Sengottaraayar Malai — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

An underrated view point, hidden gem in Nilgris with untouched nature. It was amazing and I was awestruck with the stunning view. Only the locals would know the exact location. The google map will guide you to a CSI Church as dead end and you can park the vehicle there and start the trek. From there you have to walk for a 1.6km in a off-road trail through estate. Ask the locals on the way about the correct route, otherwise you will get confused. Beware of animals and slippery grass. Be careful going there while rainy season. Sometimes you may miss the actual route to the view point and may end up on the opposite side of the view point which will also gives an blissful experience and a spectacular view of Sengottarayar malai and Geddai valleys and you will find an old temple. After reaching the exact location, you can see a 2nd peak which is little more higher. Then trek to there and you can see the view like a bird. Don't miss it, it will be a...

This viewpoint is near Kottakkal (கோட்டக்கல்), which is a small village that is accessible from Ooty and Coonoor. I was going there for the first time, so I took a direct bus from Coonoor bus stop. The bus fare was Rs. 20 and passes through Selas and Kolacamby before ending at Kottakkal. The viewpoint is around 1.5 km from where the bus stops and you can ask the locals for directions. I've mentioned some key areas of the trail that might be confusing in this video. I thought there were only buses plying from Coonoor and then a bus from Ooty showed up at the village, so I took that bus when returning. The bus fare was Rs. 24 and the distance from Ooty is 30 km. Definitely a good spot to check out and the view is worth the short hike.

Trail Difficulty: Easy Duration: 20 - 30 minutes Starting point:...

Very good 360 degree views of the plains from Nilgiris. Please don't follow Google Maps directions as it will lead you the wrong way. You need to reach the CSI church in Kotakkel and walk 1.5 km through the tea estate to reach this point. This walk is pretty straightforward but do ask for the way from tea workers on the way as a couple of turns are tricky and the last stretch especially doesn't have a clear path.

Also to reach CSI church don't follow Google maps - some roads are missing. Reach Kolakombai (from Coonoor side) and take a right turn towards Kotakkel - ask anyone there and you will get directions. Union Bank, Melur can be a good reference on the map. Then keep going on that road till you reach Kottakel village - the church is at end...