Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar, located at a height of 1,794 meters, promises a visual treat to the eyes with breathtaking views. If you are in Ooty and looking for an off-beat place with a serene atmosphere to spend quality time with your family, this picturesque location should be on your wishlist. Located around 20 km from Kotagiri, this is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Ooty, offering a unique blend of culture, adventure, and scenic beauty. In this article, you get to know more about this place so you can plan your Ooty tour accordingly.
Rangaswamy Peak And Pillar: An Ultimate Experience In Nature
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A popular hill station in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar, is about 4,890 feet above sea level, offering a panoramic view of the dense forests surrounding it. Apart from nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and animal lovers also vouch for this tourist spot in Ooty as the trek to Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar passes through a dense green forest home to a wide range of wildlife. Rangaswamy Peak, surrounded by a lush green landscape, holds religious significance among the Badaga, Irula, and Kurumba tribes of The Nilgiris. A temple at the top of the peak is dedicated to Lord Rangaswamy, a form of Lord Vishnu.
Once at the top of the peak, you witness the breathtaking views of the Nilgiris and the awe-inspiring beauty of the vast meadows surrounding the entire vicinity. While trekking to the peak, you can also capture some stunning pictures of the crystal clear water of Upper Bhavani Lake and the Emerald Tea Estate, making a good memory of your vacation.
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Top Places To Visit Near Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar
Get the best places to explore this stunning peak and enjoy the top attractions.
1. Elk Falls
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Located 8 km from Kotagiri, Elk Falls is a hidden gem in Kotagiri that needs to be explored more for its magnificent beauty. Coming down from Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar, you can visit this waterfall at Uyilatty village, 28 km from Coonoor and 30 km from Ooty. One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ooty, this palace is nestled amidst the idyllic Echoing Valley of Kookal in the South Nilgiris district. Also known as Uyilatty Falls, this waterfall is surrounded by lush green landscapes covered with plantations of tea and coffee. Trekking to Elk Falls is yet another wonderful experience. It passes through the Badaga Habitations, a serenely laid-out woodland area of tea and coffee plantations. If you visit this waterfall during the monsoon season, you will witness the nearby Kookal Valley blooming with mellow oranges.
Location: 43 km from Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
2. Doddabetta Peak
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While coming down from Rangaswamy Peak, do not forget to explore the highest peak in the Nilgiris range, Doddabetta Peak, which stretches along the Ooty – Kotagiri Road. Enjoy the aerial view of nature’s splendour from this peak at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats. Doddabetta Peak promises a beautiful view of the entire Nilgiri mountains and greets the trekkers with its long stretches of rhododendrons and other species of flora and fauna. Doddabetta Peak stands tall at 8,650 feet above sea level, surrounded by dense forests. If luck is on your side and you get clear weather, you can see as far as Mysore from this peak. A trek to Doddabetta Peak, around 3 km, passes through rugged paths and grassy slopes, where you can smell the rich fragrance of the ferns and alpines filling the air.
Location: 39 km from Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
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3. Catherine Falls
Image Credit: Raghavan G for wikimedia commons
Catherine Falls is a must-visit place near Rangaswamy Peak, which attracts many tourists for its serenity and charm. Catherine Falls is an offbeat tourist destination in Kotagiri, the Nilgiris District. A favourite among nature lovers and adventure freaks, this waterfall is nestled amidst a thick green forest cover and a carpet of tea plantations, giving more reasons for travellers to visit this place. The trek to Catherine Falls passes through many meandering trails. If you want the best view of Catherine Falls, try visiting early in the morning, as the mist around the falls gives a perfect view. Make sure you try heading back home before sunset, as the area has limited access after dark.
Location: 20 km from Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
How To Reach
By road: Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar is a popular hill station in Kotagiri, a small town well-connected to other parts of Tamil Nadu. To reach this place, you can take the bus from all the major cities, such as Erode, Coimbatore, Mettupalayam, Ooty, Coonoor, and Mysore.
By train: Another best way to reach Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar is by train. However, there is no railway station in Kotagiri. The nearest railway station is Mettupalayam, which is 35 km away. From there, you can take a bus or cab to Kotagiri.
By flight: If you are coming by flight, the nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, which is 69 km from Kotagiri.
Related Post: Tourist Places Near Coimbatore
Important Information About Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar
- The timing for Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm
- There are no washroom facilities available at the peak
- There is no entry fee to visit Rangaswamy peak
- Street parking is available at the foothill of the peak
- The best time to visit is between December and February when there is less
- rainfalls and weather in Kotagiri are pleasant
- Make sure you wear full-sleeved clothes for the trek to Rangaswamy Peak as there can be insects and allergic plants around the trail.
- Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes for trekking to the peak
- Carry food, water, and essential things, as there are no shops around the peak
- Do not forget to carry some woollen clothes as the weather gets chilly in Kotagiri
- Avoid carrying plastic bags and other waste products to avoid littering around the place
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Visit Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar in Kotagiri with your family for a fun-filled outdoor excursion. Get ready to experience a delightful trek to this peak, which takes you through lush green tea estates, beautiful deciduous forests and some rugged terrains. Apart from sightseeing and hiking, this place is also a paradise for people looking for solace amidst the lap of nature. So, all in all, this place promises to fulfil the desires of every traveller. Hence, visit Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar on your next trip to Ooty.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rangaswamy Peak And Pillar
How Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar got its name?
Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar is one of the famous hill stations in Kotagiri, standing at about 4,890 feet above sea level. This hill station got its name after Colonel J.C. Rangaswami, a European, who discovered this miracle.
What makes Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar a popular tourist destination?
Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar is a popular tourist destination among nature lovers, hikers, and explorers. From this peak, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding landscape covered with dense forests, valleys and other hills of the Eastern Ghats.
Which is the nearest airport to Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar?
The nearest airport to Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar is Coimbatore International Airport. The distance between Coimbatore Airport and Rangaswamy Peak is 75 km. You can hire a taxi from Coimbatore Airport or take a bus to Kotagiri. A trek of 3 km is required to reach the top of the peak.
What are some of the popular tourist spots nearby Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar?
There are many picturesque spots that you can explore near Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar. However, the most popular ones are Catherine Falls, Long Wood Shola, and Elk Falls.
What is the best time to visit Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar?
Though Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar is open for visitors throughout the year, the best time to visit the peak for some stunning views would be in the winter season from December to February. During this time, the probability of rainfall is less, and the weather remains pleasant for hiking.
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