Introduction
When you are riding alone between Karnataka, Kerala and the Nilgiris, the narrowest pinch of the South Indian forest is the Bandipur-Mudumalai forest corridor. There are also several alternate forest corridors that are closed at night so as to prevent the wildlife.
When you plan your timing and routes it saves you wasting hours at a gate or trying the dangerous estate shortcuts. This guide makes it India-friendly: the normal closing hours, which close post offices when and which roads you can still travel at night (and which roads not), and a hygienic plan of how to travel on your own with safety and money advice.
Why the Night Closure Exists and When It’s Enforced
Both the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) and the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) are imposing night traffic bans in order to reduce roadkills and disturbance.
This is all-year-round with increased cheques taken during monsoon and festival periods. Ad-hoc holds may be made even in daytime by weather or by movement of the elephants–invariably by the board of the guard.
- Strict cheques to be increased in June-September (monsoon) and on long-weekend nights.
- Two-wheelers are even more likely to attract attention in the late evening; in the event of herds about the road you may be sent packing early.
Check‑Posts and Typical Gate Timings (Bandipur–Mudumalai belt)
| Corridor/Check‑post | Stretch it controls | Usual night closure (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Bandipur Tiger Reserve gates (Gundlupet side on NH 766) | Gundlupet ↔ Muthanga/Sulthan Bathery (Wayanad) | ≈ 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM |
| Mudumalai (Theppakadu/Kakkanalla gates) on NH 181 | Theppakadu/Mudumalai ↔ Gudalur/Masinagudi ↔ Ooty axis | ≈ 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM |
| Bavali/Tholpetty (Kattikulam–Kutta belt, Nagarhole/Tholpetty) | Mananthavady/Kattikulam ↔ Kutta/Hunsur | ≈ 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM |
| Nagarhole (Hunsur/Veeranahosahalli) | Hunsur ↔ Kutta–Kattikulam (Kerala) | ≈ 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM |
| Masinagudi–Kalhatti ghat (36 hairpins to Ooty) | Masinagudi ↔ Ooty (steep ghat) | Night restriction common; heavy vehicles barred; two‑wheeler checks strict |
Quick Planner: Distance, Time and Typical Costs
| Mysuru → Gundlupet (Bandipur gate) | 58–65 km; 1–1.5 hrs | Fuel/food 24×7 around Nanjangud/Gundlupet |
| Gundlupet → Bathery (via Bandipur/Muthanga) | 52–60 km; 1.5–2 hrs (day only) | Closed ≈ 9 PM–6 AM |
| Theppakadu → Ooty via Masinagudi ghat | 35–40 km; 1–1.5 hrs (day) | Night restrictions/steep ghat |
| Ooty → Coonoor → Mettupalayam | 55–65 km; 2–2.5 hrs | Open; fog in winter dawn |
| Open; fog in winter dawn | ₹800–1,800 | Mysuru/Gundlupet lodge |
| Fuel + tolls (Bengaluru–Ooty via Salem) | ₹1,200–2,200 fuel + ₹400–800 tolls (bike/car) | Keep Fastag + UPI cash backup |
How to Plan the Ride (Cash, Fuel, Apps, Documents)
Two brief paragraphs, followed by a checklist.
Turn night streets into a supply chain. Cheque district police takes at 6-7 PM any alert of gate closed early because of some elephant movement. Making decision: are you able to cross below 8 PM? If not, pick a halt town. Attempts to squeeze through late cause nothing other than stress.
- Fill up at the last large city (Mysuru/Chamarajanagar/Coimbatore/Kalpetta).
- Withdraw ₹1,000–₹2,000 (₹50/₹100/₹200 notes) for stalls/tea/tolls without network.
- Turn UPI Lite on; download offline maps; store hotel numbers and 112 emergency.
- Carry bike papers (RC, Insurance, PUC (asked)) licence, and a soft copy on cell phone.
- Equipment: anti-fog dab visor, reflective rain jacket, basic tool kit, head torch, tyre inflator/puncture kit (unless, like the adventurer, you ride remote).
Do’s and Don’ts for First‑Timers
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Cross Bandipur/Mudumalai before 8:00–8:30 PM or ride the long non‑forest highways | Don’t argue at gate or attempt estate “shortcuts” at night |
| Use Bengaluru → Salem → Coimbatore → Mettupalayam → Ooty for true night runs | Don’t rely on Masinagudi ghat after dark—restrictions apply |
| Halt at Mysuru/Gundlupet if you’ll miss the window; start 5:00–5:30 AM | Don’t tailgate trucks/buses in foggy ghats |
| Keep cash, UPI Lite and offline maps | Don’t depend on network in forest belts |
| Wear reflective gear, clear visor; keep a power bank | Don’t stop near elephant herds—wait at a distance |
FAQs
What exactly are the Bandipur night timings?
- Usually between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am on the 766 forest stretch on the NH. Gates can close early in case of close herds. Always follow the gate board.
Is Mudumalai any different?
- Likewise: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM road closure on NH 181/forest roads. Masinagudi-Kalhatti ghat is an additional restricted one and is not a night workaround.
Is it possible to travel to Wayanad after 10 PM any other road via Bengaluru?
- No, but the non-forest route, through Salem-Kozhikode (12-14 hrs) would be very lengthy. Plan most preferable is a stop at Mysuru/Gundlupet and start at 5-6 AM.
Does Sathyamangalam (NH 948) have night-time outlets?
- On the show, usually open, though it is a hairpinned wildlife passage (Dhimbam). Ride carefully; keep an eye on local police reports, particularly in monsoon.
In these forests, are two-wheelers prohibited at night?
- The corridor is closed at night to all vehicles. During the day, two-wheelers are allowed to go through specific hours but they are checked- carry papers and ride peacefully.
At which locations will I schedule fuel/food stops?
- On the Karnataka side Mysuru/Nanjangud/Gundlupet on the TN side Gudalur/Ooty/Coimbatore; Kalpetta/Bathery on Wayanad.
