masinagudi to ooty road trip

The Nilgiri road trip: To Ooty via Masinagudi

This time, I am going to share a road trip idea in the Nilgiri mountains. If you have a long weekend or some holidays, just take your ride and come to the most beautiful hill station of South India, Ooty. This part of Western Ghats is called the Nilgiris (Blue mountains). There are many places to explore in these mountains. This Nilgiri road trip will definitely be a wonderful experience for you.

Why is this Nilgiri road trip?

I will tell you. Of course, Ooty is the biggest attraction of the Nilgiri mountain ranges. You might have already visited Ooty many times. So whenever someone suggests about Ooty, you may feel why again. The point is, the Nilgiris is not only Ooty. If you are a nature lover, who never get bored seeing beautiful misty mountains all around and wishes to stay in a peaceful location for few days, then there are many places here which are perfect for you. In my case, these mountains has not stopped to excite me even though I am a frequent visitor.

So for this road trip, you are heading to Ooty but not the usual route. You are taking some diversions on the way, drive through some less travelled routes and explore some offbeat places.

Check out the below roadmap, it tells you almost everything.

I picked up the road from Nilambur side, Kerala. The usual route to Ooty is from via Gudalur (50 km). But this time, I drove up to Theppekad, took the forest road to Masinagudi.

Nilambur(Kerala)-Gudalur-Theppakadu-Masinagudi- Ooty-Coonoor-Ooty- Gudalur- Nilambur

Gudalur is a major town in the Nilgiris, it is located near to Kerala- TamilNadu border. Since I came from the Kerala side, this was my first destination. Life in this region is mainly based on tea plantations. Vast stretches of tea plantations welcome you from both sides. The climate is cool here.

Theppakadu is famous as the entry point to Mudumalai National park. The elephant camp in Theppakadu is a good place to visit on the way. Mudumalai National park is the other side of Bandipur National park in Karnataka.

If you are coming from Bangalore or Mysore, Theppakadu will be the first place to reach. From here, the road up to Masinagudi goes through the forest. It is very important to follow the rules inside the forest. You should not speed up or don’t stop anywhere on the way. There will be forest officers watching you, they may charge fine if you do something against the rules.

The drive through the forest will take you to Masinagudi. It is a small village in the foothills of Nilgiris. An offbeat destination famous for jungle safaris and cottages. Many offroading events take place here usually.

From Masinagudi, Ooty is about 30 km. The most interesting part of our road trip is this stretch. From here, the road is called Kalhatty ghat road. The road is a 12 km steady steep climb with 36 hairpin bends and very curvy. This road is a challenge to the driver in you. Accidents are often, you have to be very careful. The views on both sides of the roads are stunning. Big vehicles usually avoid this road.

I don’t think you don’t need to know much about Ooty from my side. During, festival season and weekends, it will be very crowded. You may find a bit difficult to even move your car on the roads. So don’t worry, we have alternate options, head to Coonoor.

Coonoor is about 21 km from Ooty, it is a small version of Ooty itself but much peaceful and serene.The world famous Nilgiri mountain heritage trains go parallel to the road. There are many old Victorian style bungalows which are now converted to hotels. You can find one and spend a night in one of those. There are many homestays and guest houses located at stunning locations. On the way, there are some amazing places like Ketti and Wellington which you should definitely visit.

I will suggest one beautiful place to visit here. Take the Dolphin nose road from Coonoor bus station and drive about 10 km. You will reach the Dolphin nose viewpoint. The road up to there is very scenic, you will find may other viewpoints and walkways on the way. From the Dolphin nose, you can see Catherine waterfall, which cascades down from a height of 250 m.

Coonoor is the best place to end your day. Pick up a nice place to sleep and enjoy the evening.

Few things to know before the Nilgiri road trip;

• As shown in the map above, the route for the trip depends on from which side you are coming. You can plan according to that.
• On the way back, you can take the other route and complete the circuit. Check the map shown above. For example, if you are coming from Coimbatore side; Coimbatore-Coonoor-Ooty-Gudalur-Theppakadu-Masinagudi-Ooty-Coimbatore
• The Masinagudi to Ooty is a bit difficult stretch, you have to be careful while driving. If it is difficult to drive up, just come down from Ooty to Masinagudi, plan accordingly.
• Masinagudi will be a different experience for you. There are many jungle resorts there, sometimes you can see some wildlife also. this region is dry throughout the year, but nights will be cold.
• When you enter Masinagudi, people approach you to take a jungle jeep safari. I haven’t done that yet, but from what I knew, it is a waste of money. You are already driving through the national park from Theppakadu to Masinagudi.
• Littering is strictly prohibited inside the forest.
• Follow the rules while driving through Mudumalai national park.
• Take a look at your fuel often, always better to fill enough fuel from Gudalur, Ooty or Coonoor. The availability of fuel station in Masinagudi is doubtful.
• Accommodations are available in Gudalur, Masinagudi, Ooty and Coonoor

I highly suggest everyone to drive once through these scenic roads. Hope you got enough information to plan your Nilgiri road trip. If you need any further details, please let me know.

