Explore Popular Hill Stations Near Ooty: Experience Nature At Its Best

A picture of a hill station near Ooty, which is renowned for its gardens and scenic views.

Hill stations near Ooty are known as the most picturesque locations in South India. If the site chosen is Ooty, then one must know that this is a hill station located in the Nilgiri hills famous for serenity and greenery, misty landscapes, and beautiful colonial architecture. Ooty is quite renowned on its own, but other nearby hill stations are no less vous or even better if you are looking for the best among the hill stations near Ooty. This guide will take you through selected picturesque and interesting destinations located near Ooty, which is within distance of the town and will assist you in your travel plans.

10 Famous Hill Stations Near Ooty For Stunning Views

Here’s a list of the major and popular hill stations near Ooty with distance for a memorable vacation.

1. Coonoor

Coonoor, one of the best hill stations near Ooty with lush tea estates and views.

Photo: Gaurav Gupta / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Coonoor is one of the best hill stations near Ooty which is situated at a distance of 20 km from Ooty and situated somewhere in the Nilgiri Hills famous for tea gardens and misty surroundings. Besides, it has fewer crowds than stocked tourist attractions such as Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, and Lamb’s Rock. It is characterised by a cool temperature between 15°C and 25°C, making it suitable for activities such as nature walks, heritage trains, and bird watching. Popularly known for its scenic beauty topped with an atmosphere of serenity, Coonoor is a perfect destination for the ones in love with nature.

Best Time To Visit: March to May
Top Tourist Attractions: Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb’s Rock, Highfield Tea Estate
Nearest Railway Station: Coonoor Railway Station (2 km)
Distance From Ooty: 20 km

2. Kotagiri

A picture of Kotagiri, which is known for stunning landscapes and lush tea gardens.

Photo: rajaraman sundaram / Wikimedia Commons

Located 30 km from Ooty, Kotagiri is one of the oldest and most famous Hill Stations of Nilgiris. It is away from the noises and confusion of city life, centred amidst tea gardens and beautiful scenery. Tourists can opt for a Catherine Falls viewpoint and Rangaswamy Peak or a relaxing walk through the tea gardens. Due to its favourable climate throughout the year, Kotagiri is an ideal place for nature lovers searching for peace and thrill in the hill stations near Ooty.

Best Time To Visit: December to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Catherine Falls, Rangaswamy Peak, and Kodanad Viewpoint
Nearest Railway Station: Coonoor Railway Station (21 km).
Distance From Ooty: 30 km

3. Avalanche

Avalanche, a hill station near Ooty, that is perfect for nature lovers and adventuers.

Photo: Jayashree Subramanian / Wikimedia Commons

Avalanche is a beautiful and less explored place 28 kilometres from Ooty Hill station. It is famous because of the clear water of Avalanche Lake and its abundance of greenery making it the perfect getaway from ordinary tourist traps. Tourists can tour the avalanche sanctuary, hike the forest, and indulge in other activities on-site which include; trout fishing and camping near the lake. This place is one of the best Ooty nearby places for tourists who love to explore the beauty of nature and have a relaxing vacation.

Best Time To Visit: April to June
Top Tourist Attractions: Avalanche Lake, Avalanche Sanctuary, Upper Bhavani Lake
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (28 km)
Distance From Ooty: 28 km

4. Mukurthi National Park

A picture of Mukurthi, one of the best hill stations near Ooty, ideal for trekking.

Photo: Sunnyfunny147 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Mukurthi National Park is a biosphere reserve developed by UNESCO located 40 km away from the popular tourist destination Ooty. Located in the Nilgiri Hills, the park has a range of species, including the rare Nilgiri Tahr, and diverse vegetation. As it is dominated by high rocky lands, roaring rivers, and other natural sceneries, the country is a perfect trekking and wildlife-viewing destination. Tourist attractions include Mukurthi Peak, Mukurthi Dam, bird watching, or photography in the serene and unspoiled atmosphere.

Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Mukurthi Peak, Mukurthi Dam, Nilgiri Tahr sightings
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (40 km)
Distance From Ooty: 40 km

5. Masinagudi

A picture of a wildlife haven, Masinagudi that is great for safaris and nature walks.

Photo: BinAli67 / Wikimedia Commons

About 30 km from the famous Ooty hill station, Masinagudi is a beautiful village famous for wildlife and abundant with biodiversity. It is among the finest hill stations around Ooty offering different experiences such as nature and wildlife. The place is safe even though it has dense forests and abundant wildlife including elephants and tigers making it perfect for jungle safaris and nature enthusiasts. The beautiful and natural area, as well as the lack of noisy crowds of tourists, makes it an ideal place for rest from noisy city agitation.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Theppakadu Elephant Camp.
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (30 km)
Distance From Ooty: 30 km

6. Gudalur

A picture of one of the most quaint hill stations near Ooty with tea plantations.

