Ooty to Mukurthi Peak and National Park

A trip from Ooty to Mukurthi Peak and National Park is one of the most beautiful excursions from Ooty. The peak is just 40 km from Ooty and the park spreads on the South Eastern side of the Nilgiri mountain range. It continues to blend in the verdant greens of the silent valley. The surrounding Mukurthi National Park is home to a significant population of Nilgiri Thar(Hamitragus hilocrius). The park also features a wide variety of Nilgiri flora and fauna.

The magnificent Mukurthi peak has granite cliffs that stretch from an elevation of 200 meter and slope down to around 1500 meter from the highland to the plains. The national park is spread on this highland covering a geographical area of 78.46 km2. Eucalyptus plantations cover much of this area. The presiding deity of Mukurthi peak is very popular locally and attracts the tourists as well. Mukkurthi Peak and National Park is the choice of many commercial film production houses for its natural beauty. The national park has a number of interesting endemic species, totally counting to be around thirty - seven varieties.

The landscape of the Mukurthi Peak biosphere is verdant with downs and temperate sholas. Those out for a holiday to Mukkurthi Peak and National Park cannot afford to miss the Mukurthi Dam situated right at the foothills. The dam is part of the Pykara hydro electricity project. The Parson's valley, Pykara and Portimund are great trekking trails from Mukurthi peak.

Ooty to Mukkurthi Peak and National Park is accessible by both railways and roadways. Coimbatore houses the nearest airport at about 140 km from the peak. The best time to visit Mukurthi Peak is between the months of February to May and one can opt to stay overnight at the nearby Avalanche forest rest house.