About Needle Rock View Point (Oosi Malai)
Needle Rock View Point – also known locally as Oosi Malai / Oosi Kundru – is one of the most dramatic viewpoints around Ooty. The rock itself narrows like a needle tip jutting into the sky, with sheer drops on one side and layered blue hills, valleys and distant Gudalur plains on the other.
From the parking bay on the Ooty–Gudalur highway, a short uphill walk brings you to the main viewpoint area. On clear days you get 360° views of the Nilgiris, deep ravines and cloud play. During sunset, the sky often turns orange, pink and purple as the sun dips behind the hills – which is why many travellers mark this as their “must-do sunset point” near Ooty.
Popular Sunset Point Deep Valley & Hill Views Short Viewpoint Walk On Ooty–Gudalur / Mudumalai Route
Needle Rock View Point Photo Gallery
Timings, Entry Fee & Visit Duration
| Item | Details |
|---|
| Best Visiting Window | Morning 08:30–11:00 AM or late afternoon 3:30–6:00 PM, with sunset being the most popular. |
| Typical Entry Time | Viewpoint area is generally accessible in daylight hours. Local staff may restrict entry during heavy rain, fog or maintenance. |
| Entry Fee | Usually a small viewpoint ticket & parking fee is collected per person/vehicle at the gate. Exact amount can change by season and local rules. |
| Walk & Duration | From parking, expect a 10–15 minute uphill walk (with steps) to the main viewpoint. Most visitors spend 45–60 minutes in total including photos and rest. |
Note: Timings, ticket amount and access rules are controlled by local authorities/forest staff and may change; always follow the latest boards and instructions at the spot.
How to Reach Needle Rock View Point from Ooty
- By Cab: Take the Ooty–Gudalur road. Needle Rock View Point comes after the usual Pykara belt, on the way towards Gudalur side. All local cab drivers know “Needle Rock viewpoint”.
- As Part of Sightseeing: Commonly included in a Pykara + Gudalur / Mudumalai plan along with Pykara Lake, Pykara Falls (if open) and Mudumalai wildlife side.
- By Bus: Some Ooty–Gudalur buses pass this stretch, but they may not stop exactly at the viewpoint unless requested and timing can be rigid.
- Self-Drive: The road is scenic but can be winding and misty. Drive in low gear on curves and stop only at the marked viewpoint parking area – not on blind bends.
Parking, Safety & Walk Tips
- Parking: Use the designated parking bay near the entrance board. Avoid leaving vehicles on the main highway or blocking other cars.
- The path to the viewpoint has steps, mild slopes and uneven patches. Wear comfortable footwear with good grip.
- Do not cross fences or safety rails. The drop from the cliff edge is steep; avoid risky selfies and cliff-edge poses.
- Keep an eye on children and elders throughout the walk and at the viewpoint; hold hands in crowded or narrow sections.
- If visiting for sunset, carry a torch/phone light for the walk back and plan to leave before it gets completely dark.
Best Time to Visit Needle Rock View Point
- For clear valley views: Choose a bright morning or clear afternoon when mist is minimal.
- For sunset colours: Plan to reach by 4:30–5:00 PM, so you have time for the walk and to find a comfortable viewing spot before the sun dips.
- In monsoon and winter, fog can move in suddenly, sometimes hiding the valley completely for a few minutes – build buffer time into your plan.
- Carry a light jacket or shawl; wind can feel stronger at the open viewpoint than in Ooty town.
- Combine with Pykara tourist places, Mudumalai side or a Gudalur run so the day feels like one continuous scenic belt.
Weather & Season Guide for Needle Rock View Point
| Season | Weather | View Conditions | Tip |
|---|
| Dec–Feb | Cool to cold; breezy | Good clarity on many days | Carry warm layers; evenings at the viewpoint can feel colder than Ooty town. |
| Mar–May | Pleasant, holiday rush | Generally clear; popular for sunset | Arrive a bit early to find space and avoid last-minute rush near sunset. |
| Jun–Sep | Showers & mist | “Floating in clouds” feel | Great for moody, misty photos but valley may be hidden at times; use non-slip footwear. |
| Oct–Nov | Post-monsoon | Fresh green hills | Balanced weather with revived greenery; a lovely time for landscape photography. |
Weather can change quickly in the hills. If you are chasing a sunset, keep an eye on local sky conditions and be flexible with other sightseeing on the same day.
Needle Rock View Point Highlights
- Signature Needle Shape: The rock narrows to a pointed tip, giving the viewpoint its “needle” silhouette when seen from certain angles.
- Deep Valley Drop: One side falls sharply into a lush green valley with multiple ridges and folds visible on clear days.
- Sunset Frames: The sun sets beyond the hill ranges towards Gudalur, creating dramatic colour gradients in the sky and clouds.
- Gudalur / Mudumalai Context: Acts as a scenic pause point for travellers heading towards Gudalur, Mudumalai and Bandipur from Ooty.
Drone flying, loud music and littering are discouraged – keep the hill clean and quiet so everyone can enjoy the natural mood of the place.
Accessibility & Walk Effort
- The viewpoint involves a short but noticeable uphill walk with steps and uneven surfaces – not wheelchair friendly.
- Elders who are comfortable with slow climbs and steps can manage if you allow more time and take breaks.
- Families with younger kids should keep them on the inside of the path, away from edges and drop sides.
- Those with knee or balance issues may prefer to stop at lower viewpoints rather than pushing all the way to the edge.
Map & Distance
Needle Rock View Point lies on the Ooty–Gudalur highway, beyond the Pykara belt, making it a natural extension if you are heading towards Gudalur or Mudumalai from Ooty.
Needle Rock View Point – FAQs
How far is Needle Rock View Point from Ooty?
Needle Rock View Point is roughly 35–40 km from Ooty town on the Ooty–Gudalur road. By cab it usually takes about 1–1.5 hours one way depending on traffic, weather and any stops you make at Pykara or other viewpoints en route.
Is there an entry fee at Needle Rock View Point?
Typically there is a small entry and parking fee collected by local staff at the viewpoint gate. Amounts can change with time and local rules, so treat any figures as indicative only and check the board on the day of your visit.
Is Needle Rock View Point suitable for kids and elders?
Yes, many families visit with kids and elders, but remember that it involves a short uphill walk and has steep drops near the edges. Walk slowly, use the main path, stay behind barriers and avoid risky photo poses. For elders, support and breaks make the climb easier.
Can I visit Needle Rock View Point just for sunset?
You can, and many visitors do exactly that. However, start from Ooty early enough to reach comfortably before sunset, keeping some buffer for traffic, mist and the walk up. It is safer to begin driving back before complete darkness, especially in foggy or rainy conditions.
Private Cab Packages for Pykara + Needle Rock Side
Doorstep pickup, carefully timed Pykara + Needle Rock sightseeing (Pykara Lake, Pykara Falls if open, Needle Rock View Point and nearby stops) with experienced local drivers.
