[naadopaasaka]

Originally Posted by naadopaasaka

Does anybody have later/ better information?

Did Mettupalayam - Kotagiri and there was checking for e-pass after Mettupalayam when entering Nilgiris before the climb up towards Kotagiri. This was on 01.10.2024. Fortunately, I was able to secure an e-pass the day before.

[Majumdarda]

I along with another Motorcycle rider, intend to visit Ooty from Pune next week (might be 10 or 11). While I am still trying to figure out the best way from Mysore to Ooty over a motorcycle, I realized that there are some 32 steep inclines and therefore evening to night travel is not advisable. Offcourse I would not like to miss the scenaries.

1. Can anyone please guide me for the Two wheeler route from Mysore till Ooty. Post Ooty we will go towards GoKarna, Goa and back.
   
2. Also, how is the weather over there? Is it chilling cold with thunderous rains (since both these are not two wheeler friendly riding conditions)
   
3. Apart from this, what all should we be aware of so as to visit this place and enjoy the pristine hills. Hotel booking is something which we will figure out as we reach.
   
4. Regards to the Epass, is it something required for twowheelers as well. If yes, is it like a gatepass ? Since we will be coming from Mysore to Ooty, enjoy the place and then go towards GoKarna, what all places should be selected (Nilgiris, KodaiKanal etc)
   
5. Any other points we should be aware of before visiting Ooty.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and support.

[Rajeevraj]

Originally Posted by Majumdarda

I along with another Motorcycle rider, intend to visit Ooty from Pune next week (might be 10 or 11). While I am still trying to figure out the best way from Mysore to Ooty over a motorcycle, I realized that there are some 32 steep inclines and therefore evening to night travel is not advisable. Offcourse I would not like to miss the scenaries.
[list=1][*]Can anyone please guide me for the Two wheeler route from Mysore till Ooty. Post Ooty we will go towards GoKarna, Goa and back.
[*]Also, how is the weather over there? Is it chilling cold with thunderous rains (since both these are not two wheeler friendly riding conditions)
[*]Apart from this, what all should we be aware of so as to visit this place and enjoy the pristine hills. Hotel booking is something which we will figure out as we reach.

Answering couple of the questions. The route is straightforward. Mysore-Gundlepet-Bandipur Forest- Cross over the border inside the forest to TN and Mudumalai Forest Range. Post the border crossing you will reach a place called Theppakadu. From here, you can turn left and go to Ooty via Masinagudi. This route has 36 hair pin bends and is a steep climb(You climb to ~7000 feet in about 12 km). Should be fine in a bike.

Alternatively you can continue straight from Theppakadu and reach Ooty via Gudalur. The is a more gentle climb and maybe more fun in a motorcycle due to the sweeping curvy roads. Also note that you are generally not allowed to come down via the Masinagudi route, so maybe you can go up via that route and come down via Gudalur.

Weather should be on the cooler side but still pleasant. Most of the thunderstorm season is over. There maybe rains but I don't think much to worry about.

Also please note that the Bandipur forest road is closed between 9pm and 6am. So keep that in mind. In the recent past there has been a lot of elephant movement close to the road, so be doubly careful when riding through.

[mpksuhas]

Originally Posted by Majumdarda

Thank you in advance for your understanding and support.

Adding to what Rajeev mentioned above.

1. Gokarna / Goa - You will have to backtrack the path, alternative of heading via KL - KA coast also there. However, wont suggest it since NH66 widening is happening around there and can be painful.
The 32 inclide Masinagudi route and also the Bandipur forest entry before that closes for the night. Hence you will anyway not be able to take that route in the night.

2. No rains as of now, however can start to get progressively cold as Nov passes.

3. Weekend traffic - Extremely painful. Also that return is not possible via Masinagudi route. You will have to either take Metupalayam or Gudallur route.


4. E Pass - Its an entry requirement : You can find details here.

5. Be careful of elephants in Mudumalai & Bandipur forests. Rowdy tourists have made elephants vary of humans and they have a peculiar dislike towards bikers

[Majumdarda]

Originally Posted by mpksuhas

...

Originally Posted by Rajeevraj

...

Wow, thank you Gentlemen for your valuable inputs.

From route perspective, it shall be thus Mysore - Gundlepet - Bandipur Forest - Theppakadu - Masinagudi - Ooty enjoying the 36 hairpin bends and while returning the next day, Ooty - Gudalur via Kallatti Downhill road.

The only reason to ride towards Gokarna is to be able to enjoy the coastal roads. But the route suggested by Gmap seems to be by passing the coastal road to a large extent.

Ooty - Gudalur - Kattikkulam - Byrambada - Mekeri - Kalladka - Mangaluru - Udupi - Gokarna [586 km]

This route seems more traversing through the bylanes/SH. Is there a better routing available to be able to relish the coastal view and reach Gokarna from Ooty smoothly?

How about Ooty - Gudalur - Kozhikode - Gokarna [615 km]

[whitesquall]

I am traveling to Kotagiri this weekend and I am confused with the route. When I Google, it shows 6 and half hours of travel time via Salem, but when I click on the map, it changes to 8 hours!

Any suggestions? I thought via mysore and ooty was a better option, but the travel time shows 10 hours. Appreciate a quick answer!

Note: I am not a fan of plain roads, but want to reach the destination early too. What a dilemma

[balenoed_]

Originally Posted by whitesquall

When I Google, it shows 6 and half hours of travel time via Salem, but when I click on the map, it changes to 8 hours!

Any suggestions? I thought via mysore and ooty was a better option, but the travel time shows 10 hours. Appreciate a quick answer!
i

When you googled it must have calculated for via Mysore, but when you checked in maps (assuming you checked in night), it will choose via Salem because Mysore route will be closed (at Bandipur forest) during night. Check in maps during day time and it will route through Mysore with less travel time.

[BG96]

Hi,

Great post and amazing pics. Quick question regarding the Ootacamund Club in ooty; do you have to be member to go for lunch and couple of drinks there? Or anyone can walk in? Read few reviews in google and I am confused if I should plan it as I/anyone I know have any membership there!