Ooty to Coimbatore

Coimbatore is located just about 90 kilometres away from Ooty, and the route goes via NH 181. Because of its proximity to Ooty, there are a decent number of buses plying between the destinations. A bus ride is the most affordable option to reach Coimbatore from Ooty. One needs to be aware that most of these buses depart post afternoon or in the evening, and there are probably just one or two that depart in the morning. So, planning a stay according to the bus timings is much recommended.

Travellers can choose one of the two routes that lead to Coimbatore from Ooty – NH 181 and SH 80. The one that goes via SH 80 is the longest of the two and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes with a small pitstop in between for refreshments. The other one would take around 3 hours with just maybe one short halt somewhere in the middle. Both the routes go through the Nilgiri Ghats and need some level of expertise to drive through. So, travellers should hire a cab/ taxi with an experienced driver. The entire ride goes through thick evergreen forests of the Nilgiri Ghats. The scenic beauty can be enjoyed thoroughly when travellers opt for this mode of transport.

One can book taxis, cabs and minibuses depending on their requirement. There are some tours and travel companies that offer sightseeing packages too. Travellers can choose for just a drop to Coimbatore or rent a car for the entire day. Instant bookings can be made online also. Some of the transport companies can choose from are High Feel Tours and Travels, Rich Tours and Travels, Ootycalltaxi etc. and book either an A/C or Non-A/C hatchback, a sedan, an SUV according to their preference. Booking or renting a ride allows travellers to cover all the attractions on the route between Ooty and Coimbatore or even take a detour for sightseeing. Therefore, this is the most preferred option even though it is a little costlier than taking a bus or a train ride.

The Routes That Can Be Taken

Route 1 :  The NH 181

89 kilometres, 3 hours

Hospital Road, Ooty – State Bank Road, Ooty – NH 181 – SH 15 – NH 181 (Ooty Main Road) – Coimbatore Main Road on NH 181 – Vellaingadu Road – Mettupalayam road on NH 181 – Krishnaswamy Road – 1st exit to get on to Goods Shed Road – Big Bazaar Street on NH 181. Coimbatore is barely 90 metres away from Big Bazaar Street.

Route 2 : The SH 80

105 kilometres, 3 hours 30 minutes

Hospital Road, Ooty – State Bank Road, Ooty – NH 181 – SH 15 – Annaji Rao Road – Annur Road/ SH 80 – Sathy Road/ NH 948 – Sathy Link Road (Vilankurichi) – Saravanampatti Kalapatti Road – Vilankurichi Road – Avinashi Road – Goods Shed Road – Big Bazaar Street on NH 181. Coimbatore city is about 90 metres ahead.

Road Condition

The road condition is excellent through specific locations and a little worn down through some parts of the stretch of the National Highway between Ooty and Coimbatore. The route goes through the Nilgiri Ghats of India and is surrounded by dense forests. The road through the Ghats has a lot of hairpin bends and curves that require attention and care while driving. Certain patches are also susceptible to landslides. So, one must expect a bumpy or a slow ride from Ooty to Coimbatore, especially when there is heavy rainfall.

Eating Options on the Way

There are some restaurants on the route to Coimbatore from Ooty. Some of the famous places where travellers can relish delicious local cuisine are – Quality Restaurant, The Culinarium in Coonoor, Sri Annapurna Hotel in Mettupalayam and Hotel Shri Amuthaas in Coimbatore. Since Coimbatore is located just about 89 kilometres away from Ooty, the options for eating on the way are limited, but some of these restaurants are worth trying.