Three-Day Chennai to Ooty Itinerary in July 2023

1. Day 1: Ooty Botanical Gardens
   10 minutes (3.5 km) from Ooty Bus Station

   In the morning, explore the beautiful Ooty Botanical Gardens which has a vibrant and colourful collection of flowers, rare plants, and trees including an old fossilised tree. After a lovely walk, head to the nearby Tribal Museum and learn about the culture and customs of the indigenous people of India. For lunch, try some of the local street foods from the vendors in the area. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the tranquil Ooty Lake and enjoy some boating.

2. Day 2: Dodabetta Peak
   30 minutes (10 km) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

   Get ready for a scenic hike on the Dodabetta Peak. This place is a must-visit for those who want to enjoy panoramic views of the Nilgiri Mountains and take stunning photos. After the trek, proceed to the Thread Garden and witness the amazing artwork made of threads. For lunch, stop by the famous Shinkow's Chinese Restaurant and savor some delicious Chinese cuisine. In the evening, visit the St. Stephen's Church and immerse yourself in its rich history and architecture.

3. Day 3: Pykara Waterfalls
   1 hour (23 km) from Dodabetta Peak

   Start the day with a visit to the Pykara Waterfalls and enjoy the serene environment and the breathtaking view of the waterfall. Take a boat ride to the Pykara Lake and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding lush green hills and forests. After lunch, travel to the Avalanche Lake and indulge in some adventure activities like trekking and camping. In the evening, visit the famous Rose Garden and admire the various species of roses and other flowers.

Recommendations

Make sure to visit the famous tea plantations and try some of the finest tea flavors in the region. You can also take a toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Nilgiri Mountains. Lastly, don't forget to buy some homemade chocolates and souvenirs from the local markets.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ooty Botanical Gardens (2-3 hours, INR 30)
• Tribal Museum (1-2 hours, INR 10)
• Ooty Lake (1-2 hours, INR 15 for boating)
• Dodabetta Peak (3-4 hours, INR 10)
• Thread Garden (1-2 hours, INR 30)
• Shinkow's Chinese Restaurant (1-2 hours, INR 500 for two)
• St. Stephen's Church (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Pykara Waterfalls (2-3 hours, INR 10)
• Avalanche Lake (3-4 hours, INR 1500 for trekking and camping)
• Rose Garden (1-2 hours, INR 20)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2115 (excluding accommodation and transportation)

For checking hotel and flight prices, kindly visit the following website https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.