating trip to the Vegetable land, another charming opulence covered under this one day Ooty tour to have a tryst with nature. Travellers enjoy the solitude and tranquillity of the place as they witness Nature’s thriving grandeur.
Get drenched with the lush green vegetation of Avalanche as you stroll and grab a glimpse of the fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits and dairy products. As you head back from this amazing vacation spot you will be carrying the remarkable memories of the spectacular verdant vegetation.
The Ooty Avalanche tour package charges are applicable only for pick and drop from one location. If in case, there are multiple pickup and drops, there will be additional charges.
Additional charges will be added if in case the vehicle is held for more duration or beyond the time mentioned in the package. Also in the case of any deviation in the presented itinerary, additional charges will be applied.
Guests are requested to follow the itinerary provided in the 1 Day Ooty Avalanche tour package. This 1 day Ooty tour package is not customizable.
The time spent on each Ooty tourist attraction is to be followed as per the schedule. In case of delays or extended time spent at a particular place, driver or Service Provider will not be responsible to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary.
Kindly note that if a particular Ooty sightseeing place is closed on the scheduled day of the tour, it will not be covered from list of sightseeing places.
In case of any query regarding the 1 Day Ooty Avalanche tour package, feel free to call one of the service providers on below numbers or Request a Call Back or send an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Our travel advisors are happy to assist you 24/7.
Watch CBS News
By Debora Patta , Tucker Reals
Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 5:25 PM EDT / CBS News
Update: Iran launched drone attacks against Israel on Saturday. Read CBS News' latest coverage here .
Tel Aviv — Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has vowed to take revenge for Israel killing its commanders, who were hit by an April 1 strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital.
Two U.S. officials told CBS News that a major Iranian attack against Israel was expected as soon as Friday, possibly to include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at military targets inside the country. Sources have told CBS News the retaliation could include attacks carried out both by Iranian forces, and proxy groups around the region that it has been funneling additional arms to for weeks.
The officials said it would be challenging for the Israelis to defend against an attack of that magnitude, and while they held out the possibility that the Iranians could opt for a smaller-scale attack to avoid a dramatic escalation, their retaliation was believed to be imminent.
Asked Friday how imminent he believes an attack is, President Biden responded, "I don't want to get into secure information, but my expectation is sooner than later." The president urged Iran not to move forward, saying his message to Tehran was: "Don't."
Tehran has not indicated publicly how or when it will return fire, so it's unclear how far Iran's leaders will go. If they decide to carry out a direct attack on Israel, there's fear it could blow Israel's ongoing war against Iranian ally Hamas up into a much wider regional conflict.
With the Iranian retaliation expected at any time, the U.S. State Department on Thursday warned Americans in Israel not to travel outside major cities, which are better protected from incoming rocket fire by the country's Iron Dome missile defense system. The latest guidance noted that travel by U.S. government employees in Israel could be further restricted with little notice as things develop in the tinderbox region.
"Whoever harms us, we will harm them," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday as he visited troops at an Israel Defense Forces airbase. "We are prepared … both defensively and offensively."
On Saturday, all U.S. embassies in the Middle East were put on high alert and required to hold emergency action committee meetings. Diplomats in Lebanon and Israel were specifically told not to travel to certain areas within those countries.
Sima Shine, a security expert and former official with Israel's national intelligence agency Mossad, told CBS News it was a dangerous moment for the region, and the "most worried" she has been. She said anxiety over an all-out war was likely just as high "on both sides, in Israel and in Iran."
If Iran does choose to strike Israel directly, it could involve a complex missile and drone attack similar to the one Iranian forces launched against a Saudi oil facility in 2019 .
"They will try to do it on the military or some military asset," Shine predicted. "But the question will be the damage. If there would be many injured people, killed or injured … I think it has the potential for a huge escalation."
Shine stressed, however, that she still believes neither side actually wants a regional conflict.
The U.S. sent a senior general to Israel this week to coordinate with the close American ally on any response it might make to an Iranian attack. Speaking Friday on "CBS Mornings," America's top military officer said, "we're really trying to avoid war."
