Bangalore to Coonoor: Best Routes, Distance & Travel Guide

Bangalore to Coonoor: Best Routes, Travel Tips & Hidden Gems

Coonoor is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Tamil Nadu. It is located in the Nilgiri Hills and is known to have tea plantations, good weather and a serene environment. Some individuals come to Bangalore to Coonoor to spend a weekend or a long holiday. The drive is scenic, full of new places and a nice contrast to urban living. Continue to read on and find out more details about the Bangalore to Coonoor vacay.

How far is Coonoor from Bangalore?

The distance between Bangalore and Coonoor will depend on the route.

On the Mysore -Masinagudi road: It covers a distance of around 285 km.

Via Salem - Mettupalayam: Distance is around 340 km.

Via Kanakapura - Chamrajnagar - Masinagudi route: Approximately 310 km.

The time depends on the means of transport.

By car: It takes 6 to 8 hours. The duration is different if traffic is in Mysore or on forest roads.

By bus: It takes 8 to 9 hours. The duration is different if the bus has a lot of halts.

By train: It takes 7 to 8 hours covering the Nilgiri Mountain Railway section.

By air: Bangalore to Coimbatore flight is 1 hour. 2 2-hour drive from Coimbatore to Coonoor.

Shortest route to take: Mysore – Masinagudi road is shorter and scenic. Salem – Mettupalayam road is longer but safer at night.

What are the best ways to travel from Bangalore to Coonoor?

You can go by car, bus, train, or flight. Each has its worth.

Can I drive from Bangalore to Coonoor?

Yes, driving from Bangalore to Coonoor is easy.

Road conditions: The roads are asphalted. You will have highways up to Mysore and Salem. You will have those sections around Masinagudi and Mettupalayam.

Tolls: There are 4 to 6 tolls en route, depending on the route. Keep cash or a FASTag ready for hassle-free passage.

Driving time: Drive for 6 to 8 hours. It gets longer if weekends are involved.

Suggested routes:

Mysore – Bandipur – Masinagudi – Coonoor

Distance: 285 km.

Travel time: 6.5 to 7 hours.

Best time: Bandipur and Mudumalai sightseeing.

Note: Masinagudi ghat has sharp 36 hairpin bends. Drive slowly.

Salem – Mettupalayam – Coonoor

Distance: 340 km.

Travel time: 7.5 to 8 hours.

Highlights: Gooey four-lane road. Suitable for night travel.

Note: A little longer but not as fatiguing.

Stopover points:

Mysore: See Mysore Palace or break for food.

Bandipur: Deer, elephants, and occasionally tigers.

Mudumalai: Picturesque forest drive.

Mettupalayam: Last plain town before Nilgiris.

Are there buses from Bangalore to Coonoor?

Yes, there are buses run by KSRTC and by private operators.

Bus types: KSRTC Airavat, KSRTC Rajahamsa, sleeper bus and private Volvo bus.

Frequency: Approximately 5 to 7 buses operate daily.

Duration: The Journey takes 8 to 9 hours.

Overnight travel tips:

Reserve a sleeper bus for ease.

Take a light blanket as Nilgiris are cold at night.

Select a bus that stops less for faster reach.

Is there a train from Bangalore to Coonoor?

Yes, trains are available.

Direction: Bangalore to Mettupalayam by train.

Then head to Coonoor by Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR).

Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a train belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage. The ride incorporates steep climbs, tunnels, bridges and beautiful green valleys.

Booking tips:

Get a ticket on IRCTC since it sells tickets very quickly.

Choose window seats that have as many views as possible.

Bring snacks and water, as it is a slow trip.

Scenic experience: The Mettupalayam – Coonoor train takes 3 hours to complete just 45 km. The trip is slow but highly scenic.

Is there a flight from Bangalore to Coonoor?

No direct flight is available. The closest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB).

Flight details:

The flight from Bangalore to Coimbatore is 1 hour.

Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air.

Average ticket price: ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.

Airport to Coonoor transportation: Hire a taxi or use the Tejas Tours and Travels pick-up service. The distance will be 70km, and the time will be 2 hours.

Can I book a cab or taxi from Bangalore to Coonoor?

Yes, booking a cab is one of the most convenient options.

