Nilgiri Ghat Roads

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Ghat roads in the Nilgiri hills Nelliampathy Ghat Road - panoramio.jpg
Ghat roads in the Nilgiri hills

Many Ghat Roads can be found in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, Southern India. Nearly all of the district is located in the Nilgiri Hills, part of the Western Ghats mountains. This area borders the states of Karnataka and Kerala. The hills consequently can be reached by road from three states. Most of these Ghat Roads go through heavily forested mountains and contain a number of sharp hair-pin bends.

Contents

Route Descriptions

There are five main Ghat Roads leading into the Nilgiris: [1]

Kotagiri Ghat (State Highway 15)

Route: Erode-Gobichettipalayam-Sathyamangalam-Mettupalayam-Aravenu-Kotagiri-Ooty

The Kotagiri Ghat is the oldest known route into the Nilgiris. It approximately follows the route taken by John Sullivan on his discovery trips in 1819. The distance between Mettupalayam and Kotagiri on this road is 33 km and it has only 4 hair pin bends. This road is part of State Highway 15. It is slightly less travelled as it is a slightly longer route from Mettupalayam to Ooty than the route via Coonoor, though as of 2012 the road condition is superior to the Coonoor Ghat road. It is also statistically less vulnerable to landslips. It is possible to divert from this route to Coonoor. There is a link from Aravenu to Bandishola.

Travellers reach Mettupalayam from Coimbatore and from Chennai via Erode and Gobichettipalayam.

Coonoor Ghat (National Highway 67)

Route: Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Kallar-Burliar-Coonoor-Ooty-Pykara

This is also known as the Kallar Ghat, as it follows the valley of the Kallar and Coonoor rivers. It is by far the most traveled of all the Ghat Roads as it is the main access from the home state of Tamil Nadu. It has 14 numbered Hairpin bends and was recently (c.2003) taken over to be owned and maintained by the National Highways Authority of India and is now part of National Highway 181 . Previously a toll had to be paid for vehicles entering the Nilgiris district at the village of Burliar, which also provides a rest stop on the route.[ citation needed ]

The road was shut in 2010 due to landslides caused by heavy rains in the region. [2] Subsequently, the National Highways Authority of India had the road re-laid which got eroded, again due to rains. [3] In 2012, the Highways Department decided to initiate criminal proceedings against the NHAI, under Section 133 of Criminal Penal Code, dealing with acts endangering human life, due to non maintenance of the road. [4]

Gudalur Ghat (National Highway 212 and 67)

Route: Gundlupet-Bandipur-Mudumalai-Gudalur-Ooty

This is also simply known as the Mysore Ghat or Mysore Road. It is the main access route from Karnataka and Kerala. Travellers from Karnataka reach Gundlupet via the Mysore-Gundlupet National Highway 212 and travellers from Kerala reach Gudalur via the continuation of National Highway 212 from Kozhikode-Sultan Bathery.

One traveller commented about this route: "The road from Mysore is arguably the most scenic with a long stretch that runs through the Mudumalai National Park, and if travelling in the early morning or late evening, you will definitely spot wildlife feeding along the road, even the odd carnivore. There are majestic stands of Eucalyptus amidst well tended tea estates as you near Gudalur, and then you drive past the Pykara Dam and Pykara falls".

As with the Coonoor Ghat, from 2003-2006 this route was in a terrible state of repair. This route towards Gudalur from Ooty is the continuation of the same "National Highway" NH67 which makes up the Coonoor Ghat. National Highway 67 terminates in Gudulur where it joins National Highway 212 towards Gundlupet.

Sigur Ghat (State Highway 67)

Route: Mudumalai-Kalhatti-Ooty

This is also known as Kalhatti Ghat (or simply 'Steep Ghat'). There is a short-cut branch off the Gudalur ghat at Theppakadu in Mudumalai. This route saves approx. 30 km on the standard Gudalur route, though it is by far the steeper route and is generally limited to short wheel-base vehicles. It has 36 hairpin bends and is closed overnight.

Manjur Ghat

Route: Karamadai(Coimbatore)-Athikadavu-Mulli-Geddai-Manjoor-Kundha Dam-Yedakadu-Mount Lawrence (Avalanji Road)-Emerald Cross Road-Muthurai Palada-Fern Hill-Ooty

This is a smaller ghat for local Coimbatore city traffic towards Ooty, and is used as a backup road on the rare occasions that both the Coonoor Ghat and the Kotagiri Ghat are closed. The road is narrow with 48 hairpin bends below Manjoor. At Geddai, near the bottom of the ghat at 1,885 feet (575 m) there are two hydroelectric power stations . From Manjoor, at the top of the ghat, the distance is equidistant to either Ooty or Coonoor via other district roads. ODR. [5]

Conditions

Until recently, all access roads to the Nilgiri hills were toll roads in order to facilitate the high maintenance costs. Roads are now in much better condition that a few years ago. However, it is not uncommon for a route to be closed for several days or even weeks due to landslips. If so traffic is usually diverted onto one of the other ghats. The Nilgiris have been totally cut off on all routes on rare occasions. As the supply infrastructure depends on these routes, any road activity (such as a closure) is reflected in the prices. During the main tourist season, a one-way system is implemented between the first two ghat roads mentioned. Uphill traffic goes from Coimbatore to Ooty via Coonoor, whereas downhill traffic goes from Ooty to Coimbatore via Kotagiri.

