Route Distance & Time
- Total Distance: ~270 km
- Estimated Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Best Route: Bangalore → Mysore → Bandipur → Masinagudi → Ooty
Recommended Route Breakdown:
Bandipur to Masinagudi to Ooty (~30 km – 1.5 hrs)
Take the adventurous 36 hairpin bends route through Kalhatti Ghat for stunning mountain views.
Bangalore to Mysore (~150 km – 3 hrs)
Start your journey early morning via Nice Road or Kanakapura Road for a smoother drive.
Mysore to Bandipur Forest (~90 km – 2 hrs)
Enjoy a calm drive past farmlands and into Bandipur National Park – you might even spot deer or elephants!
Curvy highway hugging the mountain slope – captures the essence of the roller‑coaster drive through Kalhatti Ghat.
Important Tips
- Start early (around 6 AM) to avoid city traffic.
- Fuel up in Mysore for better prices.
- Avoid night driving through forest zones (Bandipur closes between 9 PM and 6 AM).
- Keep a hard copy of maps, as network may drop in hilly areas.
- Watch out for monkeys and animals near the forest!
Food & Stop Recommendations
- Kamat Lokaruchi – Traditional Karnataka breakfast on Mysore Road
- Mysore Café – Quick snacks before entering forest
- Pine View Café – Scenic views and lunch closer to Ooty
Car driving through lush green hills with distant peaks – creates a feeling of adventure and serene escape.
Places to Stay in Ooty
- Sterling Ooty Elk Hill
- Zostel Ooty (budget-friendly)
- Savoy – IHCL for a luxury stay
Bonus Attractions Nearby
- Ooty Lake
- Botanical Garden
- Doddabetta Peak
- Pykara Waterfalls
- Coonoor (just 20 km from Ooty)