Bangalore to Ooty by Road

The road from Bangalore to Ooty is known for its breathtaking scenery. Even if you’re not usually a fan of road trips, this is one you shouldn’t miss. It’s sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Nilgiri EPass Requirement

Please note, TN Govt has introduced a mandatory epass requirement to control the number of vehicles entering the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal during the peak tourist season. The same can be booked via their official website: https://epass.tnega.org

More details at the TheHindu Article How to get e-pass to visit Ooty and Kodaikanal? – The Hindu

Coming back to the blog, escape the bustle of Bangalore and embark on a breathtaking journey to the hill station of Ooty, nestled 300 kilometers away. With multiple routes weaving through diverse landscapes, each offers a unique feel and experience. But which one should you conquer?

This blog has you covered, whether you’re a meticulous planner or a free-spirited explorer! For those seeking specific details, a comprehensive Table of Contents allows you to jump right to the information you need. Distances, routes, must-see stops – it’s all there at your fingertips. But if you’re like me, seeking a taste of the adventure before setting off, this blog is more than just a list. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of the journey through evocative descriptions, insider tips, and stunning visuals.

Here are some key topics that will whet your appetite for what’s covered in the blog:

1. Available route options and which one you should choose and why.
2. Things to do and more importantly avoid.
3. Places to cover enroute and once in Ooty.
4. And of course, choosing your stay in Ooty.

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The Planning – Bangalore to Ooty by Road

I’ve always believed that the magic of a trip starts long before you even hit the road. It begins with the joy of discovery, the thrill of researching routes, accommodations, and experiences that will ignite your travel bug. There’s something special about a road trip. It’s not just about reaching the destination, it’s about the journey itself. And that journey, my friend, starts way before you hit the gas pedal. For me, the planning phase is like unfolding a map: each route, stop, and experience adds a unique layer to the adventure.

In today’s digital age, travel inspiration and advice are readily available at our fingertips. Blogs, articles, videos, and social media posts bombard us with recommendations, reviews, and tips. But amidst this abundance, a crucial challenge emerges: information overload.

Have you ever encountered this scenario? You stumble upon an insightful blog post detailing hidden gems in your upcoming destination. It sparks your excitement and helps you envision your perfect itinerary. But fast forward to your trip, and you’re frantically searching for that same article, only to find it buried under countless other travel pieces. Sound familiar?

Here are some strategies to combat information overload and ensure you have the right resources at your fingertips during your trip:

• Embrace Bookmarking (the Right Way): Create folders within your bookmarks to categorize different types of travel content (e.g., destinations, activities, accommodation).
• Utilize Note-Taking Apps: Jot down key details and URLs from articles, videos, or social media posts in apps like Evernote or OneNote.
• Leverage Offline Tools: Save offline maps, essential information PDFs, and even screenshots of key webpages for easy access without internet connectivity.
• Explore Specialized Apps: Consider travel-specific apps that allow you to curate itineraries, save recommendations, and access them offline.

Route Options – Bangalore to Ooty by Road

For clarity’s sake, let’s break down the journey into two key stages:

1. Bangalore to Mysore
2. Mysore to Ooty

Part 1: Bangalore to Mysore

It has further two options:

1. Via New Mysore Express Highway – Needs no explanation, offers more than one would need for a hassle-free drive experience. In short, the only recommended route one should take.
2. Via Kanakapura Road – Roads are patchy and drive experience is not good for a majority of the route.

Part 2: Mysore to Ooty

Now coming to the second part of the journey, which is Mysore to Ooty, again two options are available:

1. Via Kalahatti Ghat
2. Via Gudalur

Kalahatti Ghat Route

This is one route usually preferred by many experienced travelers. Let’s look at few plus and minus points of the route:

Plus Points – Kalahatti Ghat Route

1. The route is very scenic.
2. The route due to its level of expertise required, one can feel the thrill of driving in this route. But one must be careful and follow basic hill driving etiquettes as frequent reporting of fatal accidents are common.
3. Beautiful viewpoints enroute.