Related Research Articles

Ooty Place in Tamil Nadu, India

Ooty, officially known as Udhagamandalam, is a town and a municipality in the Nilgiris district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located 86 km north west of Coimbatore and 128 km south of Mysore and is the headquarters of the Nilgiris district. It is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills. It is called Queen of Western Ghats. It was the summer capital of Madras Presidency.

Nilgiris district Place in Tamilnadu, India

The Nilgiris district is one of the 38 districts in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Nilgiri is the name given to a range of mountains spread across the borders among the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. The Nilgiri Hills are part of a larger mountain chain known as the Western Ghats. Their highest point is the mountain of Doddabetta, height 2,637 m. The district is contained mainly within the Nilgiri Mountains range. The administrative headquarters is located at Ooty. The district is bounded by Malappuram district of Kerala to the west, Coimbatore and Palakkad to the south, Erode to the east, and Chamarajnagar district of Karnataka and Wayanad district of Kerala to the north. As it is located at the junction of three states namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, significant Malayali and Kannadiga populations reside in the district. Nilgiris district is known for natural mines of Gold, which is also seen in the other parts of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve extended in the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Kerala too.

Gudalur, Nilgiris Municipality in Tamil Nadu, India

Gudalur is a municipality and taluk in Nilgiris district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Gudalur is one of the major towns in West Tamil Nadu and is located at 52 km from Ooty and 48 km from Nilambur in the hilly terrain of The Nilgiris district. It is situated at the junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Tea plantations dot the whole region, and the regional economy is heavily dependent on the tea industry. The land was an offspring of the exploration done by the British during the pre-independence period to cultivate tea plantations. Being a satellite town between Ooty and Mysore, both tourist spots, Gudalur has the prospect of developing into another tourist destination. Gudalur is a place where one can see people from the three states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka live together cordially. Malayalam is the most spoken language in this Taluk. Apart from that Tamil, Moundadan Chetti, Paneya, Nayaka, Kannada languages are also spoken by some people.

Karamadai suburb in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Karamadai is located near Mettupalayam, a suburb of Coimbatore in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a northern suburb of Coimbatore city, located on Coimbatore-Ooty NH 67. Nearby places are Teachers colony, Press Colony, Jodhipuram and Periyanaickenpalayam. The Ranganathaswamy temple and Nanjundeswarar temple are the most prominent landmarks in the town. The town of karamadai came into limelight due to the presence of ex-steel giant Sri Ramakrishna Steel Industries. Previously agricultural town became industrial due to the presence of Sri Ramakrishna Steel Industry.

Mettupalayam, Coimbatore Town in Tamil Nadu, India

Mettupalayam is a taluk and municipality in the Coimbatore district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located to the north of the city of Coimbatore on the way to Ooty. Mettupalayam is well known for their humble behaviour with other persons who come from outside of Mettupalayam. Mettupalayam is recognised as a Bio diversity Hotspot in India. In 2018 the Former Indian captain, MS Dhoni visited Mettupalayam for its Beauty and stayed there for about 5 weeks in one of his Fan's home. It is located in the foothills of Nilgiri hills about 35 km north of downtown Coimbatore and about 50 km north of Tiruppur, Mettupalayam is the third largest town in the district. As of 2011, the town had a population of 66,595. It is important for the Nilgiri ghat road.

Nilgiri Mountains Mountain range in Tamil Nadu, India

The Nilgiri Mountains form part of the Western Ghats in western Tamil Nadu, India. At least 24 of the Nilgiri Mountains' peaks are above 2,000 metres (6,600 ft), the highest peak being Doddabetta, at 2,637 metres (8,652 ft). The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is located here.

Ghat Roads Access routes into the mountainous Western and Eastern Ghats in India

Ghat Roads are access routes into the mountainous Western and Eastern Ghats, mountain ranges of the Indian Subcontinent. These roads are remarkable feats of engineering and most were constructed during the British Raj. Ghat roads were built to connect to the famous Hill Stations established in the mountains for residents to avoid summer heat. They generally served to connect coastal areas with the upper region Deccan plateau of the Indian Subcontinent.

