Nilgiris Summer Festival 2026 – Traffic Diversions & Travel Advisory

As the beautiful hill district of Nilgiris gears up for the much-awaited Summer Festival 2026, a large number of tourists are expected to visit popular destinations like Ooty, Coonoor, and Kotagiri.

To ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety during the peak season, the district administration has announced special traffic diversions effective from 01 May 2026 until the end of the summer season.

Tourists planning their visit are advised to take note of the following important travel updates.

Key Traffic Diversions & Guidelines

1. Route for Tourists Traveling from Mettupalayam to Ooty

All tourist cars traveling from Mettupalayam to Ooty will be diverted at Katteri Junction.
Vehicles must proceed via:
Selas – Kenthala – Katteri Dam – Ketti Palada – Lovedale – Manjanakkorai – Fernhill before entering Ooty town.

2. Vehicles Heading to Gudalur & Theppakadu

Tourist buses, vans, cars, and maxi cabs from Mettupalayam bound for Gudalur and Theppakadu will be rerouted from Lovedale Junction via:
Lovedale Railway Station – Lovedale Police Station – Gandhi Nagar – Manjanakkorai – Fernhill – Kandal – Fingerpost.

3. Parking for Vehicles from Coonoor

All tourist buses and maxi cabs arriving from Coonoor will be parked at designated parking areas near Coonoor (Aavin parking zone).
Tourists can use government shuttle buses to visit attractions in Ooty.

4. Parking for Vehicles from Kotagiri

Tourist buses and maxi cabs from Kotagiri will be parked at a temporary parking facility near the Government Arts College in Kotagiri.
Shuttle bus services will be available for sightseeing.

5. Exit Route from Ooty to Mettupalayam

All tourist vehicles departing from Ooty to Mettupalayam must travel only via Kotagiri route.
Vehicles will be diverted through:
Wellington – Black Bridge – Kattabettu – Kotagiri.

⚠️ Travel via Coonoor–Burliyar route is strictly prohibited for tourist vehicles.

6. Vehicles Arriving from Gudalur

Tourist buses and maxi cabs from Gudalur will be parked near the HPF Golf Course Road area.
Tourists can continue their journey using government shuttle services.

7. Light Vehicles via Thalaikundha Route

Light tourist vehicles from Gudalur reaching Thalaikundha will be diverted via:
Mattam – Kozhipannai – Puthumund – St. Stephens Church route.

8. Heavy Vehicle Restrictions

From 01 May 2026, heavy vehicles will not be allowed داخل Ooty town between 08:00 AM and 09:00 PM, except for essential supply vehicles carrying:

• Milk

• Petroleum products

• Cooking gas

Travel Tips for Tourists

• Plan your journey with extra travel time due to diversions

• Prefer early morning travel to avoid congestion

• Use government shuttle buses for easy sightseeing in Ooty

• Follow instructions from traffic police for a smooth experience

Experience the Nilgiris Summer Festival

The Nilgiris Summer Festival is one of the most vibrant seasonal celebrations in South India, featuring:

• Flower Shows in Ooty

• Vegetable Show in Kotagiri

• Fruit Show in Coonoor

• Cultural programs and exhibitions

With pleasant weather, lush green landscapes, and blooming gardens, this is the best time to explore the Nilgiris.