The misty hills of Ooty and Munnar weave a tapestry of emerald green, beckoning road trip enthusiasts with their captivating beauty. But, is it worth planning an Ooty to Munnar road trip? Albeit what you think, the answer to that is yes. This 250-kilometer journey traverses the Western Ghats, offering breathtaking panoramas, cascading waterfalls, and charming stopovers. Be it the beautiful views of the hills in Ooty or the stunning dense and lush greenery of the tea plantations in Munnar, a road trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Best Time To Plan Your Ooty To Munnar Road Trip
The ideal time to plan your Ooty to Munnar road trip is September to March. During these months, both locations experience pleasant weather wherein the temperature is usually between the range of comfortable 15°C to a refreshing 25°C.
Given the elevated beauty of both Ooty and Munnar during the monsoon season, many tourists prefer it during that period. It is usually between June and August. However, keeping natural beauty aside, you must consider that landslides are common during this period. So, safety issues might arise. Sometimes, even roads might be closed due to heavy rainfall. Hence, it’s ideal for you to avoid embarking on a road trip experience during this period.
Summer months, from April to May, can be slightly warmer, especially in Ooty. However, the heat is manageable, so if it suits your needs, you can go ahead and plan the trip accordingly.
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Route For Ooty To Munnar Road Trip
When travelling from Ooty to Munnar by road, there are two different routes that you can choose from. Both routes offer scenic views and serene and calm experiences along the way. Here’s a breakdown of the same:
Route 1 (via Coimbatore)
Among the two, this is usually a common route wherein the distance covered is roughly 250-270 km. Depending on the stops you make and the detours you have planned, the duration is around 7-8 hours. The route takes you through Coimbatore, a bustling city known for its textile industry.
- Ooty – Coimbatore (NH 181)
- Coimbatore – Pollachi (Palladam Road)
- Pollachi – Udumalpet (Udumalpet – Palladam Road)
- Udumalpet – Munnar (Munnar – Udumalpet Road)
Route 2 (via Coonoor)
Despite the shorter Ooty to Munnar distance through Coonoor, the duration through this route is usually longer due to traffic in some stretches along the way. However, the route lets you explore Coonoor, a charming hill station.
- Ooty – Coonoor (NH 181)
- Coonoor – Coimbatore (Mettupalayam Road)
- Coimbatore – Udumalpet (NH 948, NH 83)
- Udumalpet – Munnar (Munnar – Udumalpet Road)
Before you choose the route for your road trip from Ooty to Munnar, it’s ideal for you to research the road conditions and expected weather.
Must-Visit Places Enroute Ooty To Munnar Road Trip
Unless you are travelling from Ooty to Munnar for work, a road trip usually means an elongated vacation that you get to set the pace of. Between Ooty and Munnar, quite a few amazing stops deserve to be explored.Be it a hill station or a tea plantation site, there’s much to explore when you embark on your road trip from Ooty to Munnar. Following are a few spots that you need to add to your itinerary:
1. Ooty
Since Ooty is the starting point of your road trip, it makes sense for you to explore the hill station. The beauty of the place doesn’t fit into the adjectives available in the dictionary. You won’t know the true essence of its natural beauty unless you have witnessed it yourself. While in Ooty, explore the tea plantations, colonial architecture and scenic beauty. Some must-visit attractions include the Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
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2. Coonoor
If you choose the second route and Coonoor falls in the way, there’s no way you can pass and not stop there. It is a picturesque hill station that’s known for its tea gardens and panoramic views. Ensure to visit Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, and the Highfield Tea Estate for a refreshing break amidst nature.
3. Mettupalayam
On your way towards Munnar, plan a stopover at Mettupalayam. It is an offbeat spot but serves as a gateway to the Nilgiris. The highlight of this place is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, the only rack railway track in India. The nostalgic journey through the hills is an experience you simply can’t pass on. Besides that, Mettupalayam is also known for its pilgrimage sites like The Vanabadrakaliamman Temple.
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4. Coimbatore
Tourists who opt for the first route for the road trip must explore Coimbatore. This bustling city can be a good break from the calm and serenity of the hill stations. Visit the VOC Zoological Park, a haven for diverse wildlife, or witness the historical significance of the Perur Pateeswarar Temple. Sample the city’s unique cuisine, like Coimbatore Biryani.
5. Munnar
Given that Munnar is your endpoint in this road trip, it makes sense for you to have a detailed travel exploration of the place as well. The highlight of Munnar lies in its tea plantations. You can take a guided tour through the tea factories, sip on the freshly steeped tea, and even get a closer look at how tea is produced.
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Tips To Follow During Ooty To Munnar Road Trip
As you finalise your Munnar to Ooty road trip, one thing is for sure – planning. However, if this is your first rodeo, it makes sense for you to be confused about where to start the trip and how to execute it. Following are a few tips to keep in mind:
Tips for a Road Trip:
- Ensure your vehicle is in top condition for hilly terrain. If you’re not familiar with the route, hire a car with an experienced driver, especially during the monsoon season.
- Pre-book your accommodations to avoid last-minute worries and higher prices during peak seasons.
- Be vigilant while driving and when stopping. Prioritize safe driving on roads with sharp bends.
- Pack your essentials, including documents, clothing, snacks, and a first aid kit. Carry a power bank and other electronic essentials for emergencies.
- Be prepared for patchy mobile connectivity in certain areas, especially on Route 2. Download offline maps or inform locals of your itinerary beforehand.
Further Read: Bangalore To Gokarna Road Trip
With meticulous planning, adherence to safety measures, and a spirit of adventure, this road trip from Ooty to Munnar promises to be a cherished memory. The next time you plan your trip to Kerala, why not look into a road trip instead? So, buckle up, roll down the windows, and embark on a journey through the heart of the Western Ghats.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ooty To Munnar Road Trip
Can this road trip be done on a motorcycle?
If you are an experienced biker and can follow the safety precautions when travelling through the hilly roads from Ooty to Munnar, it is very well an option.
What is the distance between Ooty and Munnar, and how long does it take to travel?
The distance is approximately 242 kilometres, and it takes around 7 to 8 hours to complete the journey, depending on road and weather conditions.
Are there any petrol pumps along the route?
Multiple petrol pumps and rest stops are available on the road trip route from Ooty to Munnar. You can research about them and plan your itinerary accordingly.
What are the must-visit attractions in Munnar?
Some must-visit attractions in Munnar include Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Tea Museum, and Attukal Waterfalls.
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