Trekking 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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