1. Coonoor
- Distance from Ooty: 20 km
- Best For: Tea estates, viewpoints, and calm staycations
Coonoor is a quieter hill station near Ooty, known for its sprawling tea gardens, heritage buildings, and laid-back atmosphere. Popular attractions include Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb’s Rock, Catherine Falls, and Law’s Falls. It is also famous for Nilgiri tea and homestays surrounded by lush greenery.
2. Kotagiri
- Distance from Ooty: 30 km
- Best For: Trekking, valleys, and waterfalls
Kotagiri is one of the oldest hill stations in the Nilgiris, less crowded than Ooty and Coonoor. It offers scenic trekking trails like Kodanad Viewpoint and Longwood Shola Forest Reserve. Don’t miss Catherine Falls for breathtaking views. With its peaceful tea estates, Kotagiri is perfect for eco-tourism lovers.
3. Mudumalai National Park
- Distance from Ooty: 40 km
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: ?30 per person
Mudumalai, a UNESCO-declared tiger reserve, connects the Eastern and Western Ghats. It is home to elephants, leopards, deer, bison, and over 200 bird species. Tourists can enjoy jeep safaris and stay at forest guest houses. Adventure seekers often extend their Ooty trip here for a wildlife experience.
4. Masinagudi
- Distance from Ooty: 30 km
- Best For: Wildlife, birdwatching, jungle stays
Located on the Ooty–Mysore road, Masinagudi is a small forest village near Mudumalai. It is famous for jungle safaris, nature walks, and birdwatching. Many eco-resorts and forest lodges offer stay options amidst wildlife. It’s a great offbeat destination for adventure travelers.
5. Avalanche Lake
- Distance from Ooty: 28 km
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Avalanche is a pristine lake surrounded by lush mountains and rare flora. Known for trout fishing, camping, and trekking to Upper Bhavani Hills, it is one of the most scenic places outside Ooty. Jeep rides from the forest checkpoint take visitors deep into the valley.
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6. Emerald Lake (Silent Valley)
- Distance from Ooty: 25 km
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Located in the Silent Valley region, Emerald Lake is a peaceful offbeat attraction. Surrounded by tea estates, it is a favorite for picnics, birdwatching, and sunset views. Ideal for couples and families looking for quiet time away from Ooty’s busy streets.
7. Parsons Valley
- Distance from Ooty: 19 km
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Forest permit required
Parsons Valley is part of a reserved forest area and is known for its pristine landscapes and trekking trails. It is also an important watershed area for the Nilgiris. With its untouched beauty, it is a hidden gem for nature lovers.
8. Kodanad View Point (Kotagiri Side)
- Distance from Ooty: 36 km
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Kodanad View Point offers breathtaking panoramic views of tea estates, the Moyar River, and the distant plains of Karnataka. The drive to this point through Kotagiri tea plantations is scenic. It is one of the best sunrise and sunset spots near Ooty.
9. Catherine Falls (Kotagiri)
- Distance from Ooty: 35 km
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
A double-cascading waterfall near Kotagiri, Catherine Falls is surrounded by tea plantations and shola forests. It is a popular trekking and photography spot. Adventure seekers often combine this with Dolphin’s Nose View Point for a perfect day trip from Ooty.
10. Dolphin’s Nose (Coonoor)
- Distance from Ooty: 23 km
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
A unique rock formation resembling a dolphin’s nose, this viewpoint offers stunning views of Catherine Falls and Nilgiri valleys. Surrounded by tea plantations, it is one of the most photographed places near Coonoor. Misty mornings and sunsets here are truly magical.