If you liked this post, please share it on your social media pages to help reach more people.

Feel free to drop your suggestions and queries in the below comment box.

Keep travelling…

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jithin thomas

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15 comments

This looks like an intriguing road trip! Nice job on the map- very cool!

Thanks Marta.

this would be an incredible experience! definitely by bike too!

Shannon, it was a great experience riding through those beautiful mountains.

Seems very interesting road trip, and I loved the graphic design you have of it. so cute!

Thanks Baia

I have never heard of OOty before or even seen a picture. That the homes seem to be clinging to the mountain is a unique sight. Thanks for showing me something new!

Hi Victori. Am glad that you liked the post. Ooty is one of the most visited hill stations in the south of India.

Can i reach Masinagudi from Nilagiris while i plan route trip via cbe-cnnr-ooty-Nilg-masingdi-gudaloor- nilambur.

Hi Shanavas, you can reach Masinagudi on the route you mentioned. You will be going down to Masinagudi from Ooty.

Hi Jithin, This was extremely comprehensive – one of the the best description on the famed OOTY route. Last time I tried the regular 36 hairpin bend route from Mysore to OOTY and I decided to return after almost 25 bends as my 2 kids started feeling discomfort – you also mentioned that this route is not great for larger vehicles (will Audi Q7 come in this bracket?) …

Can you please recommend an alternative route to Coonoor from Mysore – just to avoid the bends at least while climbing…

Thanks much…safe exploring Vineet

Hi Vineet, An alternate route will be via Mettupalayam. From Mysore, you can reach Mettupalayam via Sathyamangalam and then Coonoor. It is almost 220 km. The road is pretty good and Nilgiris are mountains and I don’t think we can avoid hairpin bends but this road is good, not that tricky. Have a nice trip…

Nicely narrated things… Simple nd worth

The information and route details are nicely explained. Can 42 seater Benz bus can take this route. Please let us know

Am not sure. The roads are bit narrow

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Nestled in the lap of the Nilgiri Hills, the picturesque route from Masinagudi to Ooty offers travelers a captivating journey through lush landscapes, dense forests, and breathtaking vistas. This scenic route not only connects two charming destinations but also provides an immersive experience in the natural beauty of the Western Ghats. Let’s embark on a virtual tour, exploring the wonders that unfold along the way.

Masinagudi – A Gateway to Wildlife:

Our journey begins in Masinagudi, a quaint town renowned for its proximity to the Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers are in for a treat as they traverse the winding roads surrounded by dense forests. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, deer, peacocks, and an array of bird species. A safari through Mudumalai offers an opportunity to witness these creatures in their natural habitat, making it a memorable start to the trip.

The Nilgiri Tea Estates:

As we leave Masinagudi behind, the landscape transforms into rolling hills covered with tea plantations. The aroma of fresh tea leaves fills the air, and travelers are treated to the sight of neatly manicured rows of tea bushes. The Nilgiri region is renowned for its tea estates, and a visit to one of the plantations allows for a close encounter with the tea-making process. From plucking the leaves to the final packaging, the journey of Nilgiri tea is as fascinating as the landscapes that surround it.

Breathtaking Hairpin Bends:

The route from Masinagudi to Ooty involves navigating a series of hairpin bends that offer stunning panoramic views of the Nilgiris. The thrill of ascending the hills is complemented by the sight of mist-covered valleys, thick forests, and occasional glimpses of wildlife. Each bend in the road reveals a new perspective, making the journey as captivating as the destination.

Emerging into Ooty’s Charm:

As travelers ascend higher, the climate becomes cooler, and the air fresher. Finally, the journey culminates in the “Queen of Hill Stations” – Ooty. This charming hill station is known for its colonial architecture, beautiful gardens, and a serene lake. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds to the allure of Ooty, providing a nostalgic and scenic train ride through the hills.

Exploring Ooty’s Delights:

Ooty offers a plethora of attractions, from the well-manicured Ooty Botanical Gardens to the serene Ooty Lake, where visitors can enjoy boating amidst the tranquility of the hills. The Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak, and the Wax World Museum are among the many places that showcase the diverse facets of Ooty’s charm.

The journey from Masinagudi to Ooty is not merely a distance covered but an immersive experience in the natural wonders of the Nilgiris. From the wildlife-rich landscapes of Masinagudi to the tea-scented hills and breathtaking hairpin bends, the route sets the stage for the enchanting beauty of Ooty. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, this journey through the Nilgiris promises an unforgettable expedition through some of India’s most captivating landscapes.

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