Top 10 Scenic Treks in the Nilgiris: Trails You Must Explore in 2025

Do you know that spending time in nature can significantly improve your physical and mental well-being? According to UCLA Health, spending time in nature improves heart health, boosts the immune system, and reduces stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Taking a walk outdoors daily can work wonders. But if you really want to level up the benefits, why not trade the city streets for misty trails and mountain air? Trekking through nature-rich regions like the Nilgiris not only gives your body a solid workout, but also nourishes your soul.

Tucked away in the hills of Tamil Nadu, the Nilgiri Hills are home to lush greenery, cool breezes, and some of the most peaceful, scenic trekking trails in South India.

Whether you’re after beginner treks in Nilgiris or thrilling routes for seasoned trekkers, these Nilgiris treks have something for everyone. So, let’s explore the top 10 scenic treks in the Nilgiris trails you must explore in 2025.

1. The Parsons Valley to Mukurthi Peak Trek

Difficulty: Tough.

Distance: 20 kilometres.

The Parsons Valley to Mukurthi Peak Trek is one of the best treks in Nilgiris for seasoned trekkers and adventure seekers craving a remote, wild experience.

This challenging 20-kilometre trail isn’t your average weekend hike. This trek takes about 8 hours round-trip. As you traverse dense forests and wide grasslands, you’ll feel completely disconnected from city life and immersed in untouched beauty. The trek ends at the historic Mukurthi Hut, a stone structure from the British colonial era.

This trek doubles as a wildlife safari, as the path leads through the core zone of Mukurthi National Park, a UNESCO-recognised biosphere. If you're lucky enough, you might spot the elusive Nilgiri tahr, herds of Indian gaur, and other wildlife.  

Note that this trek is heavily regulated by the forest department, and entry is permitted only with official approval and a designated guide.

To make the most of this trek, check out the Exoticamp Parsons Valley to Mukurthi Hut Trek. 

This camp offers a unique wilderness experience, combining the thrill of hiking with the comfort of well-organised camping. You’ll stay near the Mukurthi Hut, surrounded by silence and natural beauty, with expert guides who ensure safety and share stories about the region’s rich ecosystem.

2. Ooty to Avalanche Lake Trek

Difficulty: Moderate.

Distance: 25 kilometres.

This is one of the most popular Ooty treks that combines the best of mountain trekking with a gorgeous lake destination.

The trail to Avalanche Lake is perfect for nature lovers who want to experience the scenic landscapes without dealing with challenging terrain.

The trek starts right from Ooty and takes you through beautiful tea plantations and thick forests with rolling hills. Along the route, you can get scenic views of the Upper Bhavani Dam and Mukurthi Peak.

As it meanders through lush greenery, expect to encounter charming natural waterfalls along the way.

Once you arrive at the Avalanche Lake, it will feel like you are stepping into a postcard.. The lake's water is crystal clear and surrounded by mountains and forests. It's a trekker's paradise where you can relax, have lunch, and soak in the natural beauty. The return trip gives you completely different views, making this one of those trails that keeps surprising you.

3. The Gene Pool Nature Trail Guided Trek

Difficulty: Easy.

Distance: 8 kilometres round trip.

Don't let the scientific name fool you. This is one of the most accessible and educational beginner Nilgiris treks. This 8-kilometre, 4-hour, two-way trail is located within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a site known for its rich biodiversity.

The trail winds through thick forests and pine forest sections and past a mystical waterfall and beautiful water bodies. So, you might catch sight of wildlife such as elephants, sambar deer, and a variety of birds and butterflies.

One of the best ways to experience this trail is through the Exoticamp Gene Pool Nature Trail camp.

This unique camping experience offers guided treks led by experts who share fascinating insights about the region’s endemic flora and fauna. The camp provides comfortable tents, delicious local food, and a peaceful environment that lets you unwind after your adventure.

4. Catherine Falls Trek

Difficulty: Moderate, though considered easy for those with basic fitness levels.

Distance: 6 kilometres round trip from the village. 

Catherine Falls is hands down one of the most spectacular waterfalls destinations you can reach on foot in the Nilgiris. This trail is approximately 3 kilometres one-way and features some steep slopes. The path takes you through picturesque tea gardens and a dense forest, offering glimpses of exotic flora and fauna.

The main attraction is the majestic Catherine Falls itself, a unique double-cascading falls that plunges from a height of about 250 feet.

When you finally reach the falls, you’ll be greeted by an absolutely breathtaking sight. The water cascades down from a great height, creating a natural pool at the bottom where you can dip your feet.

5. The Longwood Shola Reserve Forest Trek

Difficulty: Easy.

Duration: 2-5 hours for a 3-kilometre round trip.

