Misty hills, sparkling rivers, dense jungles, and the most blissful weather…there’s nothing that the southern terrain of India doesn’t offer. You’ll find the perfect example of the most picturesque spots in the South in all these awesome places to visit near Ooty listed below. While Ooty in itself is a fascinating destination with rolling tea gardens, cloud-kissed hills, and lush foliage, these places nearby too won’t disappoint. In fact, many of these places lay ignored even when they are just as beautiful and thrilling as Ooty! So, the next time you plan a trip to the famous destinations in southern India, make sure you also include these charming spots on your list!
10 Magnificent Places To Visit Near Ooty
Take a gander and pick the one that suits your fancy. From hills, beaches, pilgrimage sites, historical realms, to offbeat destinations, we’ve collaborated the best places to visit near Ooty!
1. Coonoor
Situated at an altitude of 1,930 meters, Coonoor is gradually becoming one of the top cool tourist places in Tamil Nadu. It offers a panoramic view of the Nilgiri Hills and the Catherine Falls, which makes it an ideal hotspot for those whose heart belongs in the hills! Moreover, when traveling from Coonoor to Ooty, one can take a train that runs on a regular basis and exhibits some beautiful landscapes of the surroundings.
Distance from Ooty: 20.2 km
Travel time: 42 minutes
Best Time to Visit Coonoor: October to March
Best places to visit: Dolphin’s Nose, Doddabetta Mountain, Sim’s Park
Places to stay: Sree Harshav Cottages, Praveen Kudil Cottage, JJS Cottages
Things To Do: Witness Exotic Flowers, Have A Mesmerising View, Go On A Ride
Nearest airport: Coimbatore airport
Nearest railway station: Mettupalayam railway station
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2. Wayanad
Wayanad is a surreal hill station located in an enchanting part of Kerala and bordered by the beautiful Western Ghats, lofty ridges, and shining crystal-clear lakes. It is home to dense jungles and deep valleys to which this place owes much of its paradisiacal charm! Situated a mere 6-hour drive away from Bangalore, this small piece of heaven makes up for an idyllic weekend holiday destination for travelers and one of the most fascinating places near Bangalore to visit in December within a 300 km radius.
Distance from Ooty: 109.9 km
Travel time: 3 hours 28 mins
Places to visit in Wayanad: Banasura Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Soochipara Falls
Best time to visit Wayanad: October to May
Places to stay: Kpm Tripenta Hotel, Treebo Trend Casino Hotel, Grand Plaza Suites
Things To Do: Ziplining, Tree House Stay, Tea Estate Tour, Kabini River
Nearest airport: Karipur international airport
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode railway station
3. Coorg
This paradise of coffee plantations does not need any introduction. It is, without a doubt, one of the most popular and breathtakingly beautiful hill stations near Bangalore that lures travelers with its lush green jungles, perfectly pruned coffee plantations, winding roads, rocky terrains, manicured gardens, and secluded backwaters that give it its mystical charm. With a soothing weather year-round and stunning views of picture-perfect coffee estates, Coorg has rightfully earned its place on the list of the most awesome places to visit in December near Bangalore.
Distance from Ooty: 246.1 km
Travel time: 5 hours 39 minutes
Places to visit in Coorg: Abbey Falls, Talacauvery, Namdroling Monastery, Raja’s Seat, Barapole River, Nagarhole National Park
Best time to visit Coorg: October to March
Places to stay: Serene Woods, Bhagavathy Budget Cottage, Lotus The Cottages
Things To Do: Trekking, Coffee Plantation Tour, Camping, Jeep Safari, Hiking
Nearest airport: Mangalore Airport
Nearest railway station: Mysore railway station
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4. Mysore
This happens to be the largest district in Karnataka which is famous for its awe-inspiring monuments and a magnificent cultural heritage. Other than being home to some of the most incredible palaces in India, this city is also the production centre of various natural products like high-quality silk, incense, and sandalwood. The Ashtanga Yoga of Mysore also attracts travelers from other parts of India as well as different corners of the world in large numbers. Seeing that there are endless reasons to visit this grand city, would you book a trip to one of the most marvelous places to visit around Bangalore in December?