Minus points – Kalahatti Ghat Route

1. Drive Experience required: Expert – So not suitable for New Drivers
2. Can be dangerous, requires extreme caution.
3. 36 Hairpin bends
4. Roads are slippery and diagonal, and frequent accidents are reported on Hairpin bends.
5. 20 KMPH is the speed limit in the ghats, which is a must for safety of travelers.
6. Vehicle has to be in a good condition.

Things to keep in mind while driving in Kalahatti Ghat Route

1. Vehicle should be in good condition, as you would mostly be driving in 2nd gear at 20Kmph.
2. Not to overspeed in the ghats, roads are slippery and dangerous.
3. Special caution to be taken due to the nature of the route. And if it’s raining, one must drive dead slow.
4. Prior experience of driving in hills is a must.

Note: In this route, you will come across the famous Theppakadu Elephant Camp. Please note, it is only for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening.

Morning: 08:30 AM to 09:00 AM

Evening: 05:30 PM to 06:00 PM

So, if you have this planned in your stop, please keep the timings in mind before planning your travel.

Gudalur Route

This route is best for those who wants an easy but yet scenic drive experience, offering multiple viewpoints enroute. Though, a little longer and adds about 45 minutes extra drive, but the experience it offers, makes it all worth.

Important: To take this route, take Right immediately after Madumalai Tiger Reserve check post. The route towards left leads to the Kalahatti ghats.

Plus points of Gudalur Route

1. Scenic Route
2. Multiple Viewpoints enroute like Pykara Dam, Pine Forest, Wenlock Downs, etc.
3. Road conditions are good.
4. Level of Driving expertise required: Beginner.

Minus points of Gudalur Route

1. Extra 40 Km gets added to the final destination.
2. Takes 30 to 45 mins more compared to another route.

Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Madumalai Tiger Reserve Crossing

This will definitely be the best part of the journey. A feeling of driving on the safari tracks in your own vehicle is something which is unbeatable. Though technically you are driving on the tar road which passes through two tiger reserves back-to-back. The surrounding greeneries, with Spotted Deers from time to time saying hello is out of the world experience. Peacocks, Bison, Sambar Deer, Sloth Bear and if you are extremely lucky you may even spot a Tiger or a Leopard.

When we entered Bandipur Tiger Reserve, I remembered, the Birder / Wildlife Enthusiast in me had a consolation booking to Bandipur Tiger Reserve after our current destination Ooty. I wished the journey through the forest goes on and on and never ends. The reserve has its own rules and regulations. One must not drive above 30 kmph and honking is not allowed. No stopping on the way. One is not allowed to switch off the engines to take photographs. And I feel that totally makes sense.

Once we reached the exit Check post of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, we noticed, just about 200 meters away, Madumalai Tiger Reserve check post is waiting to welcome us. One would immediately notice the way the feel of the forest changes, transitioning from Bandipur to Madumali Tiger Reserve. Both leaves you speechless in its own way.

Route Summary – Bangalore to Ooty by road

The route options can be summarized in below set of Questions:

What route options are available for Bangalore to Ooty by road?

There are two route options available from Bangalore to Ooty:

1. Via Kalahatti Ghat – The route has dangerous 36 Hairpin bends and requires the driving skill to be of an expert.
2. Via Gudalur – The route is scenic and requires previous experience of driving in hills but need not be an expert. But still beginners with no experience of driving in hills is not recommended.

Which route avoids 36 hairpins for Bangalore to Ooty by road?

The route via Gudalur avoids the 36 hairpins.

Can a new driver drive to Ooty?

No, not recommended. There are dangerous sharp 36 hairpin bends which requires expert level skills to drive through the hills. However, there is an alternate route available to avoid 36 hairpin bends, still not recommended for new drivers.

How far is Ooty from Bangalore?

Ooty is located at a distance of about 300 kms.

How many hour it takes to drive from Bangalore to Ooty?

6-7 hours of drive from Bangalore to Ooty is the minimum that one would need.

At What time Bandipur Gate Opens and Closes?

Bandipur Gate opens exactly at 06:00 AM and closes at 09:00 PM.

Where to stay in Ooty?