"This is part of the dialogue that I have with my counterparts within the region, to include the Israeli chief of defense, who I talked to yesterday," said Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., adding that the U.S. military was "doing things not only to prevent a war, but at the same time, one of my primary things is to make sure all the forces in the region are protected."
"My role, as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, is to plan and prepare," Brown said. "That's one thing we do very well."
Brown's Israeli counterpart, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, "completed a comprehensive situational assessment on the readiness of the IDF for all scenarios," Israel's military said Friday.
"The IDF is very strongly prepared, both offensively and defensively, against any threat," Halevi was quoted as saying in the statement. "The IDF continues to monitor closely what is happening in Iran and different arenas, constantly preparing to deal with existing and potential threats in coordination with the United States Armed Forces."
The IDF said the visiting U.S. general, Central Command chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, was taking part in the IDF's situational assessment.
The dilemma for Iran, said Israeli expert Shine, is to figure out how to deliver its promised response to Israel's attack in Syria, but in a way that does not lead to further escalation. Likewise, Shine said Israel could choose to show restraint when it responds to whatever Iran eventually does.
If either side gets the balance wrong, the consequences for the region, and even the world, could be dire.
Weijia Jiang, David Martin, Margaret Brennan and Olivia Gazis contributed reporting.
Debora Patta is a CBS News foreign correspondent based in Johannesburg. Since joining CBS News in 2013, she has reported on major stories across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Edward R. Murrow and Scripps Howard awards are among the many accolades Patta has received for her work.
I am standing at the top of a windswept hill overlooking San Pablo Bay and San Francisco Bay beyond. The last time I felt this removed from everything, I was on a nearby peak on Angel Island . But to get there, I’d hiked more than 3 miles and brought loads of gear to spend the night. This time, I’m just 20 minutes from a parking lot.
I decided to come to the “Highest point of Mare Island ,” as it’s denoted on Google Maps, after visiting the area for the Bay Area’s own DIY fest, Maker Faire , which is scheduled to take over its waterfront again this fall. But I must admit it was January’s Netflix documentary “ American Nightmare ,” about a terrifying kidnapping on Mare Island in 2015, that really refueled my interest. And then Mare Island’s unusual history sucked me in. It’s felt abandoned for decades, always supposedly on the cusp of major development — but things might finally be changing.
Like Angel Island — and so many waterside spaces around the bay that are in transition, including Treasure Island and Alameda’s western edges — Mare Island was once a military base. The Navy left in 1996, but evidence of its presence remains. On my hike, I pass boxy buildings with corrugated metal roofs and painted-on ID numbers. Posted along the chain-link fence separating them from the trail are so many “No Trespassing Property of Navy” signs that I lose count.
The island has a hodgepodge of different owners. The state claims some of the land, including the 124-acre preserve that’s home to the highest point, while the Navy still owns several hundred acres , which it’s eventually expected to turn over. A private developer, the Nimitz Group, possesses the remaining large swath. There’s a lot that’s historic, much of it rundown and empty because of concerns about asbestos and earthquakes. This place once had air raid shelters. The preserve itself is on the former ammunition depot.
Mare Island’s odd mix even recently got a shout-out on a Reddit thread listing the “weirdest places in the Bay Area,” alongside the Winchester Mystery House and San Francisco’s bizarrely beautiful Gregangelo Museum .
To add to the abnormal, Mare Island isn’t even really an island. Originally named Isla Plana, Spanish for “flat island,” it’s actually a peninsula: Though it’s connected to Vallejo across the Napa River by a drawbridge, you can also drive there on a land-supported causeway. Mare Island homeowners say they pay more taxes than residents of Vallejo proper. Part of the money goes toward the upkeep of that bridge. (Many of them are not happy about it, either .)
The place certainly is complicated.
