Kinnakorai: A quiet escape near Ooty that tourists often miss

Kinnakorai is a picturesque hamlet nestled between the misty mountains of the mighty Nilgiris. The hilltop village is shrouded in thick blankets of mist even at noon, as the sun often plays a thrilling game of peekaboo. Located just 60 kilometres from Ooty, tourists often overlook this beautiful destination. It would be safe to say that the visitors would feel they have time travelled to the past as soon as they step foot in Kinnakorai. You may not find flashy hotels or luxurious facilities in this quiet village. So, visitors mostly rely on the small wayside eateries that serve local cuisine.

Those looking for fabulous destinations to enjoy a relaxing stay might be disappointed as there are hardly any accommodation facilities here. Instead, Kinnakorai has many mind-blowing sights in store that are sure to excite you on your way to another destination. Meanwhile, the forest path to Kinnakorai is a haven of lush foliage and cool weather. You may even be able to spot herds of wild elephants and bison roaming around in their natural habitat if you are lucky. A quaint waterfall is what welcomes you to the beautiful village of Kinnakorai. Meanwhile, the misty Manjoor, 43 hairpin curves away, beckons you with its relaxing weather and scintillating views. As the name suggests, this place is an abode of mist and cold weather.

From Manjoor, you could head straight to Kinnakorai. The vehicles shine their headlights as the view may get blocked in the thick mist. The beautiful Ooty flowers that wouldn’t shed for months are abundantly grown on the roadsides. The visitors charmed by this spectacular phenomenon often stop their vehicles to pluck a bunch of fresh Ooty flowers. The road soon diverts in two directions; one leads to Kinnakorai, while the other heads to Upper Bhavani. Meanwhile, the giant trees on both sides of the road hide the sunrays into a tight hug, paving darkness even during the noon. Lush green tea plantations that sprawl in acres of land, vibrant valleys and the long line of labourers’ quarters make the hamlet look straight out of an impressionist painting.

The long road from Kinnakorai ends at another village called Hariyasegai, where a viewpoint treats you to the spellbinding views of the valley. A colourful floral carpet of orange, yellow and violet blossoms turns the hillocks into a dreamy spot that exudes tranquillity. Besides these tiny flowers, you could see a hundred varieties of plants and shrubs around the viewpoint.

Kinnakorai, where the sun makes a cameo appearance only for three or four hours a day, is always covered in smoky blankets of mist. Visitors must note that night traveling is banned in Kinnakorai which is located in the Nilgiri district in Tamil Nadu. There aren’t many options for food and accommodation in this remote village. Meanwhile, the nearest railway station is Lovedale, which is 45 kilometers away.