With the mercury dipping below zero in Thalaikundha, frost-covered landscapes have turned Ooty into a rare winter spectacle in South India. The unusual cold spell has drawn hordes of boosted tourists , even as authorities restrict access to sensitive frost-hit areas for safety reasons.
BY PC Bureau
December 24, 2025: An intense cold wave has swept through Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district, transforming the popular hill station of Ooty into a winter spectacle reminiscent of northern India’s icy landscapes. Temperatures plunged to a chilling –1°C in the Thalaikundha (Talakunda) region on Tuesday night, while nearby areas recorded lows of around –0.1°C, according to local meteorological observations and reports by news agency ANI.
The sharp dip in temperature has resulted in widespread frost formation over the past 10 days, coating grasslands, roads, vehicles and vegetation in thick layers of ice. Prominent locations such as the Ooty Government Botanical Garden, Kanthal, and the scenic Thalaikundha–Avalanche stretch have been particularly affected, with lush green expanses turning into shimmering white sheets by dawn.
Despite the biting cold—described by residents as among the harshest in recent years—the rare phenomenon has emerged as a major tourist draw. Thousands of visitors from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and other regions are flocking daily to frost-hit areas like Thalaikundha. Many arrive as early as midnight or before sunrise to witness the icy vistas, collecting frost or posing for photographs amid the frozen scenery.
The Queen of Hills, Ooty, is experiencing bone-chilling, near-freezing conditions. pic.twitter.com/5vYt90snOR
— The Nalanda Index (@Nalanda_index) December 24, 2025
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“I have never seen frost like this in the past four years. We are enjoying it a lot,” a local resident, Kritika, told ANI. Tourists echoed similar excitement, with one visitor remarking, “It’s freezing—totally freezing,” while marvelling at the unusual sight in South India.
However, authorities have imposed restrictions to ensure public safety. The Forest Department has banned tourist entry into sensitive zones near Kamaraj Sagar Dam (Kamraj Dam) due to heavy ice accumulation on roads and open areas, which poses risks of slips and accidents. Visitors are currently allowed to view the frost only from roadside points.
Officials clarified that the phenomenon, often mislabelled as “snowfall” in viral videos, is actually hoarfrost, which forms when moisture in the air freezes directly onto surfaces during clear, calm nights. Meteorologists attribute the intensity this year to prolonged dry weather and cloudless skies, allowing rapid nighttime cooling at high altitudes.
While tourism has received a boost, the cold spell has disrupted daily life for residents. Morning routines have slowed, vehicles have struggled to start due to ice, and farmers have expressed concerns over potential damage to tea plantations and winter crops.
Ooty, often called the “Queen of Hill Stations,” usually experiences mild winters. While sub-zero temperatures in elevated pockets like Thalaikundha are not unprecedented, the duration and visibility of frost this season have been exceptional.
With Christmas approaching, the frosty spectacle is expected to continue drawing crowds, benefiting local hotels and businesses despite the cold. Authorities have advised tourists to carry adequate winter clothing, check e-pass requirements for certain routes, and strictly follow safety advisories.
The rare winter display highlights the unique microclimates of South India’s hill regions, offering a glimpse of alpine-like conditions amid the Nilgiris’ typically temperate charm.
