Have you ever dreamed of visiting Ooty, the queen of hill stations in South India? If yes, then you might be surprised to know that there is a place in Kerala that resembles Ooty in its beauty and charm. It is called Mini Ooty, and it is located in Malappuram district, about 50 km from Kozhikode.
Mini Ooty is the nickname given to Arimbra Hills, a scenic spot that is situated at an elevation of 1050 ft above sea level. It is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors with its sweeping views of valleys and hills, natural park, glass bridge, hiking trails, and more. If you are looking for a refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Mini Ooty in Malappuram is the perfect place for you. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit this hidden gem of Kerala.
How to Reach Mini Ooty
Mini Ooty can be easily reached by various modes of transportation from different parts of Kerala and beyond. Here are some of the options:
By air: The nearest airport to Mini Ooty is Kozhikode International Airport, which is about 15 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach Mini Ooty.
By rail: The nearest railway station to Mini Ooty is Kondotty Railway Station, which is about 10 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the station to reach Mini Ooty.
By road: Mini Ooty is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Kerala and neighboring states. You can take a state-run or private bus to Malappuram or Kondotty, and then take another bus or taxi to Mini Ooty. Alternatively, you can drive your own vehicle or rent a car or bike to reach Mini Ooty.
What to See and Do in Mini Ooty
Mini Ooty offers a plethora of attractions and activities for all kinds of travelers. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture, you will find something to suit your taste and mood in Mini Ooty. Here are some of the things you can see and do in Mini Ooty:
Natural park:
One of the main attractions of Mini Ooty is the natural park that is spread over 15 acres of land. The park has various facilities such as children’s play area, boating, zip line, rock climbing, etc. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the park.
Glass bridge:
Another highlight of Mini Ooty is the glass bridge that is built over a valley. The bridge is 150 m long and 70 m high, and it offers a thrilling experience for the visitors. You can walk on the transparent glass and feel the adrenaline rush as you see the valley below your feet.
Hiking spots:
If you are an adventure lover, then you will love the hiking spots in Mini Ooty. There are several hills and mountains that offer exciting trails for hiking and trekking. Some of the popular hiking spots are Thiruvonamala, Poolappees, Muchikundu, Cheruppadi Mala, Kunnumpuram, and Kakkadseemly. You can also enjoy the view of the Kozhikode International Airport runway from some of these spots.
Views of valleys and hills:
The main attraction of Mini Ooty is its stunning views of valleys and hills that will take your breath away. You can witness the beauty of nature from various vantage points in Mini Ooty. You can see the lush greenery, misty clouds, colorful flowers, and sparkling waterfalls that adorn the landscape. You can also catch the sunrise and sunset from Mini Ooty and marvel at the changing colors of the sky.
Where To Stay in Mini Ooty
Mini Ooty has a range of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, resorts, homestays, cottages, etc. that offer comfortable rooms, amenities, services, and views. Here are some of the best hotels near Mini Ooty:
Hotel Picnic: This hotel is located about 10 km from Mini Ooty and offers spacious rooms with modern facilities. It also has a restaurant, a banquet hall, a conference room, and a garden. The hotel has a rating of 8.3 out of 10 and charges about INR 2124 per night.
Hotel Cason International: This hotel is located about 6 km from Mini Ooty and offers cozy rooms with elegant interiors. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a coffee shop, and a spa. The hotel has a rating of 7.9 out of 10 and charges about INR 2122 per night.
Itsy by Treebo - Sapphire Residency: This hotel is located about 10 km from Mini Ooty and offers stylish rooms with contemporary amenities. It also has a restaurant, a terrace, and a lounge. The hotel has a rating of 7.6 out of 10 and charges about INR 2670 per night.
You may also like to read: Hidden Gem of Malappuram
Other Places To Visit in Malappuram
Mini Ooty is not the only place to visit in Malappuram. There are many other places to visit in Malappuram that are worth exploring. Here are some of them:
Bharathapuzha River:
This is the longest river in Kerala and flows through Malappuram district. It is also known as Nila and has many cultural and historical significance. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and its banks, and also visit some of the temples and monuments along its course.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary:
This is a haven for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. It is located at the confluence of the Kadalundi River and the Arabian Sea, and covers an area of about 3 sq km. It is home to more than 100 species of birds, including migratory ones. You can also spot some rare animals and plants in the sanctuary.
Keraladeshpuram Temple:
This is one of the oldest temples in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located on the banks of Bharathapuzha River and has a unique architecture and history. It is believed that the temple was built by Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Valiya Juma Masjid:
This is one of the largest mosques in Kerala and is also known as Malappuram Juma Masjid. It is located in the heart of Malappuram town and has a majestic structure and design. It can accommodate more than 5000 people at a time and has a rich heritage and culture.
Nilambur Teak Museum:
This is the world’s first teak museum and is located in Nilambur town, about 40 km from Malappuram. It showcases the history, cultivation, uses, and varieties of teak, which is one of the most valuable timber trees in the world. It also has a botanical garden, an arboretum, and a nature trail.
Kottakkunnu:
This is a hilltop park that offers panoramic views of Malappuram town and its surroundings. It has various attractions such as an amusement park, a water park, an open-air theater, a musical fountain, etc. It is also a popular spot for picnics and leisure.
You may also like to check out: Weekend Getaways near Malappuram
Best Time To Visit Mini Ooty
The best time to visit Mini Ooty is in the summer months of March to June, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperature ranges from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, and the sky is clear and sunny. You can enjoy the scenic views of the valleys and hills without any fog, mist, or rain. You can also participate in various events and festivals that are held in Mini Ooty during this time, such as the Mini Ooty Summer Festival, which features flower shows, fruit shows, boat races, and cultural programs.
However, if you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy a peaceful vacation, you can also visit Mini Ooty in the winter months of October to March, when the weather is cool and refreshing. The temperature ranges from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the nights are chilly. You can witness the beauty of nature in its full glory, with greenery, flowers, waterfalls, and wildlife. You can also experience the local culture and cuisine of Malappuram during this time, as well as celebrate some of the festivals such as Onam, Vishu, Christmas, and New Year.
The monsoon months of July to September are not recommended for visiting Mini Ooty, as the weather is humid and rainy. The roads can be slippery and muddy, and the visibility can be low. The attractions and activities can be closed or restricted due to safety reasons.
However, if you don't mind the rain and want to see the fresh and lush surroundings of Mini Ooty, you can still visit it during this time. You can also get discounts on hotels and transportation during this time.
Mini Ooty in Malappuram is a hidden gem of Kerala that will take your breath away with its beauty and charm. It is a place where you can enjoy nature, adventure, culture, and relaxation in one go. It is a place that will make you fall in love with Kerala and its wonders.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Mini Ooty today and experience the magic yourself. And don’t forget to share your feedback with us on Tripoto, the best platform for travel lovers like you.
