Trekking Places in Ooty
Kotagiri Trek, Sengottaraayar Malai Trek, Glenmorgan Trek, Rangaswamy Pillar Trek, Parsons Trek, Ebbanad Trek.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 places 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
The Mudumalai national park happens to reside on the northwestern side of the great Nilgiri hills. It has been one of the most important wildlife corridors of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The national park is flourished with many other adjoining forests and wildlife reserves like the Mukurthi National Park, Silent Valley National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Bandipur National Park. The Mudumalai National Park is also referred to as the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. There are more than 48 tigers in the park and they are allowed to roam freely inside the park without any restriction. The National Park is not only a house to the elephants and tigers, but it is also home to countless other endangered wildlife species like amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. As per the reports, more than 13% of the total mammal species in India is present in the Mudumalai National Park and more than 8% of birds find their home in the National Park. The National park has got a perfect balanced ecosystem. The National Park also houses various medicinal as well as rare plant species like Pongamia glabra, Mangifera indica, Dalbergia latifoli, Terminalia arjuna, Syzygium cumini and the bamboo. Visit this amazing place in your next holiday vacation and spend some time in the serene atmosphere.
Emerald Lake is located in Emerald Village away from the hustle and bustle of a city, offering some peace and quiet so that you can relax in the lap of nature. That is because Emerald Lake is still pristine and less frequented compared to other places visited by tourists in South India every year. Travel enthusiasts visit Emerald Lake for its breathtaking scenic beauty such as the lush Nilgiri hills and the tea plantations surrounding the water body. With tea plantations surrounding Emerald lake, you can buy various tea products if you like. The lake and its picturesque surroundings are a photographer’s paradise for taking beautiful photos of the landscape. Emerald Lake is also visited due to its stunning sunrise and sunset views, which is a bonus or takeaway for photographers. It is an ideal picnic spot for locals and tourists alike. You can carry picnic baskets and some badminton gear when visiting this place. The surrounding woods and blue lake-water are home to diverse flora and fauna. Take delight in watching some native birds including ducks and other aquatic animals. It is a bird watcher’s paradise, where you can spot them easily without having to wait for a long time. Emerald Lake is also popular for activities like mountain biking and trekking down the lakeside. Again, if you are not much of an adventure-seeker, you can fish by the lake or sit with your favorite book and read in peace.
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.
Popular Trekking Destinations
People Also Ask About Trekking in Ooty
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Which 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 and it is one of the best Ooty trekking places.
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 and sets a perfect destination for trekking in Ooty.
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, sets a perfect destination for trekking in Ooty.
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 Ooty trekking places.
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Ebbanad is located 18 km north of Ooty. -
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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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. -
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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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 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 in Ooty?
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.