Distance from Ooty: 125.2 km
Travel time: 3 hours 6 minutes
Places to visit in Mysore: Mysore Palace, Somanathapura Temple, Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Zoo, Chamundeshwari Temple, GRS Fantasy Park
Best time to visit Mysore: Throughout the year
Places to stay: Pai Vista, Tulips Homestay, Rainbow Cottage
Things To Do: Admire The Grandeur, Wildlife Spotting, Feel The Essence Of Spirituality, Witness The Birdies
Nearest airport: Mandakalli airport
Nearest railway station: Mysore Junction railway station
5. Coimbatore
Coimbatore happens to be one of the largest cities of Tamil Nadu other than being a major hub for industry, textiles, and manufacturing. But there’s a lot more to Coimbatore than just industrial centers. Home to some ancient temples, glamorous infrastructure, gorgeous mountains, and plenty of jaw-dropping waterfalls, Coimbatore is among the best places to visit in December near Bangalore for couples, backpackers, and pilgrims. Owing to the vast amount of natural landscapes, Coimbatore also makes up for a great trekking and camping destination. Established recently, the gigantic 112-feet tall statue of Adiyogi Shiva Statue has made this city immensely popular and landed it in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Coimbatore is one of the largest cities of Tamil Nadu, famous for its industry, textiles and manufacturing. For a perfect holiday experience, the place offers you gorgeous waterfalls, ancient temples and breathtaking mountains.
Distance from Ooty: 84.9 km
Travel time: 2 hours 49 minutes
Places to visit in Coimbatore: Kovai Kondattam, Textile Museum, Marudhamalai Hill Temple, Perur Pateeswarar Temple, Vydehi Falls, Vellingiri Hill Temple, Kovai Kutralam Falls
Best time to visit Coimbatore: September to March
Places to stay: Zuriel Suite, Comfort Nest, Comfort Stay-Double Bedroom
Things To Do: Trekking And Camping, Adiyogi Shiva Statue Visit, Experience Wildlife In 3D, Wildlife Safari
Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport
Nearest railway station: Coimbatore Junction railway station
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6. Bangalore
Bengaluru (also called Bangalore) is the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state. The center of India’s high-tech industry, the city is also known for its parks and nightlife. By Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha is a Neo-Dravidian legislative building. Former royal residences include 19th-century Bangalore Palace, modeled after England’s Windsor Castle, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an 18th-century teak structure.
Distance from Ooty: 271.6 km
Travel time: 6 hours 19 minutes
Places to visit in Coimbatore: Kovai Kondattam, Textile Museum, Marudhamalai Hill Temple, Perur Pateeswarar Temple, Vydehi Falls, Vellingiri Hill Temple, Kovai Kutralam Falls
Places to stay: Serene Mist Resort, The Bougain Villa, Mango Mist Resorts
Nearest airport: Bengaluru Airport
Nearest railway station: Bangalore Railway Station
7. Kabini
A sheer ecstasy for all nature lovers and ‘tree-huggers’, this small yet unknown town of Kabini is just a 2-day trip away to Bangalore. It’s the perfect getaway for those who wish to take a tranquil stroll near some lovely backwaters far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s one of the finest places to visit in December near Bangalore for those looking for a quaint weekend getaway to relax and unwind in pristine and peaceful natural landscapes.
Distance from Ooty: 121.8 km
Travel time: 3 hours 14 minutes
Places to visit in Kabini: Elephant Safari Camp, Backwaters, Nagarhole National Park, Markets, Kabini Dam
Best time to visit Kabini: Throughout the year
Places to stay: Kabini River Lodge, The Peepal Tree, The Serai Resorts
Things To Do: Elephant Safari, Jungle Safari, Trekking, Bike Riding, Boating, Bird Watching
Nearest airport: Coimbatore airport
Nearest railway station: Mysore Junction railway station
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8. Kotagiri
Situated in the Nilgiris, this place is a small town known for having one of the best climates in the world. With captivating waterfalls and rich wildlife, Kotagiri is one of the summer tourist places in Tamil Nadu you must visit during your trip to the state.
This is amongst the most famous places in Ooty and also its most beautiful. Catherine Falls is rather a double-cascading waterfall tucked in Kotagiri over the Mettupalayam highway that branches off at Aravenu. It is the second biggest waterfall in the Nilgiris as well as one of Ooty’s most beautiful spots. It’s essentially the River Kallar that cascades down and forms this glorious spectacle of nature called the Catherine Falls. In fact, it is one of the most unique falls since it is surrounded by lovely tea plantations instead of the typical forests and hills.
