Bangalore to Ooty by Road, Bangalore to Ooty Road Trip

Ooty or Ootacamund, nicknamed Queen of Hill Stations, is located in Tamil Nadu. It is nestled in the Nilgiri Mountain Range. It is covered in lush green hills, eucalyptus trees, misty waterfalls, streams, and dense forests.

Its main attractions are the botanical gardens, Doddabetta peak, Annamalai Temple, Ooty Rose Gardens, The Tea Factory, Ooty Lake, Pykara Falls, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and its various tea plantations and horseback riding. Ooty is also famous for its chocolates.

We tell you the best routes you can take for a great Bangalore to Ooty road trip.

Best Time To Visit

All-year round. Summers are pleasant as the temperature on an average is around 20 degrees celsius. Winters are colder than the rest of the region, but extremely pleasant. Monsoon fills the area in fresh mist and brilliant weather. Any time would be ideal to take a road trip to Ooty from Bangalore.

How To Get There

Take your own car or a self-drive car. You can book a cab online with a driver. Online bookings can give you really great discounts and deals. Or take a bike trip. The distance can be covered between 6 to 7 hours, which can be easily navigated on a bike. KSRTC and private bus operators run buses from Bangalore regularly. Tickets start from Rs. 900. Book tickets online to avail discounts.

Also read: One day Road trips from Bangalore

Route Options

There are three routes you can pick from. Find them listed below.

Route 1: The Mysore-Masinagudi Route

View Map

Route Map

Bangalore → Ramanagara → Channapatna → Mandya → Srirangapatna → Mysore → Nanjangud → Gundlupet → Masinagudi → Ooty

This is a commonly taken route to Ooty from Bangalore. It takes around 7 hours on NH 275 and 766 spanning 280 kilometres approximately.

Popular Stopovers on a Road Trip from Bangalore to Ooty

Kanva Reservoir: A minor detour from Ramanagara will take you to this artificial lake shrouded in greenery. Watch the sunrise here.
Ramadevara Betta: Trek in this spot located a few kms away from Ramanagara.
Janapada Loka: Stop by at this open air museum famous for its traditional folksy ambience and art and craft.
Heritage Winery: After crossing Channapatna, drop in at this winery and learn about the art of making wine.
Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary: A few kilometres from Maddur, visit this bird sanctuary and spot a variety of bird species.
Gumbaz: Stop by at Srirangapatna to visit Tipu Sultan and his family’s burial chamber.
Captain Bailey’s Dungeon: An interesting place to visit a POW dungeon built by Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatna.
Mysore treats: If you want to spend a couple of hours exploring Mysore, go to Mysore Palace or climb up to Chamundi hills for a panoramic view of the city. Or just make a quick lunch stop on one of Mysore’s many highway restaurants.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve: Known for its small population of tigers, this destination is perfect for animal and nature lovers.

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Route 2: The Kanakapura-Kollegal Route

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Route Map

Bangalore → Kanakapura → Shivanasamudra → Kollegal → Chamarajanagar → Masinagudi → Ooty

This route will take approximately 7 hours across 948 in 290 kilometres.

Popular Stopovers on a Road Trip from Bangalore to Ooty

Mekedatu: Revel in the clean and fresh waters in this spot near Kanakpura. Take a boat ride or just sit around doing nothing.
Chunchi Falls: On the Kanakpura Road, you will find this breathtaking waterfall, where you can hang around and take lots of pictures.
Shivanasamudra: Take a detour from Malavalli and reach this gorgeous waterfalls and be amazed by its natural beauty.
Talakadu: A few kilometres from Shivanasamudra, you will find this little-known site which has 30 buried temples. A good place to explore.
Somnathpur: Between Talakadu and Bannur, you will find this marvellous temple of Somnathpur which is a historical wonder with different carved versions of Lord Krishna.
B.R. Hills: Take a detour from Kollegal and drive around these quiet and serene hills and take great pictures.
Mudumalai National Park: Take a jungle safari amidst lust forest lands here.

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Route 3: The Salem-Coonoor Route

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Route Map

Bangalore → Hosur → Krishnagiri → Dharmapuri → Salem → Avinashi → Coonoor → Ooty

This is yet another scenic route to get to Ooty. It takes a little longer, around 8 to 9 hours via NH 44. But the sights en route are enchanting.

Popular Stopovers on a Road Trip from Bangalore to Ooty

Krishnagiri Dam: A great way to take off on your trip. Enjoy the natural fresh air of this dam and spend some alone time here.
Hogenakkal Falls: Go boating in these abundant falls near Dharmapuri.
Yercaud: Visit Yercaud hills in Salem to breathe in the fresh forest air and enjoy the green landscape marked with narrow paths.
1008 Lingam Temple: An uncommercialised hidden gem, and as the name suggests it has 1008 shiva lingas. Clean, quiet and and finely carved. It is a few kms after Salem in Ariyanoor.
Dolphin’s Nose View Point: Before reaching Ooty or even on your way back to Bangalore, check out this breathtaking views of valleys around. Ideal for photo ops.
Lamb’s Rock: Yet another superb view point in Coonoor, beware of monkeys.
Highfield Tea Factory: Drink delicious fresh tea, and watch the whole process of making tea, from picking leaves to the final step of prepared tea.

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Safety Measures and Tips

Make a quick lunch stop at Mysore, Kanakapura or Salem.
Bangalore to Mysore road conditions are ideal to drive on. Leaving early in the morning is recommended.
Returning via Mysore route may lead you into traffic.
Kanakpura, Salem, Krishnagiri stretch is also quite easily navigable and smooth.
Upon reaching the forest reserve area such as Masinagudi, you will come across several hairpin bends. Drive carefully there.
The stretch between Srirangapatna and Mysore is quite bad.
Diversions, humps and narrow paths are expected once you have crossed state highways, so do not overspeed.
Beware of monkeys all across the routes, especially when making pit stops.
Make sure you watch out for signboards during intersections, bypasses and diversions. And consult GPS or locals in case of confusion.
If you are going to go on a jungle safari through the forest reserves, make sure you are dressed comfortably in sensible shoes.

No matter what the season, a trip to Ooty will be full of surprises and natural wonders. Plan your itinerary, pick your route and enjoy your trip! Leave comments or questions in the comment box below.

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