Tejas Tours & Travels offers:

Luxury sedans, SUVs, tempo travellers, and buses.

Hill route experienced drivers.

Online booking and transparent rates.

Discounts on round-trips.

Private vs shared cabs: Private cabs offer privacy and flexibility. Shared cabs are less comfortable and less expensive.

Round-trip option: Cheap, when you return to Bangalore following the same route.

What is the best time to visit Coonoor?

Coonoor has a comfortable climate throughout the year.

Summer (March to May): 22–28°C temperature. Good time to avoid Bangalore's heat.

Monsoon (June to August): Heavy rain, greenery all over, misty landscapes. Roads are slippery.

Winter (September to February): Nice weather, 10–20°C. Ideal season for visiting tea estates and sightseeing.

Best season: September to February. You experience clear and comfy weather.

What are the top attractions in Coonoor?

Sim's Park

Dolphin’s Nose

Lamb’s Rock

Catherine Falls

Highfield Tea Estate

Toy Train ride (Coonoor to Ooty segment)

What are the best places to stay in Coonoor?

Coonoor is blessed with nature and heritage.

Sim's Park: Exotic flora garden.

Dolphin Nose: 180-degree views of Nilgiris.

Lamb's Rock: Trekking and photography spot.

Catherine Falls: Twin waterfalls through the forest.

Highfield Tea Estate: Fresh tea tasting and tea plantation tour.

Toy Train (Coonoor -Ooty): 1-hour UNESCO heritage ride that offers stunning valley scenery.

What travel tips should I keep in mind for the Bangalore to Coonoor trip?

Coonoor has all kinds of stays.

Heritage bungalows: British-era bungalows converted to luxury hotels. Example: Wallwood Garden.

Resorts: Five-star hotels with gardens and tea estate views. Case study: Kurumba Village Resort.

Homestays: stay with a family with local meals. Example: Tea Nest.

Budget hotels: Small lodges close to the bus stand. Example: Blue Hills Hotel.

Family-friendly options: Resort with play areas.

Couple-friendly options: Private cottages and bungalows.

Can I visit Coonoor and Ooty in the same trip?

Yes, there is a distance of 20 km between Coonoor and Ooty.

Itinerary options:

2-day tour: Day 1 Coonoor, Day 2 Ooty.

3-day tour: 1 day each for Ooty and Coonoor, 1 day for local waterfalls.

Tour 5 days: Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri, and Mudumalai.

Stay option:

Ooty is nighttime and touristy.

Coonoor is quiet and has very little traffic.

Go to Ooty to shop and shop. Choose Coonoor to be at peace.

Why choose Tejas Travels for Bangalore to Coonoor travel?

Tejas Tours and Travels is a road tour brand.

Fleet options: Sedans, SUVs, tempo travellers, luxury buses.

Booking: Order online and have clear prices.

Safety: Qualified ghat road-trained drivers.

Comfort: Adequate seating and hygienic vehicles.

Customisation: Get tailored family, corporate and group itineraries.

Contact: You can visit the site of Tejas Tours and Travels or call their booking number (+91 9980277773).

What are the most scenic stopovers between Bangalore and Coonoor?

Mysore Palace: A royal palace that has fine architecture.

Bandipur Tiger Reserve: It has a great reputation for wildlife safaris.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary: View elephants and wild birds.

Masinagudi: A small town that has resorts in the jungle.

Mettupalayam: Entrance to Nilgiris and the origin point of the toy train.

Is Bangalore to Coonoor a good weekend getaway?

Yes, Coonoor is among the top weekend getaways from Bangalore.

Weekend plan:

Friday evening: Depart from Bangalore.

Saturday: Explore Sim's Park, Dolphin's Nose, and tea plantations.

Sunday: Catherine Falls visit, toy train ride, back to Bangalore.

Time needed: 2 to 3 days.

Budget breakdown:

Travel: ₹5,000–₹8,000 (cab or car petrol).

Accommodation: ₹2,000–₹6,000 per day.

Food and entrance fees: ₹2,000–₹4,000.

Total cost per 2 people: 15,000 to 20,000.

Plan your next trip from Bangalore to Coonoor at ease. You can choose Tejas Tours and Travels to book a cab, tempo traveller or bus to have a comfortable and safe ride.