I can put a lot of the weirdness behind me on my stroll to the top of the Mare Island Preserve’s Scenic Vista Trail — there are singing birds, blossoming trees and strategically placed benches. But even those benches have a backstory: They were added by locals who for 12 years volunteered for a group that maintained the preserve and ran a visitor center that no longer exists. Three fires in seven days shut down the park pre-pandemic, and it’s since reopened under Vallejo city control, with set hours during the day and locked gates otherwise.
The roughly 1-mile path is paved almost the entire way and really does boast view after view. A steady clip of other visitors joins me in my march to the top. Along the way, I peep the Carquinez Bridge and hear the distant blow of train horns, spot ferries speeding out of the Napa River channel to the tune of a far-off fog whistle, and catch a panorama that includes Mount Tamalpais and Mount Livermore, that Angel Island peak I once summited. It’s an exhilarating and easily accessible spot on a clear day.
But, eventually, I’m hot, and I need a cold drink. Thankfully, those aforementioned developers had me in mind.
The Quarters Coffee House was opened last August by the Mare Island Company, which is the organization Nimitz Group founded to manage the redevelopment of the island. Nimitz’s deal to develop Mare Island, originally entertained in 2018, was fully realized two years ago when it bought the island’s 157 remaining available acres for $3 million, putting its total at 800 acres. Since then, the cafe may be one of the most tangible things the investors have done.
“It’s the first step in really activating the island,” the company’s senior vice president of strategy and communications, Sheryl McKibben, told the Times-Herald when The Quarters Coffeehouse opened. The Mare Island Company has since presented a draft land use plan , sort of a zoning map for the island’s future, which it says reflects four years of community input about the area. A new draft specific plan (one was last filed in 1999, then amended in 2013 , when the developers were different) and an environmental impact report are still to come.
As an initial endeavor, The Quarters is slick, an influencer’s dream, housed in an impeccably restored 1901 colonial that was once an officer’s mansion with gardens behind. One room has white marble tables full of plugs for laptop work; another is light and bright, with comfy seating for just hanging out. One of its Yelp reviews notes that “the Bird’s Eye Maple pocket doors alone were worth a visit.”
The grassy yard is filled with Adirondack chairs in the sun, but I enjoy my iced chai on a cushy sofa on the veranda, feeling like I might as well be in Key West. Fancy French-style yogurts and stylishly packaged local honey are for sale. The cafe’s bathroom even features custom wallpaper.
From The Quarters, I walk to what’s known as the wet mile — the area the Navy used for years for shipbuilding and repair. Along the way, I pass Alden Park , where a cannon, a missile and a torpedo meet a historic bandshell where musicians entertained residents during the base’s heyday. The site’s strangest weapon — a small German submarine — has been moved to storage by the city . The single-person vessel was supposed to allow its driver to ditch it before impact but likely resulted in more of a suicide mission.
Beyond the park along the Napa River, the Navy’s gantry cranes are still standing, along with a deep drydock that figured in a prominent action scene in the 2018 film “Bumblebee.” This area is set to become the temporary home of the ships from SF’s Hyde Street Pier , which are badly in need of repair. The Navy notoriously built only one battleship here, the USS California. It planned a glorious launch, but the ship was so big, it splashed across the channel and slammed into the Vallejo wharf.
You can finish your Mare Island day a number of different ways from here. You can eat delicious fried chicken capped off with a cocktail at Savage & Cooke , which is owned by Dave Phinney of Prisoner wine (and Scottie Pippen ’s bourbon) fame. Or you can have a beer in the sun at Mare Island Brewing Co.’s Coal Shed location if it’s still early — its War Bond California common is perfect for that.
A whole artist community hosts open studios on Sundays , and you can even learn how to blow glass in a shop next to the brewery. Part of the Mare Island Company’s vision includes room for it all — blending new jobs and construction with the area’s historic buildings and military past and ensuring that artists can still make cool stuff.
It’s a tall order, and whether it will come to fruition over the next several decades is anybody’s guess. When the Navy turns over its remaining property, the preserve could grow to around 300 acres. The developer can’t build on the preserve, but its upgrades — including homes on the former golf course it owns adjacent to the preserve — will no doubt change Mare Island’s character forever: A full buildout of the draft land use plan would mean 10,000-plus units of housing and the creation of more than 15,000 jobs by 2050. My advice: Explore Mare Island now while it’s still weird.
