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The only difference is the 30km drive between the two options (Theppakadu junction to Thalaikundha junction). Via Masinagudi the distance is 30km. Via Gudalur the distance is 60km.

Listing below are the factors for selecting suitable route options between the two.

Both the routes are through national parks & wildlife reserves. You can spot wildlife on both routes ( mostly mornings & evenings)

Why select the Gudalur route?

The Gudalur route is known as the scenic drive route.

Also, you can club many detour itineraries & unscheduled viewpoint stops on this route.
The Gudalur-Ooty road is relatively wider & easy to drive compared to the Masinagudi road. The uphill climb to Ooty from Gudalur is gradual, which makes the drive less stressful.

[#bar-a]Why select the Masinagudi route?
This route is known for its wilderness beauty & driving challenge. This is the faster route to Ooty. Most of the bikers prefer this route.

The traffic is typically low on this route. The road is in good condition and well maintained with signposts & convex mirror at hairpins.

The difficult part of the route is the last 10km from the Bison Valley viewpoint till you reach Kalhatty. With 36 hairpin bends - 7-8 of which are challenging - you'll be driving mostly in 1st or 2nd gear in this 10km stretch.

Return traffic ( Ooty to Masinagudi ) is not permitted, due to safety concerns.

Route details from Bangalore to Ooty.

Take the Bangalore-Mysore expressway ( NH275) towards Mysore. At Mysore, exit the expressway and take the ring road (NH 766) towards Ooty via Gundlupet.
After passing Gundlupet town continue on the Ooty road. NH 766 takes a right towards Wayanad, and the straight road ( NH 181) continues towards Ooty.

After Gundlupet, you'll enter the Bandipur National Park. Drive through the national park till you enter Tamilnadu. After the border crossing, you'll reach a junction called Theppakadu ( elephant camp).

The diversion point is at Theppakadu to opt between the two routes. Theppakadu is a busy touristy area with the Elephant Camp and the Mudumalai Forest Safari starting point.

[#dot]For driving to Ooty via Masinagudi, exit the highway (NH181) and take the left turn ( narrow road) at Theppakadu to Masinagudi. After a 30 km drive from Theppakadu via Masinagudi, you'll join NH 181 at Thalaikundha.

[#dot]The main road NH181 ( straight ) will take you to Ooty via Gudalur. Enter Gudalur town, and take a left for Ooty. After a 60 km drive from Theppakadu via Gudalur town, you'll reach Thalaikundha where the Masinagudi road re-joins the highway.

[#dot]To Get the best experience of both routes, plan via Masinagudi route & return via Gudalur.
[#dot]Pug Mark restaurant by Bandipur Safari Lodge ( Jungle Lodges) is located just before the Bandipur forest entry. For lunch, they offer a basic buffet. This is a good pitstop before Ooty.Another pitstop option is the Theppakadu tourist area. Ask for the Banyan Restaurant.
[#dot] Avoid night driving. Road traffic inside the National Park is closed at night (9 pm to 6 am)