Photo: Prof. Mohamed Shareef / Wikimedia Commons

Gudalur is around 50 kilometres away from the Ooty hill station and acts as the gateway to the glorious Western Ghats. It is located in an environment with forests and vast tea estates; thus, the surroundings are charming and quiet. Gudalur is a lovely town well-known for its vast and diverse bio-geographical reserves such as the Mudumalai National Park and the beautiful Needle Rock Viewpoint. Because of its calmness, it is among the best Ooty hill stations for a relaxing vacation.

Best Time To Visit: November to April
Top Tourist Attractions: Needle Rock Viewpoint, Mudumalai National Park
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (50 km)
Distance From Ooty: 50 km

7. Wellington

Wellington, one of the charming hill stations near Ooty, known for its military heritage.

Photo: David Brossard / Wikimedia Commons

Wellington is a beautiful hill station about 18 km from Ooty, famous for its military cantonment and spectacular views. It enjoys relatively low temperatures throughout the year and is perfect for a short vacation away from crowded places. It is a great site for photographing the beauty of Nilgiri Hills, playing golf at the Wellington Golf Course, or taking heritage walks around the Madras Regimental Centre. Wellington is also connected through the famous toy train Nilgiri Mountain Railway passing through breathtaking landscapes. Popular for its beauty and calmness, Wellington is perfect for a day outing from the hills of Ooty.

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Top Tourist Attractions: Wellington Golf Course, Madras Regimental Centre, Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Nearest Railway Station: Wellington Railway Station (2 km)
Distance From Ooty: 18 km

8. Manjoor

Manjoor, surrounded by scenic tea gardens, perfect to explore and relax amid nature.

Photo: Azad / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Manjoor, some 35 Km from Ooty, is also seen as a nice, quiet, and relatively unheralded hill station. Located in the upper Bhavani belt it promises an amazing view of tea gardens, hills that are veiled in mist, and waterfalls. Upper Bhavani Dam and the calm scenic place of Emerald Lake are also worth watching for visitors. Due to its cool weather and the peaceful country setting, it is a great getaway for those interested in exploring some of the nearby companies that specialise in tea plantations, cruising, or even nature walks.

Best Time To Visit: March to May
Top Tourist Attractions: Upper Bhavani Dam, Kundah Dam, Emerald Lake
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (35 km)
Distance From Ooty: 35 km

9. Ketti

A picture of Ketti, which is very famous for breathtaking valley views and tea estates.

Photo: rajaraman sundaram / Wikimedia Commons

Ketti is a village located in one of the largest valleys of Nilgiris it is also known as the “Switzerland of Nilgiris”. Situated at a distance of 15 km from Ooty, this picturesque hill station presents majestic views of steep agricultural land, tea gardens, and hilly tracts obscured by mists. The viewpoint for Ketti Valley is a recommendation, you can view the valley with its greenery. Some attractions include nature walks, valley tours, and toy trains of the Nilgiri Mountain Railways. It is perfect for anyone who has a passion for nature and experiences tranquillity and beauty.

Best Time To Visit: April to June
Top Tourist Attractions: Ketti Valley Viewpoint, Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (15 km)
Distance From Ooty: 15 km

10. Sundampatti

A picture of Sundapatti, featuring mountains and lakes which is very ideal for trekking.

Photo: kurumban / Wikimedia Commons

Sundampatti is a beautifully unperturbed hill station located in the Nilgiris which is left unexplored. It is located close to the forest and additionally features hills wrapped in mist, which makes it a perfect place for nature lovers and people searching for peace. The guests can go for numerous nature walks and trekking activities, as the weather is also quite good here. There are also tea estates that provide the visitor a chance to tour tea plantations. As the perfect getaway destination for a short vacation, Sundapatti can let visitors find a new lease in the beautiful mountainous landscapes.

Best Time To Visit: November to April
Top Tourist Attractions: Sundampatti Forest, tea estates, and waterfalls
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (22 km)
Distance From Ooty: 22 km

Hill station near Ooty is perfect for vacations for those who want nothing more than to be in the middle of nature. These beautiful places with their travelling landmarks and points of interest make them some of the most favoured hill stations near Ooty. From verdant tea gardens to, many treks or just strolling with mouth-watering food and beautiful climate assures a memorable tour. Plan your trip with TripXL and explore hill stations near Ooty seamlessly.

Cover Photo: Ravi Raj / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

It is suggested to visit Avalanche during the summer season as monsoon hits the area hard, causing huge rainfall and landslides in many places.
Yes, buses and taxis are available from Ooty to most of the hill stations around it.
Tourists can view Nilgiri Tahr, birds, and other animals found within the forest cover of the park.
You should pack a jacket, hat, comfortable shoes, water, sunblock, and a camera to take photos of the beautiful scenery.
Certain parks, like the national parks, might charge admission. For more information, it is advised to browse the official website.

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