- From Chennai
- 590 km · ~10.5 h
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Best months
- Oct–Feb
- Altitude
- 2,554 m
- Distance
- Varies
- Time on trail
- A full day with a guide
About Mukurthi Peak
A tough day trek through shola and open grassland inside Mukurthi National Park, home of the Nilgiri tahr. Entry is by permission from the forest department and the use of an authorised guide, so it is not a walk-up trek.
- Grassland ridge
- Nilgiri tahr habitat
- Views over the Western Ghats
Permit & rules
- Permit needed?
- Yes: permission or booking
- Authority
- Tamil Nadu Forest Department
- How to book
- Book on https://trektamilnadu.com if the trail is one of its listed trails; otherwise ask the local forest range office.
- Fee
- Permission and guide fees apply; confirm with the forest office.
- Guide
- Required
- Night trek
- Not allowed
- Note
- National park rules apply; do not trek without authorised permission.
Best time to visit
Go
Oct–Feb
Avoid
Rain and fog: the grassland trail is exposed
Wildlife, clothing and what to carry
Wildlife
- Nilgiri tahr
- Sambar and other deer
- Shola birds
What to wear
- Warm, windproof layers
- Strong shoes
What to carry
- Water
- Rain jacket
- Packed lunch
Itinerary
- 1Meet your guide at the park gate.
- 2Trek through shola and grassland to the viewpoint.
- 3Return the same route.
Fuel for a car round trip from Chennai is roughly ₹6,752 at current prices, split across passengers.
Operators & costs compared
Listed starting prices per person. They change by batch, so confirm inclusions with the operator. Tamil Nadu has fewer commercial operators than Karnataka; where none is verified we show the official route and a do-it-yourself estimate.
Do it yourself
Not possible without permission and a guide.
~₹5,000
Trek Tamil Nadu (official)
Government-run; fee covers entry, guide and insurance; 18+ unless stated
Check price
- Included
- Entry, guide and insurance on listed trails
- Notes
- Check whether this park trail is bookable on the official portal.
Tips
- Apply for permission well ahead.
- The weather turns fast on the open slopes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for Mukurthi Peak?
Yes. Book on https://trektamilnadu.com if the trail is one of its listed trails; otherwise ask the local forest range office. Permission and guide fees apply; confirm with the forest office.
How far is Mukurthi Peak from Chennai?
About 590 km by road (roughly 10.5 hours); sources quote slightly different distances.
What is the best time to visit Mukurthi Peak?
Oct–Feb. Avoid: Rain and fog: the grassland trail is exposed.
How difficult is Mukurthi Peak?
Hard. A full day with a guide.
More Tamil Nadu hikes
Reviewed 2026-11-05. Distances, trail lengths and rules differ between sources; confirm with the forest range or your operator before you go.