Ooty (Udhagamandalam), the “Queen of the Nilgiris,” sits high in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu and is famed for its tea gardens, misty peaks, colonial charm, and cool climate. Traveling from Mussoorie (in Uttarakhand) to Ooty (in Tamil Nadu) is a classic cross-country journey, spanning nearly the entire length of India—from Himalayan pine forests to southern evergreen hills. This guide covers all possible routes, travel times, best modes, and practical travel advice for making your Mussoorie-to-Ooty trip comfortable and memorable.
Distance and Overview
- By Road: ~2,665–2,810 km
- By Flight (with connections): ~2,080 km aerial; no direct flights—requires road transfer for final leg
- Duration:
- By Air + Road: 11–16 hours (fastest), including transfers and layovers
- By Train: 40–50 hours with multiple changes
- By Road (Car/Taxi): 39–45 hours drive time; 3–5 days with breaks, not recommended for most
1. By Air + Road (Fastest and Most Convenient)
Step-by-Step Itinerary
A. Mussoorie → Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant, DED):
- ~60 km by car/taxi (1.5–2 hours)
- Book your taxi from any Mussoorie local stand, hotel, or reputable online service
B. Dehradun to Coimbatore or Bengaluru by Flight
- No direct flights to Ooty; nearest airports:
- Coimbatore International Airport (CJB): ~88 km from Ooty
- Bengaluru Airport (BLR): ~280 km from Ooty (for more flight options)
- Most flights require a transfer at Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru
- Total air travel time: 6.5–9 hours (including layovers)
C. Airport to Ooty (by road/train)
- From Coimbatore: Take a taxi or TNSTC bus (~3–4 hours, very scenic via Coonoor). Prebook cabs for comfort; buses run frequently during the day.
- From Bengaluru: Taxi/Volvo bus (~7–8 hours), or train via Mysuru and then local transport
- Optional: Nilgiri Mountain Railway (heritage “toy train”) from Mettupalayam (40 km from Coimbatore) to Ooty—beautiful, slow, often sold out, worth booking in advance.
Total Best-Case Time:
11–16 hours (including transfers, wait times)
2. By Train + Road (Budget and For Rail Fans)
- No direct Mussoorie–Ooty train.
- Step 1: Take a taxi/bus from Mussoorie to Dehradun Railway Station (1.5–2 hours)
- Step 2: Train to Delhi (overnight, 6–7 hours); then board a long-distance express train from Delhi to Coimbatore (Kongu Express, Kerala Express, Mangalore Express, etc.), Chennai, or Bengaluru (36–40 hours)
- Step 3: From Coimbatore, transfer by bus/taxi (or toy train from Mettupalayam) to Ooty
Total Journey Time:
40–50 hours (often longer due to layovers/wait times)
Fare: ₹2,000–₹5,500 depending on train class
Best For: Budget travelers or train journey enthusiasts
3. By Car/Taxi (Road Trip Adventure—Not for Speed!)
- Distance: ~2,700–2,800 km
- Typical Route: Mussoorie → Dehradun → Delhi → Agra → Nagpur → Hyderabad → Bengaluru → Mysuru → Ooty
- Drive Time: 39–45 hours nonstop (not recommended); break into 3–5 days with overnight halts in major cities
- Why choose: For those seeking an epic overland journey across India
Estimated Cost: ₹30,000–₹55,000+ (fuel, tolls, driver, hotels, meals)
Packing & Practical Tips
- Book flights, train tickets, and Ooty accommodation at least 3–4 weeks early for best rates and availability
- Weather: Ooty is cool year-round; pack woolens, rain gear in June–September
- Food stops and ATMs are plentiful along all major routes, but may be sparse closer to Ooty—carry cash and snacks
- In high season (April–June, October), book journey and Ooty stays in advance
- Plan for airport road transfers (prepaid taxi and bus counters available at both Coimbatore and Bengaluru airports)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Fastest way from Mussoorie to Ooty?
A: Taxi from Mussoorie to Dehradun Airport, flight to Coimbatore (or Bengaluru), taxi/bus from airport to Ooty.
Q: Cheapest way?
A: Bus to Dehradun, then train via Delhi and Coimbatore, then bus/toy train to Ooty—slow and scenic, but budget-friendly.
Q: Is there a direct route?
A: No. Journey involves at least one change (flight/train) plus a road or toy train transfer to Ooty.
Q: Any must-see stops on the way?
A: Bengaluru/Mysoree (for culture/sights), Coimbatore (for Tamil food and western ghats scenery), Mettupalayam (Nilgiri “toy train” ride).
Sample Route At-A-Glance Table
| Step | Time/Distance | Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie–Dehradun Airport | 1.5–2 hours (60 km) | Taxi/Car | Book in advance |
| Dehradun–Coimbatore/Bengaluru | 6.5–9 hours (1 stop) | Flight | Major layovers in Delhi, Mumbai, BLR |
| Airport–Ooty | 3–4 hours (CJB) / 7–8 hours (BLR) | Taxi/Bus | Scenic drive via Coonoor from CJB |
Conclusion
Traveling from Mussoorie to Ooty blends Himalayan mountain air with the misty tea hills of South India—a spectacular cross-country passage by air, train, and road. The fastest, most comfortable route is via a flight from Dehradun to Coimbatore or Bengaluru, then a beautiful drive up to Ooty. Adventurous travelers can add an iconic Nilgiri toy train ride from Mettupalayam. Whether you’re chasing cool weather, panoramic walks, or colonial history, Ooty awaits at the southern crest of India’s blue hills.
