Ooty is famous because of the tea gardens, fantastic beauty, wildlife and also because of its location in Nilgiri hills. Wildlife sanctuaries near Ooty show travellers the fauna and flora in their original environment, where you can go for adventure and knowledge. These are best for nature lovers who want to capture unique experiences. These sanctuaries provide a perfect opportunity to feel close to the physical environment whether they are interested in spotting elephants, tigers, or any endangered bird. The wildlife sanctuaries offer stunning views of nature that gives you a memorable experience of a lifetime.
Top 3 Wildlife Sanctuaries Near Ooty
Let’s start your journey to the beautiful Wildlife Sanctuary near Ooty:
1. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: N.A.Nazeer / Wikimedia Commons
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries near Ooty. It is covered with dense forests and beautiful landscapes. It supports several types of wildlife, including elephants, Bengal tigers, leopards, and birds of the forest. Visitors can go for safari rides, bird watching, and jungle tracking, which gives the visit an adventurous experience for all nature lovers. People used to come here to learn about different species. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is home to the sanctuary, and the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most stunning Ooty Wildlife Sanctuary for photographic opportunities.
Distance From Ooty: 40 km
How To Reach: Take a bus or taxi from Ooty; accessible by road
Timings: 7 AM – 9 AM, 3 PM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹10 for children; additional charges for vehicles and cameras
2. Kodanad Viewpoint And Sanctuary
Photo: kikatani / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Kodanad Sanctuary is near Kotagiri, has an excellent attractive view of the Nilgiri hills. It also provides tourists with a good wildlife experience. This sanctuary is mostly famous for its elephant sighting. It is also famous for many incredible bird species. People can also have excellent photo sessions and have a fantastic view of the beautiful tea fields, as well as the Moyar River. This sanctuary is appropriate for those visitors who seek alone time in the quiet nature. It is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries near Ooty because of small elephants playing around.
Distance From Ooty: 45 km
How To Reach: Take a bus or taxi; accessible by road
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee for viewpoint; sanctuary may have charges
3. Naduvattam Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Michel_van_der_Vegt / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Naduvattam Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Ooty. It is a beautiful sanctuary that offers a wide range of flora and fauna to visitors. It is an excellent home to wildlife species such as leopards, deer, and a variety of colourful birds. This sanctuary’s natural beauty and green surroundings make it a perfect place to walk in nature and experience wildlife photography. With its cool climate and peaceful environment, Naduvattam Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal Ooty’s Wildlife sanctuary for travellers who are looking to escape from the busy life of cities and enjoy a relaxing time in nature.
Distance From Ooty: 32 km
How To Reach: Accessible by road via bus or taxi
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free entry, permits may be required for research or special activities
Parks, Reserves And Peaks Near Ooty
There are multipleparks, peaks and reserves near Ooty that are also worth a visit
1. Mukurthi National Park
Photo: Ambigapathy / Wikimedia Commons
Mukurthi National Park is situated in the Northern Tamil Nadu Nullar region of Nilgiri hills. It’s famous for its beautiful reserves of biodiversity and its geographical features. The Nilgiri tahrs is one of the endangered species that you can see at this park, which makes it one of the unique Ooty’s wildlife sanctuaries. Every visitor can enjoy the park by watching different types of plants and animals. It is also a pleasure to observe the natural beauty of grasslands, evergreen forests, Mukurthi Peak, and many more. It has no disturbances like other national parks, as it receives very few visitors.
Distance From Ooty: 31 km
How To Reach: Accessible by taxi or bus from Ooty; requires permits
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM (prior permission required)
Entry Fee: Approximately ₹25; permissions may involve additional charges
2. Avalanche Biosphere Reserve
Photo: Muthu Psm / Wikimedia Commons
Avalanche Biosphere Reserve is the first biosphere reserve in the country and is famous for its sweet water, flora, and fauna, as well as various plants and animals. It is also renowned as Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is about 25 kms away from Ooty. This Sanctuary is ideal for the bird watcher, especially for those who are interested in seeing the rare migratory birds. This reserve is rich in species of orchids and rhododendrons and is an excellent place to spot unique botanists. It has clear water and soothing surroundings, which makes it a famous wildlife sanctuary in Ooty.
Distance From Ooty: 28 km
How To Reach: Reachable by taxi; buses available but limited
Timings: 9 AM – 3 PM
Entry Fee: ₹150 for adults, ₹50 for children, ₹250 for foreigners
3. Longwood Shola Reserve Forest
Photo: EvgeniT / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Longwood Shola Reserve Forest is a small and essential sanctuary that offers visitors the chance to explore untouched nature. This dense forest is home to a variety of unique plants and animals, which makes it ideal for trekking and birdwatching. This forest is essential for preserving the local ecosystem and to support wildlife in Ooty. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, while listening to the sounds of birds, and observe the amazing varieties of plants. This forest offers an escape into nature from busy city life and is also a famous wildlife sanctuary in Ooty.
Distance From Ooty: 19 km
How To Reach: Accessible by taxi; some walking required to explore
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Generally free but may have charges for guided tours
4. Parsons Valley Reserve Forest
Photo: Olgaozik / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Parsons Valley is a crucial Water reservoir area within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, known for its natural beauty and impressive views of water ponds. Dense forests and open grasslands surround the area. It also provides a safe habitat to a variety of wildlife, including bison, deer, wild boar, and many bird species. It’s a perfect Ooty Wildlife Sanctuary location for those who want to enjoy trekking and nature photography. The landscape offers stunning views and peaceful trails for travellers who are seeking a quiet escape away from the crowded tourist spots.
Distance From Ooty: 15 km
How To Reach: Accessible by taxi or bus from Ooty
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free, but may require permits for trekking
5. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Photo: Dr. Satyabrata Ghosh / Wikimedia Commons
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a large sanctuary that covers a vast part of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is home to many endangered species, including the Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, and Nilgiri Tahr. Visitors can explore its dense forests, open grasslands, and beautiful rivers, which provide them with a genuine wildlife experience. This reserve is also a popular destination for migratory birdwatching and wildlife safaris, which offer nature lovers the chance to witness a rich variety of wildlife.
Distance From Ooty: Covers a vast area surrounding Ooty
How To Reach: Accessible through various entry points in the region
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Charges vary by specific area within the reserve
6. Doddabetta Peak
Photo: Seaq68 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Doddabetta Peak is the highest point in Nilgiris, and it offers visitors more than just beautiful views. This wildlife area is home to different species of animals and birds, which makes it an exciting spot for nature lovers and wildlife activists. Visitors can trek to the peak of Doddabetta Peak to enjoy the adventure while spotting wildlife on their way. This area is best for those who want to enjoy both outdoor activities and nature, which provides them with a memorable experience. With its soothing climate and impressive trails, Doddabetta Peak is a must-visit place for adventurers and tourists.
Distance From Ooty: ~10 km
How To Reach: Reachable by taxi or bus; short trek to the viewpoint
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person; additional fees for cameras
Exploring wildlife sanctuaries near Ooty offers a unique mix of adventure with a soothing atmosphere. From the famous Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to the beautiful Parsons Valley, each sanctuary offers something unique to nature lovers. Suppose you want to explore these hidden gems in Ooty. Book your Ooty wildlife tour with TripXL today and enjoy a well-organised experience, complete with safaris, trekking, and stunning Ooty Wildlife Sanctuary photography opportunities.
Cover Photo: Rajesh Balasubramanian / Wikimedia Commons