A journey from Bangalore to Ooty is one of the most famous roads for tourists traveling in Southern India as it can be taken by train or car. If taken by car, the distance of 270 kilometers takes roughly six to seven hours. On the other hand, taking the train tends to take longer depending on the connections.
Ooty is one of the jewels of India and it surely must be seen and visited at least once in a lifetime. The beautiful sceneries, coupled with the favorable climate and rich culture make Ooty a place full of wonders.
Proper planning on what one would like to see and visit during their travel, makes the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. Get curated travel recommendations, from romantic getaways to scenic destinations across India.
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The most common question arises regarding how far Bangalore is from Ooty. From my experience, there are two main routes: The Alles Mysore route, which is about 270 kilometers, and the Metupalayam route, which is almost 300 kilometers. Having these routes in mind allows one to plan better for trips.
Best Routes for Traveling from Bangalore to Ooty
Bangalore has direct drives as well as commutes for travelers going to Ooty. The routes, like the saturated air and the satisfied surface of the sea, are greatly simplified for road travel. If you plan on driving, take the Southwestern Deccan Plateau as an example. This route showcases idyllic geography and therefore requires a more detailed pre plan for efficient route selection.
1. Bangalore to Ooty by Car or Bus
One way to get from Bangalore to Ooty is via a drive that takes about 6 hours on a smooth day. On ideal days, setting out in the morning provides an incredible view of the wildlife sanctuaries alongside the greenery along the hill roads.
If driving or taking the bus is not your thing, government and private operators offer bus routes that guarantee a comfortable journey. The Mysore route also serves as an optimal option when it comes to enjoying amazing smooth drives.
2. Bangalore to Ooty by Train
For train lovers, the route from Bangalore to Ooty is not directly served. One option would be to head a bit away on a long distance train to Mesut Paliyam or Coimbatore, and then drive the rest or take the picturesque Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
If you choose the latter, there is a long chain of astonishing sites that pass particularly through Mettupilayam which are heavily beautified by the designed toy train.
3. Bangalore to Ooty by Air
The closest airport for Ooty lies in Coimbatore, which is approximately 86 kilometers away, so air travel is an option for those coming from Coimbatore. The airport is well served by taxis and buses which will take you directly to Ooty.
Those coming from Bangalore will also have to follow the same route. While Ooty does not have its own airport, it is well served by Coimbatore from where the drive to Ooty is wonderful.
Best Places to Visit in Ooty
The Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty exudes a blissful essence best described as a wanderers stopover. Picturesque Ooty adored for its pleasant weather along with its scenic beauty and colonial architecture creates a travelers paradise. From cherishing nature and adventure to simply desiring a peaceful get away, Ooty is a perfect destination for everyone.
- The Botanical Garden – This garden is one of Ooty’s picturesque spots with exotic plants on full display.
- Pykara Waterfalls – This site is as photogenic as it is great for a picnic or two.
- Ooty Lake – A serene lake, perfect for a peaceful boat ride while soaking in nature’s beauty.
- Doddabetta Peak – Towering at the height of 8,650 ft, this peak is the highest in The Nilgiri Hills and has unsurpassed views.
- Tea Gardens – A long stretch with world famous beauty and freshly brewed Nilgiri tea.
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Top Attractions of Ooty
Similar to every journey, the landscapes on the road to Ooty are breathtaking. The following are some places worth checking out along the way:
- Ramanagara: Not too far from Bangalore (50 kilometers) Ramanagara is incredibly famous for its rocky hills and mountain ranges. It is also a well known location for The Sholay movie. Trekkers often use Ramanagara as a refresh stop.
- Mysore: This place is referred to as the cultural heart of Karnataka. Lovely places that attract tourists include Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Devaraja Market and many others.
- Bandipur National Park: An important stop before Ooty, this park’s abundant biodiversity is well known. The beautiful reserve is home to deer, tigers, elephants, and more. Nature lovers will certainly enjoy the safari. It is a must visit spot for wildlife fans.
- Coonoor: Coonoor is the final stop before heading to Ooty. Key attractions are Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, Lam’s Rock and of course, the famous Coonoor tea gardens.
Safety Concerns for Bangalore to Ooty Drive
If you’re traveling normally, then yes, it’s perfectly safe. No need to worry, although please note that:
- Focus On The Weather. It’s not recommended driving around the Nilgiri Hills in the rain. Fog and rain make for bad driving conditions.
- Use Caution On Hairpin Turns: Proceeding towards Ooty will be treacherous and requires more focus due to these roads.
- Avoid Traveling Through Forest Areas At Night: Bandipur and Mudumalai reserve is filled with wildlife and is dangerous to drive through at night.
- Don’t Forget To Create A Plan For Maintenance: The same rules apply for any road trip, be sure the vehicle is in good shape, especially the brakes and engine, because steep climbing takes a great deal of energy.
Best Time to Visit Ooty from Bangalore
Ooty is splendid to visit at any time of the year, however, the period you choose to visit will depend on your style and preferences.
- Summer: Take out the boat and camera for some breathtaking views from March to June as the weather warms up.
- Monsoon: While Ooty looks lush, the season from July to September brings heavy rains which could restrict trips.
- Winter: Ooty does become a single digit destination putting on the cold charm from October to February making it a great place for those wanting to escape the heat.
- Store Necessities Nearby: If you fall sick easily while traveling, it may help to have a set of some snacks, powerbank, and medicine close at hand.
- Stick to Local Guidelines: As mentioned, Ooty is an eco sensitive area and thus, do not litter and follow animal rules.
Conclusion
Though Ooty and Bangalore are 270 kilometers apart from each other, the journey will always be filled with a bunch of wonderful memories. Whether you drive taking the scenic roads, relax in a comfortable bus, or even take a train through the misty hills, your trip to Ooty will always be magical. Ooty along with its serene rich landscapes, cozy weather, and heavily diverse culture has risen to become one of the best hill stations in India. Start planning today and experience the stunning beauty of the Nilgiris like never before!
