Coorg, also known as Kodagu, and Ooty (Ootacamund) are two of South India’s most captivating hill stations. If you plan a Coorg to Ooty road trip, the journey will leave you spellbound with its scenic and natural beauty. Coorg, nestled in the Western Ghats, is famed for its verdant coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls, and rich Kodava culture. Ooty, a colonial-era gem in the Nilgiris, offers breathtaking mountain vistas, charming colonial architecture, and a delightful escape from the heat.
Best Time to Plan your Coorg to Ooty Road Trip
The ideal time to visit depends on weather conditions and personal preference. Usually, you shouldn’t have to face a tough time making the decision given how pleasant the weather is throughout the year. Even the monsoon season beckons travellers with its cascading waterfalls and emerald-green hills.
If pleasant weather is your objective while embarking on this road trip, the period from September to February is the best time. The temperatures usually range from 15°C to 25°C, which is comfortable.
The highlight, though, lies in the green landscape and the waterfalls, especially in Coorg. The occasional misty mornings wake you up with the smell of coffee from the plantations around. Shoulder seasons include periods from March to May or October to November when the weather is pleasant and the seasons are transitioning.
Unlike most other hill stations, the beauty of Coorg and Ooty amplifies during the monsoon season. The lush green hills offer a dramatic backdrop to nature’s beauty. However, be aware of the road conditions and risks of landslides.
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Route for Coorg to Ooty Road Trip
The route from Coorg to Ooty offers mesmerising views of the Western Ghats and passes through charming towns and villages. When you look up Coorg to Ooty distance, it’s usually around 230 km and takes 6-7 hours without detours or major stops.
Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly preferred road trip route from Coorg to Ooty:
Coorg to Mysore
The first part of your journey kicks off from Coorg, and you have to head towards Mysore via NH275. This is the major part of the road trip and will take around 3-4 hours, depending on your driving speed. You cover around 120 km during this phase.
Mysore to Nanjangud
Once you reach Mysore, continue towards Nanjangud via NH766. This is a relatively short stretch of the journey and will take about an hour to cover the 25 km distance.
Nanjangud to Gundlupet
Proceeding along NH766, you will then make your way towards Gundlupet. The distance is around 50 km in this stretch and should take 1.5-2 hours.
Gundlupet to Bandipur National Park
Drive through the scenic Bandipur National Park, nestled between Gundlupet and Ooty. This stretch offers opportunities for wildlife sightings and serene natural beauty.
Bandipur National Park to Ooty
The last stretch of your road trip is via NH181, where you have to drive for another 2-3 hours to reach your final destination, Ooty. The distance covered in this stretch is around 80 km, and the views of the Nilgiri Hills add to the road trip experience.
Must Visit Places Route Coorg to Ooty Road Trip
Once you have a clear idea of the route you will take for your Coorg to Ooty road trip, prepare a list of places you will cover during the Ooty to Coorg trip. This allows you to cover some popular sightseeing spots you’d not find time to cover otherwise.
Following are a few tourist spots you must add to your itinerary:
1. Madikeri
As you go through Coorg, Madikeri is the first spot you should stop and explore. It is the main town in Coorg and houses some of the most popular sightseeing spots like Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls. Ensure Raja’s seat is included to soak in the panoramic views of the entire Coorg from high up. If you have time, make a detour and visit Dubare Elephant Camp.
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2. Golden Buddha Monastery
While popular sightseeing spots in Coorg are hyped for their beauty, many tourists don’t know about the Golden Buddha Monastery. It falls between Coorg and Mysore in Kushalnagar. This Tibetan monastery is a centre for peace and tranquillity. The view of the Golden Buddha in the main prayer room is a treat to the eyes. The spiritual aura in the monastery offers you peace and serenity that you wouldn’t get to experience elsewhere.
3. Mysore
As you travel towards Ooty, make a pit stop in Mysore to explore its majestic palaces, vibrant markets, and intricately carved temples. Visit the iconic Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, and Brindavan Gardens for an enriching experience. Besides some of the most popular sightseeing spots, prioritise trying out the local cuisine there.
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4. Bandipur National Park
During the last stretch of your road trip, explore the popular Bandipur National Park. It’s located on the way to Ooty and is a haven for nature enthusiasts. There are guided jungle safaris where you can spot different kinds of animals, such as tigers, elephants, deer, and bird species. Moreover, the thick and dense vegetation and grasslands in the national park are also pretty amazing spots for exploration.
5. Ooty Lake
The heart of Ooty, this serene lake is ideal for boating, paddle boating, and enjoying scenic walks along its banks. Take a joyride on the toy train that circles the lake for a delightful experience. If nothing excites you, there’s always the choice to sit along the banks of the lake and soak in the peace and serenity of the place.
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Tips To Keep In Mind During Coorg To Ooty Road Trip
When planning your trip from Coorg to Ooty distance by road, vigilance and planning is key. You can watch for practical tips that streamline your road trip experience.
The following are a few worth paying attention to:
Plan your itinerary
To plan a successful road trip, answer these key questions:
1) Which route?
2) What stops?
3) Ideal duration?
Create an itinerary to avoid confusion and last-minute decisions.
Check the road conditions
Check road conditions and weather forecasts before travelling. For safety, drive during the day and stay in hotels at night. Avoid driving at night.
Carry all the essentials
For a road trip, pack relevant documents, food, snacks, water, first aid kit, and emergency supplies.
Drive safely
Drive safely on hills and highways. Follow traffic rules, avoid risky decisions, and stick to speed limits.
Stay connected
Keep your phone charged, carry a power bank for emergencies, and have a map or GPS for unfamiliar routes. Save all emergency numbers in your contacts.
The road trip from Coorg to Ooty offers an exhilarating experience, one that allows you to indulge in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Southern India. From lush coffee plantations to misty hills and vibrant hill stations, this journey offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. On your next trip to Ooty, you can opt for direct plans or a road trip.
Further Read: Bangalore To Gokarna Road Trip
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Frequently Asked Questions About Coorg To Ooty Road Trip
What is the best mode of transport for this road trip?
A car is the most convenient and flexible mode of transport for this road trip. You can also hire taxis or self-drive rentals if you don't prefer driving yourself.
Are there any restrictions on entering national parks?
Yes, entry permits are mandatory for wildlife safaris in Bandipur and Mudumalai National Parks. These can be obtained online or through forest department offices. When driving in those areas of the national parks, you also need to be alert so you don’t hurt any animals.
What are some things to keep in mind while driving in the hills?
Hilly terrains have sharp turns and narrow roads that you have to stay safe from. When driving through these roads, use the horns judiciously and know the speed limits. Avoid overtaking someone.
Are there any petrol pumps available along the route?
There are multiple petrol pumps along this route. You can plan where to stop when you are researching the route.
Are there any entry fees or permits required for visiting attractions enroute?
A few attractions along the route like Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey Falls, Bandipur National Park, etc. have entry fees that you need to pay to visit these attractions.
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