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Ooty to Mudumalai by car

Ooty to Mudumalai by car: a short ghat drive down to the tiger reserve for a jeep safari, elephant camp visit and forest views.

Raghu Juvenile Camp Elephant Bathing Seated Theppakadu Mudumalai
Distance
About 36 km by road
Drive time
1.5 hours one way
Pickup
Ooty
Destination
Mudumalai, Tamil Nadu
Trip type
Same-day return possible
Vehicles
Sedan, SUV, tempo traveller, coach

About the trip

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve sits where Tamil Nadu meets Karnataka and Kerala, at the foot of the Nilgiris. Families come for the forest department safari, the chance of seeing elephants, gaur and deer, and the old elephant camp at Theppakadu. From Ooty the car drops through the Kalhatti ghat with its 36 hairpin bends, so the ride is short but steep.

What to see in Mudumalai

On the road

The Kalhatti road is steep with tight hairpins, so an experienced hill driver matters; the longer Gudalur road is gentler. Leave by 6:30 am to reach the morning safari slot.

A same-day plan

  1. 6:30 amLeave Ooty and head down the Kalhatti ghat
  2. 7:30 amShort stop at Kalhatti Falls viewpoint
  3. 8:30 amMorning safari from Theppakadu reception
  4. 10:30 amVisit the elephant camp and walk by the Moyar River
  5. 12:30 pmLunch at a Masinagudi eatery
  6. 2:00 pmSlow drive through the forest roads, watching for wildlife
  7. 4:00 pmClimb back to Ooty before dark

Timings are a guide — tell us when you want to leave and what you want to see, and the driver will work around it.

Choose your vehicle

SedanEtios, Dzire or similarUp to 4 guests

Airport runs, couples and small families on short trips.

SUVInnova Crysta6–7 guests

The usual pick for family trips, ghat roads and long days on the highway.

PremiumInnova Hycross, Fortuner4–6 guests

Extra room and comfort for special occasions and senior guests.

Tempo Traveller12 to 18 seatsGroups

Extended families, pilgrimage parties and office outings.

Mini coach & coach32 to 50 seatsLarge groups

Weddings, school trips and temple tours with a big party.

Every car is air-conditioned and comes with an experienced driver. Our quote is all-inclusive — fuel, tolls, parking, interstate permit and driver batta — and is confirmed in writing before you book.

More car trips from Ooty

Book a car for this trip

Send us the date, pickup point, number of people and whether you need a return. We reply with the vehicle and a single all-inclusive price.

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