A Guide To Doddabetta Peak, Ooty

Things to do/Highlights

Take in spectacular views from the Telescope House

The main draw for the thousands of tourists visiting Doddabetta Peak is the majestic views from the top. While you can certainly see grassy pastures and thick Shola forests carpeting the mountainsides and beautiful 360-degree views of the Nilgiri hills, the best way to see beyond that is via the two telescopes provided for public use at the Telescope House on the peak. Peeking through the telescopes, you will be treated to closeup views of the nearby areas, including Coimbatore and Mysore, as well as spectacular forest vistas of Bandipur National Park. Photographers can revel in taking amazing shots of local flora and fauna, like the rhododendron bushes in bloom.

Go trekking

Doddabetta Peak is a popular trekking destination. Several amazing trails are available on the slopes of the mountain that take you through fantastic forest landscapes and afford breathtaking views along the way and at the top. You can choose to trek all the way from Ooty, which is over 10 km (6.2 mi) of easy terrain or start at the base of the mountain for a 3-km (2-mi) ascent to the summit. En route, gawk at pleasant meadows, fern and alpine covered slopes or click awesome pictures of the local scenery. The rugged trails also offer peace and quiet away from the hubbub of tourist crowds. The trails end at the flat top of the peak from where more amazing views await.

Visit the Tea Factory

Doddabetta Tea Factory, located at the base of the peak, is also a must-visit for all tourists. Both a factory and a museum, this place offers visitors a chance to see the tea making process, learn about the varieties of tea leaves grown on the slopes of the Nilgiri hills, see the processing of tea leaves, etc. At the end of the tour, you can also enjoy a hot cup of tea here. The museum shop is the perfect place to buy tea samples as gifts, tea-related souvenirs and packets of your favourite tea. A ‘Tea and Tourism Festival’ is held here each year, a must-visit for all tea lovers.

Travelers tips

Time your visit

Though it enjoys pleasant weather year-round, the winter months of October to January are the best times to visit Doddabetta Peak. For specific visit times, it is best to come here in the early mornings in order to avoid crowds, enjoy cooler temperatures and get a chance to use the telescopes in peace. If you visit in the evening, spectacular sunset views await you. Weekends and holidays can get very crowded and are best avoided. Fog also envelops the mountains at certain times, so it’s best to check the weather before planning your trip.

Be mindful of the driving conditions

Doddabetta Peak is easily accessible all the way to the top by road. But the road conditions are often not very good. The road is very narrow, with lots of hairpin bends and often riddled with potholes. Driving can be risky, especially in the rainy season. It is advisable to exercise precaution while driving to the top.

How to get there

Combination of public and private transport

Ketti Railway Station and Mettupalayam are the nearest railheads to Doddabetta Peak. Mettupalayam connects to the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, often called a toy train, and is a highly recommended travel experience. You can also take a bus, but it will not be able to take you all the way to the top. Visitors can take a bus from Ooty Bus Stand that is located 8 km (5 mi) away from the base. Several buses pass through the area, especially ones going to Kotagiri. From there, you will have to take a jeep service, taxi or auto-rickshaw to the top.

Taxi, auto-rickshaw or jeep

Taking a taxi, auto-rickshaw or jeep service is the best way to reach Doddabetta Peak. Taxis and auto-rickshaw can be hired from Ooty and will easily take you to the top of the peak. Jeep service can be taken from the base of the peak, but since it is a shared service, you may have to wait until the jeep fills up with the required number of passengers.

Private vehicle

Since it is situated on Kotagiri Road, Doddabetta Peak is easily accessible by private vehicles like cars or two-wheelers. You can drive your own vehicle or a rental one all the way to the top of the peak, just until the car parking area.

Parking information

Parking space is available for both two-wheelers and cars at the top of the peak. The parking area is located just 100 to 200 meters (0.06 to 0.12 miles) away, a short walk from the peak. Parking is generally free but it can be difficult to get a spot during busy periods.

How to book tickets

The best, most convenient and only way to book a ticket to Doddabetta Peak is on-site at the entrance area. Tickets are very reasonably priced at 0.14 USD (10 INR). There are generally no parking charges, but you are required to pay extra for your still or digital camera, video camera, etc. Charges vary upon the type of camera but generally fall in the range of 0.14 to 0.70 USD (10 to 50 INR).

Doddabetta Peak information

Doddabetta Peak

Address: Udagamandalam, Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu 643002, India

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Cost: 0.14 USD (10 INR)

Official website: Doddabetta Peak

Department of tourism: Visit Tamil Nadu