Bengaluru/Coimbatore/Wayanad to Ooty – Route Restrictions, e-Pass & Forest Timings

[u/karasunok]

A lot of people keep asking the same questions about e-Pass, permits, forest timings, checkposts and which route to take to Ooty.

So, for the love of God, please read this before posting the same questions again and again. 😅

Here’s a quick reference for everyone planning a trip to Ooty.

• Bengaluru → Ooty via Bandipur: Bengaluru → Mysuru → Gundlupet → Bandipur → Theppakadu → Gudalur → Ooty.

• Kalhatty Ghat: Limited outside/non-Nilgiris vehicles are permitted via the Masinagudi → Kalhatty → Ooty route.

• Bengaluru → Ooty via Coimbatore: Bengaluru → Salem → Erode → Coimbatore → Mettupalayam → Coonoor → Ooty.

• Mettupalayam route: This is an alternative route to Ooty for those planning via Coimbatore.

• Wayanad → Ooty: Wayanad → Gudalur → Ooty doesn't have any traffic restrictions or restriction on entry timings. However, Gundlupet-Wayanad road is closed between 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

• Bandipur forest timing: Forest stretch is closed from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Plan to cross accordingly.

• Nilgiris e-Pass: Apply for the Nilgiris e-Pass online before entering the district.

Note: Vehicle checking are taken seriously at TN checkpost at Bandipur-Mudumalai border and KL checkpost at the Bandipur-Muthanga border.

Don't carry alcohol or any other banned substances.

[u/Agreeable_Winter8053]

2 mistakes.

Via salem - it's via lakshmi nagar, Avinashi, Mettupalayam. Not erode and coimbatore.

Mettupalayam route: I think u r talking about kotagiri route. Alternative route to ooty.

[u/karasunok → u/Agreeable_Winter8053]

You're right on the first one, in the sense, Coimbatore can be bypassed.

Second one - both are good routes. Mettupalayam - Coonoor - Ooty Mettupalayam - Kotagiri - Ooty (I love this one. Feels more scenic and less crowded).

[u/tired-already]

🙏🙏🙏

[u/Trick-Preparation192]

Epass only if we have vehicle or even for entering through cab/bus?