- Grade
- Moderate
- Distance
- 8 km there and back
- Walking time
- 4 hours
- Altitude
- 2000 m
- Best months
- Oct – Mar
- Start point
- Karikaiyur Trekking Shed
- District
- Nilgiris
- Nearest station
- Mettupalayam, ~45 km
- Nearest airport
- Coimbatore, ~90 km
About this trail
Rangasamy Peak rises above the eastern slopes of the Nilgiris, about 20 km from Kotagiri. The trail starts at the Karikaiyur trekking shed and climbs through deciduous woods, then shola pockets and open grass, getting steeper towards the top. At the viewpoint you look out across the Nilgiri hills and the valleys below.
The round trip is 8 km and takes about four hours. Report by 8 AM and you should be back at the shed by noon. The climb is steady and at times steep, so some fitness helps. Stay close to the guide and avoid shortcuts on the way down.
Highlights
- Wide views from Rangasamy Peak
- Shola, forest and grassland on one route
- Back by noon
- Short but properly uphill
- Pairs well with Porivarai rock paintings
How the day goes
- 8:00 AMReport at the Karikaiyur trekking shed for permits and the briefing.
- Lower trailStart the climb through forest, getting steeper as you go.
- Shola and grassCross shola patches and open grassland.
- ViewpointReach Rangasamy Peak and rest with the view.
- Around noonDescend by the same route to the trekking shed.
Getting there and staying over
- By train: Mettupalayam, ~45 km
- By air: Coimbatore, ~90 km
- Stay: Day trek; hotels in Kotagiri or Ooty.
What to carry
- Photo ID
- 2 litres of water
- Trekking shoes
- Light jacket
- Cap
- Snacks for the top
Good to know
These are guided trails run with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, and each has a daily limit on walkers. Book a few days ahead, carry the same photo ID you booked with, and expect a trail to close at short notice after heavy rain or when elephants are active nearby. We book the permit, arrange the car to and from the start point and, if you want, a hotel nearby for the night before.
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Send us your date and group size. We will confirm the slot with the forest team and share the reporting time, car and total cost.
