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Friday, March 22, 2019

Droog Fort & View Point, Coonoor, Nilgiris

Droog Fort & View Point, Coonoor, Nilgiris
Droog Fort is a historic fort, located in Huligal, a mountainous town in picturesque Nilgiris Hills near Ooty Hill Station in Coonoor Taluk of Nilgiris District of Tamilnadu. Droog Fort is also called as Bakasuran Malai fort or Bakasuran Peak Fort. The historical Droog Fort is situated at an altitude of about 6000 feet above the lush plains, offers a spectacular view to the visitors and is one of the popular Coonoor tourist places.



Legends
According to mythological tales, the fort is linked with the legend of a local demon, Bakasuran. Due to this, it is also called Bakasuran Malai by the natives.


History
The fort was used as an outpost by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century.


The Fort & View Point
Droog Fort is situated at an altitude of about 6000 feet above mean sea level. The Droog Fort is in complete ruins with only one wall remaining. There is a View Point called Bakasuran Peak View Point. It offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. One can also capture the scenic beauty through the watchtower. This spot is an exceptional point for trekkers and adventure seekers. Neither does it leave behind the bird watchers. An exotic number of rare species of birds fly their way through the fort and also few Malabar squirrels and flying foxes. It is necessary to be extremely careful about bison that frequently roam around the premises.



As you stand in the view point facing the Ghat road, you can see Coonoor and the mountains on the west and north of Coonoor, dolphin nose, Kotagiri and even the hairpin bends of the Mettupalayam-Coonoor Ghat road. On the eastern edge of the mountains, you see the plains of Odanthurai, Mettupalayam, Further, to the south, you see the entire Mettupalayam town, the curves of Bhavani river and Vana Badrakaliamman temple.


Another amazing view that you can get from the mountain top is the view of Pilloor dam, which is in the eastern slopes of Nilgiris in the middle of a reserved forest. If you walk through a jungle for a few metres from the view point, you can reach a rocky place from where you can get a better view of the Pilloor dam. Again, one has to be very careful here, as it is in a dangerous elevation and if you fall down, there is not even a tree branch to hold you. The lush tea gardens cover most of the area in Bakasura Malai, Droog and Nonsuch. 


There are about 80 bisons in the area which roam inside the tea gardens. Bakasuran Malai is a great place for an excellent picnic. It is a great place for photography and bird watching. This is a less known place very close to Coonoor which can give you an unforgettable trekking experience. Near the Bakasura Malai village, there is a BSNL tower which is visible as you travel through the Ghat road. The tower is another great viewpoint and you can have a much closer look at the Ghat road from here. It is another dangerous edge, so one has to be very careful here.


Connectivity
Droog Fort & View Point is located at about 8 Kms from Huligal, 16 Kms from Coonoor, 14 Kms from Coonoor Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Coonoor Railway Station, 32 Kms from Ooty Bus Stand, 33 Kms from Ooty, 33 Kms from Ooty Railway Station, 33 Kms from Kotagiri, 41 Kms from Mettupalayam Railway Station and 78 Kms from Coimbatore Airport. To reach this place, one has to go up to Nonsuch Estate and trek for about 4 kms. This place demands moderate level trekking for about 1 Hour one way. Private Taxis are available from Ooty and Coonoor to reach this place.
Location