About Pine Forest, Ooty
Pine Forest, Ooty is one of the most recognisable shooting spots on the Ooty–Pykara route. Tall, straight pine trees march down a sloping hillside, with glimpses of the valley and water in the distance. The trunks create natural “frames” for photos and videos, which is why it appears in many South Indian films and songs.
Visitors walk down from the entrance through the trees, pick a comfortable clearing and spend time clicking photos, reels and family portraits. Some seasons also see horse rides or small stalls around the area. The slope is noticeable – fun for youngsters, but elders and anyone with knee issues should walk slowly and use support.
Tall Pine Trees on a Slope Famous Film Shooting Spot Classic Photo & Reel Location On Ooty–Pykara Sightseeing Circuit
Pine Forest, Ooty Photo Gallery
Timings, Entry Fee & Visit Duration
| Item | Details |
|---|
| Visiting Time | Generally 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM (daylight hours). Exact closing time may vary slightly with season and local rules. |
| Entry Fee | Small per-person entry ticket, usually in the ₹10–₹30 range. Camera and video may have extra charges as per notice board. |
| Parking Charges | Parking charges for cabs, cars, tempo travellers and buses as displayed at the parking area / ticket counter. |
| Average Visit Duration | Plan around 30–45 minutes for walking down, photos and slowly climbing back up, plus a short break if needed. |
Fees and timings can change with local administration decisions. Check the latest board near the entrance or confirm with your driver on the same day.
How to Reach Pine Forest, Ooty
- By Cab: Pine Forest sits directly on the Ooty–Pykara road, roughly 20–25 minutes from Ooty town. Almost every Ooty cab driver knows it as a fixed sightseeing point.
- With Sightseeing Packages: Included in most Pykara side city tours along with Golf Club (Outer View), Tree Park (6th Mile), Wenlock Downs (9th Mile), Kamarajar Dam view, Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake & Boating.
- By Auto / Taxi: Autos are usually comfortable up to this distance in good weather; clearly mention “Pine Forest on Pykara side” while negotiating.
- Self-Drive: Road is scenic but has curves and tourist traffic. Park only in designated / wider areas and avoid sudden stops on bends.
Parking, Walk Difficulty & Safety
- Parking:Local parking space and roadside bays are used for cars, cabs and buses. Follow staff instructions, especially on busy days.
- Slope: The path down through the pine trees is noticeably sloping with roots, loose soil and stones. Walk slowly and use the sides for support.
- Footwear: Prefer closed shoes or strong sandals with good grip. Avoid slippery footwear, especially in monsoon and winter mist.
- Children & Elders: Hold hands while walking; elders may stay near the upper sections if they find the lower slopes difficult.
- Cleanliness: Use dustbins where available and avoid littering between the trees; this is still part of a protected hillside ecosystem.
Best Time & Visit Tips for Pine Forest
- Light for Photos:Before 11:00 AM and after 3:00 PM usually give softer light beams between the trunks and richer colours.
- Summer Crowds: In April–May, expect more tourists and waiting time for preferred photo angles and horse rides.
- Mist & Monsoon: Mist between the trees can look magical but also makes the ground damp and slippery – walk carefully.
- What to Carry: Water, basic snacks, a light jacket and, if you are sensitive to slopes, a walking stick or support.
- Combo Plan: Typically combined with Golf Club outer view, Tree Park (6th Mile), Wenlock Downs, Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake & Boating in a half-day or full-day Pykara loop.
Weather & Season Guide for Pine Forest, Ooty
| Season | Weather | Trail Conditions | Tip |
|---|
| Dec–Feb | Cold & crisp | Dry but chilly under shade | Carry warm layers; mornings and late evenings can feel very cold between the pines. |
| Mar–May | Pleasant to warm | Good visibility, busy days | Popular holiday time; plan early/late slots to avoid mid-day heat and crowd. |
| Jun–Sep | Mist & showers | Damp / slippery patches | Use shoes with good grip; keep an umbrella or rain jacket ready. |
| Oct–Nov | Cool & fresh | Greener surroundings | Balanced weather with nice contrast between trunks and foliage – good for photography. |
Always check local weather before you go, especially if travelling with elders or very small children.
Pine Forest Highlights (for Visitors)
- Movie Feel: The straight trunks and sloping ground create ready-made frames like you see in films and music videos.
- Quick Escape from Town: In under half an hour from Ooty, you are inside a quiet, shaded forest belt.
- Short Walk, Big Reward: Even a 30-minute walk down and back gives good photos and a change of pace from traffic and shops.
- Pykara Route Context: Acts as one of the signature stops on the Ooty–Pykara sightseeing belt.
Rules on horse rides, stalls and camera charges can change. Follow local staff instructions and signboards inside the forest area.
Accessibility & Walk Effort
- There is a descent from the entrance into the trees; you can choose how far down you want to go based on comfort.
- The path may have tree roots, loose soil and uneven rocks. It is not a paved walkway.
- Elders and those with knee or balance issues should walk slowly, use hand support and avoid going too far down if they are not comfortable.
- Wheelchair access is limited due to the slope and natural ground; many guests simply enjoy the upper part and view.
Map & Distance
Pine Forest is located on the Ooty–Pykara road, between the town and other Pykara attractions like Wenlock Downs, Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake.
Pine Forest, Ooty – FAQs
Is there an entry fee for Pine Forest, Ooty?
Yes, there is typically a small per-person entry fee for Pine Forest. Camera and video equipment may have separate charges. Exact amounts are shown on the ticket counter board and can change over time.
How much time should I plan at Pine Forest?
Most visitors spend around 30–45 minutes enjoying the walk among the trees, clicking photos and then climbing back up slowly. If you are shooting reels or group photos, you may want to allow a full hour.
Is Pine Forest suitable for kids and elders?
Kids usually love the open slopes and trees, but you must hold hands and keep them away from steeper edges. Elders who are comfortable with a gentle slope can walk part-way; those with knee or balance issues may prefer to stay closer to the top.
Can I visit Pine Forest on the way to Pykara Lake?
Yes, Pine Forest is a standard stop on the Ooty–Pykara sightseeing circuit. Cabs usually cover Golf Club outer view, Tree Park (6th Mile), Pine Forest, Wenlock Downs, Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake & Boating in one stretch.
Private Cab Packages for Pykara Side (1–3 Days)
Doorstep pickup, curated Ooty & Pykara sightseeing (Pine Forest, Wenlock Downs, Pykara Falls & Lake, Golf Club outer view), trusted local drivers and flexible timings.
