Four-Day Relaxing Itinerary in Ooty and Kodaikanal

1. Day 1: Ooty Botanical Gardens
   10 minutes (2.5 km) from Ooty Lake

   Start your day with a peaceful walk through the Ooty Botanical Gardens, which are home to a plethora of exotic flowers and trees. The garden is spread over 22 acres and has several themed sections, including a fern house, Italian garden, and a conservatory. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride at the Ooty Lake and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the evening, head to the Rose Garden to witness the beautiful collection of roses in different colours.

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

   Start your day early and head towards Doddabetta Peak, which is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills at an altitude of 2,637 metres. The peak offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea production in Ooty and to taste some delicious tea. In the evening, take a stroll along the cobblestone streets of the charming Charing Cross area, which is home to several restaurants and shops.

3. Day 3: Coakers Walk
   20 minutes (9 km) from Kodai Lake

   Start your day with a walk along the beautiful Coakers Walk, a narrow pathway that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The walk is approximately one kilometer long and has several benches along the way to sit and relax. In the afternoon, visit the Kodaikanal Lake and take a peaceful boat ride. In the evening, head to the bustling commercial area of the city, the Anna Salai Market, to buy some souvenirs and enjoy some street food.

4. Day 4: Pillar Rocks
   40 minutes (18 km) from Coakers Walk

   Start your day with a visit to the stunning Pillar Rocks, which are a set of three massive rock pillars that stand around 122 metres tall. The view from the top is breathtaking, with lush green valleys spreading out as far as the eye can see. In the afternoon, visit the Bear Shola Falls, which is a serene waterfall surrounded by forests. In the evening, head to the beautiful Bryant Park, which is home to a variety of flowers and plants.

Recommendations

If you're interested in trekking, you can consider visiting the Mukurthi National Park or the Berijam Lake. You can also take a day trip to the nearby Palani Murugan Temple, which is one of the most famous temples in South India. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine and sweets such as Ooty Varkey, Kodaikanal Cheese, and Palkova.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ooty Botanical Gardens (2 hours, INR 30)
• Ooty Lake Boat Ride (1 hour, INR 750 for two people)
• Rose Garden (1 hour, INR 30)
• Doddabetta Peak (2 hours, INR 10)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, INR 10)
• Charing Cross (2 hours, depends on personal spending)
• Coakers Walk (1 hour, INR 20)
• Kodaikanal Lake Boat Ride (1 hour, INR 150 for two people)
• Anna Salai Market (2 hours, depends on personal spending)
• Pillar Rocks (2 hours, INR 30)
• Bear Shola Falls (1 hour, INR 15)
• Bryant Park (1 hour, INR 30)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1150 for two people

Check hotel and flight prices for Ooty and Kodaikanal here.