The views of the Nilgiri Hills, prolific natural topography and misty scenery is what you get while trekking in Ooty. The 'queen of hill-stations', Ooty is surrounded by enchanting hills from the Western Ghats range. These hills along with many other terrains are quite popular as trekking sites.
Going through the trails, verdant tea-gardens, coffee-plantations, vibrant valleys, orange groves and rocky slopes are some of the many sights you get while trekking in Ooty. Moreover, there are many treks in Ooty that offer different altitudes, distances as well as difficulty levels meaning that anyone and everyone can enjoy a trekking trip in this hilly-town.
Some of the most popular Ooty trek trails are the Doddabetta Peak which is the highest mountain peak in the Nilgiri range, Mukurthi Peak which is situated in a national park and the trail presents the best of views of the wildlife here, and the Kotagiri trek which moves from expansive viewpoints to the Elk and Catherine waterfalls along with the Moyar River. Apart from these extremely renowned and beautiful treks, Ooty still has many unexplored or hidden trails that have hypnotic environs, waiting for you to discover them.
Further, trekking in Ooty is a year-round activity since the weather here remains pleasant and comfortable throughout the seasons, meaning one can plan a vacation here anytime. That being said, the summers here are a breeze while winters would require you to pack those warm clothes. Monsoons too are alluring here however, some of the more difficult treks may require extra preparation. Besides all this, Ooty is a dream destination for all types of vacations and vacationers.
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Ooty Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Ooty
Mudumalai National Park and Bandipur National Park are like two sides of the same coin. Separated by the border, Bandipur Park lies in Karnataka while the neighbouring, Mudumalai lies in the Kongu Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. The area is rich with rare species that include 50 types of fish, 34 species of reptiles, 266 species of birds, and 55 types of mammals. Some of the rare wildlife you’ll find here are vultures, Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards and golden jackals. The flora includes dense tropical forests, exotic climbers and creepers, bamboo trees, Indian rosewood and much more! If you’re a nature enthusiast, Mudumalai’s sense of serenity and extravagant beauty is sure to leave you spellbound!Location: NH 67, Gudalur NH 67, Gudalur, Devarshola, Tamil NaduBest Time to visit: The most ideal time to visit this park is from February to June.Entry fee: INR 15/ USD 0.23 per personTimings: The opening hours for visitors is from 7:00 am to 9:00 am in the morning and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the evenings.Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is approximately 90 kilometres.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a meter-gauge railway line 1000 mm long that passes through the queenly hill station of Ooty in Tamil Nadu. The fleet of steam locomotives running on this line is aptly nicknamed ‘the Toy Train’ and is greatly popular among children. The train covers a total distance of 46 km over a span of 5 hours, meandering by the rolling hills, green meadows, and view of the forested slopes. Localities bob up from within the greens with their red-tiled roofs and the train stops every once in a while at quaint little hill stations. You will be waved through Mettupalayam, Kellar, Coonoor, Wellington, Lovedale, and Ootacamund on this ride, reaching the point of 4,363 ft at the maximum. There are a number of pitch-dark tunnels to cross through, sharp bends along the mountains, thickly forested stretches, and a wide panorama of verdant meadow highlands to enjoy from your window seat. It is not just the brilliant picturesque quality of this dream-like rail journey that makes it so special, but also the fact that the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is part of India’s heritage. The tracks were laid down by the British Indian administration in the year 1908.Also, the trains use locomotives from over 50 and 80 years back-- the specimens of the oldest x-class locomotives still in use. UNESCO declared the railway as a World Heritage Site in 2005, extending it to the greater heritage site of Mountain Railways of India.
Emerging from the Mukurthi Peak, the beautiful Pykara River transforms into gorgeous waterfalls, which ultimately forms a Pykara Lake. Guarded by a lush green cover of the Shola forests, Pykara Lake is believed to be an outcome of the dam constructed across the Mukurti River. The tranquillity of the green surroundings, a thick forest cover at the shores of the Pykara Lake and the tall pine trees in its backdrop gives rise to a pleasing atmosphere. In fact, you can say that the Pykara Lake is blessed with everything that you need to make your family outing an endearing one. Irrespective of whether you are a solo traveler or a couple in love, you probably shouldn’t miss on this tourist hotspot on your Ooty tour. If you feel like adding some adventurous flavor to your weekend celebrations, you can simply hop at the Pykara Lake Boat House. Here, you have various motorboats and speed boats to give you a perfect boating experience. As the captain is busy maneuvering your boat around, you can simply get candid moments of your fellow tour mates. Besides boating adventure, you can also hike up to the rumbling Pykara Falls. As you proceed from the Lake to the Pykara Falls, be ready to treat yourself with the melodious bird sounds and a cool breeze of air blowing in here and there. There are paid battery car services for those who want to embrace the cascading illustration of the Pykara Falls without a hiking adventure
Popular Trekking Destinations
People Also Ask About Trekking in Ooty
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Which are the famous places to visit in Ooty?
Ooty, also known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations' has a plethora of tourist spots. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Ooty:
1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway (It is the steepest track in Asia and as the train takes you to the higher altitudes, you will experience how treasured Nilgiri is)
2. Rose Garden (Located on the slopes of Elk Hills, it has a wide variety of roses and other flowers)
3. Ooty Lake (A lake, artificially constructed just for the fishing purpose has now become one of the most popular tourist places in Ooty)
4. Needle View Hillpoint (You can climb up the rocks and get a panoramic view of the splendid scenery spread here)
5. Mudumalai National Park (It has been declared as a tiger reserve thereby increasing its importance and making it a must in the best places to visit in Ooty if you are a wildlife enthusiast)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. -
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. -
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.
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Is there any chance of facing wild animals in Ooty?
It is very rare that you will give any wild animals during the trek in Ooty because the trek route is pre-tested and it is assured that the travellers be safe while they enjoy trekking here.
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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.
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Do we need to book a group tour for trekking? Can a solo person do it as well?
No, you don’t need to book a group tour for trekking because even a solo traveller can book for trekking. There are many operators who involve different solo travellers and form a group for trekking if you wish you can join such groups. Going solo is also not a problem as the local people of Ooty are really helpful and will guide you whenever you need.
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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. -
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.
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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. -
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.
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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.
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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 -
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.