Where the Nilgiris End: Ooty to Hiriyaseegai Through Foggy Kinnakorai

Some drives are meant for speed, but some—like the road from Ooty to Emerald, Kinnakorai, and finally Hiriyaseegai—are meant for slowing down and simply soaking it all in. This route isn’t just a journey through the Nilgiris; it’s a gradual peeling back of layers, from bustling Ooty to untouched mountain silence where the air feels almost enchanted.

First Stop: Emerald Lake

Leaving Ooty behind, the road winds through tea gardens that look like they’ve been brushed into place by an artist. Within half an hour, the serene waters of Emerald Lake appear like a calm invitation. The lake mirrors the sky—sometimes sapphire blue, sometimes wrapped in soft clouds. Stop here for a quick breather and a few photographs. You’ll find little tea stalls offering piping hot masala chai with a view that tastes better than any café in town.

Into the Wild: The Drive to Kinnakorai

From Emerald, the road starts to narrow, and that’s when the adventure truly begins. The next leg towards Kinnakorai is a mountain-lover’s dream, especially if you enjoy a bit of thrill. The asphalt snakes through thick shola forests and tea estates, each bend opening to new vistas of valleys and mist.

Kinnakorai is famous for its dense fog, and if you’re lucky (or slightly mischievous), you’ll drive into a world where visibility drops to a ghostly few feet. It’s not just fog—it’s a living, breathing cloud that wraps around the road like a gentle hug. The temperature dips, the smell of damp earth rises, and the sound of your car engine becomes the only thing anchoring you to reality.

The hairpin bends here are sharp and dramatic, demanding slow, careful navigation. Each curve feels like unwrapping a gift: on one side, towering trees; on the other, sudden glimpses of tea bushes sloping into deep valleys. At times, you might even hear the rush of distant streams hidden behind the green curtain.

Kinnakorai Village – Where Time Pauses

The village itself is small and unassuming, with cheerful houses peeking out of tea fields. Life moves at a pace that city hearts often crave but rarely experience. Don’t miss the chance to chat with locals or sip freshly brewed Nilgiri tea—it tastes like the land itself, crisp and earthy.

Hiriyaseegai – The Last South West Village of the Nilgiris

Drive a little further and you’ll reach Hiriyaseegai, often called the last village of the Nilgiris. Here, the world feels untouched, almost like you’ve slipped off the map. The horizon stretches into the Moyar Valley, and on clear days, you might spot distant blue hills fading into Karnataka. The silence is profound—broken only by bird calls and the occasional breeze sweeping through the tea plantations.

It’s the kind of place where you simply sit back and let your senses take over. Watch the clouds drift. Listen to the leaves rustle. Breathe in the cleanest air you’ll ever find.

Tips for the Drive

• Start Early: The morning mist is magical, and you’ll have the roads mostly to yourself.

• Drive Slowly: The hairpin bends near Kinnakorai are steep and narrow—take it easy and enjoy the views.

• Pack Snacks: There are only a handful of small tea shops, so carrying water and some quick bites is smart.

• Respect the Silence: These villages thrive on their natural beauty—leave no litter and keep noise to a minimum.

A Journey into the Clouds

The Ooty–Emerald–Kinnakorai–Hiriyaseegai stretch isn’t a drive you rush through. It’s a slow romance with the Nilgiris — watching the fog slip across the road like a secret, feeling your heart jump at every sharp bend, and savoring that serene silence when the last village fades behind you. If Ooty is the proud crown of the Nilgiris, Kinnakorai and Hiriyaseegai used to be the hidden gems tucked along its rim — places for those who loved chasing clouds more than destinations. 🌿🌫️

⚠️ Important Update: Entry to Kinnakorai & Hiriyaseegai is Restricted

Though many travellers still try to explore the Kinnakorai–Hiriyaseegai route, the forest department has officially blocked tourist access. Despite warning boards and fines, people continue entering the forest areas, especially on long weekends.

According to forest officials:

• Only local residents are allowed beyond the checkpoint.

• These routes pass through deep forest zones with frequent movement of wild animals such as gaur, leopards, sloth bears, and deer.

• Many tourists attempt to go through Kinnakorai thinking it connects to Kerala — there is no such route.

• Videos on social media (YouTube, Instagram, etc.) are encouraging people to try visiting, leading to penalties.

The forest department has started issuing fines under the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882, and has stated that stricter action will be taken against trespassers.

In short: Kinnakorai and Hiriyaseegai are no longer open for visitors. Please do not attempt to enter, even for photos or sightseeing.

Let’s respect the locals, the ecosystem, and the wildlife that call this place home. 🌿

Here are some pictures from before the restriction — a glimpse into the magic that once waited behind the mist.