Explore The 8 Most Stunning Beaches Near Ooty, Tamil Nadu!
The 'Queen of Hill Stations', Ooty is located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and cooler climate. Although Ooty itself is a landlocked hill station, it has easy access to some of the most stunning beaches in Tamil Nadu due to its proximity to the coast. If you are planning to visit Ooty and extend your vacation by some beach time, here are the top stunning beaches around Ooty that you should not miss.
1. Marina Beach, Chennai
Despite being quite far from Ooty (around 550 km), Marina Beach in Chennai is worth going for. It is India's longest natural urban beach and second largest worldwide. This amazing beach stretches over 13 kilometers and provides a good view of Bay of Bengal. Visitors can take leisurely walks on this beach or even go horse riding while enjoying local snacks sold by numerous vendors available here . The sunrise and sunset views on this beach are simply breathtaking therefore it ranks among must visit places.
2. Covelong Beach, Chennai
Covelong Beach (Kovalam Beach) which lies about 40 km away from Chennai is a beautiful coastal retreat. It has calm waters and clear beauty making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing purposes. Windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing are all activities that happen along this coastline hence making it famous as per aquatic sport events . Ancient churches and fishing hamlets make Covelong village more attractive because it gives one an opportunity to experience local culture.
3. Mahabalipuram Beach
About sixty kilometers from Chennai city center as well as six hundred kilometers from Ooty town., Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram) is renowned worldwide with many rock-cut temples and monuments thereby adding historical charm to its scenic beaches as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beach itself is clean and generally less crowded, providing an ideal place for relaxation and photography . Sea, sand, and ancient architecture combine in Mahabalipuram Beach to make it a distinctive experience one would never forget in his/her lifetime.
4. Auroville Beach, Pondicherry
Auroville beach, approximately 410 km from Ooty, offers a haven for those who love beaches. This beach has clean sands with gentle surf making it popular among both locals and tourists alike. It is also not far away from Auroville which is an experimental township where you can have unique cultural as well as spiritual experiences that you cannot find anywhere else . With its scenic beauty plus laid-back atmosphere of the area, Auroville Beach makes a perfect escape from the hustles of the city.
5. Promenade Beach, Pondicherry
Located at about 410 kilometers from Ooty town, Promenade Beach or Rock Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Pondicherry. The coastline which stretches over 1.2 km is ideal for evening walks and cool sea breezes . War Memorial, Mahatma Gandhi's statue and Old Lighthouse are some of the historical landmarks which line this beach . There are lively street performances with vibrant ambiance along the promenade; not forgetting cafes where one can relax with a cup of coffee or tea while enjoying a cool , pleasant environment around them.
6. Silver Beach, Cuddalore
Silver Beach in Cuddalore about 380 km from Ooty is one of the longest beaches on the Coromandel Coast. This beach in perfect condition has calm and clear waters making it a great place for swimming as well as picnicking. There is also a children's park and boat house on the beach that provide entertainment for families. Silver Beach's tranquility and naturalness make it a perfect place to spend the day.
7. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry
Another jewel in Pondicherry, Paradise Beach can be accessed by a quick ferry ride from Chunnambar Boat House. The secluded beach has golden sand and turquoise watercolor. The beach presents peacefulness by way of swimming, beach volleyball, and appreciating scenic beauty. On your way there you take a boat to Paradise Beach through backwaters surrounded with evergreen coconut palms.
8. Elliot's Beach, Chennai
Elliot's (Besant Nagar) beach situated around 560 km from Ooty is yet another beautiful shore in Chennai city. Its calm surroundings and cleanliness are known to attract local people towards there who prefer relaxing during sea breeze conditions. For example, there is also Ashtalakshmi Temple which is located near this shoreline apart from Velankanni Church thus resulting into some sort of pilgrimage journey to this seashore side attraction also; many cafes or eating points are present nearby where people can just sit back relax & go through their taste buds for some delicious food items.