For experienced trekkers looking for something off the beaten path, the Longwood Shola Reserve Forest trek is a great option.

This is a short, easy trail trek located in Kotagiri, often referred to as an 'urban shola forest'. This trail takes you deep into one of the most pristine shola forests in the region, where you'll experience the Nilgiris as they were meant to be.

The trek starts from a small village and immediately plunges you into thick forests. The terrain here is more challenging, with some serious steep slopes and sections where you need to really watch your footing. But the rewards are incredible—you'll see nature in its most raw and beautiful form.

Note, though, this isn't a popular tourist spot, which means you'll have the forest mostly to yourself.

6. The Pykara Falls & Lake Hike

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Distance: 1.5 to 2 kilometres.

Among the most popular Ooty trekking experiences, the Pykara Falls and Lake trail is great if you’re in the mood for a relaxed outing with friends or family. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly treks in the Nilgiris.

The hike takes you through beautiful nature trails, with opportunities for bird sightings. The trail follows the river, so you'll have gurgling streams as your soundtrack throughout the walk.

The main fall is the most dramatic, but don't miss the smaller cascades. They are equally beautiful and often less crowded. This trek is great to build stamina while enjoying some of the most stunning views in the Nilgiris.

7. The Kodanad Viewpoint Circuit Trek

Difficulty: Not explicitly categorised, but the trail goes through meadows, forests, and tea estates.

Distance: 18 kilometres from Kotagiri town.

The Kodanad Viewpoint Circuit Trek is perfect for those who aren’t hardcore trekking enthusiasts, yet love soaking in nature at a relaxed pace.

Starting from the Kodanad Viewpoint parking area, the trail loops through tea estates and forest patches before bringing you back to your starting point. Along the way, you'll pass through open meadows where wild flowers bloom in season, creating carpet-like displays of colour.

The viewpoint will treat you with a stunning 220-degree vista of the surrounding scenic landscapes. You can see the Moyar River, the Moyar Gorge, the Rangaswamy Peaks, and the plains of Tamil Nadu stretching to the horizon.

8. Glenmorgan to Singara Trek

Difficulty: Moderate.

Distance: 12 to 13 kilometres.

This lesser-known trail connects two beautiful locations and gives you a real taste of trekking in Nilgiris.

This moderate, 12 to 13-kilometre trek takes approximately 7 hours and combines natural beauty with local heritage. The trail starts in the picturesque village of Glenmorgan and winds its way through old tea estates, tribal settlements, and pine forest.

The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, from Mudumalai National Park to the city of Mysore and the Moyar Valley.

The journey concludes at the Singara Powerhouse, a historic site with a disused ropeway. Singara village is the perfect place to rest and interact with local people who have been living in these mountains for generations. Their stories about the cultural heritage of the Nilgiri Hills add a whole new dimension to your trekking experience.

9. Doddabetta Peak Trek

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Distance: Roughly 2.1 kilometres round trip.

Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris, offers the most expansive views for the least amount of effort. That is what makes it an ideal choice for beginners, families, and casual hikers seeking a rewarding outing without the physical strain of a longer expedition.

The trail, which is a manageable 2-kilometre ascent from the vehicle drop-off point, takes only 1 to 2 hours to complete.

At the summit is a Telescope House, which allows you to get a closer look at the Ooty skyline and the forests of Bandipur National Park. The trail is well-defined and passes through rugged paths and grassy slopes filled with the fragrance of ferns and rhododendron trees.

10. Nilgiris Green Lake Trek

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.

Distance: About 5 to 6 kilometres.

Saving the best for last, the Emerald Lake, also called Green Lake, trek is pure magic.

This trek is a genuine hidden gem, leading to a colossal and enchanting lake surrounded by verdant forests and small streams. The trail is a delight for nature enthusiasts, passing through fragrant eucalyptus groves and pine forest, where the soft forest floor is a pleasure to walk on.

The chances of spotting animals like spotted deer and bison along the way are high. The views of the lake are simply spellbinding, with dark woods creating a dramatic backdrop against the water.

Getting Ready for Your Nilgiris Adventure

The Nilgiris is a destination of unparalleled beauty and diverse experiences. Each trail on this list tells a unique story, offering the chance to witness rare wildlife, explore colonial history, or simply immerse yourself in the serene grandeur of dense sholas.

Whether you're chasing breathtaking views, hoping to spot wildlife, or just looking to escape the buzz of city life, these Nilgiris treks are calling your name.

But before you head out on any of these trekking trails, remember that preparation makes all the difference. Lace up comfortable and sturdy trekking shoes and carry a reusable water bottle, a first-aid kit, and plenty of energy snacks.

Once you reach the trekking trails, take your time, soak in the lush greenery, and let the magic of the Nilgiri Hills work its charm.