Contact UsTop 5 charming hill stations in Ooty for perfect Holiday
Ooty is one of the most beautiful hill stations known as the queen of hills located in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is famous for its salubrious climate, magnificent hills, and breathtaking views, and has been a favourite hill resort for the British during their hot sultry months. Ooty is not only a beautiful place; it has a lot of historical background, beautiful gardens and many places for tourists to enjoy outdoor activities.
Apart from the attractive sites and points of interest within Ooty, the other hill stations are equally fascinating. Every nearby location is special and offers beautiful views, quiet surroundings, and a chance to have fun. These hill stations are perfect for those who want to go on nature walks, visit tea gardens or even for those who love trekking or just want to relax among nature. Here are some beautiful hill stations near Ooty that you would love to visit on your next holiday trip. Lovedale is serene and picturesque, Coonoor has magnificent views and both these places provide the right mix of nature, culture and adventure to make one’s holiday truly enjoyable. Therefore, let’s start packing our bags and be prepared to explore the beauty of the Nilgiri hills.
Here is the Top 5 charming hill stations in Ooty for perfect Holiday
1. Coonoor
Overview
Coonoor is only 19 km away from Ooty and is the second largest hill station of the Nilgiris. It is famous for its tea gardens, hills and a comparatively low temperature.
Attractions
- Tea Estates: Coonoor is famous for its tea gardens. They are allowed to take guided tours at the estates, learn how tea is processed and even taste fresh tea products. The two interesting sites that are recommended to be visited are the Brooklands Tea Estate and Tazo Tea Factory.
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway: This is a World Heritage site where tourists can travel by train from Ooty to Coonoor enjoying the beautiful sceneries. The toy train is a special attraction for the tourists and the journey through the valleys and hills is fascinating.
- Sim’s Park: A splendid piece of work of horticulture, Sim’s Park is a botanical garden that has rare species of plants. It is a perfect area for strolling and spending time with family members on a picnic.
- Dolphin’s Nose: This viewpoint provides a vantage point of the surrounding hills and valleys. The trail to Dolphin’s Nose is a good one, and one can take good pictures here.
- Activities: Tourists can take up trekking, birding, and photography, which makes Coonoor a perfect destination for nature lovers.
2. Kotagiri
Overview
Kotagiri is about 30 km from Ooty and is one of the oldest hill stations in the Nilgiri hills. It boasts of its serene environment and beautiful sceneries, making it an ideal place for a vacation.
Attractions:
- Longwood Shola: Longwood Shola is a beautiful nature reserve that is particularly known for its trekking trails that pass through the forest area. This area is bio diverse and therefore affords an opportunity to see a variety of bird species as well as other wildlife.
- Kotagiri Church: This is a beautiful church which was constructed during the British rule and is a fine example of the colonial architecture.
- Rangaswamy Peak: Rangaswamy Peak is the highest point in Kotagiri, and tourists can get a clear view of the hills and valleys around. It is a perfect place for hiking and taking pictures.
- Activities: Kotagiri is ideal for trekking, visiting tea gardens, and shopping at local markets that offer local arts and crafts.
3. Avalanche
Overview
Avalanche is another hill station situated at a distance of approximately 28 km from Ooty, and is comparatively unexplored, which makes it a good place for couples and people who love to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Attractions:
- Avalanche Lake: This is a beautiful lake that is located in a green environment and visitors can fish and even take a boat ride. The area is ideal for barbecues and strolling.
- Trekking Trails: Avalanche is famous for its beautiful trails for trekking that passes through forest and meadow terrains. The trails present a good opportunity of discovering the diverse vegetation and other wildlife in the area.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located in a wildlife sanctuary and people can see different types of birds and animals in their natural setting.
- Activities: Trekking, camping and wildlife lovers can have a good time as the place offers rich variety of flora and fauna.
4. Lovedale
Overview
Lovedale is another beautiful hill station situated 6 km away from Ooty which is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and the buildings of the British era. It provides an opportunity to be alone and be away from many people.
Attractions:
- Lawrence School: This is a prestigious school that was established in 1858 and is located in a very beautiful area with beautiful colonial buildings. The compound is ideal for taking a stroll in the compound.
- Church of South India: This is a historical church that has a very good design and is very quiet, making it ideal for meditation.
- Local Bungalows: The area has many small colonial bungalows which have been converted into homestays. Accommodation in one of these bungalows gives your holiday a special flavor.
- Activities: Lovedale is ideal for a silent stroll, taking a break from the warm weather, and getting a glimpse of African life in a serene environment.
5. Nanjanad
Overview
Nanjanad is a beautiful place located at a distance of about 23 kilometers from Ooty and it gives a panoramic view of the Nilgiri Mountains.
Attractions:
- Nanjanad Village: The village is famous for its culture and it gives the visitors a glimpse of the traditional way of life of the people. Tourists are able to communicate with the locals and get to know more about their way of life.
- Scenic Waterfalls: The area contains several beautiful waterfalls which are ideal for carrying out activities such as picnicking and photography. These natural attractions are complemented with the greenery in their surroundings.
- Hiking Trails: There are many routes for hiking in Nanjanad and all of them are going through a thick forest and provide the best views of the area. It is ideal for trekking lovers.
- Activities: It is suitable for hiking, visiting the nearby villages and admiring the calmness of the hills.
Conclusion:
Ooty and the surrounding hill stations offer tourists a wide variety of relaxation and adventure activities. Coonoor, Lovedale and Nanjanad are some of the most beautiful places for a holiday full of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Be it a honeymoon, a family vacation or a personal rejuvenation trip, these beautiful hill stations will make your journey memorable and will compel you to visit again. So, get ready to pack your bags, go to the hills and explore the bewitching beauty of Ooty and other hill stations.
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