Final Thoughts
However much an inland paradise Ooty may be; its close proximity to some of Tamil Nadu's most amazing beaches provides an opportunity to enjoy both mountainous and aquatic worlds concurrently . Therefore whether you crave an energetic metropolitan oceanic experience or a silent hideaway, Ooty's beaches have something for everyone who visits here.So pack your bags and get ready to explore the tranquil hill station of Ooty and the spellbinding coast of Tamil Nadu.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
5 Fascinating Countries You'd Never Guess Have Deep Indian Roots
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. From Suriname's Indian diaspora to Japan's Buddhist roots, this story uncovers five countries with strong Indian ties. Think shared cuisine with Mexico, Indo-Greek kingdoms, and Uzbekistan's Mughal link—proof that India's global influence runs deep. India's cultural influence stretches far beyond the obvious. Beyond Bollywood and butter chicken, centuries of trade, migration, and spiritual exchange have connected India with places you'd never expect. From royal ancestry in Central Asia to Indian languages spoken in South America, the global Indian imprint is both deep and surprising. These five countries might not seem connected to India at first glance, but their histories reveal surprising ties — some ancient, others modern — that are still alive today. If you thought Indian culture was confined to the subcontinent, these unexpected global connections might just change your perspective. Here Are 5 Surprising Countries With Fascinating Indian Connections: You might think Mexico and India only have spicy food in common — but the connection runs deeper. During the Spanish colonial period, Mexican chillies, vanilla, and chocolate made their way to India via Portuguese traders. In return, Indian spices like black pepper and cardamom reached Latin America, influencing local cuisine. But that's not all. Both cultures place heavy emphasis on family, religion, and holistic living — think Ayurveda and curanderismo (Mexican traditional healing). Here's a mind-blower: The Mexican state of Oaxaca has a Day of India every August, celebrating Indian culture with food festivals, dance performances, and yoga workshops. There's even a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Mexico City — one of over 70 around the world. India and Mexico also celebrate more than 70 years of diplomatic relations, with shared interests in science, technology, and cinema. 2. Japan: Spiritual Ties And A Surprising Tamil Link India and Japan go way back — think 6th century AD — when Buddhism first travelled to Japan via China and Korea, but originated in India. Japanese monks often visit Bodh Gaya, the birthplace of Buddhism, as a pilgrimage. But the ties don't stop at religion. Here's where it gets interesting: In the 1900s, Tamil freedom fighter Rash Behari Bose found refuge in Japan after being hunted by British authorities in India. He ended up marrying a Japanese woman, starting a family, and helping set up the Indian National Army during World War II. There's even a memorial dedicated to him in Tokyo. Culturally, India's ancient texts influenced Japanese thought through Buddhist scriptures, and Japan has reciprocated with anime and J-pop fandoms growing steadily in India. It's a quiet but enduring connection. 3. Greece: Philosophy, Trade, And Indo-Greek Kings The Indo-Greek connection isn't just academic jargon — it's real, and it's ancient. After Alexander the Great invaded parts of northwest India in 326 BCE, Indo-Greek kingdoms sprang up in the region (modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan). These kings, like Menander I, ruled for nearly two centuries and blended Greek and Indian cultures. Ever seen those coins with Greek and Sanskrit inscriptions? That's Indo-Greek influence right there. The fusion even extended to religion. Some scholars argue that Hellenistic art heavily shaped Gandhara art, the Buddhist art form that emerged in India and became widespread in Central Asia. And it's not just about ancient history — India and Greece maintain strong modern diplomatic ties, and in recent years, there's been an uptick in Indian weddings held in Santorini. If that's not cultural crossover, what is? 4. Suriname: Bhojpuri Culture In South America Suriname, a tiny country tucked in the northeastern coast of South America, has one of the largest Indian-origin populations outside India — descendants of indentured labourers brought by the Dutch between 1873 and 1916. Today, nearly 27% of the population is of Indian origin, primarily Bhojpuri-speaking Hindustanis. Hindi is taught in schools, Indian festivals like Diwali are national holidays, and Bollywood is massively popular. Former President Chandrikapersad Santokhi is of Indian descent and even took his oath of office in Sanskrit. The cuisine is a wild but delicious mix — think roti with peanut sauce, or biryani made with South American peppers. Indian-Surinamese identity is its own rich hybrid that's both familiar and entirely unique. 5. Uzbekistan: Silk Road Legacies And A Shared Hero Uzbekistan and India may seem worlds apart, but the connection is strong, especially when it comes to the Mughal dynasty. Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, was born in Andijan, Uzbekistan. His memoir, the Baburnama, offers vivid accounts of his early life in Central Asia before he moved south to conquer northern India in the 16th century. And the cultural exchanges didn't stop with the Mughals. Through the Silk Road, spices, textiles, and ideas flowed both ways. Indian merchants set up trade routes through Samarkand and Bukhara, which were major commercial hubs. Today, Uzbekistan is cashing in on this shared history — offering "Babur heritage tours" to Indian tourists and preserving Mughal-era manuscripts in their archives. The countries even launched direct flights between Delhi and Tashkent to make travel easier.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
Throttle Through The Clouds: 10 Scenic Motorcycle Rides From Guwahati To The Heart of Northeast India
