Staring at the map and can’t decide between Kodaikanal or Ooty for honeymoon? You aren't alone! It’s the ultimate dilemma for honeymooners.
Both spots are legendary for a reason, but they serve up totally different vibes for newlyweds. And hey, if you're looking to extend the magic beyond the hills, you can explore our customized honeymoon packages and pair a backwater cruise or beach escape with your favourite mountain destination.
In this guide, we're breaking down everything, from the cinematic landscapes and cozy hideaways to the budget you'll actually need, to help you pick between Kodaikanal or Ooty for honeymoon for couples.
Check out our popular honeymoon packages
Best Hill Station For Honeymoon: Kodaikanal Or Ooty?
Ooty or Kodaikanal - which is better for honeymoon? To decide, you first need to know what kind of honeymooners you are. Both destinations are romantic, but they serve different moods:
Ooty: The Queen of Hill Stations
Ooty is one of the most popular places to visit in South India for honeymoon. If you’re a couple that appreciates the finer things such as high-ceilinged heritage bungalows, sprawling tea estates, and the scent of fresh eucalyptus, Ooty is your winner. It has a regal soul that makes your honeymoon feel like a scene from a classic movie.
You can drive through rolling carpets of bright green tea leaves that glow at sunset. While the town is lively, Ooty’s real charm for newlyweds lies in its outskirts, where the silence is only broken by the distant whistle of the heritage steam engine.
- The Vibe: Rolling blue hills, misty tea gardens, and a lively, social atmosphere
- Best Romantic Experiences: A slow journey on the UNESCO Toy Train, sunrise at Doddabetta Peak, and private boating at Pykara Lake
- Food to Try: Traditional High-Tea, Ooty Varkey (crispy pastry), white chocolates, and authentic Nilgiri-spiced chicken. Check out the best places to eat in Ooty.
Kodaikanal: The Princess of Hill Stations
If Ooty is a grand palace, Kodaikanal is a hidden forest cabin. The town is built around a star-shaped lake, but the real magic lies in the winding paths that disappear into thick Pine forests and the mist that rolls in to hide the world from you.
It ranks among the top places to visit during monsoon in India and is the perfect sanctuary for the couple that wants to slow down. You can go for long, hand-in-hand walks where you might not see another soul, making it feel like the entire hill station was built just for the two of you.
- The Vibe: Dense shola forests, star-shaped lakes, and a bohemian, quiet charm
- Best Romantic Experiences: A walk above the clouds at Coaker’s Walk, cycling hand-in-hand around Kodai Lake, and exploring the Hippie cafes of Vattakanal
- Food to Try: Handcrafted dark chocolates, wood-fired sourdough pizzas, and hot cheese corn
Places To Visit In Kodaikanal Or Ooty For Couples
Another important factor while choosing Kodaikanal or Ooty for honeymoon for couples is the attractions in the area. Let’s see what are the major attractions in both places.
One of the most famous lakes in the area is the Kodaikanal Lake, popularly known as the Kodai Lake. It is a man-made lake spread over an area of 60 acres of land, making it one of the most beautiful attractions in Kodaikanal, offering ferry boat rides.
2. Pillar Rocks View Point
Witness the beautiful panoramic views of the Kodaikanal from the Pillar Rocks View Point. As the name speaks for itself, Pillar Rocks are shaped like pillars, offering stunning views that will take your breath away. The viewpoint is situated at a height of 400 m above sea level, making it a popular picnic spot for tourists.
Palni Hills, popularly known as the home of the Lord Murugan or Karthikeyan, is one of the major places to visit in Kodaikanal that you shouldn’t miss out on. It offers picturesque views of the valley, dense forests and stunning landscapes.
It’s the first dramatic sight that greets you on the way to town, where the overflow of Kodai Lake thunders down a 180-foot cliff. The shimmering, silvery water creates a misty, romantic backdrop that’s easily accessible right from the road, making it a quick and stunning photo op for couples.
5. Dolphin’s Nose View Point
Another major attraction in Kodaikanal is the Dolphin’s Nose View Point, located at an altitude of 6600 feet above sea level. It’s a protruding rock shaped like the nose of a Dolphin. You can see some of the best views of the Kodaikanal from this point and make the most of your vacation. The clear skies, rugged terrains, and stunning backdrops make it one of the best places in Kodaikanal.
If you are looking for a calm and fun honeymoon experience, then don’t miss the popular Ooty Lake, one of the top places to visit in Ooty. Spread over an area of 65 acres of land, it is best for couples who want to go boating in the lake. Feel the cold wind against your hair as you paddle your way through the tranquil waters, and make the most of your trip.
One place that you should not dare to miss out on in Ooty is the Botanic Garden, which is popular for hosting a flower show annually in Ooty. Spread across an area of approximately 55 acres of land, you will find plenty of varieties of flowers here. As the garden breaks in a riot of flowers, it looks absolutely stunning.
In the debate of Kodaikanal or Ooty for couples, Doodabetta Peak makes an unmissable spot. Situated at an altitude of approximately 8650 feet above sea level, is the highest range in the Nilgiris.
If you want to witness beauty at its finest, then Doodabetta Peak is the place for you, offering panoramic views of Ooty, and the tea plantations all over the hill station. You can also enjoy shopping in Ooty at Doddabetta Tea Factory for essential oils and souvenirs.
The Kalhatti Falls is often known as the paradise for Bird Watchers for it offers stunning views, and you can witness some of the most exciting species of birds from this point. The calm and beauty that you will witness here is something that will make your heart at ease. You can spot elephants here as they come to the place quite often.
5. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is popularly known as the Toy Train and offers the best experience on your honeymoon in Ooty and Kodaikanal. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway offers one of the most beautiful train journeys in India and has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2005. So you should not miss out on this.
