(Mulli to Manjur road update, Mulli Geddai forest road status, Best route to drive from Coimbatore to Manjur, Manjur Mulli road closure news, tourist travel tips for Mulli hills)
Mulli Geddai Manjur Road is one of the most scenic yet underrated mountain roads in the Nilgiri region of Tamil Nadu. This route cuts through dense forests, sharp hairpin bends, serene hill villages, and misty valleys, connecting the borders of Kerala (Mulli) and Tamil Nadu (Manjur/Geddai).
If you’re planning a road trip through this stretch or are curious about its condition, safety, and sightseeing potential, this is the most updated, practical, and helpful travel blog to guide your journey.
Why Mulli Geddai Manjur Road is Famous?
This stunning high-altitude road links:
Geddai and Manjur (in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu)
Often referred to as the secret road of the Nilgiris, it’s popular among:
Bikers looking for offbeat hill rides
Road trippers from Coimbatore or Ooty
Birdwatchers and photographers
🏞 Special Features
43+ sharp hairpin bends (Geddai to Manjur)
Spectacular views of Bhavani River valley
Narrow bridges, forest canopy roads
Crosses reserved forest areas rich in wildlife
🧭 Mulli to Manjur Road Condition 2025 Update
Current Status (as of May 2025)
The road is OPEN for two-wheelers and light vehicles.
Heavy vehicles and tourist buses are not allowed on many patches between Geddai and Mulli.
Roadwork patches exist near Geddai dam and upper curves toward Manjur.
Monsoon rains (June–August) cause landslides, not advised during that time.
🚧 Road Quality Breakdown:
| 🛣️ Route Section | 🛠️ Condition | 🛤️ Road Width | ⚠️ Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manjur to Geddai | Good (recently patched) | Moderate | Low |
| Geddai to Mulli (via forest) | Poor to average | Narrow | High (especially in monsoon) |
✅ Hidden Tip: Start early in the morning (before 9 AM) to avoid fog, animal movement, and better visibility in hairpin bends.
🌿 Top Scenic Spots Along Mulli Geddai Manjur Road
1. Geddai Dam
A lesser-known reservoir surrounded by thick woods. Good for a 30-min pitstop.
Entry: Free
Best time: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Hidden Tip: Great sunrise reflections from the top bridge
2. Manjur Viewpoint
Just before entering the hairpin descent, you get panoramic views of the entire Bhavani basin.
Entry: Free
Activities: Photography, birdwatching
Tip: Park safely before curves – no marked parking zones
3. Mulli Checkpost & Forest Zone
A tribal belt bordering Kerala with thick forest roads and occasional elephant sightings.
Entry: Free (Indian ID required)
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (strict)
Hidden Tip: Carry BSNL SIM – no other signal works past this zone
🚌Mulli Geddai Manjur Road Government Bus Timings (TNSTC & KSRTC)
Coimbatore to Manjur: Multiple buses via Mettupalayam and Karamadai – Every 45 mins (₹45–₹70)
Mulli to Geddai (local jeep services): ₹80 per head (shared jeeps only)
Geddai to Ooty: Limited buses, one at 7:30 AM, one at 3:00 PM
✅ Note: There is no direct public transport from Kerala side (Mulli) to Tamil Nadu (Geddai) after 6 PM.
🏠 Places to Stay Near Mulli – Geddai – Manjur
Budget Stays (₹500–₹1,000)
Manjur Forest Rest House – Basic rooms, scenic view, needs forest permission
Local homestays in Geddai – Book through local contact (₹800 avg)
Mid-Range Options (₹1,500–₹2,500)
Stay Easy Resorts – Kothagiri (14 km away)
Pine Forest Lodge – Manjur Upper Hills
Luxury Resorts (₹4,000–₹6,000)
Teanest Nightingale, Coonoor (28 km)
Kurumba Village Resort (for couples & families)
🧭 Best Time to Visit Mulli Geddai Manjur Road
| 🗓️ Month Range | 🌤️ Weather | 🚧 Road Safety |
|---|---|---|
| October – March | Cool & clear | Best |
| April – June | Warm but scenic | Okay |
| July – September | Rains, fog, landslides | Not advised |
✅ Tip: Avoid foggy early mornings in winter unless you’re an expert hill driver.
