Forming the junction of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, the Nilgiris- the `Blue Mountains'. The hills, a part of the Nilgiri District of Tamilnadu, stretch across the borders of the state into the adjoining states of Kerala and Karnataka. The Nilgiris is better suited for novice trekkers.
When to go
The Nilgiris never get too hot or too cold for trekking. Summer, however, is when the area is pretty crowded, so winter - particularly between November and February - is a better time.
How to reach there?
All three main towns of the Nilgiris- Ooty, Kotagiri and Coonoor- are conveniently located, with good connections via road and rail. Coimbatore, which is linked to the rest of India by air, rail and road, is just 112 km from Ooty and 80 km from both Coonoor and Kotagiri. Regular buses to the Nilgiris depart from Coimbatore.
The train from Coimbatore to Mettupalayam, popularly known as the toy train, covers a distance of 46 km in five hours uphill, and in three and a half hours on the return journey. Mettupalayam is, in turn, connected by road to Ooty (54 km) and to Coonoor and Kotagiri (both 35 km).
If you're in southern India, probably the most viable route would be by rail to Mettupalayam, and then by road into the Nilgiris. From another part of India, a flight to Coimbatore, followed by a bus ride to Coonoor, Ooty or Kotagiri is best.
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