Coonoor or Ooty? Which Hill Town Should You Pick for Your Next Trip?

Do you know that Tamil Nadu ranks among the states that receive the most domestic tourist visits? In 2023, around 218.58 million people explored this cultural and natural wonderland.

Of all hill stations, Ooty keeps registering a good crowd. But it isn't the only best hill station in Tamil Nadu. Just a short ride away lies Coonoor, a quieter yet equally stunning paradise for nature lovers.

So here’s the big question: Coonoor or Ooty—which hill town should you pick for your next trip? Both promise scenic beauty, beautiful places, and unforgettable experiences, but they cater to very different travel moods.

In this Ooty vs. Coonoor guide, we'll explore the highlights of the two destinations. That way, you can decide whether to choose Coonoor or Ooty.

Coonoor vs. Ooty: A Quick Look at the Two Best Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, here's what you need to know about these two hill stations. 

Ooty (officially Udhagamandalam) is a more popular tourist destination. Originally inhabited by the Toda people, the area was later taken over by the East India Company in the 18th century. It then became the summer capital of the Madras Presidency.

Coonoor, on the other hand, is Ooty's quieter cousin. It sits lower in the Nilgiri mountain range and offers a more laid-back vibe. While tourists flock to visit Ooty in droves, Coonoor maintains its peaceful atmosphere. The latter's perfect if you're after a peaceful retreat.

Both towns are connected by the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a World Heritage Site that is an attraction in itself. The toy train chugs through tea plantations, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Why You Should Consider Visiting Ooty

Often referred to as the "Queen of Hill Stations," Ooty is a vibrant tourist hub that offers a wide variety of activities and attractions. Whether you want beautiful gardens or serene lakes, Ooty has it all.

Let's take a look at why you must visit Ooty:

1. Ooty Lake & Other Beautiful Lakes

Kicking off our list is the crown jewel of the town, Ooty Lake.

Created by John Sullivan in 1824, this beautiful lake offers plenty of opportunities for boating, cycling, and even horse riding. Ooty Lake has a mini train and an amusement park, which makes it a perfect spot for families.  

Beyond the main lake, Ooty is home to other stunning water bodies that offer different kinds of experiences.

Pykara Lake, surrounded by a serene pine forest, is a photographer’s dream with its calm waters and breathtaking views. Then there is Avalanche Lake, a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Nestled among towering mountains, it’s perfect for trekking, trout fishing, and camping under the stars.

Last but not least, Emerald Lake is your ticket to tranquillity. Smaller and less crowded, it’s the ideal spot for a quiet picnic or a soul-soothing nature walk by the sparkling water.

2. Botanical & Rose Gardens

For nature enthusiasts, Ooty is a true delight, with 2 world-class gardens that showcase the region's incredible flora.

The famous Ooty Botanical Gardens, spread across 55 acres, houses a diverse range of indigenous and exotic plants, including rare ferns, orchids, and a fascinating 20-million-year-old fossilised tree. Every May, the garden hosts a major annual flower show. This event is a visual feast of colours and artistry.

Just a short distance away is the enchanting Rose Garden, perched on the slopes of Elk Hill. 

This floral haven holds the prestigious "Garden of Excellence Award" from the World Federation of Rose Societies, a recognition given to only 35 rose gardens worldwide. You can find many rare species here, including black and green roses.

Both of these beautiful gardens showcase Ooty's focus on manicured natural beauty.

3. Doddabetta Peak

You can't get a better panoramic view than from the top of Doddabetta Peak.

At an altitude of 2,637 meters, it is the highest point in the Nilgiri District and the third highest in South India. The name "Doddabetta" itself literally means "big hill" in the Kannada language, a name that is certainly fitting. 

The peak is located about 10 kilometres from Ooty bus stand and stands at the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats. From the summit, you can have a magnificent panoramic view of the entire Nilgiri Hills range and the surrounding landscape.

4. Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Another major attraction in Ooty is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which the locals affectionately call the "Toy Train." This railway, built by the British in 1908, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is India’s only rack railway, using a special system to climb the steepest track in Asia.

