General trip notes:
- Mostly the roads were good – except for a short stretch from Mysore to Nanjangud – where there is road widening that is happening. Once this is finished, the road should be fully done.
- I took the Masinagudi route to/from Ooty – this is the 36 hairpin bend short route. The road in this stretch is also awesome.
- The road inside the Bandipur sanctuary has been freshly laid and is really good.
- On our way to Ooty, we passed by the Bandipur area around 6PM. Looks like this is a great time to spot animals. Spotted hordes of bison, deer, and peacock.
- On our way back, the traffic was horrendous. All of Bangalore was returning from the long weekend.
- Do not miss the wood fired pizza at Nahar Side walk cafe. Their multi-cuisine restaurant – Chandan – is also pretty good. Both are pure vegetarian.
- The Sterling Elk Hill property has undergone massive renovation and looks super posh inside. They are adding more rooms as well.
- On the way back, if you want to fill gas, there is a bunk, right at the beginning of the Mysore road (from Ooty).
- If you want to avoid the maddening crowds of Ooty, and want a relaxing drive, drive down the road towards Kundha/Upper Bhavani. The Emerald lake is just an awesome vista point.
- If you want to have lunch in Mysore, but do not want to go into the city, there is a Kamat Madhuvan, just near the Mysore bypass.