Short Treks In The Nilgiris

  • Travel To India > Short Treks In The Nilgiris

    Nilgiris are also known as Blue Mountains. They are located at the meeting point of Eastern and Western Ghats. Kerala and Karnataka have their slight stretch. Short treks in the Nilgiris take you to a perfect combination of shola forests with tea estates, coffee plantations, brooks, meadows, waterfalls, lakes and orange groves.

    Short Treks In The Nilgiris

    Ooty-Mukurthi Lake Trek :

    Season to trek Ooty-Mukurthi Lake :

    It is from June to February.

    Location of Ooty-Mukurthi Lake:It is located West south-west of Ooty.

    1. Day 1
    2. Ooty-Porthimund

    Start the trek heading the highway. After 3 km, see for a sign saying-Parson's Peak. Take the track to the upper reaches of the Nilgiris. After 8 kms you'll reach Parson's Peak's top. Drop into the Parson's valley to reach there. Carry your own provisions and camp here.

    1. Day 2
    2. Porthimund-Mukurthi Lake

    The walk from Porthimund to Mukurthi Lake takes you through eucalyptus plantations, coffee estates and small villages. The area is on the border of the Mukurthi National Park. Camp on the premises of rundown Electricity Department Bungalow but with permission of the person concerned.

    1. Day 3
    2. Mukurthi Lake-Porthimund and beyond

    Retrace to Porthimund the same way or move to Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake. You can also move to Mudumalai National Park. The Park houses many wild animals. You can stay overnight at Theppakadu.

    Ooty-Red Hills Trek :

    Season to trek Ooty Red Hills :It is from October to May.

    Location of Ooty-Red Hills :It is located south of Ooty.

    1. Day 1
    2. Ooty-Emerald

    From Ooty head south-west on Muthorai Road and to Red Hills. Walking for 8 kms will make you cross Muthorai, Pallada and Ithalar villages. Now trek to Emerald town. It has eight lakes. Camp along the Lake's shore.

    1. Day 2
    2. Emerald-Avalanche

    Move south till Avalanche Dam and Avalanche village. Forest of versatile flora surrounds the village. Camp at a suitable spot.

    1. Days 3 to 5

    Move back to Ooty via Parson's Valley or head to Red Hills. Stay overnight at Red Hills Nature Resort.

    Day Hikes around Kotagiri :

    1. Kotagiri-Kodanad

    From Kotagiri , catch the road to reach Kodanad. Moyar River winds its way in the valley. Stay overnight at the Kodanad Forest Rest House.

    1. Kotagiri-St. Catherine Falls

    This waterfall is 250 feet high and is double-cascaded. Take Mettupalayam road from Kotagiri till Aravenu and tread till falls.

    1. Kotagiri-Longwood Shola

    Longwood Shola Forest is very close to Kotagiri. Move to Milidhane road. With a guide/forest guard admire the sholas. There is a Forest Rest House at Longwood where you can stay overnight.

    Coonoor-Law's Falls-The Droog Trek :

    Season to trek : It is from April to June and September to October.

    Location of Coonoor :It is located in south-east of Ooty.

    Through the mid of Coonoor, the state road cuts out. March to Lamb's Rock on this road. The Lamb Rock overlooks Coimbatore plains. After passing this you'll come across Lady Canning's Seat which was named after the Viceroy's wife. Treading on the road will show you Dolphin's nose-a secluded rock looking like a replica of dolphin's snout. Retrace your steps after a break. At a distance of 5 kms before Coonoor, you will see a diversion to Mettupalayam Road. Law's Falls are located at the connection of Coonoor and Katteri streams.

    Now move to the Droog-a demolished fort of 16th century which was believed to be used by Tipu Sultan. Descend and take a bus to Coonoor.

    Nilgiris constitute India's oldest mountain ranges. It was Scotland of the east for the British. Short treks in the Nilgiris make you witness India's colorful socio-cultural history.