Traveling by road from Coimbatore to Ooty is among the best routes in South India. Located inside Nilgiri Hills, Ooty provides a cool respite from city heat and is a frequent weekend destination. The drive from Coimbatore to Ooty will serve as an ideal plan whether you are considering a leisure drive, or family vacation.
The drive is highly enjoyable and passes through twisting roads, and lush green mountains. The amazing thing is that this road ride is wonderful from start to the end point. This travel guide covers everything from distance to Coimbatore and Ooty, travel time, the best routes, road condition and useful tips to ensure a stress free trip.
Coimbatore to Ooty Distance and Travel Overview
The ooty to coimbatore distance by road is 85 to 90 kilometers depending on the route you select. Also, the Coimbatore to Ooty travel time ranges between 3-4 hours. Ooty’s route passes through the hills and you see stunning waterfalls and tea estates. In case you want to know the distance between coimbatore to ooty by road with a bus, it is roughly 86 km but the travel period can increase up to 5 hours because of scheduled breaks.
The Coimbatore to Ooty cab option, on the other hand, gives convenience and flexibility which makes it the preferred option among families and people who want to take pictures or buy snacks during the trip. Also, for people who are considering the return journey, the driving distance from Ooty to Coimbatore remains constant, but traveling downhill takes a bit less time.
If you are coming from farther away Ooty, keep in mind that the closest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport which is only 85 km away and therefore makes this route the most practical and efficient. If your plan is to go by road, we suggest you hire Chiku Cab’s Coimbatore car rental service for the best traveling experience.
Best Routes from Coimbatore to Ooty by Road
Now, as we understand the distance between coimbatore to ooty, let’s know the best routes. There are three main routes that connect Coimbatore to Ooty by road. Each offers a unique fusion of amazing landscapes, type of road and travel duration.
Route 1: Coimbatore → Mettupalayam → Coonoor → Ooty (via NH181)
- Kilometers: Approx. 85 km
- Estimated Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Easily the most preferred Coimbatore to Ooty route and provides good accessibility for road vehicle transport like cars and cabs. This route goes through Coonoor, a beautiful hill station famous for its tea estates. This route features bending roads as well as beautiful views of the forests. We recommend you cover this ooty to coimbatore distance by car for the best traveling experience. You can book a car for rent in Ooty with Chiku Cab to explore the best places there.
Route 2: Coimbatore → Mettupalayam → Kotagiri → Ooty (via SH15)
Distance: Roughly 90 km
- Travel Time: 3.5 to 4 hours
- Compared to Coonoor’s routes, which is an ideal coimbatore to ooty by car distance for traveling, this region is less developed. This is wonderful for those seeking less touristy places. Kotagiri has stunning landscapes with virtually no commercialized places, amazing for nature lovers.
Route 3: Coimbatore → Sathyamangalam → Ooty (via NH948 and SH67)
- Distance: Approximately 120 km
- Travel Time: 4.5 to 5 hours
- This route is slightly lengthier, but beautiful. This route is preferred by bikers and adventurous people. It may not be the quickest route, but it goes through beautiful woodland and hill towns.
If you plan to drive from Bangalore to Ooty, the common route transitions into NH181, which runs parallel to the Coimbatore Ooty highway for a seamless linkage.
Coimbatore to Ooty Road Condition and Driving Tips
The roads from Coimbatore to Ooty, especially the NH181 part, are excellently maintained. It has no potholes, and the roads are friendly for cars, buses, and bikes. The only difficulties are sharp ascents, steep descents, and tight roadways that require extra care. It will be a highly enjoyable ride if you travel Coimbatore to Ooty in comfort by booking a tempo traveller from Chiku Cab.
Key Highlights of the Road Condition:
- To make traveling easier, the Coimbatore and Mettupalayam road is flatter with four lanes.
- With 36 bends, the road from Mettupalayam to Coonoor and Ooty becomes narrower but is very amazing.
- Roads can become slippery during the monsoon season (June to September). Landslides and fog are also common in higher altitude regions.
Driving Tips for Coimbatore to Ooty by Car:
- Arrive early for a calm drive in pleasant weather as traffic is also lighter.
- Avoid traveling during night hours, as visibility is poor and there are a lot of sharp twists and turns.
- The ghat section has limited fuel stations, so make sure your brakes and fuel are checked before driving.
- For those not confident with mountain driving, booking a cab with a local driver is recommended.
