The Nilgiris Mountain Ranges that encompass Ooty as a district are famous for being a trekker's paradise blessed with some of the best trails to hike through. Whichever direction you look at, you will be faced with umpteen trek routes that will spoil you for choices.
While trekking tours in Ooty can be full of fun and excitement and offer the thrills of adventure, one must also remember to engage themselves in enjoying the real beauty of nature while on their way through the innumerable picturesque scenes and splendour that Ooty and its region have to offer.
Adventure tours like trekking were an initiative taken by the Tamil Nadu government to attract a global crowd of trekkers and nature lovers. The government realised the hidden potentials of Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri in the area of trekking within the tourism sector and hence improved and increased the infrastructure and speed to promote this adventurous sport.
Ooty also introduced several energy-boosting and tourist-friendly activities like hiking and cycling for visitors to indulge in and experience a different yet refreshing side to tourism in Ooty and, on the contrary, get rejuvenated after such strenuous activities.
Ooty offers several trek routes that vary in distances, altitudes and terrains from a prominent trekking base camp situated at Parsons Valley. This valley offers trekkers the perfect start to the various trekking points within the majestic Western Ghats of South India.
The major trekking routes in Ooty are apt for seasoned trekkers as well as beginners and learners. These Ooty trekking routes lead you through the lower hills of the Western Ghats that lie along the northern end. This route then meets at the extensions of the Eastern Ghats that take you to the famous Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning over a massive open terrain and thus opening doors to adventure enthusiasts for further expeditions.
A trekking expedition in and around Ooty is a sure way to experience the Nilgiris at its best, and it really cannot get better than this. This trekking activity will take you through a memorable journey where you get to wander around the forest area filled with the full bloom of purple rhododendrons or get to enjoy the scenes as you trek to the wildlife sanctuaries near Ooty, including the joys you feel as your path crosses through rolling greens of ups and downs along rippling streams that will definitely make you come back to Ooty for more.
The Nilgiris are easier to traverse through when compared to the mighty Himalayan mountain ranges and hence is often suited for novice or amateur trekkers, mainly because there are fewer restrictions on moving around this region. The temperate climate of the regions around Ooty and its gentle slopes are other factors that allow trekkers with minimal or no experience to enjoy the hike without getting completely fatigued.
The terrains of Ooty and its region allow beginners to completely enjoy and experience some of the most stunning panoramic views that can even tame veteran hikers to stop by and enjoy nature to the fullest.
Where clothing is concerned, it is essential to know that the Nilgiris get very cold during the late evenings and onwards; hence, do take along heavy woollens to keep you warm in your tent or accommodation. In case you are trekking during the summer seasons, it still gets quite cold at night; hence, light woollens are essential to carry along.
Other ‘essentials’ during a trekking expedition in and around Ooty are an insect repellent, sunglasses, and a hat [for the late evenings and night time]. Besides these items, bottled water and food are practically available all over the Nilgiris unless your trek heads into deeper territories where food stocks are as scarce as not available at all, and hence you will need to pack along some food and water as well.
Information on trekking in Ooty and trekking from Ooty to other nearby regions can be obtained from the Nilgiris Trekking Association situated at 31 D, Bank Road in Ooty, the Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association [NWLEA] situated at Mount Stewart Hills and the Tourist Information Office located at Charring Cross in Ooty.
Ooty Trekking Tours does not call for any restrictions, but be sure to collect a permit for the ‘No Entry’ areas from the Ooty District Officials, and even better, book a trekking tour in advance from an authorised travel agency known to you, as it is advisable not to venture out on a long trekking expedition on your own. It is also recommended that you take along an experienced guide as provided by the Trekking Tour Agency, who is thoroughly knowledgeable about the area, to ensure a comfortable, safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
Every year, with the assistance of the Department of Tourism in Ooty, hang-gliding courses are organised in Ooty between the months of March and May. Angling courses are also conducted for tourists wishing to indulge in fishing activities, but do approach the Assistance Director of Fisheries to obtain a fishing permit for such activities.