[jaaz]

Originally Posted by sudhi29

The return was through Gudalur as they allow only local vehicles through the Ooty -Kalhatti- Masinagudi road. I had a word with the policeman there, he said they have made it a one way (except for local vehicles) but he had no idea why!

That's because of Accidents caused due to inexperienced drivers, while going downhill. Few accidents were fatal. All due to rash and negligent drivers. Road condition is good compared to the challenges in laying and maintaining in such terrain.

It's good to avoid, if you're first timer or your Car is too old.

[sagarpadaki]

Travelled onward via Bandipur->Masinagudi->Kalhatti->Ooty. Roads are in Good condition but narrow . The road is steep and the hairpin bends will be a challenge for an inexperienced driver or a badly maintained vehicle. I saw many cars parked on the side with the hood open presumably to allow the engine to cool down.

Return was via the longer but scenic Ooty->Gudalur->Madhumalai->Bandipur route,since the police did not allow non TN registered vehicles in the downhill 36 hairpin bends Kalhatti route. Roads are excellent throughout .

[sriturl]

Couple of weeks back travelled by the standard Kalhatti route while going and Gudalur while coming down.
While going caught up in a weird jam at the entrance of this kalhatti route where there were couple of trailers which entered this route. For few kms this blocked substantial traffic and took time. After overtaking got behind a bus and the road being narrow took long time with no chance to overtake.

Felt like the standard route being good would have taken same time. Probably a one off incident.

Roads upto Kalhatti are narrow and can take time, so if there is a time advantage from Gudalur road, it is subjective.

[Haque]

Planning a trip to Ooty this week with family from Mysore. Would be driving ( ertiga ). Any inputs on current road choices, condition, weather, regulations if any would be highly appreciated.

[rchelamkuri]

We traveled to Bangalore -- Mysore -- Gudalur -- Ooty -- Gudalur -- Banglore on May 7th and the road conditions are good overall. We missed the Masinagudi road as they blocked the main road leading to a narrow bridge. If you want to go through Masinagudi, you have to take a slight left 500 meters before itself. Not sure whether it is the same case now.
Also, the Gudalur has heavy traffic and we lost some 30 minutes inside the town, so better to go via Masinagudi. Ooty also has massive traffic over the weekend.
I hope this helps. Have a safe and enjoyable ride -

[srvm]

Originally Posted by Haque

Planning a trip to Ooty this week with family from Mysore. Would be driving ( ertiga ). Any inputs on current road choices, condition, weather, regulations if any would be highly appreciated.

Originally Posted by rchelamkuri

We traveled to Bangalore -- Mysore -- Gudalur -- Ooty -- Gudalur -- Banglore on May 7th and the road conditions are good overall. We missed the Masinagudi road as they blocked the main road leading to a narrow bridge. If you want to go through Masinagudi, you have to take a slight left 500 meters before itself. Not sure whether it is the same case now.
Also, the Gudalur has heavy traffic and we lost some 30 minutes inside the town, so better to go via Masinagudi. Ooty also has massive traffic over the weekend.
I hope this helps. Have a safe and enjoyable ride -

Typing this while staying at a resort in Masinagudi.
Yes, the Masinagudi route to Ooty is now via the Banyan restaurant road in Mudumalai forest. This is about 100m before the erstwhile fork in the road (also at this fork/junction is the Mudumalai Safari booking office)

This is the weather in Masinagudi right now