Introduction
Pune is a city in the state of Maharashtra. It is very well known for its royal past, pleasant weather and large number of reputed educational institutions.Pune was once the home of the great Maratha leader, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Today, it is a modern city with colleges, IT companies, and many cultural places to visit.
On the other hand, Ooty is a small and beautiful hill station. It is in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. . It has lovely hills, tea gardens, trees, and flowers. Many people go to Ooty for holidays, especially in summer, because the weather is nice and fresh.
In this article you will find details about routes you should consider while traveling to Ooty from Pune ,Distance you need to cover ,best time to visit Ooty and some important travel tips.
Pune to Ooty Distance
| Mode of Transport | Distance | Duration |
| By Road | 980 Km | 17 to 20 hours |
| By Train( to Coimbatore) | 1,200 Km + 85 km (road) | 28 to 30 hours(Train) |
| By Air( to Coimbatore) | 1,020km | 2 hour (Flight ) + 3 hours ( Road) |
Modes of transport -Pune to Ooty
By Bus
There is no direct bus from Pune to Ooty. But you can take a bus from Pune to Mysore / Coimbatore, then take another bus to Ooty.
Buses available are KSRTC (Government bus) and VRL, SRS (Private buses ), these are affordable and reliable.There are options available for you like ordinary, AC Sleeper,semi sleeper.
Fare ranges between ₹800 to ₹1,500 (sleeper/AC) from Pune to Mysore/Coimbatore and ₹200 to ₹500 from Mysore/Coimbatore to Ooty.
By Car / Taxi
Traveling from a private vehicle or hired taxi is the most easy and popular option. It will take 17 to 20 hours to reach the destination. The roads are in good condition and the drive is very scenic, especially after Mysore.You can take short breaks wherever you want.
By Train
Trains are the budget friendly and comfortable options. There is no direct train to Ooty. You can board a train from Pune Railway Station and Coimbatore is the Nearest Station to Ooty .Book your ticket from the IRCTC website or visit the ticket counter. Popular trains on this route are:
| Train Names | Frequency | Duration |
| Kongu Express | Daily (except Sat) | 24 hours 5 mins |
| Ahilyanagari Express | Thursday | 21 hours 40 mins |
| Nagercoil Express | Wednesday, Saturday | 25 hours |
| Coimbatore Express | Sunday, Monday | 28 hours 40 mins |
| Rameswaram Express | Saturday | 21 hours 40 mins |
By Flight
There are no direct airports in Ooty. The nearest airport is Coimbatore Airport. Direct flights are sometimes available. Otherwise, flights with one stop (e.g., in Bangalore or Chennai). Then take a Taxi or bus from the airport to Ooty.
Best Road Route
Route 1: Via NH 48 and NH 766
This is the most preferred route to travel.It is the 4-lane highway with smooth driving experience. Pune to Ooty distance by this route is 980 km and time required to travel is 17 to 20 hours. It is a scenic road with many food stops and fuel stations.The route is as follows:
Pune > Satara > Kolhapur > Belagavi (Belgaum) > Hubli > Davanagere > Chitradurga > Tumkur > Bangalore > Mysore > Bandipur Forest > Ooty
Route 2: Via NH 44 and NH 948
This route is the same as the main route via NH 48. Smooth 4-lane highway. Great if you want a slightly adventurous forest route. By taking this route you can avoid Bangalore traffic. Pune to Ooty distance by this route is 950 to 970 km and time required to travel is 18 to 21 hours.The route is as follows:
Pune > Satara > Kolhapur > Belagavi > Hubli > Hiriyur > Sathyamangalam > Ooty
Best time to travel
The ideal time to travel from Pune to Ooty is during the winter season(October to March) as the weather is very chill and pleasant ,great for sightseeing, outdoor activities and visiting tea plantations.
During monsoon(July to September) very less tourists visit here, so you can experience a quieter Ooty. But roads can be slippery, outdoor activities may be limited.
Try to avoid summer (April to June) as it is quite hot, but still it is a good escape from the summer heat in Pune and other cities.
Travel Tips
- Start your journey early in the morning or late evening to avoid city traffic.
- Carry woollen clothes,it can be very cold over there especially in the morning and evening.
- If you are traveling by road,make sure to fill your fuel tank as there are a limited number of fuel stations on hills.
- Book your hotel or resort in advance, especially during peak season.
- Check Weather Before You Go,especially in monsoon season.
- Do not forget to download offline maps for remote areas.
- Avoid driving at night due to poor visibility and risky roads.
- Remote areas do not accept digital payments,carry cash with you.
- Carry basic medicines for motion sickness, cold, or allergies.
FAQs
How far is Ooty from Pune?
Ooty is around 980 km from Pune by road.
How much time does it take to reach Ooty from Pune by car?
It takes about 17 to 20 hours by car, depending on traffic and stops.
Is there a direct train from Pune to Ooty?
No, there is no direct train to Ooty.
Is there a flight from Pune to Ooty?
No direct flight to Ooty.
What is the best time to visit Ooty?
The best time is from March to June or October to February.
Conclusion
Traveling from Pune to Ooty is a long trip, but it is fun and beautiful. You can go by car, train, or flight. The best time to visit is summer or winter. Ooty has cool weather, green hills, and many places to see. Plan your trip well, carry warm clothes, and enjoy your journey. Ooty is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
