Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Entry Fee
Above 5 Yrs: 6 per person
Below 5 Yrs: 0 per person
Still / Digital Camera: 10
Video Camera: 50
Doddabetta Ooty Phone
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Doddabetta Ooty Address: 9 km from Ooty, Ooty Kotagiri Road, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, 643002, India
Nestled amidst the Blue Mountains, the quintessential town of Ooty allures visitors in abundance to witness its postcard picture perfect beauty. Nilgiris are more popular as Blue Mountains as it is believed to be cloaked with the blue haze of the rare Kurinji blue flowers that bloom once in 12 years.
The term Doddabetta means Big Mountain in Badaga language. It is a combination of two words Dodda meaning big and Betta which means mountain. It satiates the desire of an avid trekker yearning for the best place to trek with its awe-inspiring views.
The grandeur of the mountain along with the sub alpine shrubs and shola thickets exudes admiration. There are 24 higher peaks in the Nilgiris and Doddabetta is the highest peak among them. It is frequently visited by travel aficionados interested in outdoor pursuits like trekking and is a top place to visit in Ooty for nature and adventure lovers.
View from Doddabetta Peak
The marvellous views of the sweeping forests of Bandipur National Park and the open highlands of Mysore are best enjoyed from the summit. Tourists get immersed into the stunning beauty of the fascinating natural wonders encircling the incredible tall summit.
The unrivalled beauty of the countryside appeals to every visitor. With breathtaking views of the highlands of Mysore and Coimbatore plains, it allures travellers.
Travellers come from various places to admire and appreciate the spectacular vistas from the highest summit of the district. One of the notable peaks that proffers unbeatable views of the majestic countryside and the Nilgiris provides ample opportunities for photography.
Significantly the summit being flat, travellers can sit and enjoy the relaxing ambience and nature’s grandeur. Tourists move up to the summit to enjoy the inspiring sunrise and sunset. Bird watching is another activity visitors get engaged in provided they reach the peak early morning. Owing to its majestic views it has been a favourite shooting spot for Indian movies as well.
Flora @ Doddabetta Peak
Slopes of Doddabetta are covered with thick shola thickets. Shola are a unique type of tropical montane forests that grow on higher mountain regions. These broad leaved forests interspersed with montane grasslands are a retreat to the eyes of the visitors.
The peak is also known for the medicinal plants and the rich vegetation of rhododendrons spread across the slopes of the mountain. Rhododendrons have medicinal properties that are used to make medicines and herbal tea. The flowers, leaves and bark of the trees are the major components used as medicines to cure numerous diseases.
The rich covering of the sub-alpine shrubs enhances its sheer natural beauty. One can even see thick coverage of coarse grass on the mountain slopes. Another key highlight is the reserved forest area around the park. The renowned Botanical Gardens of Ooty are located on the lower slopes of Doddabetta Peak.
Geography and Altitude of Doddabetta Peak
The legendary Doddabetta peak located at 9.5 km from Ooty, rises to 2637 meters above sea level and lies at the junction of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. Doddabetta Peak is the fourth highest peak after the Anamudi, Mannamalai and Meesapulimala in South India. Doddabetta is the highest peak of the Nilgiris district and situated on the Ooty-Kotagiri road.
Other symbolic peaks in the vicinity of the Doddabetta peak are the Hecuba with 2375m, Kattadadu with 2418m in the west and the Kulkudi 2439m. Doddabetta boasts to be the fourth highest peak in South India next to Anamudi, Mannamalai and Meesapulimala.
Doddabetta along with the Snowdon Hill at a height of 2530m, Club Hill at 2448 m and Elk Hill at 2466 m forms the extraordinary Udagamandalam Valley.
Image Gallery of Doddabetta Ooty
Weather and Climate at Doddabetta Peak
The temperature at Doddabetta is mostly low throughout the year. It is blessed with pleasant climate during summers with minimum temperature of 10 degree Celsius and maximum of 21 degree Celsius. Winters have minimum temperature as 5 degree Celsius and maximum temperature as 21 degree Celsius.
Telescope House
Visitors get a bird’s eye view of Ooty from the peak. They can enjoy the best views peeping through the telescopes in the Telescope House. Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation maintains and runs an observatory platform since 18 June 1983 for the travellers to gaze over the ideal town of Ooty. There are two telescopes in the glass paned telescope house.
Views of the surrounding hills are blanketed with dense forests that are also home to endangered species of flora and fauna. Visitors can also catch the glimpse of the stunning Chamundi Hills from the astonishing peak. As per earlier records during 2001 and 2002, the peak had 700 visitors per day on normal days and 3500 visitors per day during season.
How to Reach Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta Peak lies at the junction of Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats which is also known as the 4-Road intersection as it opens the way to four different directions. The Doddabetta peak is located 9 km from Ooty. The gorgeous peak can be reached by travelling towards Kotagiri and on the way you would see the Doddabetta Tea Factory.
The road is narrow till the main gate. From here you can take the pathway to reach the peak. There are several buses and private taxis to Doddabetta from Ooty. Doddabetta is only 8 km away from Ooty Railway Station and Bus Stand and 95.5 km from Coimbatore Airport.
Doddabetta Trekking
The most idyllic place for outdoor activity of trekking, Doddabetta allures avid trekkers in abundance. As you traverse up the rugged winding paths of the mountain you would be welcomed by the open fields and followed by long coarse grass.
The ascend offers striking views of the colourful rhododendrons sprinkled over the lush scenery. Trekking proves to be the best way to admire and appreciate the majestic landscapes and exceptional flora surrounding Doddabetta.
Doddabetta is a trekker’s dream with awe-inspiring views of the mist clad hills, and shola thickets. Being a perfect choice for trekking enthusiasts the level of trek is easy to medium. The wonderful trekking spot satiates the desire of the people seeking a relaxing ambience and enjoying the lush scenery.
You can either choose to trek all the way from Ooty to cover a distance of 9 km or start at the base of the mountain if you are a beginner to cover the distance of 3 km to reach the summit.
Carry enough water before you start your scenic trek to the summit. The beauty of the wonderful peak and the trekking activity has been attracting several adventure seekers.
Visiting Time and Entry Fee of Doddabetta peak
You can visit Doddabetta peak anytime from morning 9:00 am till 6:30 pm in the evening. Doddabetta is open for visitors daily.
The entry fees of doddabetta peak is Rs. 6 per person for Adults. There is no entry fee for children below 5 years of age.
You need to pay Rs 10 for Still camera and Rs 50 for Video camera at this peak.
Other Attractions near Doddabetta
Tea Garden, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake and Thunder World are tourist attractions near Doddabetta
