Bandipur · Mudumalai · Hill roads
Mysore to Ooty Taxi Fare and Route
The Mysore to Ooty taxi fare depends on the vehicle and trip type, so get a quote on WhatsApp. From Mysuru the road runs about 130 km through Bandipur and Mudumalai, typically 3 to 4.5 hours. The forest roads close at night, and tourist traffic on the Kalhatti ghat is limited.
Route and driving time
The road leaves Mysuru on NH 766 through Nanjangud to Gundlupet, then enters the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Mudumalai at Theppakadu. From there, two roads climb to Ooty, and which one you can use matters this year.
Maps gives about 130 km, which assumes the shorter road. The Gudalur road is longer, about 155 km, so allow more time on it.
- Distance
- about 130 km; about 155 km by Gudalur
- Driving time
- about 3 to 4.5 hours by the shorter road
- Forest roads
- Closed about 9 pm to 6 am
- Ooty entry
- E-pass for outside vehicles
Night closure through Bandipur and Mudumalai
Traffic is stopped on the forest stretch from about 9 pm to 6 am to protect wildlife. A 2009 order covers the Gundlupet to Ooty road. Leave Mysuru early enough to clear the reserve well before 9 pm, or stay the night. Stopping inside the reserve is not a good idea, so plan your breaks before or after it. Check the current timings before you travel.
Kalhatti ghat or the Gudalur road?
The Kalhatti ghat runs from Masinagudi straight up to Ooty. It is the shorter road, with 36 hairpin bends. Tourist traffic is restricted: a September 2026 report describes a Madras High Court limit of 200 tourist vehicles a day from Masinagudi to Ooty, between 10 am and 4 pm, and another says the quota is often used up by about 11 am. Vehicles after that are turned back at the Mavanahalla checkpoint.
What this means for your trip
The Gudalur road (NH 181) continues from Theppakadu through Gudalur and past Pykara to Ooty. It is longer and can be congested in season, but it is the usual road when Kalhatti is not open to you. Buses and other large vehicles also take it.
These rules have changed several times, so check the current position just before you travel. The Nilgiris control room number is 1077.
E-pass for Ooty
Reports say tourist vehicles from outside the Nilgiris need an e-pass to enter the district, applied for at epass.tnega.org. Ask the team how this is handled for your trip, and confirm the current rules on that site.
Which vehicle suits Ooty?
A sedan can make the trip for a couple. A Toyota Innova or Innova Crysta is a popular choice for hill roads, with more space for a family and its bags. A tempo traveller or mini bus suits a group, and will use the Gudalur road.
Fares depend on the vehicle and the trip type, so get a quote on WhatsApp. The written quote shows toll, parking, the driver’s allowance and any kilometre limits before you book.
How booking works
Share your pickup point, your stay in Ooty, the dates and the number of people. The team sends a written quote, and nothing is booked until you confirm with the team. For a planned holiday, see the Mysore, Coorg & Ooty Explorer package and the Ooty guide.
Questions about this trip
How much is the Mysore to Ooty taxi fare?
Fares depend on the vehicle and on whether you need a drop or a round trip. Send your dates on WhatsApp for a written quote.
How far is Ooty from Mysore by taxi?
About 130 km by the shorter road, typically about 3 to 4.5 hours. By the Gudalur road it is about 155 km, and takes longer.
What time does the Bandipur road close at night?
Traffic is stopped from about 9 pm to 6 am. Check the current timings before you travel.
Can tourist cabs use the Kalhatti ghat road?
Only within limits. A September 2026 report describes a daily limit of 200 tourist vehicles, between 10 am and 4 pm, from Masinagudi to Ooty. Check the current position before you travel.
Can I do Ooty as a day trip from Mysore?
It is possible but long, with several hours of driving each way and the forest roads closing at night. We suggest staying at least one night.
Do I need an e-pass for Ooty?
Yes, according to current reports: tourist vehicles from outside the Nilgiris need one, from epass.tnega.org. Ask the team, and confirm the current rules on that site.
Taxi services in Mysuru · Outstation cabs · Ooty guide · Mysore, Coorg & Ooty Explorer package
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