Off to Misty mountains in a Merc - Bangalore to Ooty, Tamil Nadu

[gv]

• Ride: Merc GLA
• Dist: 285km
• Total Trip: 650kms
• Mileage: 14kmpl
• Hotel: SINCLAIRS RETREAT costed us around 14k per night
   

Route: Bangalore ---> Maddur ---> Mandya ---> Srirangapatna ---> Mysuru --->Theppakadu (Take a left) ---> Ooty

 

 

Started off from Bangalore around 10AM. Being a peak traffic hour, it took us 2 hours to hit the highway and to our surprise, Bangalore - Mysuru highway traffic was less compared to the usual day hour and so we reached Mysuru in 3 hrs 30 mins with some occasional speed bursts.

 

Mysuru to Gundlupete was a single lane road. It took us quite some time to cover the ground in this stretch due to the ongoing road widening work, dusty roads and too many diversions. These slow speeds made a huge dent to our average speed estimate.

 

Once we had crossed Gundlupete, the road turned out to be very scenic, surrounded by thick forest and animals such as deers, elephants and peacocks were spotted on the road.

 

From Theppakadu there are usually two routes to Ooty. Generally it is advised to take longest and safest route. But, we chose to take the shorter route in-between the ghat to make it an adventurous drive and so we took a left from Theppakadu.

 

Drive up the hill has 36 hairpin curves in total and is not advisable for the inexperienced drivers as the curves are too steep and risky. We soon shifted to the manual mode and started using the paddle shifters as the turbo kicked in we pushed onto our seats.

 

 

Redlining and ripping the sweet engine in each gear with high adrenaline we reached Ooty in no time. The moment we entered, a quote - " Looking at Beauty in the world, is the first step of purifying the mind" struck my mind. We were awestruck by the unblemished nature before us.

Drive through the hills, High ground clearance, Speed dynamics and responsive engine made my day.

 

First glimpse of the forest

Take a left from theppakadu, cross a small bridge to continue the uphill drive. Heavy vehicles are strictly prohibited as they won't fit on to this bridge. 

Forest views enroute to Ooty 

After driving several miles off the road, we had to get a quick break and photograph GLA

Only few GLAs get this chance to experience the drive on a single lane road with mud pits filled with rain water

 

Ready for an uphill drive 

This Beautiful view made our Day 1 complete. 

Day 2: Ooty to Coonoor. The adventure begins.

Thick clouds, spotless greenery on the hill, the first gush of freezing wind made the drive more adventurous. 

 

 

Spectacular views blew our mind away

On our way to Coonoor, comes the narrow road welcoming nausea o_O

When the smokey clouds and the waterfall come together on a ghat road, fear fades away and camera buzzes in to click the scene! 

Quick break

Tea estates adds on to the beauty

 

Return drive from Coonoor

Reached the hotel by noon.

Day 3: Avalanche Lake, Ooty. Poor road conditions

 

 

Glimpse of the Avalanche Lake, Ooty

 

 

 

 

 

[gv]

Return route from Avalanche Lake to the Hotel

Beautiful Tea estates on the way

Beast that took us through the rough tracks

Google maps redirected us to this deserted road for about 10 kms. To our luck we found no vehicles driving down in the opposite direction.

Sunset View from the hotel lobby

Hotel we stayed

Tea FactoryThey had explained us the process which dint feed our brains but the tea served at the end brought us back to life.

View from the room

Day 4: Ooty to Bangalore, Early morning drive.

One of those curious deers which we spotted

Peacocks

Stayed by this lone elephant for about 10mins until he crossed the road and walked into the forest

Hills, Clouds and Early morning drive

Some more deers during our exit from the forest.

 

[uday]

Hi GV ,Nice Pics very greenery .

I am planning to visit Ooty this may ,If you can list of places to visit in the Ooty that would be very grateful

[Naveen1]

 

There many places in Ooty to visit. I am listing out some of the best places that are worth a visit.

Best place to visit in Ooty

• Doddabetta Peak : Highest point in Ooty
• Tea Museum : Worth a visit. You will get access to the factory and they will explain you the whole process on how tea is manufacturing. In end you will get free tea.
• Ooty to Coonoor drive : It is all about drive. One of the best roads to drive. Specially in rainy season.
• Avalanche Lake : It is located at a distance of 30 kilometers from Ooty. Once you reach the location you need to hire a Jeep to go further into the hills.
• Ooty lake : Famous destination. Boating is worth a visit.
• Upper Bhavani Lake : One of the best lake in Ooty.
• Ketti Valley : It has a perfect valley view
• Mukurthi National Park : Visit this place If you are interested in Trekking​

[sagar]

Thanks a lot for that quick info.. would undoubtedly be a quick marker for anyone who wants to visit the place..

[Gowtham]

You have summarised the places neatly.

Ooty to Coonoor is defiantly worth it. In rainy season you can find many waterfalls and greenery is very refreshing.

[uday]

Hi Guys,

Reached Ooty today. Drive was smooth. Took the route mentioned by GV. Road condition is Good.

Bangalore to Mysuru was horrible. It is chaos all over the highway.

 

People driving cars as if they are driving inside the city. Looks like many newbie drivers.

Saw many accidents en-route.This is the first time, I got scared driving on the highway.

 

Please plan to start early from Bangalore(before 4AM), If you are planning to take Bangalore-Mysuru Highway.

Will update more details and pictures, after I return.

[raman]

@gv ... Great pictures ... Been there and done this before when i was in Bangalore an year ago but not in a Merc..

[r413078]

Awesome pictures ... i guess the accommodation you chose looks pricey... Any economical stay options around ??

[sagar]

There are a plenty of OYO rooms options around Ooty and they are any day a better option to stay if you are looking at economy