Benchmarking Analysis: Kodaikanal vs. Ooty – Tourism, Industries, and Tea Economy

Introduction

Kodaikanal and Ooty are two of the most famous hill stations in Tamil Nadu, India. While both destinations attract large numbers of tourists annually, they also have distinct economic structures, industries, and agricultural yields. This case study benchmarks Kodaikanal and Ooty across various factors such as tourism, population, industries, and tea production.

Population Overview

• Kodaikanal: As per the 2011 Census, Kodaikanal had a population of 36,501.
• Ooty: The 2011 Census recorded Ooty’s population at 88,430, with an estimated rise to 120,000 by 2023.

Tourism Industry

Tourism is the backbone of both economies.

• Kodaikanal:
  • Tamil Nadu saw a 33% rise in domestic tourism in 2023, welcoming 28.61 crore visitors.
  • Specific tourist numbers for Kodaikanal are not available, but it remains one of the top destinations in South India.
• Ooty:
  • The Government Botanical Garden recorded 345,752 visitors in April 2023, marking a 56% increase from 2022.
  • However, in 2024, footfall dropped to 239,500 due to colder temperatures and reduced travel.

Industries and Economic Contributions

Kodaikanal

• Tourism: Major economic driver, supporting local hotels and businesses.
• Agriculture: Produces vegetables and fruits, but lacks extensive plantations.
• Manufacturing: Small-scale industries like Kodai Dairy Products Private Limited contribute to the economy.

Ooty

• Tourism: The largest industry, sustaining the hospitality sector.
• Agriculture: Over 750 tea factories process tea, making it a major industry.
• Manufacturing: Companies like Needle Industries (India) Pvt. Ltd. operate here.

The Tea Industry: Ooty vs. Kodaikanal

Tea Industry in Ooty

• Home to numerous tea estates producing the famous Nilgiri Tea.
• The Tea Factory & Museum, located on Doddabetta Road, provides a tourist-friendly experience, showcasing tea production.
• Entry fee: ₹15 (Adults), ₹10 (Children).
• Over 750 factories process tea, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Tea Experiences Near Kodaikanal

• Kodaikanal lacks extensive tea plantations but provides access to the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, the highest tea plantation in the world (8,000 ft).
• The Kannan Devan Hills Tea Museum in Munnar, Kerala, is also a nearby option for tea enthusiasts.

Conclusion

While both Kodaikanal and Ooty thrive as major tourist destinations, Ooty stands out for its well-established tea industry, whereas Kodaikanal offers access to premium plantations outside its limits. Both hill stations continue to be economic powerhouses in Tamil Nadu’s tourism sector.