🚩 About Kollegal Ghat Road
The Kollegal–MM Hills Road is a thrilling and risky mountain road in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. This forest-laced stretch connects the town of Kollegal to the sacred Male Mahadeshwara Hills Temple. Famous for its dangerous bends and breathtaking views, this road is loved by adventurers and feared by cautious drivers.
❗ Why Is Kollegal Road Considered Dangerous?
The Kollegal Ghat Road earns its reputation from a mix of natural threats and infrastructure challenges:
🚗 Frequent Accidents
The road has over 27 sharp, blind hairpin bends, steep gradients, and narrow stretches with no visibility. Cars, bikes, and even buses often lose control, especially when descending too fast or overtaking on curves.
🌧️ Landslides & Rockfalls
During the monsoon season (June–September), the road is highly prone to landslides, mudslides, and falling rocks. Some sections become unmotorable for hours until debris is cleared.
🐘 Wildlife Crossings
This route passes through the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, making elephants, leopards, wild boars, and snakes a common sight, especially early in the morning and after dusk.
📵 Zero Mobile Network
Almost the entire stretch, especially after Hanur, has poor to no mobile signal, making it risky in emergencies.
⚠️ No Guard Rails
Many cliff-side sections of the road have no safety barriers. One small mistake on a slippery turn can lead to fatal drops.
🛑 Hidden Tip: Never drive on this road at night. Plan your trip to complete the ghat by 4 PM at the latest.
🕐 Kollegal Road Entry Timing and Road Restrictions
Permissible Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Forest check post shuts by evening)
Night Driving: Strictly not advised
Checkpost Entry (Palar side): Must enter before 6:00 PM
Police Patrol: Present at checkpoints near MM Hills and Hanur
🛣️ Scenic Yet Rare & Hidden Viewpoints on Kollegal Road
Though it’s risky, this ghat road offers some of Karnataka’s most scenic natural viewpoints, perfect for photographers and road trippers.
🏞️ Kebbepalya Viewpoint (Between Hairpin Bend 15 & 16)
Offers a panoramic valley view. Ideal for early-morning photography.
Best Time: 6:30–8:00 AM
Hidden Tip: Carry a wide-angle lens for forest shots
🌫️ Hanur Forest Mist Corridor
A natural tunnel created by tall trees, best seen in foggy weather.
Best Time: 7:00–9:00 AM
Hidden Tip: Use a mobile gimbal to shoot drive-through mist footage
🌄 Sunset Point Near Hairpin Bend 23
Locally called “Bandalli View”, this hidden rocky trail offers a magical sunset.
Best Time: 5:30–6:15 PM
Hidden Tip: Bring a flashlight and leave before dark
🦅 MM Hills Temple Ridge
Located behind the temple, this ridge gives valley views and bird sightings.
Best Time: Morning or late afternoon
Hidden Tip: Ideal for drone shots with temple backdrop
🛍️ Things to Enjoy through Kollegal Road
| 🚩 Experience | 📌 Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Visit | MM Hills Male Mahadeshwara Temple for blessings & views |
| Forest Drive | Winding roads with lush canopy, a nature lover’s delight |
| Photography | Capture mist, curves, wildlife, and rural charm |
| Rural Stops | Tea stalls, tribal villages, spice farming scenes |
⚠️ Things to Be Careful About Kollegal Road
No Network: Inform someone before you travel
Animal Encounters: Stay inside your vehicle, no honking
Sharp Curves: Use horns generously; stick to left lane
Brakes & Tyres: Get your vehicle serviced before the trip
Rain Travel: Not recommended due to landslides
🐾 Animal Dangers on the Kollegal Route
| 🦁 Animal | ⚠️ Risk Level | 🕐 Seen When | ✅ Safety Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elephants | High | Dawn & dusk | Stop and stay inside vehicle silently |
| Leopards | Medium | Post-sunset | Don’t stop or take photos, stay in motion |
| Wild Boars | Medium | Any time | Drive slowly in forest patches |
| Snakes | Low | During rains | Avoid stepping off the road or trails |
🚌 Government Bus Timings – KSRTC to MM Hills
From Kollegal to MM Hills:
First Bus: 6:00 AM
Last Bus: 4:30 PM
Ticket Fare: ₹40–₹60
Return:
Last Bus from MM Hills: 6:00 PM
✅ KSRTC buses are driven carefully and are best for solo travelers or those not confident driving ghat roads.
👨👩👧👦 Child & Family Safety Tips
Avoid with infants or elderly
Travel only between 7 AM – 5 PM
Carry baby food/snacks, no shops on the ghat
Use KSRTC or jeep with experienced drivers
No washroom stops in the forest, plan accordingly
📅 Best Season to Visit Kollegal Road
| 📅 Season | 🌤️ Conditions |
|---|---|
| October–February | Pleasant weather, clear skies, safer road conditions |
| March–May | Warm but manageable; dry roads and good visibility |
| June–September | ❌ Avoid – Heavy rainfall, landslides, and poor visibility |
🌟 Kollegal Dangerous Road Visitor Reviews
✅ The Good – Why People Fall in Love with This Route
“Biker’s dream – thrilling curves and raw forest beauty”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We rode from Mysuru to MM Hills early morning. The curves were intense, but the ride was unforgettable! Mist, forest, and silence, it was thrilling yet peaceful. You feel like you’re riding through a wildlife documentary. Go slow and enjoy the magic.
“Peaceful journey to a sacred place”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
We went to Male Mahadeshwara Temple with family. Though risky, the route was filled with greenery and calm. We started early, reached by 10 AM, and felt totally safe. Planning is everything.
“One of the best scenic drives in Karnataka”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This road may be dangerous, but it’s visually stunning. Deep valleys, fresh mountain air, and complete digital detox. If you love raw, unfiltered nature, you’ll appreciate every turn.
❌ The Bad – What Travelers Struggled With
“No mobile signal, no help in breakdown”
⭐⭐
Our car broke down 10 km before MM Hills. No mobile signal. No mechanic. We had to wait for a passing bus. For almost an hour, we were stranded and worried.
“Hairpin bends are too sharp for heavy vehicles”
⭐⭐⭐
We went in an SUV with full family and luggage. The sharp curves made it very hard to steer. Had to reverse twice on bends. Not for drivers without mountain road experience.
“Not safe during rains, scary landslides”
⭐
We visited during July rains, worst idea ever. Rocks fell, road was slippery, and one side had no railing. A landslide delayed us by two hours. Avoid monsoon months at all costs.
📊 Kollegal Dangerous Road Overall Travellers Experience
| 🧭 Aspect | ⭐ Rating Summary |
|---|---|
| 🌄 Scenic Beauty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Unmatched views, forest ambience |
| 😌 Peace & Solitude | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great during early hours or off-season |
| 🛣️ Road Conditions | ⭐⭐ Very narrow, steep, and lacks protection |
| ⚠️ Safety & Visibility | ⭐⭐ Dangerous during rain, fog, or night |
| 📶 Accessibility | ⭐ No mobile network, no emergency stops |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly | ⭐⭐ Only with proper planning; not good for elders |
The Kollegal Ghat Road is a road that demands respect and preparation. If you’re an adventurer, biker, or temple pilgrim who enjoys thrill and silence, this could be your most memorable drive. But never underestimate its risks. Travel smart. Travel early. And never during rains. The Kollegal Dangerous Road is not just a route, it’s an experience. For the careful traveler, it offers a journey through mystic hills, dense forests, rare wildlife, and cultural devotion at MM Hills Temple. But only those who respect its risks and prepare well will truly enjoy it.
🌲 Travel slow, stay alert, and let the road tell its wild, winding story.
