Beyond Ooty: The Untamed Charm of Mukurthi

The most captivating of South India's natural locales, Mukurthi Peak soars high over Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri Hills. At 2,554 metres (8,379 feet) of altitude, the peak lies in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is renowned for its beauty, richness in biodiversity, and ecological importance. Compared to the local hotspots of Doddabetta, Mukurthi Peak is sparsely inhabited and therefore bliss for nature and adventure sports buffs. The peak was so named after the Toda tribes that originally inhabited the Nilgiri Hills centuries ago. Mukurthi is a sacred and respected peak to the Toda tribe.

Aside from its religious nature, the peak is also one of the major attractions of the Mukurthi National Park, created nearly solely to preserve the Nilgiri Tahr, a species of wild goat native to this area and designated as endangered. Mukurthi Peak's landscape consists of rolling grasslands with patches of dense shola jungles to create a picturesque patchwork of greens. Due to its elevation and natural importance, Mukurthi Peak entry is controlled and trekking by permit only. The tours are packed with scenery for the valleys surrounding, thick forests, and lakes so clear-cut that they shine like glass to make it one of the favourite spots surrounded by people in search of the unblemished beauty of Nilgiris.

Location and Significance

Mukurthi Peak is situated in Nilgiri Hills, a popular range of hills in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu state, India. The peak is within the Mukurthi National Park itself, which in turn is within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the sites in the area marked out by UNESCName due to the very high ecological significance and biodiversity. It is about 45 kilometres from the colonial township town of Ooty, renowned for its colonial townships and scenery. The topographical significance of Mukurthi Peak lies beyond the beauty of its elevation. The peak is of prime watershed as several streams and rivers originate here.

The top and the tree-clad sloping hills significantly contribute to hydrological richness through the supply of water to major river systems, and supply to lower plain fauna through irrigation, and nutrition. Mukurthi Peak is ecologically important in the way that it occurs in one of the globe's eight "hottest" biological hotspots—the Western Ghats. The exceptionally good climatic conditions, i.e., heavy monsoon rains and cold, are propitious for high endemism both in fauna and flora and thus form an extremely sensitive area of conservation importance.

Major Attractions in the Park

• Nilgiri Tahr habitat

  The park is the sole one among the parks where a tourist has an opportunity to view the Nilgiri tahr in their natural habitat. The goats prefer to climb rocky hills and mountain slopes and are seen cheerfully scanning all the commanding positions.

• Shola Forests and Grasslands

  The park's topography is dominated by the widespread shola habitat in the shape of dense high-level evergreen forests with intervening broad grasslands between them. The typical biome consists of some endemic vegetation with some medicinal properties.

• Mukurthi Peak

  One of the best trekking places in the park, Mukurthi Peak provides a bird's-eye view of the remaining part of the Nilgiri Hills. It is moderately sloped and well worth the effort, though. The game viewing and nice scenery are dividends for the trekkers on the trek.

• Western Catchment Area

  It is the park's most beautiful sector, home to virgin lakes, vast expanse of grassland, and secretive glimpses into rare bird species. It also happens to be one of the primary water sources for lands neighboring the park and therefore part of the ecobiological contribution of the park.

• Diversity of birds

  Bird enthusiasts visit Mukurthi National Park to observe the park's endemic and migratory bird population like the Nilgiri flycatcher, laughing thrush, and Malabar trogon. The birds nest in the pristine shola forests, and the park becomes an important bird habitat for refuge.

Nearby Places to Visit Around Mukurthi Peak

Mukurthi National Park (Inside the park)

• A UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and diverse wildlife.

• Ideal for wildlife photography, birdwatching, and nature walks.

Avalanche Lake (30 km from Mukurthi Peak)

• A serene, offbeat destination surrounded by shola forests.

• Famous for fishing, camping, and photography.

Upper Bhavani Lake (35 km from Mukurthi Peak)

• A hidden blue-water lake with breathtaking views.

• Requires special permission to visit; ideal for peaceful getaways.

Emerald Lake (35 km from Mukurthi Peak)

• A scenic lake known for its calm waters and lush green surroundings.

• Great spot for picnics, sunset views, and photography.

Ooty (45 km from Mukurthi Peak)

• A popular hill station with attractions like Ooty Lake, the Botanical Garden, and Doddabetta Peak.

• Perfect for a relaxing stay and local sightseeing.

Best Time to Visit for Trekking

Winter (November – February) – Best Time

• Cool and comfortable temperatures (10°C – 20°C).

• Clear skies with breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills.

• Ideal for spotting wildlife like the Nilgiri Tahr.

Early Summer (March – April) – Good Time

• Slightly warmer but still comfortable for trekking.

• Blooming flowers add beauty to the grasslands.

• Less crowded compared to the peak winter months.

Monsoon (June – September) – Not Recommended

• Heavy rainfall makes trails slippery and dangerous.

• Trekking is often restricted due to landslides and leeches.

Peak Summer (May – June) – Avoidable

• Temperatures can rise above 25°C, making the trek tiring.

• The dry season reduces greenery and scenic appeal.

How to Reach Mukurthi Peak

Nearest Major City & Airport

• Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) is the nearest airport, about 140 km away.

• From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ooty.

Reaching Ooty (Base Location)

• By Road: Ooty is well connected to major cities like Bangalore (270 km), Coimbatore (85 km), and Mysore (125 km). You can take a bus or drive via NH181.

• By Train: The nearest railway station is Mettupalayam (40 km from Ooty). From Mettupalayam, you can take the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway or a taxi to Ooty.

Getting to Mukurthi National Park

• Mukurthi Peak is located inside Mukurthi National Park, about 45 km from Ooty.

• Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park, so you need to obtain permission from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and hire an authorized guide.