Is the toy train available daily?

Yes, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway operates daily between Mettupalayam and Ooty.

Do I need a permit for Ooty?

No permit is required for Indian citizens to visit Ooty.

Which is the best route?

The route via Mettupalayam is the most popular and well-maintained.

Are there ATMs in Ooty?

Yes, Ooty has plenty of ATMs in the main market area.

Can I drive a sedan to Ooty?

Yes, the roads are well-paved and suitable for all types of vehicles.

Udhagamandalam

Bus Driving

Anchetty to Udhagamandalam

Updated: 22 May 2026

The route from Anchetty to Udhagamandalam, commonly known as Ooty, covers approximately 210 kilometers. You will travel through the scenic landscapes of the Nilgiris, typically via the Mettupalayam ghat road. The journey takes about 6 to 7 hours by road. As you ascend, the climate shifts from tropical to temperate. Public transport requires a bus to Coimbatore or Mettupalayam, followed by a bus or the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

Total Distance: 210 km driving distance; 160 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving your own car is the fastest, taking roughly 7 hours.

Cheapest Way

State-run TNSTC buses are the most affordable way to reach Ooty.

Compare Anchetty to Udhagamandalam Routes

	Bus Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	9 hours	7 hours
Avg Price	500-800 INR	2000-3000 INR
Operator	TNSTC	Personal Vehicle
Route	Anchetty to Krishnagiri, then bus to Mettupalayam, then bus to Ooty.	Anchetty - Krishnagiri - Salem - Mettupalayam - Ooty
Tip	Buses from Mettupalayam to Ooty are frequent and run throughout the day.	The 36 hairpin bends on the Mettupalayam-Ooty road require careful driving.

Travel Tips

Ghat Driving
Use low gear while descending the ghat roads to prevent brake overheating.
Clothing
Carry warm clothing as temperatures in Ooty drop significantly at night.
Booking
Book your toy train tickets well in advance via the IRCTC portal.
Traffic
Expect heavy traffic on weekends and holidays near the Ooty town center.
Parking
Parking is limited in Ooty; prefer hotels that provide dedicated parking spaces.

Safety Tips

Motion Sickness
The winding roads can cause motion sickness; keep medication handy.
Wildlife
Do not feed animals while driving through the forest buffer zones.
Weather
Check for landslide warnings during the monsoon season before traveling.
Emergency
Keep the contact number of the Ooty tourist police handy.