Driving
Honnavar to Ooty
Updated: 28 May 2026
The journey from Honnavar to Ooty covers about 480 km. You will travel through the lush landscapes of Karnataka and enter the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu. The most common route is via Mangalore and Mysore. Once you reach Mettupalayam, you can take the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Ooty for a breathtaking experience.
Total Distance: 480 km by road, 350 km air distance.
Fastest Way
Driving taking 12 hours.
Cheapest Way
Bus (KSRTC) to Mysore, then local bus to Ooty at 900 INR.
Compare Honnavar to Ooty Routes
Driving
Direct
Duration
12 hours
Avg Price
4000 - 6000 INR
Operator
Self-drive
Route
NH 66 to Mangalore, then NH 275 to Mysore and Gundlupet to Ooty.
The road through Bandipur National Park has specific night-time restrictions.
Travel Tips
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PermitsCheck for any entry permits required for the forest areas.
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ClothingPack warm clothes as temperatures drop significantly in Ooty.
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BookingBook the toy train tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly.
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DrivingBe prepared for 36 hairpin bends on the road to Ooty.
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FoodTry the local homemade chocolates and tea from the Nilgiri plantations.
Safety Tips
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WildlifeDo not stop your vehicle inside the forest reserves like Bandipur.
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DrivingDrive slowly on the hairpin bends to avoid accidents.
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HealthCarry medication for altitude sickness if you are sensitive.
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EmergencyKeep your mobile charged and carry a power bank.
People Also Ask
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Is there a direct train?No, you must reach Mettupalayam first.
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How many hairpin bends?There are 36 hairpin bends on the main road.
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Can I drive at night?No, the forest roads are closed at night.
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What is the best way to reach?Driving or taking a bus to Mysore and then to Ooty.
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Is Ooty cold?Yes, it remains cool throughout the year.
Quick Info
- From Honnavar, Karnataka, India
- To Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
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Modes
Best Time to Travel
March to June and September to November.
Things to Do in Ooty
1
Botanical Gardens
Explore the vast collection of exotic plants and the famous fossilized tree trunk.
2
Ooty Lake
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on this man-made lake surrounded by eucalyptus trees.
3
Doddabetta Peak
Visit the highest point in the Nilgiris for panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
4
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Take a ride on this UNESCO World Heritage toy train for a memorable experience.
Tags
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