Every year, the 'Masinagudi vazhi Ooty' route becomes a talking point on social media, especially during summer, with people sharing envious videos captured from the stretch during their journey. However, many alternative route recommendations are also emerging on social media now. According to many vloggers and travellers who visit Ooty religiously, the Gudalur - Ooty route, the regular highway route to the hill station from Kerala, also has its charms. A common opinion travellers share is to take the Masinagudi route only if you are an experienced driver familiar with Ghat roads. The route, through dense forest, has around 36 hairpin bends, it can get closed in the event of rain or fog, and it also has many steep, narrow stretches.
Recently, many hotels and resorts in this stretch were closed down, citing that they are on the elephant passage corridors. Many also recommend heading to Ooty via Masinagudi but returning via Gudalur as the Masinagudi stretch can be a risky route for a return. Vehicles can also face restrictions at checkpoints. The Masinagudi route is via NH 766, and it can take about 3.5 hours to cover the 100 km to Ooty this way.

The Gudulur route, via NH 181, is more of a relaxed stretch for the journey. It is a longer one and is round 115 km from Sulthan Bethery to Ooty and can take around 4 hours too, but it is safer for larger vehicles. It also has many tea estates and forest views on the way for stopovers. Here are a few of them:
1) Needle Rock view point
It is just about 9 km from Gudalur and the entry fee is Rs 20. You can see a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and take a short trek through its trails. Many also visit here for wildlife sighting and birdwatching. 
2) TR Bazar
Around 10 km from Needle Rock is this bustling local market where you can buy homemade chocolates, woolen clothes, street food and other essentials. 

3)Pykara Lake and falls
This less crowded peaceful lake is about 10 kms from TR Bazar and those interested can try speedboating and motorboating here. The scenic, multiple-tier Pykara Falls is also easily accessible and is best visited post-monsoon for a good water flow. Its entry fee is Rs 30. 
4) Other spots
Other spots en route include a shooting spot, Hunger Ford, Tree Park, Kamarajar Dam, and Pine Forest.

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