[srvm]

Originally Posted by tsr_83

Folks, I want to go for Chennai-Mettupalayam-Kotagiri-Ooty route by tomorrow. Is this route good in terms of less traffic, good scenery?

Yes, this route has less traffic, smooth roads and very scenic. Go for it

[Vin76]

Hello, I have a Chennai to Ooty trip coming up next week. Google map gives two options from Bhavani, one via Gobichettipalayam and the other via Annur. I understand that via Gobi is state highway and the other one is NH. Wanted to know from regulars on this route on the better option of these two. Thanks in advance.

[Dzirechennai]

Friends - Are there any night restriction to drive up the hill to Ooty?
I will be reaching the Coimbatore by around evening and want to drive down so that I can reach Ooty by around 11 PM.

[NPV]

Originally Posted by Dzirechennai

Friends - Are there any night restriction to drive up the hill to Ooty?
I will be reaching the Coimbatore by around evening and want to drive down so that I can reach Ooty by around 11 PM.

You'd be taking the Mettupalayam-Coonoor route from Coimbatore and there is no night closure of this road.

[arjab]

Chennai - Ulundurpet - Salem - Coimbatore - Ooty

Any inputs on road conditions will be much appreciated.

Travelling with family on month end. Tiago.

Thanks in advance

[narayans80]

Originally Posted by arjab

Chennai - Ulundurpet - Salem - Coimbatore - Ooty

You don't need to go all the way to Coimbatore. You can get off at Avinashi and take Annur-Mettupalayam.

Few kms around Salem where you'll encounter traffic. Avinashi-Annur-Mettupalayam is busy, roads are good until you enter Mettupalayam town.

[arjab]

Just returned from Ooty, Coonoor et al.
Route taken: Chennai - Ulundurpet - Salem - Avinashi - Annur - Mettupalayam - Coonoor - Ooty.
Excellent roads overall. Bit of traffic in and around Mettupalayam but nothing to tear your hair out.
The hill roads are good too. Sad to see some absolutely irresponsible driving by people, (who on the face of it looked gentlemanly but the driving techniques and skills told a different story), on the hilly tracts.
Saw multiple cases of overtaking on the inside of hairpins and careening downhill with kids poking their heads out of the panoramic sunroofs.

In fact I was so infuriated, I stopped a gent in a CRETA, (KA registration) and politely reminded him about the dangers of indulging in such driving practices. What stumped me was his reply after listening to me. He said, "It isn't your kid na Sir....so don't worry"
After this I gave up.

[hydtraveller]

Originally Posted by arjab

Just returned from Ooty, Coonoor et al.

Saw multiple cases of overtaking on the inside of hairpins and careening downhill with kids poking their heads out of the panoramic sunroofs.

In fact I was so infuriated, I stopped a gent in a CRETA, (KA registration) and politely reminded him about the dangers of indulging in such driving practices. What stumped me was his reply after listening to me. He said, "It isn't your kid na Sir....so don't worry"
After this I gave up.

These guys are idiots. Absolute idiots ( if there is such a word in the English Language).
A child standing with his/her head out of a sunroof is very dangerous. A sudden break at high speeds will make the child ( or even adult) move between the confines of the sunroof multiple times violently and hurt the person and can even result in immediate death. There are cases of the person being flung out of the car resulting in injuries/ death.
It is also illegal.
Please be safe. Its your young child and you have no right to endanger his/her life.

[govigov]

Which road to take from Coimbatore to Chennai (Sholiganallur)?

There are two options as far as I understand.

1. Via salem krishnagiri sriperumpdur tambaram Sholiganallur

2. Via salem ulundurpet tambaram Sholiganallur

I have driven on the first route before (pre covid) but I understand that route may have lots of construction. How is route 2?

[srvm]

Originally Posted by govigov

Which road to take from Coimbatore to Chennai (Sholiganallur)?

There are two options as far as I understand.

1. Via salem krishnagiri sriperumpdur tambaram Sholiganallur

2. Via salem ulundurpet tambaram Sholiganallur

I have driven on the first route before (pre covid) but I understand that route may have lots of construction. How is route 2?

As of today, option 2 is much better than option 1
My suggestion, is based on my experience in last week on May 2022.

[Turbohead]

Originally Posted by govigov

Which road to take from Coimbatore to Chennai (Sholiganallur)?


1. Via salem krishnagiri sriperumpdur tambaram Sholiganallur

2. Via salem ulundurpet tambaram Sholiganallur

Hands down option 2. Option 1 is tragic beyond Vellore.

If possible, try to schedule your trip in such a way that you can reach Shollingnallur before 4PM to beat the traffic.

[jayendra]

Originally Posted by govigov

Which road to take from Coimbatore to Chennai (Sholiganallur)?

There are two options as far as I understand.

1. Via salem krishnagiri sriperumpdur tambaram Sholiganallur

2. Via salem ulundurpet tambaram Sholiganallur

I have driven on the first route before (pre covid) but I understand that route may have lots of construction. How is route 2?

Please don't even consider option 1, for reaching Sholinganallur.
I do this trip often, and I prefer the following route to avoid traffic around Tambaram:
salem > ulundurpet > chengalpet (take highway exit immediately after the long Palar river bridge) > Thiruporur (joins OMR) > Kelambakkam > Sholinganallur.

I suggest taking this route, and also google maps gives the same route, most of the times for me.

[govigov]

Thank you All. So, I will definitely take option 2. I have scoured over the maps and have found some eateries to take breaks while on this route. Looks like, it is well covered with A2B and some other chain hotels. Any recommended eateries or places to take a break? I will travelling with a 9month old.

[narayans80]

Originally Posted by govigov

Any recommended eateries or places to take a break?

On Salem-Ulundurpet, the options are very limited. I can't think of anything other than Ramas Veg and A2B, both near Attur. You'll find tons just after crossing Ulundurpet (near Sengurichi toll). Less options once you cross Sengurichi A2B/Cafe Udupi Ruchi until Villupuram. After Villupuram, you'll find dime a dozen all the way to Chengalpattu. You'll exit and take Chengalpattu-Thiruporur for Sholinganallur.

[pacman2881]

Hi All,

I will be driving to Coimbatore from Chennai and from Coimbatore I am planning a Ooty trip next week. It will be very helpful if someone could comment on the below-

1. How are the rains in Ooty - have they subsided / conducive to venture out?
2. Any info on road conditions will be very helpful.
3. If I am travelling from Coimbatore, which will be the preferred route till Metupalayam - Coimbatore metupalayam road or coimbatore -> Avinasi -> Annur route, if I am starting from Ram Nagar?

Thanks in advance.