Best Trekking Tours in Ooty

What You Should Know More About Trekking in Ooty

• Q. Is it safe to do trekking in Ooty?

  Ooty is completely safe for tourists. The trekking places in Ooty are bustling with tourists all the time and the crime rates in the area are very low. With proper guidance, the trails pose no threat to hikers and trekkers. The local people are friendly and ready to help in case of any emergency.

• Q. Are guides available to assist trekkers?

  The availability of guides depends on the package you’ve chosen for your vacation. However, for long and arduous excursions, guides are readily available. There are guides hailing from local tribal communities who have a sound knowledge of the routes. For the first-time trekkers, a professional guide is recommended so that you can fully enjoy your trekking in Ooty without fussing about directions.

• Q. Do I need training for trekking?

  Most of the treks in Ooty are of easy to moderate difficulty level. No specific training is needed to prepare for trekking in Ooty. It would help if you are physically fit with good cardiovascular endurance. A little warm-up and light exercise before starting the trek are enough to put your body in the right condition for the trek.

• Q. Where is Ooty? How can I reach Ooty?

  Ooty is located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Being a popular tourist destination, it is easily accessible by air, train or bus transport.
  
  1. By Air: Ooty is 88 km away from Coimbatore airport which is connected to major cities of India. You can reach Ooty by bus or cab from the airport.
  2. By Train: Mettupalayam railway station, at a distance of 40 km from Ooty, is the nearest railway station. There are regular trains from Coimbatore, Bangalore, Chennai, and Mysore to Mettupalyam.
  3. By Bus: One can find both government and private buses from Chennai, Mysore, and Bangalore to Ooty. The journey is comfortable and includes overnight travel in most cases.

• Q. Is Ooty better than Coorg for trekking?

  Both places have their own charms. Ooty being a town in Nilgiri district is more commercialized as compared to Coorg which is a district in Karnataka. Ooty offers gurgling waterfalls, lakes, blue hues of Nilgiri, tea estates and colonial architecture.
  On the other hand, Coorg provides peace and serenity to its visitors in its coffee plantations, lush green valleys and dense thickets. However, Ooty has been more popular among tourists for a summer vacation due to a number of activities to undertake and tourist-friendly culture.

• Q. Do we need to book a group tour for trekking? Can a solo person do it as well?

   While travelling solo, you need not book a trek in advance unless you require a guide. You only have to arrange your accommodation and pay minimal site entry fees to enjoy Ooty treks. However, you need to book a tour in advance in case of group trekking for which various packages are available. A group tour is preferred as it is safer, hassle-free and offers ample opportunities to bond with other adventure-lovers like you.

• Q. Is there a chance of facing wild animals in Ooty?

  You may encounter rare species of animals like barking deer, Indian bison, Nilgiri Langur, macaque and elephants on Ooty treks. However, there is seldom any trouble faced by tourists because of wild animals. In fact these netizens of Ooty forests will enhance your experience and make your trip memorable.

• Q. What is the best time to visit Ooty?

  The best time to enjoy your vacation in Ooty is from April to June and September to February. During April-June, the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. September-February are the winter months in Ooty and cool breezes envelope the atmosphere providing a thrilling experience to hikers and trekkers.

• Q. Is it safe to trek in Ooty during monsoon?

  Treks in Ooty indeed become slightly more difficult during monsoon season due to slippery trails and marshy patches of land. Outdoor activities are also limited during monsoon and there is also a threat of insects and leeches emerging out during the rainy season.
  However, with the right equipment, clothing and precautions, monsoon will not be a hindrance to your trekking experience. In addition to that, the beauty of the landscapes is multiplied during rains with sparkling leaves highlighting the forests, cool breezes and the heavenly smell of rain-fed soil. Ooty treks in monsoon will leave you in a trance that is worth all the risks.

• Q. Is it safe for a solo female to trek in Ooty?

  Yes, it is safe to travel alone in Ooty as it is a popular tourist spot and the crime rate against women is also very low in and around Ooty. However, some necessary precautions should always be taken on the trip like sharing location with friends and family, taking cabs from trusted companies and avoiding any late-night solo trip.

• Q. What are the best treks in Ooty?

  Ooty is replete with lush green tea gardens, roaring waterfalls, blue hills and scenic landscapes. All of this, combined with fresh mountain air, sets a perfect destination for trekking in Ooty. Some of the famous trekking places in Ooty are:
  
  1. Kotagiri Trek: An unexplored beauty in the lap of Nilgiris, Kotagiri boasts of enticing tea gardens, cascading falls and a wide variety of flora. The landscapes are vivid, and the tea gardens are a perfect spot for camping and star-gazing at night.
  The Catherine waterfall, just 8 km from Kotagiri, is a sight to behold. Spine-tingling views of the Nilgiris, cascading waters of St. Catherine, and the Dolphin's nose can be enjoyed from Kodanad viewpoint near Kotagiri.
  
  Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
  Location: It is located approximately 30 km south-east of Ooty and 47 k from Coimbatore airport.
  