This toy train journey from Mettupalayam to Ooty town takes you through tea gardens, forests, and offers incredible scenic beauty. It is a beautiful 46-kilometre ride. You will pass through 16 tunnels and 250 bridges.

5. Other Must-See Attractions

Beyond the famous gardens and lakes, this town of Tamil Nadu has the Ooty Pine Forest, which is a serene sanctuary amidst the picturesque landscape of the Nilgiri Hills. It's a popular spot for filmmakers.

Another notable spot is the Ooty Tea Factory and Museum, where you can gain insights into the history of tea-making and the process of tea plucking.

Ooty also provides a range of adventure sports like mountain biking and kayaking. Its bustling local markets, such as the Tibetan Market and Main Bazaar, offer a chance to shop for local apparel, spices, and homemade chocolates.

If you’re a history buff, you can explore traditional Toda villages and learn about the Bangala tribes. Nature lovers, on the other hand, can enjoy birdwatching and spotting rare species.

Why You Must Choose Coonoor

While Ooty is known for its grandeur, Coonoor captivates with its quiet charm and authentic, intimate atmosphere. Here's why Coonoor could be the perfect destination for your next getaway:

1. Tea Estates & Tea Gardens

Coonoor is famous for its vast tea estates and tea gardens. A walk through these verdant plantations is a sensory delight.

Strolling through the meticulously manicured rows of tea bushes, you'll inhale the refreshing scent of freshly plucked leaves on a gentle breeze and learn the tea-making process. The Highfield Tea Factory, for instance, gives you a glimpse of how tea is made, from the leaf to your cup.

2. Breathtaking Viewpoints

This hill station in Tamil Nadu is home to several viewpoints that offer a quiet but no less spectacular alternative to Ooty’s crowded spots.

The star attraction of Coonoor is the Dolphin's Nose View Point. The rock formation looks like a dolphin's nose, which gives the place its name. 

From here, you get a stunning panoramic view of tea plantations and valleys. You can even see Catherine Falls in the distance. Another great spot is Lamb's Rock. It offers a breathtaking view of the Coimbatore plains.

3. Sim’s Park

This historic botanical garden provides a tranquil escape from city life. The park, which has a history of over a hundred years, is spread over 12 hectares and features an impressive collection of over 1,000 species of colourful flowers and exotic plants.

You can find many exotic and rare plants here, including the Rudraksha bead tree. Unlike Ooty's flower shows, this garden hosts a famous annual fruit and vegetable show in May. This event celebrates the region's agricultural wealth.

Travel Logistics

Getting to either destination is fairly straightforward. Ooty is well-connected to Bangalore Airport (about 290 km away), though Coimbatore Airport is closer at 94 km. Both towns are well-connected by road, though be prepared for speed breakers and winding mountain roads.

To reach Ooty, you can drive directly or take the train via the heritage railway. For Coonoor, you'll typically drive through Ooty or take the toy train from Mettupalayam.

The pleasant weather in both places makes them year-round destinations, though peak season (April-June and September-November) can get quite crowded.

Coonoor or Ooty? Which Hill Town Should You Pick for Your Next Trip?

Both Ooty and Coonoor offer plenty for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, from trekking in the Nilgiri Mountain ranges to visiting beautiful places like Emerald Lake or Pykara Falls. So, how do you pick your perfect destination?  

Choose Coonoor if you love tea plantations, prefer nature walks over crowded attractions, and want to experience the traditional hill station charm without the tourist rush. It's ideal for couples seeking a peaceful retreat or nature lovers who want to explore at their own pace.

Visit Ooty if you want a complete hill station experience with multiple tourist attractions, enjoy boating on the lakes, and prefer having more dining choices. It's great for families and first-time visitors to hill stations.

For a complete experience, why not visit both? You could base yourself in one town and make a day trip to the other. Since they are just 20 km apart, you can visit Ooty for the bustling tourist attractions and then retreat to Coonoor’s quiet, beautiful gardens in the evening.

No matter which you choose, a trip to the Nilgiri Mountain region promises to be unforgettable.