For stay one can consider:

• Zostel Ooty – Semi Budget (Fav among travelers)
• KSTDC Hotel Mayura Sudarshan ,Ooty – Budget
• AJ Heritage Ooty Resort by VOYE HOMES – Semi Budget
• Tranqville Resorts – Luxury
• Sterling Ooty Elk Hill – Luxury
• Sterling Fern Hill – Luxury
• SaffronStays Milton Abott Estate – Luxury

However, I would recommend, if you have more than two nights of stay, recommended would be to book a stay in Coonoor. Coonoor is about 25 kms from Ooty, but the view it offers is absolutely raw in good way. Beautiful hills, close to nature, romantic skies, and what not. Coonoor leaves you with that feeling.

• Bella Vista Homestay – Semi Budget
• De Rock Jungle Living Resort – Semi Budget to Luxury
• Satya Anand Cottage Pure Veg and Non Alcoholic Hotel – Semi Budget to Luxury
• Coonoor Mountain Stay by Lexstays at Mukesh Kudil – Budget and Semi-Budget options
• Teanest by Nature Resorts and Stays  – Semi Budget to Luxury
• Sleeping Beauty by Nature Resorts and Stays – Semi Budget to Luxury – Recommended for scenic views
• Neemrana’s Wallwood Garden – Semi Budget to Luxury – Recommended for scenic views
• The Xanadu, Coonoor – Semi Budget
• Radosri – Budget – Recommended

Where we stayed?

During our visit, we stayed at Hotel Lakeview Resort. It’s a beautiful property with 123 cottages which are basically independent Villas. Ooty lake is just about 1.5 km from the hotel. Each villa has a small sit out in front with two chairs. The Villa is quite huge which offers a living hall and a bedroom. Cleanliness is decent enough. One can spend some quite time within the property. Some options to take pictures in and around the villa. The only drawback was the surroundings did not match the vibe of the resort mostly due to littering here and there. Added note, on Web noticed some mention about Paranormal activities within the property, but we did not notice anything as such. Review by one of the Guests at TripAdvisor.

Best Time to Visit

September to June is ideally the best time to visit Ooty. However, April to June, is the peak season. Ooty gets overcrowded during this time. Avoid rainy season by all means.

Check my blog on Mysore Expressway for detailed information:

Bangalore to Mysore on Mysore Expressway

Important to Remember

1. 1. 1. Kalahatti Ghat is not open to outside vehicles while descending. However, outside vehicles are permitted to take the hill up.
      2. While returning, by default google will suggest descending via Kalahatti Ghat. One needs to exit via Pykara lake route.
      3. While exiting via Pykara Lake route, google will again suggest a muddy road, just stick to the main highway without taking the diversion.

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Video – Bangalore – Ooty Roadtrip

If you missed our Video from our Visit to Ooty, here it is again:

Places not to miss

On top of the list would be Wenlock Downs, Otty Tea Garden, Pine Tree forest, Pykara boating point, are some of the amazing places to choose from.

Please check my blog on “Places to visit in Ooty” to plan your travel better to this wonderous place.

Places to visit in Ooty

If you still have any questions, feel free to ask me here in the comments section or reach out to me at any of Social Media Handles and ask directly. Cheers!

Bonus Articles for some Inspiration

Must have accessories for Long Road Trips

Underrated Places near Bangalore for a perfect Day outing

Underrated Day Outing options near Bangalore

Photography for Kids/ Gears for Beginners for all age

Photography/ Cameras for Kids

Gears used in the Trip

Sony A7M3

Sony Fe 200-600Mm F/5.6-6.3 G OSS Telephoto Zoom Lens (White)

Canon EOS 80D

Sigma Sports 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras (Black)

Go-Pro Hero Black 7

Iphone 11 Pro and Iphone 13 for wide shots

Connect with us!

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By the way, earlier in the blog I mentioned about our extended booking for Bandipur Safari Lodge by JLR, but then we had to cancel that. Instead, we travelled to K. Gudi Wilderness Camp and spent two nights there. Have already shared two blogs from the visit:

K Gudi Wilderness Camp Review

Tales of K Gudi Wilderness Camp – PankajSinghPhotographie