Read More: 5 REASONS FOR VISITING OOTY

a. How to reach Valparai?

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Valparai Map

1. By Train:

The closest railway station to this beautiful hill station is located in Coimbatore. The Coimbatore Junction is well connected to major cities throughout the country.

2. By Road:

The ideal starting points to get to Valparai would include Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Madurai, Kozhikode, and Chennai.

a. Via Bengaluru:

There are three routes from Bengaluru to Valparai via NH-544 which takes 9 hours and 4 minutes, via NH-44 which takes 9 hours and 34 minutes and NH-275 which takes 10 hours and 2 minutes.

b. Via Coimbatore:

There are three routes from Coimbatore to Valparai via NH-83 and SH-78 which takes 3 hours and 20 minutes, via SH-78 which takes 3 hours and 32 minutes and Via Palakkad-Pollachi Road and SH-78 which takes 3 hours and 38 minutes.

c. Via Madurai:

There are three routes from Madurai to Valparai via NH-83 which takes about 5 hours and 22 minutes, via SH-78 which takes 5 hours and 29 minutes and via Dindigul-Natham-Singampunari and NH-83 which takes about 6 hours and 34 minutes.

d. Via Kozhikode:

There are two routes from Kozhikode to Valparai via Kozhikode-Malappuram-Palakkad Highway and SH-78 which takes about 6 hours and 25 minutes, and via SH-78 which takes 6 hours and 33 minutes.

e. Via Chennai:

There are three routes from Chennai to Valparai via Chennai-Villupuram-Trichy which takes about 11 hours and 16 minutes, via Chennai-Villupuram- Trichy and Kanyakumari Road which takes about 11 hours and 14 minutes, and via NH-48 which takes about 11 hours 34 minutes.

3. By air: 

The nearest airport to this quaint hill station is in Coimbatore. The Coimbatore Airport is well connected to major domestic cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad etc. In terms of international destinations, it is well connected to Singapore and Sharjah.

Climate and the best time to Valparai:

The climate of Valparai can be best described as “Subtropical” with the weather ranging from moderate hot to foggy cold. The best time to visit this beautiful hill station is during summer which begins in March and ends in mid June. The climate continues to be pleasant from September right up to February. In other words, this picturesque hill station can be visited throughout the year.

Places to Visit in Valparai: 

There are number of places to visit in Valparai. They are as follows:

a. Chinnakallar Falls:

A beautiful water fall known as Chinnakallar is located at this hill station. The lush green environment surrounding this beautiful spot is what makes it truly soothing to the eyes.

b. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary: 

There exist a wildlife sanctuary located around this hill station named ‘Indira Gandhi’ renowned for exotic animals. They include leopards, elephants, lion tailed macaques, gaur, spotted deer, sambar, and giant squirrels.

c. Tea Plantations: 

There are a number of scenic tea plantations surrounding this hill station that are truly worth visiting.

Interesting Fact:

The mountain range surrounding this hill station comprises of an animal called Nilgiri Tahr belonging to a group known as ungulate. Furthermore, this animal species is endemic to this quaint town as well as to the Nilgiri Mountain Range.

Also Read: WHY IS OOTY ONE OF THE MOST VISITED HILL STATION IN INDIA?

Image Credits: Wikipedia

Read More: TRAIN TO OOTY: THE HERITAGE NILGIRI MOUNTAIN RAILWAY

How to reach Yelagiri ?

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Yelagiri Map

By train:

The closest railway station to Yelagiri is in Jolarpettai. The Jolarpettai Railway Station is well connected to all the major railway stations in the country. Taxi services are available from Jolarpettai Railway Station to Yelagiri.

By road:

There are many bus services provided by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation to Yelagiri from neighboring cities. There are also regular bus services from cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Krishnagiri to Yelagiri.

By flight:

The closest airport to Yelagiri is in Bangalore. The Bangalore Airport is well connected to most of the major cities in the country. Taxi services from Bangalore Airport to Yelagiri are available.

Climate and the best time to visit Yelagiri

The climate in Yelagiri throughout the year can aptly be described as moderate. The temperature during the summers which begin in March and end in June ranges from 18 degrees to 34 degrees. The winters which begin in November and end in February can be described as cold to warm with the temperature ranging from 11 degrees to 25 degrees. During monsoons that begin July and end in September the rainfall received is average. The best time to visit Yelagiri is from November to February.

Places To Visit Around Yelagiri

Jalagamparai waterfalls: This is a beautiful waterfall at its best during November to February. The vast scenic beauty of the surrounding area is truly a treat to the eyes.

