🛣️Secondary Highway

National Highway 181 (NH 181)

Coimbatore to Gundulpet — 211.0 km

NH 181 is a secondary/branch national highway connecting Coimbatore to Gundulpet, spanning 211.0 km through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu. It branches from NH 81.

211.0

Kilometres

States

Major Cities

NH 81

Parent Highway

NH 181 Route Map

(NH67) NH81 near Coimbatore, Mettuppalayam, Udagamandalam (Ooty), Gudalur, NH766 near Gundulpet

States & Union Territories

NH 181 passes through the following 2 states:

KarnatakaTamil Nadu

Major Cities & Towns Along NH 181

The highway passes through 5 major cities and towns:

●Coimbatore→●Mettuppalayam→●Udagamandalam (Ooty)→●Gudalur→●Gundulpet

View on Google Maps

NH 181 Start and End Point

Start Point (Origin)

Coimbatore

Junction point from route description

End Point (Terminus)

Gundulpet

Junction point from route description

Highway Classification

Highway NumberNH 181

TypeSecondary/Branch Highway

Parent HighwayNH 81

Total Length211.0 km

Numbering SystemPost-2010 (New)

Managed ByNHAI / MoRTH

Speed Limit on NH 181

Cars, Jeeps & Light Motor Vehicles100 km/h

Buses & Goods Carriers (medium)80 km/h

Heavy Motor Vehicles (trucks, lorries)60 km/h

Motorcycles & Two-Wheelers80 km/h

Speed limits are prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act and Central Motor Vehicles Rules for national highways. State governments may impose lower limits on specific stretches.

Safety Tips for Driving on NH 181

⚠️Always follow the speed limit — 100 km/h for cars and 80 km/h for heavy vehicles on national highways.
⚠️Wear seatbelts and ensure all passengers are buckled up.
⚠️Do not overtake on curves, bridges, or narrow sections.
⚠️Keep a safe following distance, especially during monsoon season.
⚠️Use headlights even during daytime on highways.
⚠️Take breaks every 2 hours during long drives to avoid fatigue.
⚠️In case of an emergency, call 112 (Unified Emergency Number) or 1033 (National Highway Helpline).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states does National Highway 181 pass through?

National Highway 181 passes through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.

What are the major cities on National Highway 181?

The major cities and towns along National Highway 181 include Coimbatore, Mettuppalayam, Udagamandalam (Ooty), Gudalur, Gundulpet.

What is the total length of National Highway 181?

The total length of National Highway 181 is 211.0 km.

Is National Highway 181 a primary or secondary national highway?

National Highway 181 is a secondary/branch national highway that branches from NH 81.

What is the speed limit on National Highway 181?

The speed limit on National Highway 181 is 100 km/h for cars and light motor vehicles, 80 km/h for buses and medium goods vehicles, and 60 km/h for heavy motor vehicles (trucks and lorries). These limits are set under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules for national highways. State governments may impose lower limits on specific sections.

What is the route of National Highway 181? (Route Map)

National Highway 181 follows this route: (NH67) NH81 near Coimbatore, Mettuppalayam, Udagamandalam (Ooty), Gudalur, NH766 near Gundulpet.

Planning a Road Trip on NH 181?

Check out our road safety guides and highway speed limits.

Road Safety Rules Highway Speed Limits Road Trip Checklist