Best Time to Visit Ooty from Coimbatore
The best time to visit Ooty from Coimbatore depends on your preferences, whether you want cooler temperatures, amazing views, or less crowded streets.
March to June – Pleasant Summer Escape
Apart from Coimbatore’s rapidly increasing climate, this summer (March-June) is fantastic for taking a break. In Ooty, the climate ranges between 15-25 degrees celsius, which is optimal for sightseeing and exercising outdoors. Parents and couples traveling to Ooty for their honeymoons during this period is the most common.
July to September – Misty Monsoon Drive
Driving from Coimbatore to Ooty during rainy seasons is pretty different. The winding roads toward Ooty get wrapped in mist, the hills turn lush green, and waterfalls cascade alongside the roads. Monsoons bring heavy rainfall so you need to be extra careful with the driving.
October to February – Chilly Winters & Peaceful Views
For those who love the cold and want to experience Ooty’s foggy mornings with serene clear skies, October to February is ideal. Less people make it easier for those looking for secluded getaways to enjoy long drives through the Coimbatore Ooty highway.
How to Reach Ooty from Coimbatore – All Travel Options
Traveling to Ooty from Coimbatore offers plenty of options. Listed below are the most useful ones.
1. By Car or Cab
Most relaxing and comfortable way of commuting which gives you maximum flexibility is Ooty to Coimbatore by road. A cab will set you back by 3 to 4 hours and 85 km distance, sitting in traffic can stretch this up to 90 minutes. Distance from Coimbatore to Ooty is approximately 85–90 km. Booking Coimbatore to Ooty Taxi Cabs from Chiku Cab is quite preferred by tourists.
2. By Bus
There are government dependent and private frequentists that cover Coimbatore to Ooty distance by buses. Travel time can expand to 4.5–5 hours. It’s a decent value for money but offers very limited sightseeing opportunities.
3. By Train
From Coimbatore, no direct train will get you to Ooty. Take Train Mettupalayam then board a UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train Nilgiri Mountain Railway. This option is quite scenic but quite slow.
4. By Air
Ooty does not have an airport, so the closest one is Coimbatore International Airport closer to Ooty by approximately 85 km. Cabs and buses run frequently between these two locations.
Attractions to Visit in Ooty During Your Road Trip
Merely reaching Ooty does not complete your journey from Coimbatore. If you are taking a road trip from Bangalore to Ooty or traveling from Coimbatore, these locations are a must for thorough Ooty sightseeing. Having a taxi from Coimbatore to Ooty easily lets you visit these places without being constrained by public transport schedules. Below are some of the must-see places while in Ooty:
1. Doddabetta Peak
Considered the peak of Nilgiris, Doddabetta is 20 minutes away from Ooty town. You can see unfathomable views of the hills too.
2. Ooty Lake
It is the perfect place to unwind after a road trip. Enjoy a boating session, or sip from steaming cups while strolling along the lake shore.
3. Botanical Garden
This garden is one of the famous landmarks of Ooty. The garden is 55 acres and consists of 650 additional plant species which makes it one of the largest gardens of India.
4. Tea Museum & Factory
Located along Doddabetta road, this tea factory comes with a roadside museum and famous tea shop. Doddabetta tea musuem and factory will teach you everything about the tea business and also allows you to taste the finest teas that are on offer.
5. Pykara Lake & Falls
Accessible by road, the lake is around 22 kilometers from Ooty and it is a great place to sail as well. It is ideal for half-day road trips due to the peaceful scenic driving.
Ooty Travel Map and Route Planning Tips
If you plan on traveling from Coimbatore to Ooty, we suggest planning the route beforehand as it will save on fuel and time, especially when navigating the winding ghat sections. using google maps is a must. However, knowing landmarks and common stop points is equally as helpful.
Route via Mettupalayam and Coonoor
To get to Ooty, start by taking the NH181 highway from Coimbatore, passing through Mettupalayam and Coonoor. You will reach Ooty in about 85KM. Look for major landmarks like Kallar View Point, Burliar, and Wellington to track progress.
Navigation Tips
Consider the fact that Mobile Network coverage in forest patches can drop. For those who find driving in hilly terrain uncomfortable, taking a cab from Coimbatore to Ooty is advisable, as local drivers know the area well. Also, look out for signboards in Tamil and English; they’re placed at vital spots.