Punganoor Lake: An artificial lake, the Punganoor Lake is known for its exotic beauty. There are facilities for rowing and boating on the lake. The neighborhood area has a lovely floriculture garden where one can relax and enjoy the splendid lake view. The place is also ideal for bird-watching.

Velavan Temple: Built in the memory of Lord Murugan, it is situated at the top of the Velavan Mountain. This site offers some amazing views. During July-August, a large number of festivals are celebrated in this temple.

Jalagandeeswarar Temple: The temple has an intriguing history attached to it. The great stone work and sculpture involved deserves a special mention. The temple possesses a huge open space for prayers and rituals.

Swami Malai Hills: This hill looks like a cake that has a sturdy base and a very high peak. The neighboring Pallamathi hills and Javadi hills are equally beautiful, which can be trekked to enjoy the natural splendor.

VainuBappu Solar Observatory: It is situated on the Javadi Hills and is one of the biggest solar observatories. The VainuBappu Telescope inside this observatory is the largest in Asia. Prior permission is required to enter this observatory.

Nilavoor Lake: This pond is beautifully surrounded by gardens and also has boating facilities. The nearby Devi Temple is worth a visit. Moksha Vimochana Temple is another great site for the visitors. The Nilavoor Lake possesses a tranquil environment.

Other places of interest in close proximity to Yelagiri include Dharmapuri, Vellore, Krishnagiri, Yercaud, Thiruvannamalai, Hosur, and Thiruthani.

Also Read: 5 REASONS FOR VISITING OOTY

Read More: WHY IS OOTY ONE OF THE MOST VISITED HILL STATION IN INDIA?

How to reach Kodaikanal?

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Kodaikanal Map

By train:

The closest railway station is Kodai Road which is located at a distance of about 100 km from the town. The Dindigul railway station is the most preferred option because it is a much bigger town than Kodai Road.

By road:

There are many bus services that ply from major cities in Tamil Nadu such as Chennai, Pondicherry, Madurai, Coimbatore etc. Chennai and Pondicherry are starting points that are located in close proximity to Kodaikanal.

a. How to reach Kodaikanal  from Chennai  : The shortest route to reach Kodaikanal  from Chennai  is via Chennai – Theni Hwy as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.

b. How to reach Kodaikanal  from Pondicherry : The fastest route from Pondicherry to  Kodaikanal is via NH83 and Chennai – Theni Hwy/Trichy-Tindivanam Hwy and the route map is depicted above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.

By flight:

The nearest airports are Trichy (150km), Madurai (120 km), and Coimbatore (175 km).

Climate and the best time to visit Kodaikanal

The climate of Kodaikanal can be best described as “Subtropical” with the weather ranging from moderate hot to foggy cold. The best time to visit this beautiful hill station is during summer which begins in March and ends in mid June and September and October. Surprisingly though a majority of the visitors especially honeymoon couples prefer the cold and foggy weather of December i.e. winter.

Places To Visit Around Kodaikanal

Coakers Walk:

As indicated by its name, a simple walking arena, yet very unique as Coakers walk provide the panoramic views of the spectacular plains, valleys and hills. Take a relaxing stroll in the coakers walk and capture the scenic beauty in your eyes and of course in your cameras. Best time to stroll is before 2 PM, otherwise the ocean of clouds can eat you and you may miss your way to exit!

Bryant Park:

A very popular attraction in Kodaikanal famed for the effervescent flower show during summer. Located near Kodaikanallake, Bryant park is a visual retreat. The large park is the home to a variety of flowers, very rare flowers, special hybrids, you have seen anywhere. The botanical, rather the floral garden is named after Bryant, who landscaped this beautiful park. Don’t miss the flower and vegetable show in the summer.

Devil’s Kitchen:

A very adventurous and risky yet thrilling and most sought after attraction in Kodaikanal is Devil’s Kitchen. Also called as Guna Caves, Devil’s kitchen rose to fame after being publicized in a tamil movie, ‘Guna’. With steep slopes, deep and hidden ravines, and mystic gutters, anyone easily feed themselves for the Devil’s trap. It is very adventurous yet too risky! It is located amidst the green valley view, a suicide point and pillar rocks.

Dolphin’s Nose:

Scenic spot offering breathtaking views on the hills and plains need walking around 8 kilometers from the main bus stand. You will get a spectacular view from this spot which is very similar to the bird’s view! It is called Dolphin’s nose, because the shape of the rock appears so!