The Indian city of Guwahati functions as the northeastern entry point while presenting numerous outstanding motorcycle journeys throughout the nation. Motorcycles through Guwahati let riders experience unforgettable riding due to its mixture of beautiful landscapes and mountain road paths and cultural heritage sites. The following list contains seven beautiful motorcycle routes that appeal to both experienced two-wheel riders and beginners embarking on their first motorcycle journey. 1. Shillong – The Scotland of the East Distance: Approximately 100 km (one way) Duration: 3-4 hours Bikers consider traveling between Guwahati and Shillong to be one of their top choices. It is known as the 'Scotland of the East' because Shillong welcomes visitors to enjoy its pleasant atmosphere along with its enchanting waterfalls and stunning views of the countryside. The journey follows NH27 and NH207 which present viewers with a combination of elevating hills and thick forest areas and peaceful communities. Visitors should not overlook Umiam Lake during their journey because this local attraction offers beautiful views to experience. When you reach Shillong you should visit Elephant Falls and take in both Ward's Lake and Laitlum Canyons and their respective attractions. 2. Cherrapunji – Land of Clouds Distance: Approximately 130 km (one way) Duration: 5-6 hours A journey starting from Guwahati toward Cherrapunji leads passengers through challenging mountain paths while surrounded with mountains veiled in mist. At this location people have established the world record for reaching the maximum rainfall levels among all known earth territories. Mawsynram represents another rainy hotspot which serves as a point of reference before you reach Cherrapunji during your trip. Three main attractions at Nohkalikai Falls make up the remarkable attractions alongside Seven Sisters Falls and Living Root Bridges. Thrill-seekers choose this difficult and pleasurable route as their favorite destination because of its challenging nature. 3. Kaziranga National Park – Wildlife Haven Distance: Approximately 220 km (round trip) Duration: 5-6 hours Naturalists must experience a Kaziranga National Park tour as an absolute requirement. Visitors flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site to see the endangered one-horned rhinoceros along with its combination of rare wildlife and pretty natural environments. A journey from Guwahati to Kaziranga National Park takes travelers through the agricultural plain areas of Assam which contain tea cultivation sites and rice fields. Jeep safaris inside the park enable visitors to closely observe elephants, tigers, deer as well as an abundant variety of birds. 4. Tezpur – Cultural Gem of Assam Distance: Approximately 180 km (round trip) Duration: 4-5 hours Tezpur receives its infamous 'City of Blood' name from its mythological background while positioned beside the Brahmaputra River. The path between Guwahati and Tezpur shows little roughness so passengers can appreciate the peaceful rural environment during their journey. Agnigarh Hill together with Cole Park and Bamuni Hills stand as attractions in this area because they feature archaeological artefacts spanning multiple centuries. Texture provides an excellent day-trip destination as it offers historical sites that blend with peaceful surroundings. 5. Manas National Park – Untamed Wilderness Distance: Approximately 176 km (one way) Duration: 5-6 hours Manas National Park stands as another wilderness treasure of Assam that gained UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site recognition. The park neighboring Bhutan features various plant and animal species with unique golden langurs and pygmy hogs counted among its rare inhabitants. Traveling between Guwahati requires a boat crossing that produces both excitement and adventure because it navigates through the enormous Brahmaputra River. After reaching Manas you should participate in safari tours to discover its untainted jungles and grasslands. 6. Tawang – A Journey Through the Himalayas Distance: Approximately 480 km (one way) Duration: 12-14 hours The remote region of Tawang stands among the top choices for anyone looking for an exceptional prolonged road voyage. Arunachal Pradesh houses Tawang Town which contains the second-largest monastery worldwide at the Tawang Monastery. Starting from Guwahati the route leads riders through harsh wilderness and takes them across Sela Pass as well as through magical valleys. You need to expect unpredictable temperatures and rough terrain but the magnificent views will make the whole experience worth the effort. 7. Nameri National Park – Ecotourism Paradise Distance: Approximately 210 km (round trip) Duration: 5-6 hours Nameri National Park offers eco-tourism paradise status since it rests along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border region. During the transportation from Guwahati one will experience scenic views which combine thick forest areas and river bends. River rafting and trekking join birdwatching activities which await tourists at Nameri. You will spot exotic bird species including white-winged wood duck and wreathed hornbill if you visit during your time there. Tips for a Safe and Memorable Ride A proper bike service together with all essential tools must be your first step before starting any extended bike rides. All essential items you should carry include a sufficient water supply and food reserves alongside rain protection implements and a small first-aid kit. During summer months plan ahead because Northeast India encounters intense rainfalls throughout the monsoon season. A visit to sacred sites requires local cultural respect while you need permission from residents. Long motorcycle rides demand sufficient hydration because physical exhaustion occurs frequently so maintain your hydration during scheduled rest periods. Remember that safety always takes priority but use your devices to record memories through photographs and videos whenever it is safe to do so. Follow safe driving practices by following traffic laws atрез conducting speed control especially during mountain segments. Conclusion Guwahati functions as an outstanding starting point to explore the spectacular regions of Northeast India. Different motorcycle routes in Northeast India present distinct experiences to riders who want to experience challenges and peaceful wilderness while connecting with local communities. Use your engine power while accepting open roads to produce precious memories during your journey through this breathtaking destination.