Parking and Traffic
The town of Ooty can become extremely crowded during peak seasons. Arrive earlier for attractions to avoid long lines. Most tourist sites have paid parking, but they generally run out of space by 12 PM. You won’t have to worry about packing if you book our reliable Ooty cab services from Chiku Cab to ensure a comfortable ride.
Why Choose Chiku Cab for Your Coimbatore to Ooty Trip
Comfort and safety are top priorities when driving from Coimbatore to Ooty, and Chiku Cab provides just that. The company has a positive reputation for cab rentals throughout South India, which is perfect for this hilly route.
Chiku Cab is a great option whether you book in advance or at the last minute, as your Coimbatore to Ooty road trip will be safe, relaxed, and enjoyable. Here’s why Chiku Cab stands out:
- Knowledgeable guides with years of experience driving the tourist and ghat sections.
- Well maintained air-conditioned cars for comfortable rides through the challenging hairpin bends.
- Straightforward pricing with no concealed charges. What you see is what you pay.
- 24/7 support, if there are issues with changing plans or require assistance during the drive.
- Possibility of customizing trips with round trips, local sightseeing rentals, or one-way drops.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Road Journey
In case you are taking a road trip to Ooty from Coimbatore, just a few simple travel tips will steer your journey in the right direction.
1. Start Early
Starting around 7:00 AM will allow you to avoid city traffic and revel in the mountain views during the soft light of the sun.
2. Take Regular Breaks
Tea stalls along with other view spots like Kallar ViewPoint can keep you preoccupied. Enjoy the serenity while sipping tea and capturing a few clicks!
3. Carry Light Essentials
- Snacks, a water bottle, sunglasses, and a light jacket (Ooty is on the chillier side during summer).
- If you’re sensitive to hill driving, some motion sickness tablets might also do the trick.
- A camera and phone charger is an absolute essential because trust us, you’ll want to capture the glorious views.
4. Drive Safe
- When going uphill or downhill, use low gear.
- Try to avoid blowing your horn wildly during hairpin bends, save that for occasions when it’s absolutely crucial.
- Watch out for animals crossing the road, especially early mornings and evenings.
5. Book a Cab for Peace of Mind
Whoever is not familiar with the area should consider booking a cab from Coimbatore to Ooty with a local driver from Chiku Cabbecause those two towns are pretty far-flung when considering the distance. Imagine how relaxing it would be to enjoy the drive while being driven through the landscape.
Conclusion
Driving from Coimbatore to Ooty is not just a trip. It offers a fusion of beautiful views, pleasant climate, and the charm of the hill stations. This trip promises something for everyone to enjoy because of the smooth drives, stunning routes, and many attractions.
Whether you want to spend the weekend, go for a family drive, or even take a quick break from Coimbatore, Ooty is always the ideal stop. Make sure to pick the right season for travel. Riding with comfort during these trips is achievable with Chiku Cab, your dependable partner for hill travel.
FAQs
1. What is the Coimbatore to Ooty distance by road?
Coimbatore to Ooty distance is approximated to be around 85 to 90 km depending on the chosen route.
2. How long does it take to travel from Coimbatore to Ooty by car?
Traveling by car for this distance is approximated to take 3 and half to 4 hours taking into account the traffic and the climate conditions.
3. Which is the best route from Coimbatore to Ooty?
Route going through Mettupalayam and Coonoor (NH181) has been noted to be both the fastest and the most attractive.
4. What is the road condition from Coimbatore to Ooty?
Roads are well maintained from Ooty to Coimbatore, however, sharp curves and hairpin bends are common, especially in the hill regions.
5. Can I take a bus from Coimbatore to Ooty?
As mentioned before, there are some privately operated buses and TNSTC buses that run from Coimbatore to Ooty. It takes approximately 5 hours to complete the trip.
6. Is there a direct train between Coimbatore and Ooty?
No. There’s no direct train service. You can take a train to Mettupalayam and then catch the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train up to Ooty.
7. What is the best time to visit Ooty from Coimbatore?
Sightseeing is best enjoyed during March to June while Ooty can be a chill getaway from October to February.
8. Why should I choose Chiku Cab for this route?
Your road trip will be enjoyable and safe with fixed prices from Chiku Cab, who offers clean vehicles and expert drivers, ensuring no hidden fees.
I’m a wanderer who loves venturing on to unknown and unseen places. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wonder around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.