Best Time To Visit Kodaikanal Or Ooty For Honeymoon
Timing your honeymoon at Ooty or Kodaikanal is just as important as the destination itself. While both hill stations are year-round escapes, the vibe shifts significantly with the seasons.
Peak Season (April – June)
This is when the mountains are at their liveliest. In Ooty, temperatures hover between 15°C and 25°C, and the town is in celebration mode with the famous May Flower Show during the Ooty Summer Festival. It’s bright, sunny, and perfect for the iconic Toy Train ride.
Kodaikanal feels slightly cooler, ranging from 12°C to 20°C, offering a crisp, refreshing escape. If you don’t mind a bit of a crowd and want the best sightseeing weather, this is your window.
Shoulder Season (October – March)
If your idea of romance is heavy woolens and a fireplace, the winter months are unbeatable. Ooty gets properly chilly, with nights often dropping to a crisp 5°C, making those heritage hotel rooms feel extra cozy.
Kodaikanal stays between 8°C and 18°C, but this is when its famous mist truly takes over. You’ll wake up to a world blanketed in white, which usually doesn't clear until noon offering the perfect excuse to sleep in.
Off-Season (July – September)
For the couple that loves the rainy day aesthetic, the monsoon is a hidden gem. Both hill stations stay between 10°C and 18°C. While Kodaikanal becomes an emerald paradise with thunderous waterfalls, Ooty’s tea gardens take on a deep, neon-green hue that’s incredibly photogenic.
The best part of planning your honeymoon at Ooty or Kodaikanal during this season? You can book high-end luxury resorts for a fraction of the price, and you’ll have most of the viewpoints entirely to yourselves.
Where To Stay In Kodaikanal or Ooty For Honeymoon?
Deciding between Kodaikanal or Ooty for couples majorly depends on the type of honeymoon stays these places offer. Let’s have a look.
Kodaikanal: Boutique Cabins and Forest Hideaways
Kodaikanal is one of the top hill stations near Kannur offering boutique properties tucked away in the Shola forest or glass-walled villas perched on cliffs.
- The Tamara Kodai: Widely considered the best luxury stay in Kodaikanal. It’s a restored 1840s monastery that offers breathtaking views of the forest and a stunning infinity pool.
- The Carlton: The only hotel located right on the edge of the lake, offering a colonial feel with the best accessibility to the water.
- Villa Retreat: Located right next to Coaker’s Walk, this property offers one of the best valley views in Kodaikanal where you can literally watch the clouds roll into your balcony.
- Zostel Homes (Vattakanal): If you’re a chill couple looking for a cozy, rustic cottage vibe away from the main town, this is the go-to spot for mist and mountain views.
Ooty: Heritage Grandeur and Tea Estate Living
If you want white-glove service, manicured lawns, and high-ceilinged rooms with fireplaces, Ooty wins.
- The Savoy (IHCL SeleQtions): A legendary heritage hotel that feels like stepping back into 1829. Perfect for a quiet, high-class honeymoon with its iconic English gardens.
- Taj Chipstead: Offers a blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.
- Tea Nest (Coonoor/Ooty): A historic mansion surrounded by tea bushes where you can wake up to the sound of tea pluckers at work.
- Sterling Fern Hill: Known for its sweeping views of the valley and great amenities, making it a reliable choice for a comfortable, stress-free stay.
Kodaikanal vs Ooty For Honeymoon: Budget Breakdown
Kodaikanal or Ooty for honeymoon offer a range of options, but they differ in value. Ooty generally demands a higher premium for its historical infrastructure, while Kodaikanal offers a more varied, pocket-friendly experience for boutique seekers.
Ooty is one of the luxury destinations in India for honeymoon, and its pricing reflects its status as the Queen. Since many of the romantic experiences involve heritage properties and private cabs for hilly terrain, you should expect to spend about 15–20% more here than in Kodai.
- Accommodations: A mid-range romantic heritage stay starts around ₹6,000 – ₹9,000 per night, while top-tier luxury estates can easily cross ₹18,000.
- Dining: Expect to spend about ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 per day for a couple if you’re mixing local eats with one nice dinner at a heritage restaurant.
- Transport: Private cabs are the standard for sightseeing, costing roughly ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 per day depending on the distance to spots like Pykara or Avalanche Lake.
Kodaikanal Honeymoon Budget
Kodaikanal is often more gentle on the wallet, being one of the budget honeymoon destinations in India. Because the town is more walkable and has a thriving, affordable cafe culture, it’s easier to have a luxury-feel honeymoon on a moderate budget.
- Accommodations: You can find stunning, private boutique homestays or forest cabins for ₹4,500 – ₹7,000 per night. Ultra-luxury forest resorts hover around ₹12,000 – ₹15,000.
- Dining: Thanks to the Little Amsterdam vibe, you can enjoy gourmet sourdough pizzas and artisanal chocolates for ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per day for a couple.
- Transport: Many of Kodai’s best spots (like the Lake and Coaker’s Walk) are central. You’ll spend less on cabs, averaging ₹1,800 – ₹2,500 per day for farther spots like Pillar Rocks.
Ooty Or Kodaikanal: Which Is Better For Honeymoon?
In the battle between Kodaikanal or Ooty for honeymoon, there is no wrong answer but a different kind of magic.
So, which is the best hill station: Kodaikanal or Ooty? If you’re dreaming of a classic, larger-than-life romance filled with heritage bungalows, vast tea estates, and iconic experiences, then Ooty is undoubtedly your match.On the other hand, if you want to escape the world entirely, Kodaikanal is the place to be.
Choose Ooty for the grandeur or Kodaikanal for the seclusion. Or, better yet, why not do both? A honeymoon in Ooty and Kodaikanal will definitely be a story worth telling!