Aravenu village in Tamil Nadu, India

Aravenu is a village in Kotagiri Taluk of The Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu, India. The population is largely Badaga and it is thought to be an original Badaga Hatti. It is the headquarters of the Jackanarai panchayat.

Nilgiri Express

The Nilgiri Express is a night express train service operating between Chennai Central and Mettupalayam, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, India. It is operated by Indian Railways.

Chembakolli Village in Tamil Nadu, India

Chembakolli is a village in the south of India, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. It is in guldar. It is located in the Nilgiri Hills. Chembakolli's closest town is Gudalur and its closest city is Mysore and Coimbatore to south of Nilgiris district.

State Highway 15 (Tamil Nadu)

State Highway 15 (SH-15) is a State Highway maintained by the Highways Department of Government of Tamil Nadu. It connects Erode with Udagamandalam (Ooty) in the western part of Tamil Nadu.

Kalhatti Falls also called as Bird Watcher's Falls is a tourist spot near Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. These falls are about 13 km from Ooty, on the Ooty to Mysore Road or Sigur Ghat Road, It is situated at an average height of around 400 feet in the Sigur Plateau.This Place is rich in wild life like Bison, Bear, Deer, and also various type of birds. From the Kalhatti village one has to continue for 2 miles to reach the falls and the falls is connected in the same Kalhatti village road.

Needle Rock View Point

Needle Rock View Point is a tourist spot in Gudalur, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. Where the Gudalur is located 51 km on the west of Ooty and the Needle Rock viewpoint is about 8 km from Gudalur on the way of Gudalur-Ooty National Highway-67. The view point gives you a 360 degree view. The view point is also known as Oosi malai and gets its name from its conical shape. The word Oosi malai originated from Tamil Language. Oosi means needle; Malai means Mountain.

Frog Hill View Point is a tourist spot in Gudalur, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. It is about 12 km from Gudalur on the way of Gudalur-Ooty road.

Coimbatore–Shoranur line

The Coimbatore–Shoranur line connects Coimbatore in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Shoranur in Kerala. There is a branch line Pothanur–Coimbatore–Mettupalayam and Mettupalayam to Udhagamandalam via Nilgiri Mountain Railway. This network links the railway network in Kerala to the network in Tamil Nadu via the Palakkad Gap.

National Highway 181, commonly referred to as NH 181, is a highway connecting the city of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu to Gundlupete in Karnataka state, South India. The city of Mysuru is connected to Ooty by road via Nanjanagudu, Gundlupete, Bandipur and Gudalur. The national highway 181 passes through Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, hence vehicular traffic is restricted at night. Wild animals like elephants, bison, bears, tiger, and leopards can be spotted sometimes on this highway in the tiger reserve stretches. NH 181 after Ooty goes to Coonoor, Mettupalya, Karamadai and ends in Coimbatore city.

Transportation in Wayanad

The district capital of Wayanad is Kalpetta town. Kalpetta has very good road connectivity with the rest of Kerala and neighboring South Indian cities. National Highway 766 (India) NH766 connects Kalpetta with Kozhikode and Mysore. State Highways connect Kalpetta with Ooty in Tamil Nadu and Madikeri in Karnataka.

Mulligoor Village in Tamil Nadu, India

Mulligoor (முள்ளிகூர்) is a village in the Kundah taluk of Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu State, India. It is situated 10 kilometers away from sub-district headquarters Kundah and 30 kilometers from district headquarters Ooty. The main cultivation in Mulligoor is tea growing. This area surrounding Mulligoor is also very rich in wildlife.

Mysore-Ooty Road

Mysore-Ooty Road or Mysore-Udhagamandalam Road is a tourist trail of South India starting from Mysore in Karnataka state and ending in Udhagamandalam in Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu state, India. Both routes pass through Bandipur National park in Karnataka and Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu.

References

Kalhatti Ghat, Ooty-Mudumalai-Mysore Road

  1. Investingintamilnadu, Tamil Nadu Industrial Guidance & Export Promotion Bureau, Industries Department (Government of Tamil Nadu). "Details of Government Roads in Tamil Nadu" (PDF). Retrieved 15 July 2010.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. "Traffic resumes on Mettupalayam-Coonoor Road". The Hindu . Coimbatore. 15 January 2010. Retrieved 31 March 2012.
  3. Thiagarajan, Shantha (20 October 2010). "Rs 6 crore down the drain, Ooty highways is a gaping hole now". The Times of India . Chennai. Archived from the original on 4 January 2013. Retrieved 31 March 2012.
  4. D., Radhakrishnan (27 March 2012). "Criminal proceedings likely against NHAI". The Hindu . Udhagamandalam. Retrieved 31 March 2012.
  5. http://theindia.info/Blog/Ooty-by-Manjoor-Most-Beautiful-Road-to-Ooty-from-Coimbatore/ Ooty by Manjoor