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Places to Visit Near Ooty

Kotagiri - home to the Kota tribe of Nilgiris, is one of the more celebrated places to visit near Ooty. Nestling in the misty slopes, the place lies at an altitude of 5882 and attracts tourists all year round. As, acres after acres of tea and coffee plantations along rolling hills, the mesmerizing Catherine Falls, and mountainous terrains fit for adventure opportunities like rock climbing are the main draws of Kotagiri.

Tourists also enjoy Kotagiri for its European-style bungalows and quaint neighborhoods carrying the colonial influence from the British era in India.

Highlights: Trekking on mountain trails, visit to Rangaswamy Peak and pillar, Kodanad View Point, Catherine Falls, and Elk Falls.

Best Time to Visit: Visit between the months of December to May for favorably cool temperatures and clear skies.

Distance: You can access Kotagiri at about an hour’s drive from Ooty, upon covering a distance of 30 km.

Do Checkout: Ooty Tour Packages for Family

Along with Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur is part of India’s principal tiger reserves and home to the second-largest tiger population in the country. The thick deciduous forests of Bandipur spread over 874 sq km, are connected with the neighboring Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarhole, and Mudumalai National Park to form the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Located at a short distance, Bandipur National Park is one of the most famous places to visit around Ooty. The forests of Bandipur are home to a number of endangered species, including the Great Indian Hornbill, Indian rock python, sloth bear, four-horned antelope, etc.

Safari by bus is available at Bandipur between 6:30 am to 9:00 am, and between 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, and by jeep from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. You can also choose to go for the more exotic Elephant safari, available between 10 am and 11 am.

Highlights: Mini bus safari, elephant rides, jeep safari.

Best Time to Visit: Visit the forests between October to March when the weather is pleasant, and there are maximum chances of wildlife sightings.

Distance: The national park is 41 km away from the town of Ooty.

You can also Checkout: Ooty Tour Packages From Mumbai
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The Mudumalai National Park located near Ooty lies to the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The forest stretches along the Western Ghats hills, with a 6000 square kilometer area demarcated as soon to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides the Van and Jeep safaris common to most Indian National Parks, you can also enjoy elephant safaris at Mudumalai.

Moreover, endangered fauna like the Flying Lizard, Indian Leopard, the Indian Giant Squirrel etc. are part of the riches in Mudumalai National Park. The Moyar River flowing through the forest and the Nilgiri Hills can be seen rising across the horizons in this region, making for brilliant nature views. 

Highlights: Tigers and other endangered species, regional endemic avifauna like-- Malabar Trogon and Malabar Grey Hornbill, Theppakadu Elephant Camp, Kalhatti Waterfall.

Best Time to Visit: During autumn and winter, between October to March is the best time to visit these forests. 

Distance: This National Park is located at a distance of 45 km from Ooty,

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Kalpetta is located in Kerala’s Wayanad district, known for its pretty hillsides, coffee plantations, and ancient Jain temples. Along with, the stunning cascading waterfalls like Kanthanpara Falls, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and winsome views of the Chembra Peak will make this visit worth all your time and efforts. It could be a convenient entry-point into the Kerala side of the Nilgiri hills with a handful of beautiful sites to cover.

Luxuriant tea and coffee plantations grow on the surrounding slopes of Kalpetta, with a number of nature trails to explore. In the nearby town of Sulthan Bathery-- named after the  station of Tipu Sultan’s battery of soldiers during a historic battle, you will find an ancient jain temple where Tipu’s army was once sheltered.

The treat for history buffs Kalpetta also includes the Edakkal Caves at 3900 ft above sea level, the walls of which feature rock engravings from the distant Neolithic era.

Highlight: Karapuzha Dam, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Meenmutty Falls, Jain Temple at Sultan Bathery, and Edakkal Caves.

Best Time to Visit: The winter months between October and February are the best for visiting Kalpetta for enjoying a cool and pleasant time.

Distance: Traveling from Ooty, Kalpetta is 117 km away, viable by a short drive of 3-4 hours.

Checkout: Ooty Tour Packages From Kolkata

A widely visited resort town, Vythiri is one of the best places around Ooty to visit for a very satisfying retreat stay. You can check-in at rustic thatched-roofed cottages or log huts of Vythiri located in the midst of greenery to unwind and connect with nature. Close by, there are the other attractions of Wayanad like the towering Chembra Peak and the scenic Meenmutty Falls, apt for a visit by just a couple of hour’s drive.

Vythiri is also known for serving typically delish Keralan meals. At any eatery in the Vythiri village, you can order Kerala-style Appams and Idlis, as well as the vibrant sadhya spreads. Malayalee Parotha and Biryani are the other delicacies found here that you must try.

Highlight: Lakkidi View Point, Hridaya Saras Lake, Chembra Peak, Pookode Lake.

Best Time to Visit: Visit in the months between October to May for enjoying pleasant weather.

Distance: The distance from Ooty to Vythiri is 122 km.
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Palakkad is located at a natural gap between mountains, connecting Kerala to Tamil Nadu. The eye-catching verdant landscapes of the place consist of acres after acres of green paddy fields and a hazy view of the Western Ghats mountains afar. 

One of the historically important places to visit near Ooty, Palakkad- previously known as Palghat lies in the non-coastal stretch of Kerala. This is a place to explore for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. To one end of the town you will find the stunning edifice of Palakkad Fort built by Tipu and to the other- the cloud enveloped hills of Nelliyampathy. For a tranquil experience of nature and a tour of a beautifully landscaped garden, you can visit the Malampuzha Dam reservoir area. 

Highlight: Palakkad Fort, Malampuzha Dam, Nelliyampathy Hills, Rock Garden of Malampuzha.

Best Time to Visit: December to February is the best time to visit to avoid the sultry heat of the tropical weather in these parts. The average temperature during the winters remains between 17 to 28-degree Celsius. 

Distance: The distance from Ooty to Palakkad by the road is 138 km.

Checkout: Ooty Tour Packages From Kerala