Scenic Vista Trail, 167 O’Hara Court, Vallejo. Friday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Quarters Coffee House , 1015 Walnut Ave., Vallejo. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Ooty Places to visit in 1 Day - Option 3: Pine Forests, Kamraj Sagar Dam, Toda Hamlet /School Mund, 9th Mile/Paye Mund, Pykara Waterfalls, Pykara Lake/Boat House; The hill station also gives tourists an opportunity to indulge themselves in adventurous activities like trekking, hiking and rafting. Here is the list of must visit tourism places of ...
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one of the best experiences to be had when in Ooty and must be on your list of places to visit in Ooty in one day!Established in the year 1899 by the British, this toy train with wooden carriages and large windows is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train runs between Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam in Ooty, on a track which is believed to be the steepest in ...
Duration of visit: 30 Mins - 1 Hr. Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM. Entry Fee: FREE. At a distance of 9 km from Ooty Bus Station, Kamraj Sagar Dam, also known as the Sandynalla Reservoir, is a very quiet and scenic dam situated on the slopes of the Wenlock Downs in Ooty. It is one of the top Ooty tourist places and also a must include in every Ooty Tour ...
Places to Visit in Ooty in 1 Day 1. Doddabetta Peak. ... A must-visit place on your one Ooty local sightseeing tour by car, this little garden stands opposite Ooty lake and Boathouse. You will be mesmerized by the flawless designs and over 150 types of human-made flowers. Tour with a guide, and learn better about its history.
Touristic Highlights of Ooty (Guided Full Day City Sightseeing Tour by Car) 1. Historical Tours. from ₹10,669. per group (up to 3) Ooty Hill station Escape from Bangalore. Adventure Tours. from ... The top attractions to visit in Ooty (Udhagamandalam) are: Nilgiri Mountain Railway; Pykara Lake; Pykara Falls; Upper Bhavani Lake;
Things To Do In Ooty (2-Day Ooty Itinerary) Here are the places to visit in Ooty in 1-2 days: Day 1. Take a stroll with your loved ones in the Government Botanical Garden and admire the fascinating display of seasonal flowers. The Tibetan Market is just a minute away from the Botanical Garden and a perfect place to shop for some extra woolens.
Waterfall (5) Hills & Valleys (5) 1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Top Attraction 4.5 /5. 1 km. from city center 1 out of 43. Places To Visit in Ooty. Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as Toy Train in Ooty, is one of the key attractions of the popular hill station Ooty.
2. Rose Garden (places to visit in ooty in 1 day) 3. Ooty Lake (places to visit in ooty in 1 day) 4. Nilgiri Mountain Railway (places to visit in ooty in 1 day) 5. Tea Factory and Museum (places to visit in ooty in 1 day) 6. Botanical Gardens (places to visit in ooty in 1 day) 7. Sims Park (places to visit in ooty in 1 day) 8. Thread Garden; 9.
On a clear day, the forests of Bandipur National Park and some parts of Mysore can also be seen. Time required to visit: 0.5 to 1 hour. 2. The Tea Factory And The Tea Museum. The Tea Factory - One of the best places to visit in Ooty in 1 Day (Image: Nadir Hashmi) Head to The Tea Factory and The Tea Museum next.
2. Avalanche Lake - Places To Visit In Ooty In One Day. Beautiful valleys, lush grasslands, eucalyptus forests, and shola thickets around Avalanche Lake. Take a stroll around the lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery and peace. The lake, which got its name from a landslide in 1823, is an excellent place for mountain activities like hiking and ...
7. Ooty Lake. 2,181. Bodies of Water. Lakefront hub with diverse boating activities, seasonal boat races, and family-friendly rides including a toy train and mini amusement attractions. Scenic gardens complement leisurely outings. See ways to experience (3) 8. Elk Hill Murugan Temple.
