Elk Hill Murugan Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) is the nearest, 96 km from Ooty town.

• By train

  Udagamandalam Railway Station is the nearest station to Ooty.

• By road

  Ooty is reached by the Nilgiri Ghat Roads and lies on National Highway 181.

Why devotees come here

Elk Hill Murugan Temple stands on Elk Hill in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, and is dedicated to Murugan. The government tourism site calls it a scenic spiritual haven, with views of the Nilgiri Hills. Its Thaipoosam festival attracts a large number of pilgrims.

Elk Hill Murugan Temple is dedicated to Murugan, on the hill in Ooty, also called Udhagamandalam. The temple is located on Elk Hill, in Tamil Nadu. The government tourism site describes it as a scenic spiritual haven. The annual Thaipoosam festival commemorates what legend describes as Murugan's victory over the demon Soorapadman. The story symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Pilgrims come in large numbers for the festival, which is held in January or February.

The temple is built in traditional South Indian style, with a grand gopuram, or tower, and colourful sculptures of Hindu deities. The hill gives wide views of the surrounding Nilgiri Hills, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the place.

Ooty's Botanical Gardens, with a wide range of plants, trees and flowers, are a short drive away from the temple.

Festivals

• January or FebruaryThaipoosam Thiruvizha

  Commemorates Murugan's victory over the demon Soorapadman, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Some devotees observe kavadi attam, carrying decorated heavy wooden poles with two baskets hung from them.

Tips for your visit

• Ooty's Botanical Gardens are a short drive away, with a wide range of plants, trees and flowers.
• Thaipoosam falls in January or February, so check the dates before you plan a visit around the festival.

Questions people ask