Ooty is one of the most popular destinations in South India because of its calm atmosphere and pleasant climate. People from across the world come here to catch a glimpse of this pretty hill station. Apart from this, there are various hill stations near Ooty where you can escape into the woods and let yourself loose in the wildest of nature. There are various things to do in Ooty, and the best is exploring the hill stations near this place. So, if you are planning a trip to Ooty, then don’t forget to visit these best hill stations.
Must visit Hill stations near Ooty
Let's dive into some of the top hill station near Ooty, which you should must visit:
1. Bellikkal
Bellikkal is a small village located in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu. This place is best for ardent nature admirers and wildlife explorers. The main attraction of this hill station near Ooty is its lake, which is surrounded by lush greenery, and the lake is the primary source of drinking water. It's highly recommended to try the Bellikkal Ayurvedic massages, as they are very popular. Bellikkal is well known for the variety of adventure activities like mountain biking, hiking, trekking, and many more.
- Distance from Ooty: 14 km away
- Best time to visit: July to September
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Ooty
2. Coonor
Coonoor is a famous hill station near Ooty, within 50km. This hill station is positioned at a height of 1,839 meters and is known for its picturesque picnic spots where you can enjoy the view of lush green Nilgiri hills, with its ravines, valley, and waterfalls. This is also famous for tea gardens and tea factories, where you can roam for a better experience. Travellers can also take a walk through the tea garden and can also do trekking and hiking.
- Distance from Ooty: 20km away.
- Best time to visit: October to March
3. Katagiri
Kotagiri is another popular hill station near Ooty. This hill station is located on the Nilgiri hills, which are surrounded by lush tea plantations, emerald-green meadows, and rugged nature trails, and is therefore amongst the most liked places. Kotagiri offers pleasant weather that pulls travellers from the chaotic city life. The hilltop of this place offers stunning views of the nearby forest hills and valleys and also offers a beautiful sunset view.
- Distance from Ooty: 32 km away
- Best time to visit: December to February
Suggested Read: Things to Do in Ooty
4. Mudumalai
Mudumalai, a hill station near Ooty within 50km, is well-known for its Tiger Reserve, one of the country's first and richest biosphere reserves. The reserve is spread over 688.59 square kilometres and is located at the intersection of three states: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is the best place for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and peace seekers.
- Distance from Ooty: 45km away
- Best time to visit: October to May
5. Coimbatore
Coimbatore is well known as the Manchester of South India, as it is one of the most industrialised districts of Tamil Nadu. This is the perfect place if you are planning a vacation, as the place will spellbind you with its beautiful waterfalls, green hills, and lush Western Ghats, along with the pleasant weather. Whether you are someone looking for a weekend trip or someone looking to explore ancient temples, Coimbatore tourist places will spellbind you. It perfectly blends urban energy with natural serenity, making it a perfect place for a hillside adventure.
- Distance from Ooty: 85 km away
- Best time to visit: November to February
Suggested Read: Places to Stay in Ooty
6. Nilambur
Another striking hill station near Ooty within 100km is Nilambur, which is well known for its teak plantations. This place features woodlands and waterfalls and has a Malabar history. It is a strategically located town that shares borders with Palakkad, Calicut, Nilgiris, and Eranadu, resulting in nice weather. Located on the banks of the Chaliyar River, this charming, peaceful hamlet is one of the most picturesque places to find peace.
- Distance from Ooty: 97 km away
- Best time to visit: December to February
7. Wayanad
Wayanad is a charming place that provides a perfect fusion of natural beauty, rich cultural legacy, and adventure. This hill station near Ooty is a verdant district tucked away in Kerala's Western Ghats. Wayanad is a popular destination for thrill-seekers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers due to its expansive spice plantations, mist-covered mountains, and large variety of wildlife.
- Distance from Ooty: 120 km away
- Best time to visit: October to February
Suggested Read: Best time to visit Ooty
8. Kalpetta
Kalpetta, a small town on the Kozhikode-Mysore National Highway, serves as the district headquarters for Wayanad. Kozhikode is roughly 72 kilometres away. Kalpetta is encircled by mountains and coffee plantations, which serve as both a significant trading hub and a popular tourist destination for the region. The tea, coffee, and spices grown in the Wayanad mountains are exported to other parts of India via Kalpetta.