🔍 Hidden and Rare Places Nearby
🌊 Pillur Dam (offbeat route from Geddai)
Requires forest permission
Excellent birdwatching
Hidden tip: Early morning mist is perfect for drone photography
🛂 How to Get Forest Permission for Pillur Dam:
To visit Pillur Dam via the forest route from Geddai, stop at the Manjur or Geddai forest checkpost. Carry your ID proof and mention your purpose (like birdwatching or photography). Small groups are usually allowed during the day (6 AM – 5:30 PM). If you’re carrying a drone, ask in advance, drone use needs extra permission. For hassle-free access, ask your homestay host or local jeep driver to help arrange permission.
✅ Tip: Go early and leave before 6 PM – no entry after dusk due to wildlife movement.
🛤️ Kothagiri Estate Roads (via Manjur)
Takes you through private tea estates
Less traffic, peaceful drive
Hidden tip: Ask locals for “mini-village stone trail route
📍 Other Tourist Places Nearby
| 📍 Place | 📏 Distance | 🧭 Attraction Type |
|---|---|---|
| Kothagiri | 15 km | Hill town, cafes, trek spots |
| Kodanad Viewpoint | 22 km | Panoramic valley view |
| Coonoor | 35 km | Toy train, gardens |
| Ooty | 55 km | Full hill station vibe |
🧳 Travel Essentials for Mulli Geddai Manjur Trip
Water bottles and dry snacks
Full tank fuel, no petrol pumps after Karamadai
Offline Google Maps or paper map
First-aid kit and flashlight
BSNL SIM for emergency contact
💬Mulli Geddai Manjur Road Visitor Reviews
🌟 The Good – Why Adventurous Travellers Love This Route
“A Hidden Paradise for Bikers and Nature Lovers”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We rode our bikes from Manjur to Geddai early morning and it was one of the most scenic rides we’ve done. Zero traffic, just misty forest roads and bird sounds. The hairpin bends are thrilling but manageable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for offbeat drives in Tamil Nadu.
“Pure Nature – No Commercial Disturbance”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the kind of place where you hear the forest breathe. The road passes through untouched forest zones and gives breathtaking views. You don’t find tea stalls or shops, which is actually a blessing if you want silence and solitude.
“Perfect Spot for Drone Photography”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I visited for the Pillur Dam trail with my drone and got some epic mist shots in the early morning. The Geddai bends and the canopy roads are cinematic. Just make sure you get permission at the forest gate.
⚠️ The Not-So-Great – Challenges Faced by Some Travellers
“Beautiful but Dangerous During Rain”
⭐⭐
We drove in early August and the forest route from Geddai to Mulli was muddy, slippery, and narrow. No guardrails. One stretch was blocked by a fallen tree and we had to wait an hour. Not safe during monsoon season unless you’re in a jeep.
“No Mobile Signal & No Help Nearby”
⭐⭐
Lost signal 10 km after Manjur and it never came back till we reached Mulli. We had a tyre puncture and had to wait for hours before a jeep passed. Please go only with backup plans or in groups.
“Needs Better Signboards”
⭐⭐⭐
We got confused near a fork in the forest road after Geddai. No clear signage or directions. Google Maps also doesn’t work properly in this zone. Thankfully, a local jeep helped us navigate.