Kodai Lake:

The largest star shaped lake in the Kodaikanal, spread across 60 acres of land is the most favorite attractions in Kodaikanal for all tourists. Water is surrounded by spectacular greenery. Enjoy the boating or sit back, relax and relish the nature!

Green Valley View:

Earlier called as Suicide Point, Green Valley View, as indicated by the name provides the amazing views on the green ravines. Many times the misty clouds will play hide and seek. Visitors need an extra care while stepping.

Other major attractions of Kodaikanal include Pillar rocks, silver cascade waterfall, Kurinjiandavar temple, silent valley view, Palani hills, etc.

Accommodation – Hotels, Resorts and Home Stays in and around Kodaikanal :

Click on the link here to check out the places to stay near Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu  on Google Maps.

Also Read: TRAIN TO OOTY: THE HERITAGE NILGIRI MOUNTAIN RAILWAY

Read More: DO YOU KNOW WHY COONOOR IS A WORTH VISIT INDIAN HILL STATION?

How to reach Coonoor 

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Coonoor Map

By train:

This scenic town has its own railway station which forms a part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a World Heritage Site. It is a train called “Nilgiri Mountain Train” running between Mettupalyam and Ooty that halts at Coonoor station. While Coimbatore junction is the closest broad gauge railway station available which is well connected to most of the major cities in the country.

By road:

Regular state bus services to Coonoor are provided from places within the state like Coimbatore, Ooty etc.  Additionally, regular private bus services from Mettupalayam are also available. Chennai and Puducherry are starting points located in close proximity to  Coonoor.

a. How to reach Coonoor  from Chennai : The shortest route to reach Coonoor  from Chennai  is via NH79 as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.

b. How to reach Coonoor  from Puducherry : The fastest route from Puducherry to Coonoor  is via NH544 and NH79 and the route map is depicted above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.

By flight:

The closest domestic airport to Coonoor is Coimbatore’s Peelamdeu Airport. This airport is well connected to major cities like Bangalore and Chennai. On the other hand the nearest international airport is the Bangalore airport.

Climate and best time to visit Coonoor

With Coonoor being located at an elevation of 1850 meters above sea level the climate is pleasant throughout. With the temperatures during the summer season from March to May varying from a maximum of 25 degrees to a minimum of 15 degrees. While during winter the temperature varies from 10 degrees minimum to 20 degrees maximum. While the rainfall received during the monsoon season can be termed as “mild-to-medium”. Although Coonoor can be visited anytime the summer months of March to May is the best time for tourists.

Places to Visit Around Coonoor

Droog Fort: The only option to reach this fort is trekking. Located at an elevation of 6000 feet, this fort, according to the legends, was used by Tipu Sultan as one of the outposts. It is also known as BakasuraMalai. One has to go through the Nonsuch Tea Estate to access the fort.

Catherine Falls: Falling from a height of 250 feet, the Catherine Falls is visible from the top of Dolphin’s Nose. The landscape below is simply breathtaking.

Dolphin’s Nose: This is a unique kind of rock formation that appears like the nose of a dolphin. The ravines on either of the sides are truly ravishing.

Lamb’s Rock: This is a picnic spot that one will come across enroute to Dolphin’s Nose. The rock here is a scraggy cliff that goes down to several hundred feet into the jungle. The Hulical ravine flows on its right hand side. It offers a mesmerizing view of the plains of Coimbatore.

Hidden Valley: The region surrounding Coonoor, the Hidden Valley, is too charming to look at. One has to trek to reach the valley in order to enjoy the lush greenery all around. The impressive mountain views make the trek worthy.

Sim’s Park: An unconventional botanical garden, Sim’s Park was founded by Mr. J.D. Sims and Major Murray in 1874. The park is home to some unusual plant species that have been brought from different corners of the world. An annual fruit and vegetable show is held here.

Other places of interests that you can plan to visit while in Coonoorinclude Red Hills, Bellikkal, Mudumalai, Masinagudi, Ooty, Coimbatore, Wayanad, Bandipur National Park, Mysore, and Munnar.

Accommodation – Hotels, Resorts and Home Stays in and around Coonoor:

Click on the link here to check out the places to stay near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu on Google Maps.

Also Read: WHY IS OOTY ONE OF THE MOST VISITED HILL STATION IN INDIA?

Read More: WHY IS OOTY ONE OF THE MOST VISITED HILL STATION IN INDIA?

How to reach Anaimalai Hills?

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Anaimalai Hills Map

By train:

The closest railway station to the Anamalai Hills is the Coimbatore railway station which is connected to most of the major railway stations in India.