- Distance from Ooty: 115 km away
- Best time to visit: October to March
9. Kabini
Kabini is a stunning and captivating place in Karnataka that you should go to visit at least once in your life, regardless of whether you're an adventurer, a nature lover, or just someone who enjoys leisure travel. Kabini is centrally located near major cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Coimbatore. Due to its ideal weather, adventure activities, camping choices, and other features, Kabini has become more and more popular in recent years. This is one of the best hill stations near Ooty, which you should definitely visit.
- Distance from Ooty: 122 km away
- Best time to visit: October to May
Suggested Read: Places to Visit Near Ooty
10. Vythiri
A widely visited resort town, Vythiri is one of the best hill stations near Ooty for a very satisfying retreat stay. To relax and get in touch with nature, you can stay at Vythiri's log huts or rustic thatched-roofed cottages that are surrounded by greenery. The other Wayanad attractions, such as the picturesque Meenmutty Falls and the tall Chembra Peak, are nearby places to visit and may be reached in a few hours by car.
Additionally, Vythiri is renowned for its delicious Keralan cuisine. Kerala-style idlis and appams, along with the colourful sadhya spreads, are available at any restaurant in the village of Vythiri. The other dishes you should try are the biryani and Malayalee parotta.
- Distance from Ooty: 122km away
- Best time to visit: October to May
11. Mysore
The southern Indian state of Karnataka is home to the stunning city of Mysore. There are various places to visit in Mysore, which draw millions of tourists each year, where you can engage in rich history, culture, and heritage. With its verdant gardens, graceful palaces, and magnificent temples, the city is well known for its breathtaking splendor. The most well-known of these is the Mysore Palace, which is regarded as one of India's most exquisite and expansive palaces. The Brindavan Gardens, which is famous for its lovely fountains and vibrant lights and is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River, is another well-liked tourist area.
- Distance from Ooty: 125km away
- Best time to visit: October to March
12. Pollachi
Travellers seeking a unique southern getaway will love Pollachi town, which is tucked away between the Annamalai Hills' foothills and the Coimbatore plains. Known as Tamil Nadu's "coconut capital," the area features a rugged, undulating environment with tea plantations, meadows, and thickets of coconut palms all comfortably tucked away among verdant hills.
The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is among Pollachi's top tourist destinations. It is home to tigers, gaurs, Nilgiri tahr, and other species. Because of its cattle fairs, coconut products, and jaggery, Pollachi is a well-known hill station near Ooty.
- Distance from Ooty: 150km away
- Best time to visit: December to February
Suggested Read: Restaurants in Ooty
13. Palakkad
Amidst Kerala's stunning surroundings, Palakkad is a tribute to the enduring appeal of culture, history, and the natural world. Palakkad welcomes visitors to embark on an inspiring and enlightening adventure with its historic fortifications, tranquil backwaters, and verdant surroundings. Palakkad is more than just a destination; it is a historical journey, a celebration of endurance, and a tribute to humanity's lasting spirit.
It is a location where the echoes of history may be heard through ancient fortresses, where the aroma of flowers blends with the rustle of palm leaves, and where nature's beauty evokes awe and wonder.
- Distance from Ooty: 135 km away
- Best time to visit: October to March
14. Kodaikonal
Kodaikanal, often referred to as the "Queen of hill stations of the south," is a nice hill station to visit near Ooty. Kodaikanal is well-known for its wonderful mushrooms and for some of its excellent tourist destinations and activities to visit. When travelling to Kodai, it might be a great experience to drive through the pine forests while listening to relaxing music. One of the most breathtaking views to see in Kodaikanal is the fog and sunrays playing hide-and-seek.
- Distance from Ooty: 251.1 km away
- Best time to visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Hidden Places in Ooty
15. Yercaud
One of the coolest and closest hill stations to Ooty is Yercaud; people from nearby cities usually visit the place to get away from the bustling metropolis. One of the best things to do in Yercaud is to take in the splendour of the green sun's beams while surrounded by verdant woodlands. The stunning Shivaroy Hills in Yercaud are surrounded by a wealth of plants and animals. With so many activities available, Yercaud creates the ideal atmosphere for visitors to unwind and make the most of their trip.
