r/ooty

Hi everyone,

I m planning a solo road trip to the Nilgiris and was really looking forward to doing one of these treks:

• Avalanche (Cauliflower Shola) - Kolaribetta
• Avalanche (Cauliflower Shola) - Devarbetta

Unfortunately, both dates (24 and 25 October) are showing as sold out on the official Trek Tamil Nadu booking portal.

I was really hoping to experience one proper forest trek during my visit, so I m trying to figure out whether there are any legitimate alternatives if I cant get a slot online.

For those familiar with Ooty, Avalanche or the local trekking scene:

• Are cancellations or additional slots sometimes released?
• Is there an official office or authorised booking channel I could enquire with in person?
• If neither trek works out, are there any other proper guided treks around the Nilgiris that you would recommend for those dates?

I m not looking to bypass forest permissions or go on an unauthorised trail. I'd just love to know if there's a legitimate way to make this happen or find a worthwhile alternative.

Any advice from locals or people who have done these treks would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Guys I am planning an ooty trip for the upcoming holidays. I live in coimbatore so it's an easy drive for me. This holiday weekend's crowd was massive and now I'm having second thoughts. I haven't booked a stay yet. Should I skip and plan the next week? I'm worried if it's going to be so crowded.

I want this trip to be slow paced and peaceful.

I'm from Gujarat. i moved here for college. I was without a vehicle for 2 days and its making me understand how horrific the cab and auto scene is in Ooty. I understand you have to make your living and I'm not against paying fare wages. But abusing the tourists you rely on for your local economy is not the way. 250rs for 1km in an AUTO is absolutely ridiculous. I had to go to the eye foundation and they were all charging exorbant amounts of fare. Then they defend it by saying its a hill station. Rentals are illegal are here but oh you can buy an activa and then sell it back for a small cut of the total price. The cops here stop you everywhere the second they feel you're a tourist. I've had a lovely experience here but as a college student this is draining my bank account like nothing. Asking family for help is just a crutch which backfires always. And lets not forget you have to walk 1/1.5km to an auto stand and no auto stops even if its empty. If you're so reliant on the tourism industry then why abuse the clients who pay your bills. I havent had an issue with their behaviour per se but i definitely have an issue that they take one look at me and apparently a 150 ride is now 250. I've seen this happen, my friend from local areas have been offered lower prices. TASMAC is another headache where they just straight up lie to your face and disrespect you. Why is the local public so bitter about tourists. You can stop the tourism its in your hands. Yet you chose to abuse them.

Have a trek booked at Avalanche and starting from Coimbatore . Is the route via Mulli Kundha allowed to reach Avalanche ? Want to avoid long weekend traffic via Connor.