1. Doddabetta Peak. Visitors typically stay for 45 minutes. Spend some photo session there. 2. Tea Factory view point. Visitors typically stay for 30 minutes. From Doddabetta to this spot the drive will be for 10 minutes. Buy some good tea products.
A beautiful natural attraction, Pykara Lake is one of the top places to visit in Ooty in 1 day. It is located in the little sleepy village of Pykara with two attractions - the lake and the waterfalls. There is also an option of boating in the lake but I think at a price of around 400 rupees it is bit too steep.
Spend this great morning exploring the beautiful and well-maintained gardens which are home to over 650 species of plants and trees. must places to visit ooty in 1 day The Ooty Botanical Gardens, also known as the Government Botanical Garden, is a botanical garden located in the town of Ooty in Tamil Nadu, India.
One of the most visited places in Ooty, the Ooty Lake offers paddle boats, motor boats, and rowboats. To end the day's adventures, visit the Botanical Gardens. Located in the foothills of Dodabetta Peak, this park has more than 600 species of neatly curated plants, shrubs, and trees.
Places to visit in one day in Ooty with Pykara and Mudumalai by private car 1. Pine Forests. A small downhill valley with towering evergreen pine trees. The fresh air and striking mountains are a treat to your eyes. The majority of the trees stand tall at 15 to 45 m height. The smallest ones are the Siberian Dwarf Pine and Potosi Pinyon whereas ...
The Bison Valley is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for all the adventure seekers and the nature lovers alike. Operating hours: 9 am to 6 pm every day. TripAdvisor rating: 3.5/5; 18. St. Stephen's Church. One of the most famous tourist places near Ooty, this Anglican cathedral was sounded in 1829, and is among the oldest churches in ...
Find out top tourist places to visit in Ooty, the popular South Indian hill station mesmerizes travellers with the scenic Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Ooty Lake. ... The absolutely stunning mountain ranges, green Oaks, scenic tea plantations will make your day. This is also one of the best honeymoon destinations in Ooty. The place has so much ...
3 Days trip plan : Includes Day 1 - Doddabetta Peak, Tea Estate view point, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Boat House, Honeymoon Boat House. Day 2 - 06th mile, 09th mile, Pykara Boat House, Pykara Lake, Chocolote museum, Elkhill Temple view or Stephen chruch Day 3 - Mudumalai Forest, Bison Valley, Shopping in Ooty Local Market. Download. Details.
One Day Ooty Town Tour (Ooty Local Sightseeing by Car with Itinerary & Price) Package: 1 Day Ooty Town Tour by Private Cab. Rated: 4.6 / 5 based on 117 guest reviews. Package Starts from: ₹ 1,999/- Booking Open. A thought of exploring and experiencing the magnificence of nature's beauty could be greatly accomplished with a visit to Ooty ...
Places to visit in one day in Ooty with Avalanche Lake by private car 1. Avalanche Lake. The Avalanche Lake, which is especially popular among nature enthusiasts and photographers, is one of Ooty's main sightseeing attractions. Renowned for its beauty, the lake is placed in a beautiful setting loaded with beautiful flora.
1.Ooty Botanical Gardens Wander leafy pathways Bloom-laden trees and exotic plants from across India and overseas thrive across this sprawling garden estd 1848 near Ooty's St Stephen's Church.
Package: 1 Day Ooty Avalanche Lake Tour by Private Cab. Rated: 5 / 5 based on 94 guest reviews. Package Starts from: ₹ 1,999/- Booking Open. Avalanche, an inspiring vista located 25kms from Ooty came into existence in 1823 as a result of huge landslide. The place in itself is an epitome of enchantment, rewarding the visitors with a visual feast.
Iranians stand in front of an anti-U.S. and anti-Israeli banner during a rally commemorating International Quds Day, also known as Jerusalem Day, during a funeral for members of the IRGC Quds ...
One of the 'weirdest places in the Bay Area' makes a surprisingly great day trip ... with set hours during the day and locked gates otherwise. The roughly 1-mile path is paved almost the entire ...