Trekking in Ooty offers the perfect blend of adventure and peace, making it one of the best destinations for nature lovers. Located in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is known for its misty surroundings, rolling tea plantations, and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike to the peaks or a leisurely trek through the forests, Ooty has it all. The cool climate, fresh air, and beautiful trails ensure an unforgettable trekking experience for beginners and seasoned trekkers.
10 Popular Places For Trekking In Ooty
Discover these amazing places for trekking in Ooty, where adventure meets nature, and embark on a journey through misty mountains:
1. Cairn Hill Reserve Forest Trek
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Trekking in Ooty’s Cairn Hill offers a quiet escape into nature, perfect for beginners and those seeking a peaceful experience. The trek takes you through pine forests, offering cool shade and views. It is an easy trek, making it family-friendly. The Cairn Hill Reserve is a protected area, so you’ll enjoy the biodiversity of the Nilgiri region.
Distance From Ooty Railway Station: Approximately 3 km
Timings: Open year-round; best during daylight hours
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ooty Trekking Price: ₹800 per person
2. Doddabetta Peak
Photo: Edukeralam, Navaneeth Krishnan S / Wikimedia Commons
Trekking in Ooty wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris. The trail is relatively easy, making it suitable for beginners and families. Along the trek, you’ll pass through forests with exotic flora and fauna, and on clear days, the view from the summit stretches as far as Coimbatore.
Distance From Ooty Railway Station: Approximately 8.5 km
Timings: Daily from 7 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: October to January
Ooty Trekking Price: ₹1,200 per person
3. Silent Valley View Trek
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Trekking in Ooty’s Silent Valley View is a peaceful experience. It is perfect for those seeking solitude and views. The trek offers breathtaking views of the valley below, with mist-covered hills in the background. It’s an easy trek, suitable for beginners. Besides, the best time to visit is early in the morning to witness the sunrise over the misty valley.
Distance From Ooty Railway Station: Approximately 10 km
Timings: Open year-round
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ooty Trekking Price: ₹1,500 per person
4. Elk Falls Trek
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Trekking in Ooty’s Elk Falls, located near Kotagiri, offers a relatively easy trail. The trek takes you through tea plantations. It ends at the beautiful Elk Falls, a hidden gem located in a valley. The trek is perfect for beginners or families looking for a peaceful outdoor activity. During the trek, you can enjoy the breathtaking views along the trail.
Distance From Ooty Railway Station: Approximately 13 km (Kotagiri)
Timings: Open year-round; best during daylight hours
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ooty Trekking Price: ₹1,200 per person
5. Parsons Valley Trek
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Trekking in Ooty’s Parsons Valley offers an experience of peace. You can experience the serenity amidst the lap of nature away from the crowded tourist spots. The trail winds through pristine forests and grasslands, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife. It’s a moderate trek, making it suitable for intermediate trekkers.
Distance From Ooty Railway Station: Approximately 16 km
Timings: Open year-round; best during daylight hours
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ooty Trekking Price: ₹1,500 per person
6. Mukurthi Peak
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Trekking in Ooty takes on a wild, adventurous side with the Mukurthi Peak trek. Located within the Mukurthi National Park, the trek is more challenging and ideal for those looking for a rugged experience. The area is home to the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species of mountain goat, adding to the thrill.
Distance From Ooty Railway Station: Approximately 20 km
Timings: Open year-round; best during daylight hours
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ooty Trekking Price: ₹2,000 per person
7. Pykara Falls Trek
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Trekking in Ooty wouldn’t be complete without visiting Pykara Falls. The trek takes you through forests and grasslands, leading to the Pykara Falls. This waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the region. The falls are surrounded by greenery, and the trek is relatively easy, making it suitable for beginners and families.
Distance From Ooty Railway Station: Approximately 20 km
Timings: Open year-round; best during daylight hours
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ooty Trekking Price: ₹1,000 per person
8. Glenmorgan Trek
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Trekking in Ooty in Glenmorgan is ideal for those looking for a trek through tea estates and forests. The trail is relatively easy, making it suitable for all age groups. Glenmorgan is known for its breathtaking views of the Moyar Valley and the Pykara power station. It’s a great trek for nature lovers who want to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and observe the local flora and fauna.
Distance From Ooty Railway Station: Approximately 25 km
Timings: Open year-round; best during daylight hours
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ooty Trekking Price: ₹1,500 per person
9. Sengottaraayar Peak
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Trekking in Ooty’s Sengottaraayar Peak, near Coonoor, is perfect for those seeking views and a more challenging climb. The trail takes you through thick forests, past streams, and across rocky outcrops. These offer a blend of natural beauty and adventure. The trek is moderately difficult, and the peak provides a stunning point to view the surrounding hills and valleys.
Distance From Ooty Railway Station: Approximately 28 km (near Coonoor)
Timings: Open year-round; best during daylight hours
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ooty Trekking Price: ₹2,500 per person
10. Kotagiri Trek
Photo: rajaraman sundaram / Wikimedia Commons
Trekking in Ooty is incomplete without exploring the trails in Kotagiri. Kotagiri is one of the oldest hill stations in the Nilgiris, and its colonial history adds to the charm of the trek. The trail is moderately difficult and ideal for trekkers looking for both adventure and cultural insights.
Distance From Ooty Railway Station: Approximately 30 km
Timings: Open year-round; best during daylight hours
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ooty Trekking Price: ₹1,800 per person
Trekking in Ooty is a fantastic way to explore the beauty of the Nilgiris. From easy trails perfect for beginners to more challenging climbs for seasoned trekkers, spots for trekking in Ooty offer something for everyone. The misty mountains, beautiful surroundings, and peaceful environment make Ooty a top destination for trekking enthusiasts. Looking to explore Ooty’s best trekking spots? Check out TripXL’s travel packages and plan your next adventure today!
Cover Photo: Netha Hussain / Wikimedia Commons