Start your engine at 7 AM from Mysore Palace and reach Ooty’s Government Rose Garden by 11 AM via the spectacular Mysore to Ooty road trip covering 125 kilometers through Bandipur wildlife sanctuary. This scenic drive features 36 hairpin bends, elephant crossings, and breathtaking Nilgiri mountain views.
Quick Road Trip Information Mysore to Ooty
Total Distance: 125 km via Bandipur route (shortest)
Driving Time: 3-4 hours without stops, 5-6 hours with sightseeing
Fuel Cost: 800-1,200 (depends on vehicle type)
Toll Charges: No tolls, but forest entry 30 per vehicle
Best Driving Hours: 6:00-10:00 AM or 2:00-6:00 PM
Hairpin Bends: 36 bends via Masinagudi route
Emergency Contact: Bandipur Forest Office 08229-236240
Two Major Routes for Mysore to Ooty Road Trip
Route 1 (Bandipur-Masinagudi, 125 km): Mysore ? Nanjangud ? Gundlupet ? Bandipur National Park ? Theppakadu ? Masinagudi ? 36 hairpin bends ? Ooty. This route offers maximum wildlife spotting but challenging mountain driving.
Route 2 (Gudalur, 140 km): Mysore ? Nanjangud ? Gundlupet ? Bandipur ? Theppakadu ? Gudalur ? Pykara ? Ooty. Longer distance but gradual ascent with fewer sharp turns, preferred by novice hill drivers.
Best Stops During Mysore to Ooty Road Trip
Nanjangud (24 km from Mysore): Famous Srikanteshwara Temple and morning breakfast at local Darshinis. Gundlupet (67 km): Last major town for fuel, snacks, and clean restrooms before forest entry.
- Bandipur National Park: Wildlife safari booking, elephant spotting
- Theppakadu: Forest checkpost, mandatory vehicle registration
- Masinagudi: Tea plantations, resort check-in option
- Pykara Lake: Boating, photography, refreshment break
Driving Tips for 36 Hairpin Bends
The famous 36 hairpin bends between Masinagudi and Ooty require first gear driving with engine braking. Maintain 20-30 kmph speed, use horn before blind turns, and stop only at designated viewpoints. Experienced drivers recommend starting early to avoid afternoon mist.
Keep your vehicle in lower gears while descending to prevent brake fade. Allow faster vehicles to overtake at designated spots. Mountain sickness possible for some passengers – carry motion sickness tablets.
Fuel Stations and Vehicle Services
Fill tank completely in Mysore as fuel stations scarce en route. Gundlupet has last reliable petrol pump before Ooty. Emergency fuel available at Theppakadu forest office (120/liter premium).
- Mysore: Multiple pumps on Ring Road before departure
- Nanjangud: BPCL pump near temple, clean facilities
- Gundlupet: HP and Indian Oil, mechanical services available
- Ooty: Multiple pumps after reaching town center
Wildlife and Forest Regulations
Bandipur National Park section requires vehicle registration and forest entry fee 30. Speed limit strictly 40 kmph inside forest boundaries. Stopping for photography inside park prohibited – 5,000 fine enforced.
Elephant herds frequently cross roads between 6-8 AM and 5-7 PM. Maintain 100-meter distance from wildlife. Mobile networks patchy inside forest – inform family before entering park area.
Best Time for Mysore to Ooty Road Trip
October to March provides clear mountain views and pleasant driving conditions. April-May offers excellent wildlife sightings but hot weather. Monsoon (June-September) brings beautiful green landscapes but landslide risks on ghat sections.
- Peak season: December-January (book hotels advance)
- Ideal weather: October-November, February-March
- Wildlife season: April-May (high elephant activity)
- Avoid: Heavy monsoon days July-August
Accommodation Options En Route
Masinagudi offers mid-journey break options with jungle resorts 3,000-8,000 per night. Theppakadu Forest Lodge provides basic accommodation 1,500 for nature enthusiasts. Book Ooty hotels advance during peak season when rates jump 300%.
- Budget stays: Masinagudi homestays 1,800-2,500
- Mid-range: Jungle resorts 4,000-6,000
- Luxury: Wildlife lodges 8,000-15,000
- Ooty hotels: 2,000-12,000 depending on season
Food and Refreshment Stops
Pack homemade snacks and water bottles as dining options limited between Gundlupet and Ooty. Theppakadu canteen serves basic South Indian meals 150-200. Masinagudi has few restaurants with limited vegetarian options.
Nanjangud offers excellent breakfast at Adiga’s or Vidyarthi Bhavan before forest entry. Carry extra water as mountain driving increases dehydration, especially during summer months.
Common Road Trip Mistakes to Avoid
Never attempt the drive without full fuel tank and spare tire check. Don’t ignore engine temperature warnings on steep climbs. Avoid using mobile phones in hairpin bend sections. Never approach wild animals for photographs – serious safety risk.
Vehicle Preparation Checklist
Check tire pressure and tread depth before departure. Ensure coolant levels adequate for mountain driving. Carry basic tools, first aid kit, and emergency food. Keep vehicle documents ready for forest checkpost inspection.
- Mandatory items: Valid driving license, vehicle registration, insurance
- Safety kit: First aid, torch, rope, basic tools
- Emergency supplies: Water, snacks, mobile charger
- Vehicle check: Brakes, tires, coolant, spare wheel
Local’s Verdict on This Road Trip
One of South India’s most scenic drives combining wildlife, mountains, and tea estates. Challenging for first-time hill drivers but incredibly rewarding. Best experienced as 2-day trip with Masinagudi overnight stay rather than rushed single-day journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact distance from Mysore to Ooty by road?
125 kilometers via Bandipur-Masinagudi route (recommended), 140 kilometers via Gudalur route (easier driving). Both routes take 3-4 hours plus stops.
How many hairpin bends are there from Mysore to Ooty?
36 hairpin bends via Masinagudi route between altitude 800m to 2240m. Requires careful driving in lower gears with frequent engine braking.
Is the Mysore to Ooty road safe for small cars?
Yes, but experienced hill driving recommended. Alto, Swift handle well with proper gear management. Avoid overloading and maintain steady speed on climbs.
What’s the best time to start the road trip?
6:00-7:00 AM departure allows wildlife viewing, cool weather driving, and Ooty arrival by noon. Avoid afternoon starts due to mountain mist after 2 PM.
Can we stop for photography inside Bandipur forest?
No stopping allowed inside park boundaries for wildlife safety. Designated viewpoints available at park entrances and Theppakadu checkpost for photos.
Last Updated: April 2025
Next Update: Post-monsoon road conditions October 2025