  2. Sengottaraayar Malai: At an altitude of 1800 m, Sengottaraayar peak overlooks the blue hues of Nilgiri. It offers splendid views of Palakad silent valley and Mukurthi National park.The 12 km long trail passes through the small peaceful town of Wellington and takes you to the aromatic tea estates and coffee gardens of Coonoor. Passing the Shola forests, one would witness a rich diversity of flora and fauna and may even spot some rare species like a barking deer or Indian Bison.
  
  Difficulty level: Easy (Ideal for first-time trekkers)
  Location: It is located on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in Coonoor at a distance of 35.5 km from Ooty.
  
  3. Glenmorgan Trek: Glenmorgan is one of the less explored treks in Ooty. It is famous for the Glenmorgan dam nestled deep into the old tea estates of Glenmorgan village. The trekking trail takes you to the Pykara powerhouse which serves you an unparalleled sight of Mudumalai National Park of Mysore and the Moyar valley. A beautiful lake in the vicinity makes the place a perfect picnic spot.
  
  Difficulty level: moderate
  Location: It is located at a distance of 35 km north-west of Ooty.
  
  4. Rangaswamy Pillar Trek: The Rangaswamy peak, at the height of 1788 m, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the blue mountains, gurgling Bhawani Sagar Dam and quaint tribal settlements along the bank. The 400ft Rangaswamy pillar is a marvelous sight with an emerald river that flows through its boundary. The trek uphill is marked by stone steps giving way to narrow trails. The sprawling tea estates around the trails will glut your travel-hungry soul.
  
  Difficulty level: Easy
  Location: It is located at a distance of 31 km from Ooty on Kil Kotagiri road.
  
  5. Parsons Trek: The trek starts from Sholur Junction and passes through copses of eucalyptus till one reaches the Parsons dam. It is the onset of the Parsons valley, and the trek further takes you past the Toda tribal villages. From there you can trek uphill the Thirthor Bett to enjoy splendid vistas of the valley. While you descend, enjoy the lush meadows and gorgeous landscapes.
  
  Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
  Location: It is located in Pykara region at a distance of 18 km from Ooty.
  
  6. Ebbanad Trek: It is a 6-hour trek that starts from the rustic village of Bikkapathymund set upon a mountain ridge. The trek passes dense acacia forests and patches of lush green meadows. Further down the ridge, you will reach the Toda conical temple amidst thick forests. The trek also offers the mesmerizing sight of the Mayor river along Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. It is one of the most adventurous and thrilling treks in Ooty.
  
  Difficulty: Moderate
  Location: Ebbanad is located 18 km north of Ooty.

• Q. What kind of climate is there in Ooty?

  Located at a high altitude, Ooty enjoys a year-round temperate climate. The summers are pleasant and refreshing with temperature ranging from 10 -25 degrees. Winters in Ooty are chilly with temperature ranging from 5- 21-degree centigrade. Winter nights can be very cold.

• Q. How far is Ooty from Bangalore?

  Ooty is approximately 266 km away from Bangalore, and it takes a 6-hour drive to reach Ooty from Bangalore.

• Q. What are the things to carry for trekking?

  Below is a list of essential items you need to carry for treks in Ooty:
  
  1. A spacious backpack
  2. Trekking shoes
  3. Warm clothes like sweatshirts/ jackets
  4. Basic medication
  5. Torch or flashlight
  6. Sunglasses and Binoculars
  7. Caps or hats
  8. Water bottle
  9. Packed Food
  10. Camera(optional)
  11. Tissues or napkins
  12. Umbrella
  
  Note: Avoid carrying plastic bags or bottles

• Q. What should I wear while trekking in Ooty?

   You should wear warm clothes as the atmosphere in Ooty is chilly throughout the year. A light jacket and sturdy shoes are recommended for a trekking trip. You can also carry a raincoat in handy.

• Q. Which are the top budget friendly homestays in Ooty?

  Check out the following list of the best places to stay in Ooty that are luxurious as well as pocket-friendly:
  
  1. Stay in a Bungalow @ Rs 2000 only
  2. Heritage Bungalow in Gokarna @ Rs 1360 only
  3. Cottage Stay amid Organic Farms @ Rs 1875 only
  4. Luxury Homestay with Swimming Pool @ Rs 1750 only
  5. Stay in Cottages @ Rs 1320 only

• Q. Which are the top treks around Ooty?

  Camping in the serenity of Ooty is one of the best things to do. Explore the following camping sites in Ooty to make your trip memorable:
  
  1. Kotagiri Camping and Trekking @ Flat 18% Off
  2. Camping by Tea Gardens, Ooty @ Flat 18% Off
  3. Adventure Camping in Ooty @ Flat 20% Off
  4. Jungle Camping and Adventures in Ooty @ Flat 19% Off
  5. Hilltop Camping with Adventure Activities @ Flat 20% Off
  

• Q. Which are the best camping places in Ooty?

  Camping in the serenity of Ooty is one of the best things to do. Explore the following camping sites in Ooty to make your trip memorable:
  
  1. Kotagiri Camping and Trekking @ Flat 18% Off
  2. Camping by Tea Gardens, Ooty @ Flat 18% Off
  3. Adventure Camping in Ooty @ Flat 20% Off
  4. Jungle Camping and Adventures in Ooty @ Flat 19% Off
  5. Hilltop Camping with Adventure Activities @ Flat 20% Off