Best Hill Stations in Ooty for a Memorable Vacation

Nestled at an elevation of 2240 metres above sea level, Ooty is known as the Switzerland of India, owing to its lush green meadows and striking mountains. With mystical pathways, lush rolling hills, waterfalls, striking landscapes, beautiful lakes, and pleasant weather, Ooty makes the best place to experience romance and serenity in the environment. Situated on Nilgiri Hills, Ooty leaves tourists in awe with its exquisiteness and cool and pleasant climate. While Ooty is perfect for a solo, honeymoon, family, or adventure trip, places near Ooty provide an ideal getaway for tourists seeking a laid-back vacation or an adventure trip. Here is the list of the best places and hill stations near Ooty that you can include in your tour package.

Best Hill Stations in and near Ooty

• Coonoor
• Kodaikanal
• Coorg
• Yercaud
• Valparai
• Yelagiri
• Kotagiri
• Bellikkal
• Vythiri

Coonoor

Located just 18 km from Ooty, Coonoor is known for its rich flora and fauna. After Ooty, Coonoor is the second largest hill station of Nilgiris. Renowned for producing the Nilgiri tea, this striking hill station in Ooty has the charm of valleys, waterfalls, and gorgeous tea plantations all around. This picturesque hill station provides tourists with opportunities to trek and hike in the surrounding hills of Western Ghats. One of the key attractions for visitors in Coonoor is the ride on the heritage train that resembles a rollercoaster ride through the undulated hills and verdant green landscape. Known as Nilgiri Mountain Railway, the heritage train has been featured in several movies and TV shows. Some other attractions here in Coonoor include Droog Fort, Sim’s Park, St. George’s Church, and Law’s Falls.

Kodaikanal

Another famous hill station near Ooty, Kodaikanal, is a destination that offers a soul-soothing experience to visitors. Referred to as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal is popular among honeymooners, backpackers, solo travellers, and tourists of all ages from across the country. Located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, this striking hill station spread across the picturesque Western Ghats at an elevation of 7200 feet above sea level. There is a plethora of attractions and sightseeing places in Kodaikanal where you can spend quality time with friends and loved ones. Some of the most popular places in this hill station near Ooty include Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Silver Cascade Falls, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum, etc.

Coorg

One of the most popular hill stations in India, Coorg is the most sought-after destinations after Ooty among tourists. Also known as the Scotland of India, Coorg is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, including snow-covered mountains, a rich history, mesmerising waterfalls, and more. One of the largest coffee producers in South India, Coorg is amongst the less crowded areas, promising a quiet and relaxing vacation experience. This is also an ideal place for adventure and wildlife enthusiasts as they can enjoy many beautiful wildlife reserves of India, such as Nagarhole, Dubare, and Pushpagiri. One of the best hill stations in India, near Ooty, Coorg, is home to many tourist attractions like Mandalpatti Peak, Raja's Seat, Iguthappa Temple, Abbey Falls, etc. Also famous as Madikeri, Coorg is included in many quintessential Ooty honeymoon packages for couples.

Yercaud

The next hill station near Ooty, queen of hills, Yercaud, is a delight for nature lovers due to its pristine and serene nature. Nestled at an elevation of 1,515 meters above sea level, this striking hill station is known as a land of orange groves and a spice plantation on Shevaroy Hill. Travellers can find many attractions in this quaint town, such as Kiliyur Waterfall, Shevaroy Temple, Norton’s Bungalow, Lady's Seat, Orchidarium, Pagoda Point, Silk Farm & Rose Garden, and more. The name of this town means lake forest due to abundant forests near the Yercaud lake. This place is an ideal vacation spot for those looking for a tranquil ambience away from the noise of city life.

Valparai

Valparai is another beautiful hill station near Ooty. Nestled at the height of 1500 metres on the Anamalai mountain range of the Western Ghats, Valparai is a secluded paradise offering the magnificent presence of streams, waterfalls, mountains, valleys, and enthralling grasslands. Surrounded by the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Valparai provides opportunities for nature walks, trekking, and many other adventure activities. Some of the attractions at this hill station near Uti (Ooty) include Nallamudi Viewpoint, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Aliyar Dam, Loam's View Point, Sholayar Dam, Chinnar Kallar Falls, etc. The hillside place near Ooty offers some of the most enchanting views of mountain peaks and valleys.

Yelagiri

Yelagiri, nestled along Yelagiri Hills, is a pristine gem among places to visit near Ooty. This striking yet small town offers a perfect retreat amid the majestic landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. The town is decked with green valleys, rose gardens, beautiful hills, and orchards. Also known as Elagiri, Yelagiri is spread across 30 sq km., having 14 hamlets placed amidst four hills. A road trip to this hill station is a tremendous experience. The road has 14 hairpin curves, testing the driving skills and offering awe-inspiring sights of the hills and its surroundings. Some of the key attractions of Yelagiri include Cloud Forest Entertainment Park, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Jalagandeeswarar Temple, Telescope Observatory, Velavan Temple, etc.

Kotagiri

Situated at an elevation of 5,882 ft. above sea level, Kotagiri is a popular hill station in the Nilgiris hills beside Ooty, just 29 km away. With misty slopes, rolling hills, and expansive areas of greenery, Kotagiri gives tourists a feel of a Mini-Europe. The name Kotagiri refers to the mountains of Kota as the Nilgiri hills used to be the home of the Kota Tribe. One of the numerous attractions of Kotagiri is the 8-kilometre trek to Catherine Falls. It is one of the go-to places near Ooty for those seeking remarkable landscapes for photography. From rock climbing to trekking, kayaking in the Upper Bhavani River, and a lot more, discover plenty of options to make your trip memorable at Kotagiri. Here you can visit Kodanad View Point, Elk Falls, Rangasamy Peak Pillar, etc.

Bellikkal

A beautiful small village, Bellikkal is located in the western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Known as the bird-watcher's dream destination, Bellikkal will transverse you to a dream place away from the chaotic city life. This striking hill station is surrounded by dense forests, including the Bandipur forest, Mudumalai forest, and the Moyar River. There are many unique species of flora in the Bellikkal area, used for research by scientists across the world. Bellikkal also has many viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the mountain peaks, rivers, valleys, and lush green forests. Moreover, this place is renowned for Ayurvedic massages, providing visitors with an ultimate vacation experience. Bellikkal is truly a visual and exciting treat for nature lovers.

Vythiri

Located in Wayanad, Kerala, Vythiri attracts tourists with its tranquil ambience, breathtaking landscapes and mist-laden mountains. One of the most beautiful hill stations in Ooty, India, Vythiri is a must-visit for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The area has many wildlife sanctuaries, such as the Muthanga and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. This hill station near Ooty has lush green land scattered with a number of waterfalls, cool streams, and rolling stones. It is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hectic lifestyle and immerse themselves in nature. Some of the sightseeing points you can visit in and around Vythiri include Banasura Dam, Pookot Lake, Chain Tree, Soochipara Falls Trek, Lakkidi View Point, etc.

Let the aforementioned list of top hill stations near Ooty can guide you to a memorable trip with your friends and family. You can book our Ooty tour package for easier and hassle-free trip planning. Plan a longer vacation to rejoice in nature and the serene atmosphere of Ooty by visiting its famous and lesser-known tourist spots.