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 that’s 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 like no other.
Best Time To Plan An Ooty To Mysore Road Trip
The months from September to March are considered the peak season for you to embark on your road trip from Ooty to Mysore. This accounts for the “post-monsoon” season, wherein you get to 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 period that’s great to plan this road trip is between February and May, otherwise termed as the “pre-summer” months. Overall, the journey from Ooty to Mysore takes you through a nature walk, something that you are likely used to seeing in movies and on television.
Must Read: Hotels Near Mysore
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. You cover 125 km distance and the scenic views along the way add to the experience further. The only thing you have to prioritise is 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 particular route enables you to experience the trifecta – Scenic beauty, Wildlife and Smooth road. However, since you cross through a wildlife zone, you face traffic quite often and might need to stop to ensure that you aren’t accidentally hurting any of the animals.
Ooty – Gudalur – Naduvath – Mysore
For tourists who want to witness the mountain views of the Nilgiri Hills, this is where all the fun and excitement lie. Compared to the Bandipur route, the traffic on this route is significantly less since fewer tourists are aware of it.
The second Ooty to Mysore route is shorter and takes you through 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 be a little risky to drive through in some cases.
Must-Visit Places En Route Ooty To Mysore
Road trips are meant to provide you with comfort and flexibility so you can plan your travel itinerary as per your needs. As you navigate through this road trip, stop and explore some of the must-visit spots along the way.
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.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Mysore
2. Pykara Lake
As you progress into your road trip along the hills, prioritise making a stop at Pykara Lake. It is one of the most underrated places but if boating and picnics trigger your interests, spend some time there without any further questions. The serene beauty of the lake offers a perfect escape from the otherwise mundane life that you are likely trying to find an escape from.
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 is home to tigers, elephants, deer and various other flora and fauna. There are thrilling jeep safari experiences that you can indulge in as well.
Suggested Read: Weekend Getaways From Mysore
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. Keep in consideration 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.
5. Nanjangud
As you reach closer to 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 from across the country. During your road trip, make a quick stop at Nanjagud, offer your prayers and seek blessings from the deity and you can finally be on your way to Mysore to witness the beautiful palaces and other beautiful sightseeing spots.
Suggested Read: Shopping In Mysore
Tips To Keep In Mind During Ooty To Mysore Road Trip
Your road trip from Mysore to Ooty or vice versa needs to be fulfilling, fun, and safe. The easiest way to ensure that is by prioritising some of the 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 into consideration:
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 about the rest stops along the journey, it is always ideal to stock up on snacks and non-perishable food items that you will be able to carry with you during the road trip.
Research About The Road Conditions
Since you will be taking the road trip through hilly and sharp bend roads, it’s better to research the road conditions in advance. Having an idea about them enables you to pick the best route and ensure that 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 during the night. The roads and the weather can be unpredictable and you might encounter fewer open rest stops along the way. So, plan the road trip during the daytime and book accommodation in the nearby towns or cities at night.
Further 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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