📌Mulli Geddai Manjur Road Review Summary
| 📝 Aspect | ⭐ Rating (Out of 5) | 🗒️ Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scenic Beauty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Forest views, mist, hairpins |
| Road Condition | ⭐⭐ | Patchy and rough beyond Geddai |
| Mobile Connectivity | ⭐ | Only BSNL in rare patches |
| Safety | ⭐⭐ | Avoid solo travel or night rides |
| Adventure/Thrill | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Perfect for bikers and nature photographers |
❓ Most Frequently Asked Questions about Mulli Geddai Manjur Road
1. Is the Mulli – Geddai – Manjur road open for travel now?
✅ Yes, as of 2025, the road is open for two-wheelers, cars, and local jeeps. However, heavy vehicles and buses are restricted beyond certain forest checkposts. Avoid monsoon months due to landslide risk.
2. What is the current road condition between Mulli and Manjur?
🛣️ The Manjur to Geddai section is in good condition (recently patched). But Geddai to Mulli is narrow, has potholes, and becomes slippery during rain. SUV or local jeep is recommended beyond Geddai.
3. Can I take my hatchback or sedan on this route?
🚗 You can drive a hatchback up to Geddai safely, but beyond that (toward Mulli), the forest stretch is risky for low-clearance vehicles. A high-clearance car or a local jeep is a safer choice.
4. Do I need forest permission to travel this route?
🔒 For just passing through the Manjur → Geddai → Mulli route, you usually don’t need written permission, but the forest checkpost at Manjur or Geddai will register your vehicle and ID.
👉 For off-route visits (like Pillur Dam), special permission is required from the Forest Department or the range office.
5. Is mobile network available along the road?
📵 No. Mobile network is almost zero after you leave Manjur. Only BSNL works in a few spots near Geddai and tribal areas. Plan ahead, and inform family before you go.
6. Is this road safe for solo travel or night rides?
⚠️ Not recommended. There are no street lights, high wildlife movement (elephants, bison), and no signal. Only travel in daylight (6 AM – 5 PM), and avoid solo night rides completely.
7. What’s the best time of year to drive this route?
🕐 October to March is ideal, cool weather, misty mornings, clear views. Avoid June to September due to heavy rains, slush, and possible landslides.
8. Are there fuel stations on the route?
⛽ No. The last petrol pump is in Karamadai (from Coimbatore side) or Kothagiri (from Nilgiris side). Fill up your tank before starting, there are no pumps after that.
9. Are there any restaurants or food stops along the way?
🥪 Very limited. After Manjur or Geddai, you’ll only find small tea shops or tribal snack huts. Carry your own food and water, especially for kids and elderly travelers.
10. Can I visit Pillur Dam from Geddai?
🌊 Yes, but it’s an offbeat route through protected forest. You need to stop at the forest checkpost, show your ID, and request access. For drone photography or extended visit, prior permission is recommended.
11. What vehicles do locals use to travel this road?
🚙 Locals use jeeps, Bolero pickups, and Enfield bikes. These vehicles are best suited to handle sharp bends, rocky patches, and unpaved stretches, especially after Geddai.
12. Is the road good for a biking trip?
🏍️ Absolutely. This route is a hidden gem for bikers, thrilling curves, cool weather, and forest views. Just ensure your bike is in top condition and carry a basic repair kit. Avoid monsoon season.
13. Are children or elderly people safe on this road?
👨👩👧👦 Only if:
You travel during the day
Carry food, water, and medical kits
Avoid bumpy forest stretches near Mulli
👉 Recommended to limit to Manjur–Geddai section for family travel.
14. Is this route popular with tourists?
🧭 Not yet mainstream, which makes it peaceful and untouched. Mostly known among locals, bikers, photographers, and offbeat explorers.
15. What should I carry for the trip?
🎒 Essentials:
Full fuel tank
Power bank
Drinking water + snacks
Basic first-aid
Jacket or poncho (weather changes fast)
BSNL SIM (if possible)
The Mulli Geddai Manjur Road is a hidden Himalayan-style forest route in the Nilgiris, thrilling, breathtaking, and raw. It is not for the faint-hearted, but absolutely rewarding for those who chase nature, solitude, and real hill adventure.
Drive safe, pack light, and get ready to explore one of the most scenic roads in South India that most travelers still don’t know about. 🌲