By road:

There are number of state owned buses in Chennai that provide frequent service to Anamalai Hills. While there a number of private bus services available for Anamalai Hills from cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Cochin.

By flight:

The nearest airport to the Hills is the Coimbatore Airport. Taxi facility from the airport can then be used to reach Anamalai Hills.

Climate and the best time to visit Anaimalai Hills

The climate found in this region is generally moderate. During the summer months from March to May, the temperature ranges from 35 degree Celsius to 40 degree Celsius. The rainfall received during the monsoon season that begins from June and ends in September ranges from medium to heavy.  During winter which begins in December and ends in February the temperature ranges from 15 degree Celsius to 20 degree Celsius. As a result of a significant drop of temperature during winter and a moderate to heavy monsoon, the best time to visit the Anamalai Hills is from June to March.

Places To  Visit Around Anaimalai Hills

Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary: It is also known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park which is spread over a wide expanse of land. It is home to several wild animals like sloth bear, civet cat, elephant, gaur, tiger, etc. One can tour the sanctuary on the elephant’s back or in a van.

Amaravathy reservoir: This reservoir houses a large number of crocodiles and is a fantastic site for the tourists.

Monkey Falls: Located on Pollachi-Valparai highway, the Monkey Falls is a wonderful natural waterfall that has a unique beauty. It rushes down with a gurgling sound.

Varagaliar Elephant Camp: Varagaliar Elephant Camp is home to several elephants. However, for entry over here, one has to seek permission from the Deputy Conservator of Forests. It can be toured only in a forest jeep.

Other places of interest nearby: Krishnagiri, Cuddalore, Yelagiri, Kanchipuram, Dharmapuri, Vedanthangal, and Alangudi are some superb weekend getaway destinations from Anamalai Hills.

Also Read: WHY IS OOTY CALLED THE “QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS” IN INDIA?

Read More: WHY IS OOTY CALLED THE “QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS” IN INDIA?

How to reach Ooty?

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Ooty Map

By train:

This hill station has its own railway station called “Ooty Railway Station”. This railway station is connected to all major cities in Tamil Nadu. There are train services that operate every day from Mettupalayam railway station to Ooty.

By road:

Several taxi and bus services to Ooty are available in the state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai and Puducherry are starting points that are in close proximity to Ooty.

a. How to reach Ooty from Chennai  : The shortest route to reach Ooty  from Chennai  is via NH79 as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.

b. How to reach Ooty  from Puducherry : The fastest route from Puducherry to Ooty via NH544 and NH79 and the route map is depicted above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.

By flight:

The closest airport to Ooty is in Coimbatore. The Coimbatore Airport is located at a distance of about 105 km away from Ooty.

Climate and the best time to visit Ooty

The climate in Ooty throughout the year remains pleasant with, the temperature during summer months of March to May ranging from 12 degrees to 30 degrees. The monsoon season from June to September is heavy and this the ideal season for “romance”.  The winter season in Ooty begins in November and ends in January with the temperature ranging from 5 degrees to 23 degrees. Although the ideal time to visit Ooty is during summer i.e. March to May it is very crowded and to avoid large crowds the best time would be from August to October.

Places To Visit Around Ooty

Botanical Garden:

For many people, Ooty literally means the botanical garden. The splendour of the wonderful garden with more than 650 types of plants and trees laid out since the mid of 1840s is a truly wonderful sight.  This garden is now managed and maintained by the Horticulture department. Natural and garden lovers find this place amazing as the botanical garden houses ancient trees aged more than 20 million years! Walking along across the garden and visiting the variety of plants and trees, is a truly pleasurable activity.

Rose Gardens:

Next to botanical garden, the prominent attraction of Ooty is Rose Gardens. A variety of roses in unexpected colours are grown here. You can find roses in lavender, dark blue, green and even in black. The captivating beauty of the flowers on show is a visual treat  and is not to be missed.

Doddabetta Peak:

Doddabetta peak is the highest point in Ooty. Located at a distance of 10 kms from Ooty, Doddabetta offers the stunning views of the valley, forests, tea gardens and plains. This peak is truly a photographer’s delight.

Pykara Lake:

Boating is a popular activity in Ooty and a boat ride in the Pykara Lake is not to be missed.

Horseriding:

One of the most preferred activities in Ooty is horse riding. You can explore the nearby countryside via horse riding.

Accommodation – Hotels, Resorts and Home Stays in and around Ooty:

Click on the link here to check out the places to stay near Ooty , Tamil Nadu on Google Maps.

Also Read: TRAIN TO OOTY: THE HERITAGE NILGIRI MOUNTAIN RAILWAY