Family-Friendly Itinerary for Coimbatore, Kotagiri, Coonoor, Ooty, Wayanad, Mysore in August 2023

1. Day 1: Coimbatore
   30 minutes (10 miles) from Coimbatore International Airport

   Start your day by visiting the famous Marudamalai Temple and seek blessings of Lord Murugan. Then head to the Gass Forest Museum to learn about the flora and fauna of the Western Ghats. In the afternoon, you can visit the Vellingiri Hill Temple and enjoy the panoramic view of Coimbatore. For an evening filled with fun activities, head to Black Thunder, an amusement park with thrilling water rides and roller coasters.

2. Day 2: Kotagiri
   1 hour 40 minutes (36 miles) from Coimbatore

   Start your morning by visiting the Catherine Falls, which is a beautiful two-step waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Then head to the Kodanad View Point to get a stunning view of the Nilgiri hills. In the afternoon, you can visit the Elk Falls and take a dip in the refreshing water. In the evening, you can go for a stroll in the John Sullivan Memorial and explore the history of Kotagiri.

3. Day 3: Coonoor
   40 minutes (12 miles) from Kotagiri

   Start your day by taking a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and enjoy the beautiful scenic views of the Nilgiri hills. Then head to the Sim's Park and enjoy the serene atmosphere surrounded by beautiful gardens and trees. In the afternoon, you can visit the Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint and get a bird's eye view of the Catherine Falls. In the evening, you can visit the Highfield Tea Factory and learn about the tea-making process.

4. Day 4: Ooty
   1 hour (19 miles) from Coonoor

   Start your day by visiting the Government Botanical Garden and enjoy the beautiful flowers and plants. Then head to the Ooty Lake and enjoy a boat ride with your family. In the afternoon, you can visit the Doddabetta Peak and get a panoramic view of the Nilgiri hills. In the evening, you can visit the Thread Garden and see the amazing flower sculptures made by thread and wire.

5. Day 5: Wayanad and Mysore
   3 hours (87 miles) from Ooty to Wayanad and 2 hours 45 minutes (90 miles) from Wayanad to Mysore

   Start your day by visiting the Edakkal Caves and explore the ancient rock art. Then head to the Soochipara Falls and take a refreshing dip in the water. In the afternoon, you can visit the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and take a jeep safari to view the wildlife. In the evening, head to Mysore and visit the famous Mysore Palace, a beautiful palace full of history and culture.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, you can consider visiting the Mudumalai National Park, Pykara Lake, and St. Philomena's Church. For a side trip, you can consider visiting the nearby hill stations like Kodaikanal and Yercaud. To maximize your fun, try local cuisines like dosa, vada, and biriyani. You can also shop for souvenirs like tea and spices.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Marudamalai Temple (1 hour, free)
• Gass Forest Museum (2 hours, ₹50 per person)
• Vellingiri Hill Temple (2 hours, free)
• Black Thunder (4 hours, ₹750 per person)
• Catherine Falls (1 hour, free)
• Kodanad View Point (1 hour, free)
• Elk Falls (2 hours, free)
• John Sullivan Memorial (1 hour, free)
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway (3 hours, ₹495 per person)
• Sim's Park (2 hours, ₹30 per person)
• Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint (1 hour, free)
• Highfield Tea Factory (1 hour, ₹100 per person)
• Government Botanical Garden (2 hours, ₹30 per person)
• Ooty Lake (2 hours, ₹330 per person)
• Doddabetta Peak (1 hour, free)
• Thread Garden (1 hour, ₹30 per person)
• Edakkal Caves (2 hours, ₹40 per person)
• Soochipara Falls (2 hours, ₹50 per person)
• Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, ₹250 per person)
• Mysore Palace (2 hours, ₹200 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹2,685 per person