Oct 28, 2015 11:59 AM
3864 Views
(Updated Oct 28, 2015 12:01 PM)
This is one of the main Tourist Attractions in Ooty and I have visited this place almost twice back in 2004 with Friends and 2012 with Family.
location -
Doddabetta Peak comes next to the Tea Museum and falls little off when traveled on the "Ooty Kotagiri Highway"(SH15). The Doddabetta Road is a separate Small road with length of about 3kms. The Road is small and is not in good condition. It hardly takes about 30 minutes to reach this peak from ooty(if you skip the museum).
The Doddabetta Peak -
There is a big Parking lot on the top there before the entrance of the peak station, which can accommodate over 50 vehicles I guess. I did not notice that well because when took a travels car with a driver.
To reach the Telescope House, the visitors/tourists need to climb the hill way up for about 150 meters. It will be like mini Trekking. there will be many mini shops selling key-chains and eateries on this way.
There is Fee to enter this Telescope House, I am not sure how much(sorry I forgot). But its Relatively less. May be Rs.20 for Adults and Rs.30 for Cameras.(this is common rates all over Ooty).
There are a two view points out there -
1) View Avalanche Dam
2) View Ketty Valley
But it is also said that Mysore’s Chamundi Hills is Visible from this peak! I never knew this. Hence I will check that out when I visit this peak again next time.
To Enjoy the best view at this peak, you need to have Luck and Technology. I mean, if the peak is covered clouds and Fog, then you are out of luck. Because when we visited, the views were almost blocked with Clouds hence, it was not fun. And Technology! Yes, to enjoy the fullest, you need to have a super zoom Camera.
Other Amenities -
1) Telescope House - We did not get the opportunity to get on into it since it was heavily crowded. This house has the powerful Telescopes to actually view the full areial view of the cities and mountains around. Well but if you have a Telescopic Camera, that will do the job.
2) Shopping - The Peak has some shops like Tea shops and other Fancy shops. There are probably about 2 or 3 shops up there.
PROS -
1) There are seating Arrangements at this place. Very helpful for Aged people.
2) Instant Sketch drawing at this place is an another attraction at this place.
3) The Peak is surrounded by Park which is very Well maintained. Very good for photography.
4) Large parking space on the top there. No fee for Parking I guess.
5) The Safety of this peak is excellent. There is no fear of falling of from the peak. I mean one can climb up on the protective railing to get a better view and take photographs. Because the other side of the railing is "Thick Green grassing".
CONS -
1) Reaching the 160 meters by walk is a fun for Youngsters. But for aged, its a pain. My mom, who has foot problem, faced problems while walking up there. This way is also not very smooth. Its made of raw stones.
2) No parking Assistance.
3) We didn't find any Rest rooms up there.
Verdict - Overall, this is an another must visit peak on Ooty. And it is recommended to visited there during summer, when the sky is clear. Don't forget to carry you Telescoping equipment along with.
