South India is mostly covered with a variety of natural scenic spots. There are many idyllic locations around the beautiful city of Ooty, to be explored. Here is exploring some of the perfect getaways from Ooty for weekends, which are easily accessible and enchanting as Ooty.
Conoor
Conoor lies at 19 Kms from Ooty. Connor is a small but a refreshing hill station that attracts a lot of visitors daily. The place has a scenic charm apart from being a tranquil and peaceful location despite the large number of visitors per day. The Nilgiri mountain Railway trip is regarded to be the most cherished activity of all during one’s visit to Conoor. So a visit to this Rack and Pinion rail built by British should not be missed on a Conoor Visit.
Kotagiri
Kotagiri is another hill station at 28 Kms from Ooty. St. Catherine Falls trail the Kotagiri – Kodanad trail and the Kotagiri - Longwood Shola trail are some popular locations to enjoy trekking. The winding mountains harbor beautiful meadows and a heavenly view of the Nilgiri Mountains to the sight of tourists. Rangaswamy Pillar & Peak, Elk Falls, John Sullivan Memorial, Nilgiris Museum, Nehru Park, Snowdon Peak are the other favorite spots of the visitors of Kotagiri.
Tirupur
Tirupur lies at a distance of 90 Kms from Ooty. Tirupur is the centre of textile manufacturing industries of South India. The place is famous for Temples and the textile industries. The Andipalayam Lake, Arulmigu Avinashi Lingeswarar Thirukoil and Sukreeswarar Temple and Sivanmalai are few preferred places of visit when in Tirupur.
Coimbatore
Coimbatore is the largest city of Tamil Nadu state placed at a distance of about a 90 Kms from Ooty. Despite being an industrially developed city, the city preserves a long history of the past dynasties that ruled the place. The most visited spots in the city are the Marudhamalai Temple, the Dhyanalinga Temple, the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park and the Black Thunder Theme Park.
Kabini
Kabini is wildlife reserve in Karnataka, can be reached in about 2 hours and 50 minutes from Ooty. The thick forest, hills and streams of the reserve spread across an area of 55 acres. The forests of Kabini are populated with a good number of Elephants. A safari into the forests of Kabini lets a close vision of elephants, macaques, langurs, wild pigs, wild dogs, tiger and sambhar. A boat ride in Mastigudi Lake also helps you spot some wild animals. Trekking, cycling, bird watching, bonfires in night are other things to do in Kabini.
Wayanad
Wayanad is 125 Kms in Kerala from Ooty. The place is a popular weekend-break venue, mainly due to its striking lush backdrops. Edakkal Caves, Meenmutty Falls and Pookot Lake should not be missed while on a visit to Wayanad. The winding and unwinding hills along with charming plantations and sub-tropical savannah are sure to rejuvenate and relax you.
Mysore
Approximately, 145 Kms from Ooty,
Mysore can be reached in 3 hours and 15 minutes. Mysore is a culturally rich city of Karnataka. The beautiful culture of the city is reflected in its traditions and arts. Of all the Palaces in the city, Amba Palace and Mysore Palace are the most visited ones. Mysore zoo, Brindavan Gardens, Karanji Lake and Kukkarahalli Lake are few more attractions of the city.
Erode
Erode city is approximately 125 Kms from Ooty. The city is popular as a textile hub and offers a variety of printed textiles at wholesale rates. The tourists can pay a visit to Arudra Kabaliswarar Temple, Kasthuri Aranganathar Temple, Mahimaliswarar Temple, and the beautiful Churches of the city. Periyar Memorial House, Vellode Bird Sanctuary, Bhavanisagar Dam ,Government Museum, Kodiveri dams , Karadiyur View Point, Bhavani and Bannari are a few more places of attraction in Erode.
Talakadu
Talakadu is an interesting city placed at a distance of about 148 Kms from Ooty. Talakadu is a city of strange old stories related to its past and history, The city is famous for five important temples that gets inearthed by sand every year but the attempts to keep the temple operating are always on. Visit to Somnathpur, Shivansamudra, Mysore and the surrounds of Cauvery River are a few must see sites in Talakadu.
Palani
Palani is a hill station approachable in about 4 hrs and 15 minutes (192 Kms) from Ooty. Apart from the many famous temples, Palani is also famous for bird watching. Trekking and hiking are other activities to do amongst these picturesque hills.
Kadungallur
Kadungallur is 125 Kms from Ooty, reachable in just about 3 hours. This is a coastal town in Malabar Coast that served as a trade link with Middle East during 7th century AD. For the travelers who love beaches, Kaddipuram Beach is an idol place to spend some time indulging in water spots. Kottapuram Fort and its ruins, Mar Thoma Shrine, Sringapuram Mahadeva Temple are other places to visit in Kadungallur.