Nilgiri means "Blue Mountains". The entire area of the Blue Mountains constitutes the present district of Nilgiri. The height of the hills in the Blue Mountain range varies between 2,280 and 2,290 metres, the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2,623 metres. Doddabetta is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills, at 2623 meters (8652 feet). There is a reserved forest area around the peak. It is 4 kms southeast of Udagamandalam (formerly Ooty) in the Nilgiri District of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is a popular tourist attraction with road access to the summit. The Chamundi Hills can be viewed from the peak.
The name "Doddabetta" traces its roots from the Kannada language, in which "Dodda" means big and "Betta" means Mountain. Hecuba (2375 m.), Kattadadu (2418 m.) and Kulkudi (2439 m.) are the three closely linked heights to the west of the Doddabetta range.
There is an observatory at the top of Doddabetta with two telescopes available for the public to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of the whole District.
9.00 am to 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm (Friday closed).
