As the summer sun graces the Nilgiri Hills with golden light, a gentle mist clings to the slopes, carrying the scent of flowers, spices, and mountain freshness. This is no ordinary season in Ooty - it’s a time of celebration, creativity, and communion with nature. Welcome to the Ooty Summer Festival 2025: a month-long tribute to the hills, their bounty, and the communities that call them home.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Queen of Hill Stations, this year’s festival promises an even more vibrant spectacle, featuring six unique and captivating events. If you're planning a visit to Ooty next May, here’s your definitive guide to everything in store during the Summer Festival 2025.

Location: Nehru Park, Kotagiri
Dates: May 3rd and 4th, 2025

This delightful opening event celebrates the variety of temperate vegetables that flourish in Kotagiri’s unique climate while honouring the artistry and dedication of local farmers. Visitors can marvel at intricately carved vegetables transformed into exquisite sculptures, alongside displays of both traditional and exotic produce. It’s a vibrant showcase of the region’s agricultural richness - unexpected, imaginative, and deeply rooted in the land.

Location: St. Thomas Higher Secondary School Grounds, Gudalur
Dates: May 9th to 11th, 2025

Once a vital link in the historic spice trade route between Kerala and Karnataka, this charming town now becomes a fragrant retreat for the senses. This immersive showcase invites visitors to explore displays of cardamom, cloves, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and more. Guests can learn about cultivation techniques, uncover culinary and wellness applications, and purchase authentic, high-quality local spices, tea, and coffee directly from producers. A must-visit event for those looking to experience the rich heritage and flavour of the Nilgiris.

Location: Government Rose Garden, Ooty
Dates: May 10th to 12th, 2025

A long-standing favourite, the Rose Show takes place in one of India’s largest and most celebrated rose gardens. Born from the success of the Government Rose Garden (established in 1995), it is a sensory delight of colour, fragrance, and floral artistry. Wander through terraced gardens blooming with thousands of rose varieties in every imaginable hue. It’s romance in full bloom - ideal for dreamers, photographers, and those seeking a moment of poetic beauty.

Location: Government Botanical Gardens, Ooty
Dates: May 16th to 21st, 2025 (The longest show)

If the Rose Show is about romance, the Flower Show is pure grandeur. First held in 1896, this iconic event transforms the Botanical Gardens into a dazzling display of floral innovation. Expect everything from massive floral sculptures to curated exhibits of exotic plants, Bonsai collections, and intricate arrangements of millions of blooms. A beloved tradition and the festival’s most anticipated highlight, it is a celebration of nature’s splendour within a majestic setting.

Location: Sim's Park, Coonoor
Dates: May 23rd to 25th, 2025

Held in the beautiful Sim's Park, this show highlights the unique temperate fruits like plums, peaches, pears, and persimmons that thrive in Coonoor's climate. With elaborate fruit sculptures and diverse displays, the event is as playful as it is impressive. The relaxed atmosphere, coupled with the park’s rare trees and scenic paths, makes it ideal for a family outing or a leisurely afternoon surrounded by nature’s bounty.

Location: Katteri Park, near Coonoor
Dates: May 30th to June 1st, 2025

Debuting this year, the Plantation Crops Byproducts Show is a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and the creative spirit of the Nilgiris. Organised by the Horticulture Department and the Nilgiris District Administration, this unique event explores the transformation of agricultural byproducts - such as tea, coffee, rubber, coconut, areca nut, and betel vine - into practical and beautiful creations. From palm-leaf boxes to areca nut plates and a striking Palmyra structure, this event is a compelling testament to eco-conscious design and rural craftsmanship at its finest.

The Ooty Summer Festival 2025 promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering a comprehensive and captivating journey through the natural wonders and human ingenuity of the Nilgiris.

Littlearth is proud to be part of this vibrant season, offering warm hospitality, local insights, and a cosy retreat after a day of exploring. Our resorts are nestled in the heart of the Nilgiris, making them perfect bases to experience every show with ease. We also offer an ePass-friendly cancellation policy and can assist you in securing your travel ePass, so your trip is smooth and stress-free.

Reach out to us at +91 423 2244 000 for more information.

So come celebrate the best of summer in Ooty. Let the hills surprise you, the flowers enchant you, and the charm of the Nilgiris warm your soul.