trekking In ooty,

Trekking in Ooty

Ooty, the pretty as a picture hill station in the beautiful Nilgiri hills of South India is otherwise known by the local name of Udagamandalam. Tucked away in the green slopes, Ooty is thoroughly romantic. Honeymooners visit the hill town to take lazy walk among pretty roses in beautifully kept rose gardens, soak in the gathering mist and winteriness, and try out local coffee and chocolate. The century-old Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs charming train rides from Ooty in the Nilgiri valleys offering scenic vistas to treasure forever. Ooty trekking packages besides the lovely stays in the beautiful southern hill town also comprises of many exciting treks nearby. On these treks, there are scopes to try wildlife photography and jungle adventures in Mudumalai National Park, visit the famous spice gardens of the Nilgiris around Ooty and Coonoor, and overall feel refreshed and healed in the cool air. Trekking in Ooty, India is something you would regret to miss when visiting the south of the country! 

Why Should You Go For Trekking in Ooty?

The scenic quality and refreshing cool atmosphere of Ooty is a great draw for romantic nature lovers, in addition to which the other attractions of Ooty trekking routes are--

• The expansive Nilgiri tea estates of Coonoor and Ooty.
• The exciting flora and fauna in the wilderness of Mudumalai National Park, with photogenic beasts like the Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, and Nilgiri Langur.
• Contact with interesting indigenous tribal life, that of the Irula, Toda, Bagda, and other communities living in the remote nooks of the Nilgiri Hills.
• Neelakurinji blooming-- a rare natural event taking place once in six years when the slopes of the Nilgiris get covered in blue. From these blossoms, the hills derive its name. Nilgiris, meaning ‘the blue hills’.
• Beautiful lakes such as the Avalanche Lake of Ooty, and numerous streams and small waterfalls.
• Rain is frequent in these hills, adding a distinctive subtlety in the trekking experience.
• Choose treks in Ooty also for the close proximity of this quaint hill station to Bangalore. A short getaway from the city with trekking is conveniently and inexpensively found around in Ooty.
• Beginners, children, and elder people would find Ooty trekking places equally enjoyable as the gradients are gentle and the altitude easy to acclimatize to.

Which Are the Best Treks in Ooty?

Sengottaraayar Malai
Situated at an exquisite junction of the Tamil Nadu and Kerala states, Sengottaraayar Pak (1800 m) overlooks Mukurthi National Park and Palakkad Silent Valley in different directions. A landscape covered in refreshing green hues around the year, this range is a hidden gem for nature lovers. The trail bends through various tea and coffee estates, shola and pine forests, and villages inhabited by various indigenous communities of the Nilgiri Hills. This trekking near Ooty has interesting wildlife sightings of Gaur, Barking deer and sloth bears, and a peak into the unique life in Irula, Toda and Bagada communities of the hills.
Glenmorgan Trek
A scenic village in the woods located 25 km away from Ooty, Glenmoran is known for its tea estates. A well established tourist spot, the Glenmorgan trek invites multitudes of tourists for picnicking in the sun, riding a ropeway 3 km long from the Singara power house to Glenmorgan, and for the sweeping views of the Mudumalai National Park as well as the Moyar Valley. The walk goes along the hill of Singara and offers a more or less easy-to-climb trek gradient. The Pykara Power Plant is central to the trek route around which trekkers can find many rest houses, eateries and viewpoints to stop by. 
Doddabetta Peak 
Ooty is famed for its high altitude and pleasurable cool weather. If you want to get more of this, head to Doddabetta Peak, perched at an altitude of 2,632 m or 8,650 feet. The Doddabetta Peak is the highest point in the Nilgiris and offers a string of wonderful vantage points to the blue hills. From the main Ooty town, the trek is 10 km away. The joy of ascending the highest peak in south India is a marvelous experience and you must have it! 
Droog Fort 
Droog Fort is a historical monument which is accessible well by trekking in Ooty India. The renowned warrior Tipu Sultan held this fort as an outpost of his military operations around Ooty and Coonoor. Perched 600 feet above lush plains, the fort is spectacular to look at and offers magnificent views. The trek runs along Nonsuch Estate by a winding scenic trail, considered more or less of moderate challenge level.
Rangaswamy Pillar Trek 
A little away from Ooty, lies another scenic hill station in the scenic blue mountains of Kotagiri. Perched at 1788 m, the Rangaswamy Peak in this hilly district is a majestic peak. Deified and worshipped by the local tribal peoples - Irula, Bagada, and Kurumba, the peak evokes wonder. One of the most cherished trekking spots near Ooty, the Rangaswamy Pillar Trek must be on top of your list. 

When to Visit?

March to June, the pleasant and cool summer months in Ooty is the best time to visit. You will find sightseeing and other tourist activities like Lake Avalanche Ooty trekking cherishable during this time. But do pack for light showers, which are frequent in Ooty during the summers!

What Are The Essential Items To Pack For Trekking In Ooty?

• Large or medium size backpack, and a duffle side bag for extras
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Warm cap
• Base layers
• Fleece jacket
• Outer jacket
• Rain jacket (essential for the monsoon months)
• Sturdy trekking shoes and a pair of floaters
• Flashlight
• Trekking pants, several pairs
• UV-protection glasses
• Thermal socks
• Sunscreen

How to Reach?

By Air: Ooty trekking guide shows the airport nearest to the town is in Coimbatore, approximately 88 km away. This is a domestic airport while the closest international airport is in Bangalore.
By Rail: By rail, you can access Ooty trekking routes through Mettupalayam, Chennai, and Coimbatore. These railheads are well connected to most of the major rail stations in the country.
By Bus: Road to Ooty from Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore are plied by Tamil Nadu state bus vehicles. The way passes through beautiful forests and undulating hills rolling away in the distance. Keep an eye out for the elephants of Bandipur and Mudumalai wildlife reserves on this road!