A Detailed Guide Of Ooty To Mysore Road Trip
The road trip from Ooty to Mysore unveils a captivating tapestry of verdant hills, sprawling tea plantations, and rich cultural heritage. Located in the lap of the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is a popular hill station renowned for its colonial charm. Mysore, on the other hand, is the erstwhile royal city of Karnataka that boasts magnificent palaces, vibrant markets and a captivating historical legacy. Your Ooty to Mysore road trip works can be an experience that lingers in your memory for the unforeseeable future. This detailed guide should simplify the process for you. Spanning over 125 km, the journey takes you through some of the most stunning natural beauty.
Route For Ooty To Mysore Road Trip
The journey from Ooty to Mysore is one of the most common road trip routes in South India. When you look up the “best route,” there are quite a few different ones to consider.
Among them, the most common one that people suggest is via the Mysore Ooty road. Ooty to Mysore distance is around 125 km, and the scenic views add to the experience. You only have to prioritise checking the road conditions before you embark on the journey. If you want a more elaborate rundown of the available routes for your road trip, the following are the two most popular ones to consider:
Ooty – Masinagudi – Theppakadu – Bandipur National Park – Gundlupet – Nanjangud – Mysor
Opting for this route enables you to experience the trifecta – Scenic beauty, Wildlife and Smooth road. However, since you cross through a wildlife zone, you face traffic often and might need to stop to ensure that you aren’t accidentally hurting any animals.
Ooty – Gudalur – Naduvath – Mysore
This is where all the fun and excitement lie for tourists who want to witness the mountain views of the Nilgiri Hills. Compared to the Bandipur route, the traffic on this route is significantly less since fewer tourists know it.
The second Ooty to Mysore route is shorter and offers some of the most stunning and unexpected natural views of the mountains and valleys. It is also the quicker route of the two, but the roads have sharp bends and can sometimes be a little risky to drive through.
Also Read: Things To Do In Mysore
Must-Visit Places En Route Ooty To Mysore
Road trips are meant to provide comfort and flexibility so you can plan your travel itinerary per your needs. Ooty to Mysore km is approximately 129 kilometeres. As you navigate this road trip, stop and explore some must-visit spots. Here’s a breakdown of the Ooty to Mysore tourist places that you shouldn’t miss out on:
1. Coonoor
When kickstarting your road trip from Ooty, the best thing you will do is make a 10 km detour to visit Coonoor. The spot is one of the most popular sightseeing places near Ooty, which is known for its tea plantations and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Both of these experiences are a must for you to stop and explore. There is Sim’s Park and Lamb’s Rock, where you must stop to soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Distance: 143 km
2. Pykara Lake
As you progress into your road trip along the hills, prioritise stopping at Pykara Lake. It is one of the most underrated places, but if boating and picnics trigger your interests, spend some time there without further question. The serene beauty of the lake offers a perfect escape from the otherwise mundane life that you are likely trying to escape from.
- Distance: 136 km
Related Post: Places To Visit In Mysore In 1 Day
3. Bandipur National Park
If you opt for the first route for your Ooty to Mysore road trip, you will cross through Bandipur National Park. And, what’s the point of a road trip if you don’t stop and explore some of these iconic stops along the way? This popular national park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and home to tigers, elephants, deer, and other flora and fauna. There are thrilling jeep safari experiences that you can indulge in as well.
- Distance: 73 km
4. Sultan Bathery
This historic town in Kerala is famous for the ancient Jain temple, Bathery Jain Temple, which showcases intricate architecture and exquisite carvings. Additionally, visitors can explore the nearby Edakkal Caves, adorned with prehistoric petroglyphs dating back thousands of years. Remember that you will encounter this spot only if you travel via the Bandipur National Park route. The beauty of this place is beyond comprehension and the architecture is bound to take you back in time.
- Distance: 114 km
Related Post: Weekend Getaways From Mysore
5. Nanjangud
As you approach Mysore, make a stop at Nanjangud as well. The place is known for its ancient Shiva temple, Srikanteshwara Temple. Known for its stunning Dravidian architecture, the temple is quite famous and attracts thousands of devotees nationwide. During your road trip, quickly stop at Nanjagud, offer your prayers and seek blessings from the deity. You can finally be on your way to Mysore to witness the beautiful palaces and other beautiful sightseeing spots.
- Distance: 23 km
Best Time To Plan An Ooty To Mysore Road Trip
September to March are the peak season for you to embark on your road trip from Ooty to Mysore. This accounts for the ‘post-monsoon’ season, where you enjoy pleasant weather with favourable temperatures. Usually, the temperature during that period ranges from 15°C to 25°C, offering a respite from the scorching heat in the cities. June to August is the monsoon season in the region, making driving a hazard and risky affair.
Another great time to plan this road trip is between February and May, known as the ‘pre-summer’ months. Overall, the journey from Ooty to Mysore involves a nature walk, which you are likely used to seeing in movies and television.
Related Post: Best Resorts In Mysore
Tips To Keep In Mind During Ooty To Mysore Road Trip
Your road trip from Mysore to Ooty or vice versa must be fulfilling, fun, and safe. The easiest way to ensure that is by prioritising common tips related to the car’s safety, driving precautions, and basic needs during the trip. Following are a few tips you have to keep in mind:
Vehicle Maintenance
The car you are taking for your Ooty to Mysore road trip needs to be checked before you start. Check everything from the tyres to the brakes and engine oil. Doing so removes the worry of a car breakdown in the middle of the road while you are on a road trip.
Fill Up On Fuel And Refreshments
One of the most important aspects of any road trip is the amount of fuel in the car and the refreshments to keep your mouth and mind occupied. Unless you have researched the rest stops along the journey, stocking up on snacks and non-perishable food items you can carry during the road trip is always ideal.
Research About The Road Conditions
Since traveling on hilly and sharp bend roads, it’s better to research the road conditions in advance. Having an idea of them enables you to pick the best route and ensure you don’t choose routes with blocked roads.
Take Safety Precautions
The Ooty to Mysore road distance is around 125 km, which might not seem like much, but avoid driving at night. The roads and the weather can be unpredictable, and you might encounter fewer open rest stops. So, plan the road trip during the daytime and book accommodation in the nearby towns or cities at night.
You May Also Like To Read: Places To Visit Near Mysore
The Ooty to Mysore road trip is an enriching experience that blends breathtaking natural landscapes with cultural treasures. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a scenic escape, this journey has something to offer everyone. Why not embark on your next trip to Karnataka via a road trip with all the insights we have shared here?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ooty To Mysore Road Trip
How is the road condition from Mysore to Ooty?
The road condition from Ooty to Mysore and vice versa is great. There are no rough terrains and accessibility along the side of the roads is also quite pronounced.
What is the difficulty level of Mysore-Ooty Road to drive?
The distance from Ooty to Mysore is roughly around 125 km. So, if you are a good driver and follow the standard traffic rules without any distractions, you should be able to navigate through the roads with ease.
How many hairpin bends are there in Ooty from Mysore?
There are 36 hairpin bends via Masinagudi. While it's not necessarily a lot, you do have to be quite careful when taking these turns, especially if there’s rainfall involved.
Can I spot wildlife during the road trip?
One of the routes in the road trip is through Bandipur National Park. So, you will most likely witness wildlife on those routes.
How long does the road trip take on average?
If you aren’t making any detours or stops, the road trip from Ooty to Mysore takes between 4 and 6 hours, depending on how fast you are driving and the route you choose.
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