Doddabetta
The Doddabetta Peak is the fourth highest Peak located in Nilgiris District, in TamilNadu. This is the highest peak on the Ooty-Kotagiri road, after the other highest peaks Anamudi, Mannamalai and the Meesapulimala .
History
The Doddabetta is one of the highest mountains in the Nilgiris, at an altitude of 2637metres. This is the highest peak, which is surrounded by the dense forest and the greener area. For the photographers, this place provides the natural frame with the hills and the valleys, along with the “Chamundi Hills”. This place is the best holiday tourist spot, which contains the peaks like the Kulkudi, Hecuba and the Kattadadu.
Vegetation
The place around the Doddabetta, is a forest. In the empty spaces of the slopes, the Sholas are seen. Then the rhododendron trees, coarse grasses, herbs and sub-alpine shrubs are found in this place.
Climate
Here the temperature is low for the whole year. During winter, the temperature ranges from -5ºC to 21ºC. In summer, the temperature ranges from 10ºC to 21ºC .
Things to see in Doddabetta
The Sree Pattatulasi Amman Temple, Echo point, Government Botanical Garden, Kulisholai Reserve Forest, Aventura Tiger Hill, Kodanad Hill, Thread Garden, Bharathmata Temple, Kamaraj Sagar Dam and the Ooty Lake with Boat House are the various places to visit in this site. The other places to visit are the Tea Garden, Rose garden, Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden and the Thunder world.
Other nearby places to visit
The Dolphin’s Nose, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Emerald Lake, Sim’s Park, Pykara Lake, St.Stephen’s Church and the Avalanche Lake are the other nearby places to see in Doddabetta.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Doddabetta, is from October month to January month, because of the climatic condition. You can trek here, for 2 hours for a distance of 2 miles.
Tips to visit the Doddabetta Peak
- To avoid the crowd, you can plan the trip in the early morning, so that you can enjoy the sunrise.
- The winters will have a temperature of 5ºC, so you can bring the warm clothes to protect yourself.
- If you go for trekking, then wear shoes to protect yourself in the coarse grass and the rugged area.
- Then try to have some first aid kid, when you go for the trekking.
- At the top of the peak, there are two telescopes for the public to view the magnificent view of the whole area. From the car parking, you must go up to reach this peak.
Entrance Fees
| Entrance | Still camera | Video Camera |
| Per person- Rs.6 (above 5years) | Still Camera – Rs. 5 | Video Camera – Rs. 5 |
Transport facilities The Kotagiri is the nearest bus to the Dodabetta. If you wish to travel through the train, then the nearest railway station is the Ketti Railway station to reach the Doddabetta Peak. You can travel through the train, upto the Ketti Railway station, then pick a road transport to reach this site. Then the nearest Airport to the Doddabetta is the Coimbatore International Airport. From there, you must choose a road transport, to reach the Doddabetta.
Location: Doddabetta, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.
Timings: 9.00A.M to 6.00P.M – Open in all the days
(But timings may occur in different occasions)
Best time for Visit: October to January.
Total height – The Doddabetta Peak is located at an altitude of 8652 feet, in the Nilgiri Mountains.