India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
Explore The 8 Most Stunning Beaches Near Ooty, Tamil Nadu!
The 'Queen of Hill Stations', Ooty is located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and cooler climate. Although Ooty itself is a landlocked hill station, it has easy access to some of the most stunning beaches in Tamil Nadu due to its proximity to the coast. If you are planning to visit Ooty and extend your vacation by some beach time, here are the top stunning beaches around Ooty that you should not miss. 1. Marina Beach, Chennai Despite being quite far from Ooty (around 550 km), Marina Beach in Chennai is worth going for. It is India's longest natural urban beach and second largest worldwide. This amazing beach stretches over 13 kilometers and provides a good view of Bay of Bengal. Visitors can take leisurely walks on this beach or even go horse riding while enjoying local snacks sold by numerous vendors available here . The sunrise and sunset views on this beach are simply breathtaking therefore it ranks among must visit places. 2. Covelong Beach, Chennai Covelong Beach (Kovalam Beach) which lies about 40 km away from Chennai is a beautiful coastal retreat. It has calm waters and clear beauty making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing purposes. Windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing are all activities that happen along this coastline hence making it famous as per aquatic sport events . Ancient churches and fishing hamlets make Covelong village more attractive because it gives one an opportunity to experience local culture. 3. Mahabalipuram Beach About sixty kilometers from Chennai city center as well as six hundred kilometers from Ooty town., Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram) is renowned worldwide with many rock-cut temples and monuments thereby adding historical charm to its scenic beaches as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beach itself is clean and generally less crowded, providing an ideal place for relaxation and photography . Sea, sand, and ancient architecture combine in Mahabalipuram Beach to make it a distinctive experience one would never forget in his/her lifetime. 4. Auroville Beach, Pondicherry Auroville beach, approximately 410 km from Ooty, offers a haven for those who love beaches. This beach has clean sands with gentle surf making it popular among both locals and tourists alike. It is also not far away from Auroville which is an experimental township where you can have unique cultural as well as spiritual experiences that you cannot find anywhere else . With its scenic beauty plus laid-back atmosphere of the area, Auroville Beach makes a perfect escape from the hustles of the city. 5. Promenade Beach, Pondicherry Located at about 410 kilometers from Ooty town, Promenade Beach or Rock Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Pondicherry. The coastline which stretches over 1.2 km is ideal for evening walks and cool sea breezes . War Memorial, Mahatma Gandhi's statue and Old Lighthouse are some of the historical landmarks which line this beach . There are lively street performances with vibrant ambiance along the promenade; not forgetting cafes where one can relax with a cup of coffee or tea while enjoying a cool , pleasant environment around them. 6. Silver Beach, Cuddalore Silver Beach in Cuddalore about 380 km from Ooty is one of the longest beaches on the Coromandel Coast. This beach in perfect condition has calm and clear waters making it a great place for swimming as well as picnicking. There is also a children's park and boat house on the beach that provide entertainment for families. Silver Beach's tranquility and naturalness make it a perfect place to spend the day. 7. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Another jewel in Pondicherry, Paradise Beach can be accessed by a quick ferry ride from Chunnambar Boat House. The secluded beach has golden sand and turquoise watercolor. The beach presents peacefulness by way of swimming, beach volleyball, and appreciating scenic beauty. On your way there you take a boat to Paradise Beach through backwaters surrounded with evergreen coconut palms. 8. Elliot's Beach, Chennai Elliot's (Besant Nagar) beach situated around 560 km from Ooty is yet another beautiful shore in Chennai city. Its calm surroundings and cleanliness are known to attract local people towards there who prefer relaxing during sea breeze conditions. For example, there is also Ashtalakshmi Temple which is located near this shoreline apart from Velankanni Church thus resulting into some sort of pilgrimage journey to this seashore side attraction also; many cafes or eating points are present nearby where people can just sit back relax & go through their taste buds for some delicious food items. Final Thoughts However much an inland paradise Ooty may be; its close proximity to some of Tamil Nadu's most amazing beaches provides an opportunity to enjoy both mountainous and aquatic worlds concurrently . Therefore whether you crave an energetic metropolitan oceanic experience or a silent hideaway, Ooty's beaches have something for everyone who visits pack your bags and get ready to explore the tranquil hill station of Ooty and the spellbinding coast of Tamil Nadu.
