Dodabetta Peak, also known as Doddabetta, is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills at 2,637 metres (8,652 feet). It is located about 9 km from Ooty, on the Ooty-Kotagiri Road in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a popular tourist attraction with road access to the summit. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, valleys, plains and forests. It also has a telescope house, which allows visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of Ooty and beyond. Visit during One day Trip Ooty local sightseeing package
Location of Dodabetta Peak
Dodabetta Peak is located on the Elk Hill Road, about 9 km from the Ooty bus stand and railway station. It is situated in Ooty, a hill station in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, about 200 km from Coimbatore. Ooty is known for its pleasant climate, green hills, tea gardens and colonial charm. Ooty is home to many other tourist attractions such as Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Pykara Lake and Coonoor.
Timing / Entry Fees Dodabetta Peak
Dodabetta Peak is open for visitors from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm every day except Friday, when it is closed for prayers. The entry fee for visiting Dodabetta Peak is Rs. 6 for adults and Rs. 0 for children below 5 years of age. To carry a still camera or a digital camera, you have to pay an additional fee of Rs. 10 and to carry a video camera, the ticket price is Rs. 50.
How to Reach Dodabetta Peak from City Centre
Dodabetta Peak is about 9 km from the city centre of Ooty. Visitors can reach the peak by various modes of transport, such as:
- Auto-rickshaw: This is the most common and convenient way to reach Dodabetta Peak from the city centre. Auto-rickshaws are easily available and charge around Rs. 100-150 for a one-way trip.
- Bus: There are buses that ply between the city centre and Dodabetta Peak at regular intervals. The bus fare is around Rs. 20-30 per person.
- Taxi: Visitors can also hire a taxi or a cab to reach Dodabetta Peak from the city centre. The taxi fare may vary depending on the distance and traffic, but it usually ranges from Rs. 300-500 for a one-way trip.
Things to Do / Must See Dodabetta Peak
Dodabetta Peak is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Some of the things to do and see at The Peak are:
- Enjoy the view: The main attraction of Dodabetta Peak is enjoying the view of the surrounding landscape, which includes hills, valleys, plains and forests. Visitors can see the Nilgiri range, the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats from the peak. They can also see the towns of Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri from the peak. The view is especially spectacular during sunrise and sunset, when the sky changes its colour and creates a magical effect.
- Visit the telescope house: The peak also has a telescope house, which was inaugurated by J. Jayalalithaa in 1983. The telescope house has two telescopes that allow visitors to zoom in on the scenic beauty of Ooty and beyond. The telescope house is run by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) and charges Rs. 10 per person for viewing through the telescopes.
- Trek to the peak: The peak also offers an opportunity for trekking enthusiasts to trek to the summit from different routes. The trekking routes are well marked and have signboards along the way. The trekking time varies from one hour to three hours depending on the route and difficulty level. The trekking routes are:
- Kotagiri route: This is the longest and most difficult route to reach Dodabetta Peak. It starts from Kotagiri town and passes through dense forests and grasslands. It takes about three hours to complete this route.
- Ooty route: This is the shortest and easiest route to reach Dodabetta Peak. It starts from Ooty town and follows a paved road till the base of the peak. It takes about one hour to complete this route.
- Coonoor route: This is a moderate route to reach Dodabetta Peak. It starts from Coonoor town and passes through tea estates and pine forests. It takes about two hours to complete this route.
Significance of Dodabetta Peak
Dodabetta Peak is a significant place for Indians, as it is the highest point in the Nilgiris and the fourth highest peak in South India. It is also a significant place for nature lovers, as it is a place of scenic beauty and ecological diversity. It is also a significant place for culture enthusiasts, as it showcases the local art and craft of Ooty.
According to history, Dodabetta Peak was first explored by the British in the early 19th century. They used it as a vantage point to survey the Nilgiri region and to establish their settlements. They also built a bungalow near the peak, which is now known as Stone House. The peak was later developed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation as a tourist destination.
FAQ’s
Q: When was Dodabetta Peak discovered?
A: Dodabetta Peak was discovered by the British in the early 19th century.
Q: Why is Dodabetta Peak called Dodabetta?
A: Dodabetta Peak is called Dodabetta because it means big mountain in Kannada language.
Conclusion
Dodabetta Peak, also known as Doddabetta, is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills at 2,637 metres (8,652 feet). It is located about 9 km from Ooty, on the Ooty-Kotagiri Road in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a popular tourist attraction with road access to the summit. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, valleys, plains and forests. It also has a telescope house, which allows visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of Ooty and beyond.
It is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers who can enjoy the view, visit the telescope house and trek to the peak from different routes. It is also a significant place for Indians, as it is the highest point in the Nilgiris and the fourth highest peak in South India. It is also a significant place for nature lovers, as it is a place of scenic beauty and ecological diversity. It is also a significant place for culture enthusiasts, as it showcases the local art and craft of Ooty.