Distance from Ooty: 30.1 km
Travel time: 1 hour
Places to visit in Kotagiri: Elk Falls, Longwood Shola, Kodanad trek
Best time to visit Kotagiri: November to May
Places to stay: Hanging Huts Resorts, Pear Tree Inn, Enchanting Woods
Nearest airport: Coimbatore Airport
Nearest railway station: Coimbatore Railway station
9. Mahabalipuram
Popular for its intricately carved temples and caves, Mahabalipuram is another gem to marvel at in Tamil Nadu. Located just a few kilometers from the capital city, traveling from Chennai to Mahabalipuram is not at all a hassle. The city has beautiful beaches, magnificent architecture, soothing weather, and offers a refreshing experience to every kind of tourist.
For a scenic and serene beach, amazing temples and picturesque fishing villages; nothing beats Mahabalipuram. The extremely pleasant weather of the coastal town in winter make it one of the best places to visit in south India in winter. Ideal for beach stroll and sunbathing, Mahabalipuram is a paradise for beach lovers.
Distance from Ooty: 512.6 km
Travel time: 9 hours 24 minutes
Places to visit in Mahabalipuram: Arjuna’s Penance, Pancha Rathas, Sea Shore temple, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Descent Of The Ganges, India Seashell Museum, Varaha Cave temple, Mahabalipuram Beach
Best time to visit Mahabalipuram: November to February
Places to stay: Mamalla Beach Resort, Village Retreat, Oceanside Hotel Mahabalipuram
Things To Do: Shopping, Fishing Safari, Beach Camping, Surfing, Crocodile Farm
Nearest airport: Chennai international airport
Nearest railway station: Chengalpattu Junction railway station
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10. Bandipur National Park
The lush green foliage, meandering roads, awesome weather, occasional sight of a deer or two silently grazing in the green fields makes Bandipur one of the best places to visit in December near Bangalore. Blessed with phenomenal scenic beauty, Bandipur National Park is home to rich wildlife like the Indian Elephants, Hornbills, Deer, Pythons, Sloth Bears, and many more. The Bandipur forest is a dedicated site for Project Tiger, which means you may be able to spot these majestic beasts here if you’re lucky! So, if you are seeking quaint spaces amidst nature, then Bandipur is a perfect choice.
Distance from Ooty: 40.8
Travel time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Places to visit in Bandipur National Park: Gopalaswamy Betta and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Best time to visit Bandipur National Park: October to May
Places to stay: The Serai, Tusker Trail Resort, Country Club Wildlife Resort
Nearest airport: Bangalore international airport
So, which of these awesome places to visit near Ooty will you and your travel buddies check out first? Let us know in the comments below. And for now, book an exciting escapade to Ooty to see this town and the ones near it in all their glory!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Ooty
What are the top sightseeing places in Ooty?
There are numerous tourist spots that you can visit in Ooty. Some of the best ones include:
1. Avalanche Lake
2. Ooty Lake
3. Emerald Lake
4. Ooty Botanical Gardens
5. Deer Park
6. Doddabetta Peak
7. Kalhatty Waterfalls
8. Kamraj Sagar Dam
Are 2 days enough for Ooty?
Yes, a 2-3 day trip would suffice to enjoy an Ooty trip. On your vacation, you can visit almost all the charming destinations of the city and you can also partake in adventurous activities if you wish to.
Can I visit Ooty during the Covid situation?
Yes, you can plan a vacation to Ooty during the current Covid situation. However, make sure to follow all the Covid protocols. Stay masked at all times when in a crowd or going out, sanitize your hands at certain intervals, and maintain the required social distance.
How can I plan 2 days in Ooty?
You can enjoy sightseeing on the first day of your trip and visit attractions like Ooty Botanical Gardens, Deer Park, Avalanche Lake, Kalhatty Waterfalls, Kamraj Sagar Dam, etc. To enjoy your day 2, you can indulge in some adventurous activities like horse riding, hand gliding, mountain biking, and more.
Which are some of the best places to visit near Ooty?
Coonoor, Mysore, Wayanad, Coorg, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Kabini, Mahabalipuram, Kotagiri, and Bandipur National Park are some alluring destinations that you can visit near Ooty.
What is the best time to visit Ooty?
While being a lovely little hill station, Ooty is one of the best destinations in India that you can visit throughout the year. However, to witness the best of it, it is recommended to plan a visit from April to June and September to November.
Which are some best restaurants or cafes in Ooty?
Some of the best eateries in Ooty include Place To Bee, Hyderabad Biryani House, Shinkows, Willy's Coffee Pub, Earl's Secret, Angaara, Hotel Junior Kuppanna, Garden Restaurant, and more. Here, you can enjoy local as well as international delicacies.
What is the distance between Ooty and Coonoor?
Coonoor is around 20.2 km away from Ooty and you can reach there via taxi or bus.
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