- Distance from Ooty: 242.8 km away
- Best time to visit: October to February
16. Coorg
Often referred to as the "Scotland of Karnataka," Coorg is a stunning hill station near Ooty that offers a variety of things to do in Coorg, from exciting activities to appeal to all types of tourists. Coorg's beauty is indescribable, and to truly appreciate this enchanting location, one must go there. The Kaveri River holds great significance for this location as it is the lifeline of Karnataka.
Additionally, Coorg is renowned for its daring and courageous citizens who have made significant contributions to the freedom movement. This location also takes pride in making the best homemade chocolates.
- Distance from Ooty: 245.9 km away
- Best time to visit: October to April
17. Biligiri Rangan Betta
One of the must-see hill stations near Ooty is Biligiri Rangan Betta, sometimes referred to as the BR hills. As BR hills expand across both eastern and western Ghats, the magnificence is brought to life here. This is one of the best hill stations in the area, known for its old Ranganatha Swamy temple and its breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. This is one of the sites to go to if you want to learn more about the Karnataka tribes. The Soliga tribes of Karnataka can still be found in the BR hills, and meeting them is an experience in itself.
- Distance from Ooty: 144.5 km away
- Best time to visit: November to March
18. Valparai
Valparai is the place to experience the breathtaking vistas of the Anamalai and Nallamudi. Valparai is another well-known hill station that draws tourists from all across the nation. At first glance, the rich animals and dense jungles of Valparai can astound you. This is one of the best hill stations near Ooty that you should definitely plan to visit if you want to see tigers and elephants.
- Distance from Ooty: 214.5 km away
- Best time to visit: September to March
Suggested Read: Shopping in Ooty
19. Yelagiri
Yelagiri, a hill station near Ooty, is a hill station near Ooty where you can spend lovely weekend getaway. This lovely hill station of Yelagiri has immense rose gardens, breathtaking orchards, and the most breathtaking scenery. Yelagiri, a town that was previously the British colonizers' summer retreat, is a much more peaceful and unusual place. Since then, it has consistently been a great place to escape the busy metropolis.
- Distance from Ooty: 347 km away
- Best time to visit: November to February
20. Sirumalai
Sirumalai is undoubtedly the best hill station near Ooty and offers the best illustration of mountain village life. This village offers everything a town could want, from a perfect dense forest to an international school. With an elevation of 1600 meters above sea level, Sirumalai enjoys a year-round pleasant climate. There are around 18 hairpin curves to and from this hill, which only adds to the splendor of this hill station.
- Distance from Ooty: 271 km away
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
21. Kurangani
Kurangani is well-known for its camping and other hill activities, making it one of the best hill stations near Ooty for those looking for excitement. This hill station is home to many unexplored natural wonders in addition to a variety of adventure activities. Both locals and visitors find this hill station to be the ideal summer retreat. This town's atmosphere is dazzling and magnificent, defined by crisp air, rich green flora, and the absence of any loud noises. Awe is constantly evoked by the fauna, vast valleys, and streams.
- Distance from Ooty: 317 km away
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Ooty is one of the most popular destinations in South India because of its calm atmosphere and pleasant climate. There are a number of hill stations near Ooty that you can consider while visiting Ooty, from the serene tea gardens of Coonoor and the wildlife adventures in Mudumalai to the lush landscapes of Wayanad and the tranquil charm of Kalpetta and Kabini. These nearby getaways offer unforgettable experiences to every type of visitor. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone looking for a peaceful retreat. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and choose a destination that tempts you the most, and visit it now.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is colder, Munnar or Ooty?
Ooty is cold than Munnar, especially during the winter months. Ooty's temperature sometimes dropping below 5°C in winter. While Munnar has a consistently cool climate, its temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C.
2. Which month is best to visit Ooty?
The best time to visit Ooty is from March to June and September to November. During this time of the year, you can enjoy the pleasant weather of the place.
3. Which are the best hill stations in South India?
Munnar, Ooty, Kurangani, Sirumalai, Yelagiri, Coorg, Wayanad are some of the best hill stations in South India.
4. Which is the coldest month in Ooty?
January is the coldest month in Ooty. The temperature can drop to 5 degrees Celsius.
5. Does snowfall occur in Ooty?
No, Ooty doesn’t experience snowfall. Even though it's a hill station, the temperature there is cooler than in the surrounding places.
